Mama Mare POV: Grilled Cheese on Paper Plates

 

My favorite days with my “little foal” are the charming spontaneous ones; the days that are unplanned…the moments that seem to trail off into a secret oak and wildflower grove.

Our usual outing to the local library seems to be scheduled every Wednesday to attend story time. But, today, was one of those “secret garden” days. We unlocked the gate to wispy lavenders and new learning experiences amidst story books and creative crannies. 

My little girl sat a computer for the first time, and got excited as she popped shapes with her finger. She also found the “nook and cranny” where the giant books were kept. On this unscheduled day, she “picked a couple new lavender stems” and placed them in her memory box to dry. 

After our un-timed time at the library, we then walked to a nearby cafe. For the first time, my little girl was served Willow Cafe’s grilled cheese upon a paper plate. For the first time, her blue eyes looked upon Mommy with her usual coffee in a new environment.

As moms, I think it’s hard for us to sometimes un-plan and erase a controlled calendar. Sometimes, it’s hard to leave your house untidy and half-full coffee cups in the sink. But, when you leave the figurative lights on and the literal laundry in the dryer, you can make charmed (and important) impromptu memories with your little ones. 

So, mommies, let go of the dry erase marker more frequently and unlock those hidden gates to secret nooks and crannies (in the library or cafe). Open the vine covered gate to spontaneous Shasta daisies and lavenders. Lay memories down like a picnic blanket. Share bites of a Willow Cafe grilled cheese on a paper plate with your toddler before they outgrow the hi-chair.