It is quiet and I am alone. Three children sleep in their beds, the first time all three have slept in their beds since we moved in.
A new house is scary. There are sounds to fear. And other things…
“Mom, I can’t sleep,” he said, coming out for the four-frillionth time. “I’m too scared!”
“What are you scared of?” I ask…also for the four-frillionth time.
“I was just starting to close my eyes and I imagined I was a Roman soldier being killed…”
That is scary.
After assuring him that he would, indeed, not die the violent death of a Roman solider, and also reiterating once again the fact that Big Foot does not indeed exist, we headed back to his room.
“Big Foot is real!” he protested. “I saw it on TV.”
Yet another reason we did not hook up cable.
“Honey, even if Big Foot were real, he wouldn’t live in Florida. It’s too hot here. And there are no mountains or tall trees for him to hide in. Big Foot lives in Oregon…if he exists…which I don’t think he does.”
Silence.
“But you said bears live in Oregon.” God help the poor child if he ever has to live in Oregon. Don’t worry Oregonians (right?), I didn’t pin monsters on you. I told the kids monsters live in Canada.
S’all good.
“Lay down, babe,” I said, brushing my hand across his silky smooth cheek. Would that I could bottle his skin up…
“Let’s find something you can hold on to while you go to sleep so you don’t have to be scared,” I said, looking around his room.
“I can hold on to you,” he replied grabbing hold of my hand and looking up with ocean blue eyes. And I melted…fast. Knees buckled, a mass of goo, I slid under the covers and held his hand. Five minutes later, he slept. All the lights are still on in his room. Because Big Foot doesn’t like light. If he did, we’d have caught him and there would be no need for a TV show.
And now I sit in an empty, quiet, semi-organized room. I believe I have found my writing zone in this new house. I love this front room. It’s peaceful and happy and I feel inspired here. Last night I stayed up, much too late, writing, for the first time focused on my book. The voices of my characters are swirling and moving again.
I’m going to finish it, friends. It may mean I have to spend a little less time with you and a little more time with the people I want to introduce you to. Bear with me as I find my stride. And in the meantime, if you could all be on the lookout for Big Foot and let me know when and if you find him.
I, on the other hand, will continue to keep the air bed inflated on the floor next to my bed.
Something tells me we’re going to need it for awhile.
Hi Kelli,
I just had to tell you that I’ve been following you for awhile now and I love your blog. :0) I have been having the urge to start my own and so I just went back and read your first post! I’m always curious how people start out and what they blossom into. We started homeschooling last January so I mainly want a journal of sorts for that, but I liked what you said about family and friends keeping up with what’s going on in your life and not having to send out 50 emails, letters or phone calls. Anyway, you’ve got a fan in WA state, keep up the good work!
Yay Rondi! Have fun with your blog. They really are a great way to document life. Blessings to you!
Oh, it’s so good you have chosen the writing place for you, the place that gives you inspiration and comfort. Can’t wait for your book!
Ok, I might have to curl up with Sloan because when we moved into our house I was TOTALLY scared too. It took me a while to get over it and accept all the noises I kept hearing all.night.long. I’m not kidding when I say that I actually had Bruce Roquet come over and pray over the house because I didn’t have good spiritual vibes coming from it. When did I become a superstitious hippy? I dunno. It just made me feel better to have the house blessed and prayed over. Try it with Sloan. Do a whole ceremony. It actually really helped quiet my soul.
And Rondi from WA State, I love WA state! We just moved back to St. Louis after being in WA for four years! I miss the Emerald State so much!
I’m in Washngton. Way too close to Oregon. Like 8 miles. I’m moving!!!
Yeah…you’ll want to be careful up there. The likelihood of me ever being able to bring my kids to Oregon is slim. I just may have ruined tthem for life. And that’s too bad because I really like Oregon, bears, Big Foot and all.
🙂
Yes, I totally laughed when I read about your Bigfoot and bears! Amy we are close to OR also! Not as close as you are, but close enough… I don’t know why, but I’m always surprised when I find someone from the internet living close to me! I wonder if we know some of the same people??? FYI, I follow your blog too. 🙂 Love it!
I love the online community. It’s so fun to make connections. 🙂