Last Time

Herself speaks.

I filled out the paperwork to enroll Offspring the Third into the local school system -- for the very last time.

The paperwork was, as always, complex, repetitive, and annoying. Yet -- this was the very last time. At least it was online, instead of actual physical paper (as it was in the early days of Offspring education). Fewer trees perish for the paper of enrollment these days, and that is good.

Enrollment was bittersweet in a way.  (And made all the more poignant when I had to remove Cherished Friend from the list of emergency contacts. Alas. I would say, "I wish he still lived here," but really, that is selfish. I wish, above all, that he finds his contentment, wherever that may be. I do miss having him nearby, however.)

It is hard to believe that the time of school is coming to an end.

Suddenly, I feel old.

Yet also, I feel closer to having a wee bit less responsibility, as I work to hand over to Offspring the Third, the reins for his education. He will do well, wherever he goes. He is a Very Good Egg.

One more year. And one step at a time.

Neville

Today is Neville Longbottom's birthday. Happy birthday, you marvelous fictional character, who showed us that even those who seem to be untalented, awkward, and even clumsy, can nevertheless -- with a little faith from friends -- blossom into marvelous, magical, enchanted-snake-slaying heroes.
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We have reached the "Harry Potter point" in the summer.

I remember that whenever I would read a new Harry Potter book, I would wonder why Harry bemoaned the length of the summer so much; it was just two months for him, and yet he would nevertheless sink into despair after just a few weeks with the Dursleys.  Geez, Harry, be patient. Get a grip.

And then invariably, every summer, I would stop wondering and completely understand.

We are not sinking into despair here; nevertheless, we now thoroughly long for the routine and predictability of the school year.

I always loved school. And if school had been as marvelous as Hogwarts, I would never have wanted to leave.

Perhaps someday I will go back to school and learn new things. That would be Good.

Neville was found here: http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Neville_Longbottom

Glass Ceiling

Herself speaks.

I know many people feel quite strongly about the presidential candidates this election year, and I am no exception. Without delving into the political fray (or, more properly, morass), I will say this one thing:

This is something that I never imagined: the official nomination of a woman for presidential candidate. It is a great event. The young girl inside me, wearing her SUPER GIRL shirt, is enormously proud of this showing of all the things that girls can do. 

I am grateful to have seen this moment. 

It is Difficult to Photograph the Tiny Bird

I am what might be considered to be unreasonably happy about the hummingbirds (I believe there are more than one -- perhaps a nesting pair). They are just so wonderful. They visit every morning and every evening, and it is marvelous. 

Say Hey

Today's earworm: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Say Hey.

Always guaranteed to make me dance. Dance with me!

I hope you enjoy.

Wee Birds

The hummingbird (hummingbirds?) is a regular visitor to the feeder on the back patio.

This fills me with delight.

I will try to take some footage of it/them, if I can. In the meanwhile, do enjoy this person's hummingbird bonanza.

(Not my cup, nor my birds; yet, still marvelous.)

Precision of Words

Today's earworm: Kiss Me, by Ed Sheeran. 

I have a question about one phrase in the lyrics:
Kiss me like you want to be loved

I wonder - does this mean:
1. Kiss me in the manner that you want to be loved;
or
2. Kiss me as though you want to be loved.

It's a subtle difference, but a difference -- I think -- just the same.

I do enjoy precision of words. And I hope you enjoy the song.