Hi my Sparkly Splashy SPF Coated Unicorns!
Here we are, pushing bedtime big time. Hanging onto those stalled dusk hours, riding the the orange colored coattails of Solstice. It's making us move a little slower in the mornings but it's completely worth it. The lighting of the low hanging sun is so gorgeous, our little family made a nonverbal agreement that this time of year is an acceptable exception.
We also survived another Super Soaked Rainbow Unicorn Noemie-Palooza, everyone but the splash pad lived to tell about it. It was a rocky start for our opinionated birthday girl, who has a very eccentric vision on the way things should go down. Inspired by ALL the holidays, a psychedelic iridescent color scheme, kitty cats, and Lady Gaga's Monster Ball Tour.
Then once I finally started to get her to come down from some of these grandiose party ideas, she learned that her party wasn't happening on her actual birthday. She completely spiraled. The morning of the party she threatened to call off the whole thing, tried to tear the balloons down...which then turned into a more existential crisis of "whats the point of anything anymore!" Thankfully the second her friends started trickling in all her crazy little ideals washed away. It did for me as well. These smiley faces bouncing in, just so stoked to see each other the day after the last day of school, was enough.
We can't blame the birthday girl. Both her mama and dada can also be creative directors with strange stubborn standards, we know where she gets it from. Events like this is usually a lesson for all of us. A Master Class on editing and compromising. It's also our 6th year hosting this exact same party. It's not that it's less work this time but we're learning how to exert our efforts in better places. Which makes it feel like less work. This year we had less food options but the food that was served was more substantial and quality. Lots of attendees but they were the top tier - the kindest, most laid back, quality. So it didn't feel like a lot of people. Less time arguing over what kind of expensive water toys and inflatables to order. This time we just got the less expensive crowd pleaser, a huge water filled splash pad. Which is like bouncy house, trampoline, and slip 'n' slide in one. So when it does inevitably pop we're not stressed about it. Also the number one lesson I've learned this time around is - say yes to help.
Noemie is learning how and where to put her efforts as well. Without fully understanding the word, she is actually starting to "compromise." I saw her greet her guests and give them options, when in previous years she wanted everyone to do what she wanted and crumbled when they had other ideas. She set the tone instead of controlling scenarios. Also instead of getting stuck on one idea that's not working out, she is starting to move onto other ones, then seeing if she still has a need for the first one. Instead of being stuck on one group of friends that are making her sad, she's learning how to move onto nicer ones, and yes maybe even seeing if she still has a need for the other ones. Also learning not all disasters are actually disasters. One child's useless popped splash pad is another child's chance to turn the yard into a moat ... and offer the other sadly inflated toys as rafts to go water rafting. All valuable lessons. Especially for our sensitive, very strong-willed, artistic child. Whether it's a piece of art or an event, you need a vision and certain level of commitment to fuel it, but also the ability to pivot and grow in your process.
I saw this little story someone posted the other day, about a pottery teacher. He divided the class up into two groups, one group made one piece of pottery a day for 30 days. Every day they started a new one. The other group made one piece of pottery for the whole 30 days, taking their time perfecting their one piece. By the end of the 30 days the teacher judged the pieces without knowing which pieces were from which group. By a landslide, the more successful pieces were from the group that made 1 piece a day for 30 days. The lesson here being that learning from your mistakes always leads to a better quality result. Just start creating. Embrace all the first, second, third drafts. They are not failures but another peg or crack that helps you get higher. Progress in your craft.
I love this. This week let's take the pressure off of ourselves and pop any grandiose ideals of showing up perfect...or what I hear the most "being in shape." You are not expected to be in shape before arriving or move perfectly during class. Whether it's your first or 100th class, you will not be perfect. Not only will it not happen but it really shouldn't happen. Treat each class like pegs in your process. One of many pottery pieces or your sixth time hosting a birthday palooza. You are not supposed to be a pro, but just by stepping through the door you are already further along from where you started. You just have to start.
Looking out the window right now at a sparkly rainbow dystopia, florescent streamers dripping from the trees, coolers of rose, and a sideways unicorn. It looks like Pride float crashed into our yard and fell on it's belly. We're ready for next week's party too. Happy Pride!
Excited to make your bodies sweat, smile, and just GET STARTED in your process. Embrace the imperfections, pop unrealistic ideas of perfection (and then save your receipts so you can get reimbursed for your splash pad:)).
XO!
CelesteÂ

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