Sunday Scribblings: Simple

Simple? I don’t do simple. Don’t know how. Nothing I do has ever been simple or easy. If I have too much down time I really don’t know what to do with myself. In reality, my challenges are the blessings that come from having everything I need. My family is healthy and happy, so the stresses come from balancing a full-time job with a two-hour daily commute while trying to launch a writing career. I’m OK with that.

Keeping things simple means keeping things boring. Sometimes, my to-do lists can fill up the back of an envelope. But having a physical record of the things I have to do, and the things I want to accomplish, keeps me on track. What can I say, I wouldn’t be nearly as happy if I had a simplier life.

Despite all of this, I do like simple pleasures. I love my daughter’s open-mouth kisses, and my son’s big, bright smiling eyes. When my husband rubs my back after a long day, he gives me goosebumps. I love watching Red Sox center fielder Manny Ramirez hit a home run. I especially like the way after he hits the ball, he drops his bat and stands at home plate a second or two before he runs around the bases, as if he knows he’s just done something great. That’s usually the feeling I have after writing a good poem. For a few moments, it’s perfect. Doesn’t get any simpler than that.

I should mention that my favorite magazine, ironically, is Real Simple.