August 10, 2013

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?






32 comments:

  1. The view of motherhood from this side isn't bad! It's amazing how time does give us the perspective we were longing for all along. I'm enjoying this stage - most of the time...only waxing nostalgic on occasion. Both your photos are lovely ~ especially that self portrait!

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  2. Love your commentary on this....as well as the photos.

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  3. Wonderful job with your selfie, You are beautiful.
    Very clever idea with the mirror. - Life is always changing so we are on the other side many times in many different ways.

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  4. THIS IS A GREAT SELF PORTRAIT... so deep! After you get used to it, you will love this flip side....Takes some adjustment time though.

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  5. I just looooove your self portrait! It's marvelous! The edit is also fantastic. I've been following you lately and I seem to love everything you do :) Now I must try to make it to song-ography!!! See you soon :)

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  6. Wonderful ambience in your self portrait. Suggests a meditative mood. And a great idea to use the mirror in the garden to show the flowers in 2 ways.

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  7. I love your selfie... utterly beautiful. I love my kids I really do, but I have to say I am looking forward to the day when they are grown and I can really claim back ME.

    Mollyxxx

    Ps... The linky tool doesn't seem to be working? I tried clicking the link that shows but it just times out.

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    1. Sorry about that :(. Apparently Inlinkz was on a bit of a "coffee break" for awhile this morning.

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  8. Very nicely done! Our lives certainly change once our children are no longer so needy. Looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with next Sunday - should be fun.

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  9. I do love that self portrait as well as your take on the song. Who doesn't love some house hunters international?

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  10. I feared the flip side of motherhood SO MUCH. But life blossomed is ways so unexpected.
    What a wonderful post you have presented us.

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  11. You're awesome. So deep and so fun!

    I remember when my sister went to college and my mom did a happy dance that the water bill had gone down a large amount!

    Bring on Bruce!!

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  12. Ah, kindred spirit! I'm not quite to this side of motherhood yet, but I feel it's approach. Your managed to capture this stage with the perfect bittersweet. Shows me that there are some things to look forward to!

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  13. I am approaching the flip side of motherhood at warp speed and some days I am ALL about it - BRING IT ON!. However, on others I am scrimmaging for a cinder block to tie to the Boy's ankle hoping to slow it all down. Growing up never stops - for them or us.

    Confession: I am not a Bruce Springsteen fan - as in the 'I can't flip the channel fast enough', 'cringe', 'oh Dear God please make it stop' variety. BUT I will rise above what I am sure you will diagnose as my 'lack of coolness' or 'utter poor taste in music' and photograph the heck out of this song. I got ya back Kathy! [wink, wink]

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  14. Hey Kathy-Amazing selfie. The light is spectacular (as is the subject-I'm giving props). Interesting how this made you think and soul search a bit. Having not been a mom I don't understand the part of life's journey, but have watched friends agonize in that changing role, especially those with only one child.
    I'm glad you're taking time for you, and more dinner's out and more shopping for clothes. I believe mother's sacrifice so much that they deserve to reward themselves....and then just as you get thru this, grandbabies! Not rushing that, but when you get good at this part of life, it will change again. why the hell does that keep happening?
    Really enjoying songography. Congrats on the success of your brain child.

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  15. Your self-portrait is elegant! You are right on with everything you say about raising kids. It's more relaxing now that they are grown. Yet you never stop being "Mom." My daughter is planning her wedding now and I love talking through the details and trying to solve the (many!) problems. When we stood in the sunlight last week to see her diamond ring sparkle -- that's a highlight of motherhood. All the promises of life to come represented in that ring. Thanks so much for hosting this great link party!

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  16. That is one beautiful self portrait!

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  17. This is beautiful! Both the photos and the words!

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  18. The timing of this post is spot on for me...I love your thoughts, as always. As I watch my daughter move on into adulthood, I'm at a crossroads. I definitely now have the time now to work on me. Thank you for sharing, Kathy, and I'm happy to finally be able to participate in your wonderful song-ography prompt.

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  19. A wonderful portrait! And yes there are good things about getting older and the house becomes emptier....only No 3 is still at home and sometimes it is very quiet indeed! BUT after moving many times, learning new languages, making a home for my family of 5 I am happy where I am now. I don't miss the life with toddlers , instead of all the equipment and toys I now only take my cameras....And all the traveling I am planing to do...and all the books I am planing to read. The whole world is out there....

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  20. Sensitive and stylish self portrait! Beautiful!!

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  21. You are absolutely right Kathy, motherhood never ends it is just different. Enjoy the shore!

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  22. Hi! I just found Song-ography via Susan at HappyNoEars!!! And it just so happened that my post for today fit your song title!!! So here I am!!! I like the concept of your meme!!! Thanks for hosting!!!

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  23. I love your selfie...beautiful! I am on the flip side now too. I sure do miss the other side, but this side is great too!

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  24. love, love, love your images this week!! in so many ways i could have written this. for the last 2 days i had a 6 year old running around my house. i'm not sure how i feel about that, except, how in the world am i old enough for that.

    i hope you make a stop in asbury park, i was there last week and had the most amazing time!! the beaches are beautiful and i adore the boardwalk there!!

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    1. Ahhhh, would be the perfect place to take a "Born to Run" shot :)

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  25. You make it sound fabulous! Gorgeous shots.

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  26. chica!!! you nailed this...you're right about the grocery bill. I've noticed mine plummet! I have a love/hate with the flip side! So many things to get use to. "I am now an active participant in my own life." Love this quote from you. being on the flip side of mother hood...is scary, exciting, freeing and unchartered...but then so was motherhood!

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  27. This is beautiful, Kathy. You expressed yourself so honestly, and your ponderings just fit the song so well, as do your photos. Beautiful self-portrait!

    Both Sides Now is my favorite song of all time. I thought all week of how I could possibly capture the song in a photo. I know the song by heart and recited the words to myself like a poem. I couldn't come up with a photo, but know that I enjoyed seeing others' interpretations.

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  28. Wow, what an exquisite self portrait! I'm so impressed... the light is fabulous and you are beautiful! Thanks for sharing on WTS this week!

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  29. Ugh! I was stumped on this one. I got nothing! :( Bravo to those who contributed and brilliant post Kath!

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