children

Letting Them See Me Cry

/ LaShona Sellers / Leave a comment

2020! What a year…and it’s not done yet. The highs, the lows and so many firsts, including the first (and probably now second, third….) time my kids have really seen me cry.

I’m the mom with the schedule and lists, always with a plan. I’m the mom that hovers, hugs and holds hands. I’m also the mom that yells, lectures and opens doors without knocking (hey, it’s all about balance). But I’ve never been the mom to openly cry. “Not in front of the children,” “Suck it up, can’t let them think mom doesn’t have everything under control.” But you know, all of that has gone out the window in this age of Covid. John 11:35 says “Jesus wept,” the shortest and probably one of the most transparent verses in the Bible. In other words, Jesus grieved and felt deeply the loss of his friend. Over the past few months I’ve grieved deeply the loss of my grandmother, the loss of time, the loss of connections and the loss of some of life as it was. And my kids have silently watched my tears…it’s been weird, it’s been awkward, they’ve asked questions, we talk, we process and life keeps moving.

But the tears I shed are not without hope. Hope for the seeds I see sprouting to life. Seeds of renewed connection and relationship. Seeds of clarity and purpose. Seeds of assurance and unwavering peace. My tears are shed trusting in the One who is Hope.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.” -Jeremiah 17:7

So, yes, I cry but I have hope and I keep going. Let’s keep hope alive, friends.

“As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more.”- Psalm 71:14

(Quote photo from www.askideas.com; Scripture photo from Kendrick Home)

Germs, Germs…

/ LaShona Sellers / Leave a comment

Go away, Don’t even come another day! One week, two sick kiddos, fortunately Sydney is getting over it and catching up on sleep but then Judah loses his breakfast on the way to school this morning so I guess it’s “Tag, he’s it!” Trying to figure out from where or how these nasty germs invaded our home is futile. But it’s days like this I’m glad I don’t have to worry about calling into the office. Much respect and many blessings to every mom making hard choices and wearing many hats. This mama is tired and will return with a writing prompt next week. Oh but just one writing tidbit…Creative Alliance and CityLit present “Let’s Get It Started In Here”, a workshop with Betsy Boyd being held on four Tuesdays (Feb. 7-28) to help launch your creative writing. Disappointed that I can’t do this one but you can still register!

Friday Tantrums

/ LaShona Sellers / Leave a comment

Another Friday, another weekend! And I’m googling “temper tantrums one year olds.” I can’t remember if my son had tantrums at this age but my one year old bundle of sugar, spice and everything nice  has been quirking out. When she can’t commandeer her brother’s toys or get into the corner with all those plugs and cords, she goes into tantrum mode- scream, cry, fall to the floor and kick. Am I distressed? No. A bit amused? Yes. And a lot curious as I watch this little personality take form.

Today’s Prompt: (another from the Writing Resolutions workshop)
Write a break up scene using only dialogue (1 min). Then write the same break up scene describing only setting (1 min).

“Um, I think we need to take a step back.”
“Why!?”
“I don’t know, I just need some space.”
“Well if it’s space you need, I can give you space, give you time to yourself. We don’t need to break up for that!”
“No, I just need time, time to figure out what I really want.”
“So you don’t want to be with me! Is that what you’re saying? Have I made your life so miserable that you  just can’t wait to get away from me?
“You know that’s not it! That’s not what I’m saying. I…”
“You what? What are you saying!? I don’t get this. Where is this coming from?”

They sat in the small convertible overlooking the city. It was too cold to let the top down, but he had lowered the window filling the car with the biting winter air. The muscles of his face were tense as he massaged his temples and stared out the window. She gripped the steering wheel and bit her lip as she watched him.

Can I just say…

/ LaShona Sellers / Leave a comment

I love PBS Kids! My son has been friends with Elmo, Bert, Ernie and Curious George since he was a wee toddler (yes, I am one of those TV moms- I say whatever keeps you sane and the kids entertained). I tip my hat to Sesame Street for helping him learn the ABC’s and 123’s that set the foundation for the reading and writing he does everyday. Who knows, he may take the published journey one day and credit his imaginative tales to his PBS pals. Today’s post is brought to you by the letter “A”, the number “2”, and PBS Kids…the soundtrack of a peaceful morning.