Song-ography, the "Both Sides Now" edition...

"Both Sides Now, #1"
Self-Portrait

Song-ography got me to thinking this week.  That usually scares the Better Half.  "Both Sides Now" by Joni Mitchell.  Made me realize I'm kinda on the flip side of motherhood, instead of just a flipped out mom.  Kids can do that to ya.  I've witnessed and participated in both sides now.  With my Things all grown, or in the process of it, I realize my job as a mom has kind of mellowed out.  I'm not sure when the last time I had a temper tantrum (these days I'm just more apt to exit stage left).  Yes, moms can have temper tantrum.  Altho I prefer to call them "refocusing sessions taken out on the kids".   There were days where I could only be pushed so far without falling off the edge, and I was gonna take the Things with me...because THEY pushed.   Ipso facto, the Things should have known better.  So should have I.  I think I've learned something everyday of motherhood.  Usually it was "what I SHOULD have done".  It was exhausting at times.  Yes,  I still get tired.  Difference is, instead of the Things causing me to yearn for some peace, quiet and shut-eye...it's now all totally of my own doing.  Maybe I shouldn't have stayed up to the wee hours of the morning watching re-runs of "House Hunters International", or taken that spin class on an empty stomach, or lost track of time editing photos.  But they are all MY choices.  Good or bad.

What else happens on the flip side of motherhood?  The grocery bills have decreased drastically, while the restaurant bills have gone in the opposite direction.  The house SHOULD stay cleaner longer.  Still can't figure out where I'm going wrong. I can go five days without having to run the dishwasher.  A week for laundry.  The Better Half thinks I'm pushing that one a bit too far.  I say, buy some more clothes. Instead of being a spectator and supporter of all the Things'  activities, I am now an active participant in my own life.  Nurturing them, has morphed into nurturing moi.  I've found I am pretty darn good at some things besides making beds, dinners and taxi runs.  Photography, writing, and practicing a healthy life-style (MOST of the time) are my forte's these days.

"Both Sides Now, #2"

Sometimes I feel too young to not have little kids running around anymore.  How is it I reached this flip side so quickly?  I have no answer.  Just like I didn't have answers for many of the Things questions growing up.  I just winged the answers.  I'm going to have to wing this one too  All I know is that I am here trying to live the role as good as I can.  Motherhood isn't done.  It's never done.  It's just "different" now.  But then again, so am I.   Truth is, the view is kinda nice from both sides now.

Can't wait to see where this week's Song-ography title "Both Sides Now" took you.  But before you link up, here is a peak at next week's song. You all knew it was coming at some point.  Yes, I'm heading back down the Jersey Shore this week.  Yes, I'm talkin' 'bout my guy.  Which can mean only one person...

"Born to Run"

The Boss (aka Bruce Springsteen)

Not sure what I'm going to do with this one yet.  Hopefully something will jump out at me while down the shore.  But there's mega ways you can go on this one with your interpretations.  So run with it (get it?!?!?)

Thanks for linking up to this week's Song-ography!  And if you haven't yet?  Whatcha waiting for?

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