I did not take nearly enough photographs. I was too busy enjoying … everything.
The SXSW Interactive Festival was a mad house. Too busy. Too big. Yes. But, still, the spirit of SXSWi lives on in that every one there is a part of something greater, coming together to celebrate another year of doing what we all love – creating interactive experiences, whether they be online, offline, in a game or on Facebook. The creative energy is just astounding and it was a remarkable experience to just be there. But, I ended up skipping most of the panels and just hanging out with my man.
And can you blame me?
Eh-hem. Anywhooo…
Seth used to live in San Antonio, not too far down the road from Austin. And, as some of my long time readers know, I used to live in Fort Worth, not too far up the road from Austin. But we are both from Columbus. So, what happens when you get two single parents child-free and in their favorite state next to their home state?
Well, there definitely wasn’t a shortage of beer.
And iPhones. Which we used to constantly check up on all of the SXSW parties we couldn’t get into. In case you were wondering how to drink a beer and plan an entire evening… watch the master. [click to continue…]
I am sorry for the lack of new posts as of late. I have been busy, busy, busy.
Seth and I realized the other week that we essentially have twins. Duh, I know. Two five year old boys, two months apart = twins (for all intents and purposes). But for some reason I hadn’t used that term until I saw the two of them sitting side by side at the table with identical little mops of hair, one dark, one a shady blonde above two big, bright brown saucer eyes and perfect little cheeks. And they have the same, sweet little souls. Both trying to find their way through this age of discovery.
Anyway, yeah, busy. Busy and in love and happy and busy. All on repeat. With two five year old boys in the mix.
Tomorrow morning Seth and I are leaving for Texas. It will be our first time sans children for more than one night here or there. We’ll be in San Antonio until Friday and then Austin for the SXSW Interactive Festival. Will any of you be going? Should we arrange a meet up?
That’s the first thing. Secondly, I have a contest for you – just click to read more.
We are finished reading. (I am obsessed with a few new books [new to us]. This one, this one and this one.)
At first we had some growing pains. Benjamin jealous of my time or attention, particularly at bedtime, to the other children. And now, he is changing, accepting and truly loving our new family.
Benjamin comes to me first, falling into me for a big, good night hug. Then Seth’s daughter and immediately after, his son. All three are piled high on me. I am, in fact, covered in a blanket of children.
And nothing could be finer.
A child’s heart, I’m seeing, has no bounds and children, unlike us baggage-ridden adults, can love without boundaries. Endlessly they love. All of their parents. The step parents and their real parents. It is incredibly humbling and awesome at the same time.
We met this summer through another single mother. She is always glowing, with long red hair, bright eyes and an infectious smile. At the time she was married. Now, she is single… she discovered, that after seven years, he was living a double life, having an affair. and, incidentally, another child.
She is pregnant now.
After five months the phone is ringing again. He is calling incessantly. Asking her to take him back. She won’t answer and I am so, so incredibly proud of her. My heart is exploding with hope and awe, both simultaneously, as she embarks on this journey – refusing to buy his lies. Understanding that she and her child trump him and his pathetic ego.
I want to answer the phone and give him a piece of my mind, but I let it ring. I don’t know her well enough yet. I don’t have the authority, but I know what I would say – leave her alone, you spineless, infraction of a man.
How often do you hear from your ex? I asked this question on Facebook recently and it struck a chord. I want to hear your replies here.
When I left him, I left you. And while Athens was my refuge, you were here waiting for me to come back. And when I did – we flourished, little Benjamin and I. The reasons?
I found a progressive professional culture, a welcoming social circle of fellow parents and I could afford to live very well on less than my counterparts in the “bigger” cities. But you are just big enough for me, in fact – the perfect size. You have all of the urban fun a girl could ask for but you also have quiet, peaceful neighborhoods where Benjamin can thrive.
And you also gave me something else–something I can’t even describe or put into words–you gave me the opportunity to start my own business. It started with a laptop and an LLC license and now we are in your Downtown, right in the hustle and bustle of Gay Street. All seven of us.
Together we are creating amazing digital content for our clients, but we are also creating a company that isn’t profit driven – it’s driven by the fact that we love what we do. And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing. Because at the end of the day money is money and happiness is happiness–and, well, which would you rather have? Turns out if you are happy, money follows. But you already know that, because you are awesome.
So, we came up with this idea to tell you how much we love you.
We made you a Valentine’s Day Card – but it’s not finished. You have to finish it for us… your turn, Columbus. Click on the image to make your card.
Columbus, I love you with all of my heart. And happy birthday.
As a single parent, one of the things we fear the most are questions from the children. Now, later, then, when…
It’s the chord that hits all of us the deepest and our haters use them against us with bottomless and threats that come from inexperience and lack of understanding. The worst one being, “you are going to totally mess up your kid!”
Fears of future questions by the children, such as “Mommy, why did you leave Daddy?” are also a huge driving force keeping many of us in unhappy marriages. Which, in my opinion, are worse for children than being in single parent households with one happy, fully functioning single parent.
In my house, the questions have come and many more will, I’m sure.
The other day Benjamin asked,”Mommy, did you and Daddy used to be married?” [click to continue…]
So, when he’s not working or chasing his kids around, Mr. Mister (or Seth, as you’ll find out in this video) is a singer/songwriter.
He wrote this song during his separation. And I think, all of us single parents – moms and dads – can relate. I had to share and took this video during one of his singer/songwriter circles a few weeks ago.
Video appearances by:
Seth, Mr. Dude Yet to Be Named Man. Or, just Seth.
Wenderly’s handsome husband (on the left at the beginning). If you haven’t read her blog yet, you should! She can cook me under the table.
Seth’s two awesome brothers and their father.
Listen to the studio version of this song and hear the rest of Seth’s music here.
P.S.
And I know I’m on a blogging rampage today. I have actually had a few free moments, a taste of Spring air and some awesome coffee. Also, lots of inspiration.
NOTE: I just discovered Pinterest and will be adding to these as I go. But we can file away everything we find that inspires us, motivates us or pushes our fashion senses. Just click on the links to follow my boards or follow me to find everything I pin.
Single Mom Blogs Board I have a running list of single mom blogs on this board, the best of the best and those who are still writing. So many of the single mom bloggers I used to know are off and married now. Funny how that works, isn’t it?
Single Mom Inspiration Board I will put everything here that inspires me in hopes that it will inspire you or lift your spirits.
Sexy Mama Fashion Board Fashion is so important to single moms, as many of us are re-inventing or re-discovering ourselves. I, personally, buy one or two staple pieces a season and find everything else in thrift stores. But I love what I find on Pinterest because it inspires how I throw it all together. Lots of layering, accessories and too many shoes.
I have lots of boards, you can find them all and follow whatever. Just wanted to share! Totally addicted already and love the way you can file and organize all of your favorite things.
I know I will get blasted for this one. But, whatever, bring on the hate. This is reality, this is love and this is modern parenthood. We both put our children first and care about them more than anything in the world. What’s the most amazing of all is how much we have all fallen in love with each other.
————
One of our hugs leads to a kiss.
When we open our eyes all three are staring up at us. Their heads tilted upwards and smiles spread across their faces. All of them, beaming the purest form of happiness. Collectively they look like a little cheering section for love.
I can’t grab a camera this moment will be over in a second. I just have to take it all in, studying their faces, studying his, little hands cover little mouths as they stifle giggles, “Look, they are kissing! Look!!! Heee heee.” [click to continue…]
Eh-hem. Anywhooo…
