Piles O'laundry

7 A.M. rolls around, and my eyes plead with my mind for the right of passage back into dream land. And just before I drift off into that land of peaceful beginnings, I catch a glimpse. Lola has rightfully claimed her spot in our bed, once again. And rather than huff with annoyance, I put my arm around her, pulling her in a little closer. I breathe her in, studying every minute change her face displays. She smiles. I tell Pieter, sarcastically, "It's probably because one of us slept well!"

I ask for the blinds to be opened. I wanted to take in the leaves and their beauty. I indulged in their richness and the depth of their color. It was beautiful and breezy. I planned out my day, running down the mental list I had been adding to for (what seems like) an eternity. Yesterday was laundry day, so there were still piles upon piles of folded laundry waiting to be put way. But the beauty outdoors keeps distracting me. It had been decided! We would go outside, and then maybe I would come back ready to clean! I took my time getting the girl and myself ready for the day, toe-pruning baths, lotioning, dressing, followed by intermissions brought to you by Sesame Street. Sometimes, it just feels that good to stretch out a morning's routine. Especially when cleaning does not sound appealing!

The walk to the park was more pleasant than normal. The trees become more and more vibrant with each passing day. Layers upon layers of sharply shaped leaves offer a view like no other. Their limbs outstretch like arms in every which direction, shading Midtown, perfectly.

 Simply being outdoors was revitalizing.

The park is empty again, but that didn't phase Lola.

 Arriving home, I felt energized, fueling on English Breakfast tea, dates, and Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life. I started off with the never ending loads of laundry. And just after I had finished putting the first away, I heard Lola yelling from the living room, angrily. She had spilled her cup of grapes into a laundry basket-abyss of tube socks. After calming her down and showing her that it wasn't that big of a deal, it quickly became her new favorite way to eat grapes.

Unfortunately, I didn't get everything crossed off my mental to-do list. But there are other days. The four loads of laundry, however, did make it onto hangers and into dressers.