When I was in college, I vividly remember an argument that my mother had with my brothers as they were headed to the mall. Two highschool boys escaping, seeking solace somewhere between the food court and department stores. My mother was not upset that one of them was wearing a pair of faded, thread bare and hole-flecked jeans. She was upset that he was wearing a red plaid flannel pajama top as his over shirt. Only a slightly heated argument and short-lived. We were not a house of hot heads or harsh words. The obvious question was “Why not?” There was a small moment of silence, the muscles of her jaw clenching before she replied, “Because what kind of mother would people think I am if they saw you publically in your pajamas?”
I carried that moment in my spirit for years, wondering wildly what was the lesson. Should I live my life worrying how my decisions, actions, or beliefs were going to shape the opinions of people about me or about the people who were associated with me? It was such a poignant moment in my life that when I became a mother I instituted Pajama Days with my oldest daughter. A sort of quiet rebellion. Some people get tattoos, or body piercings. I chose pajamas. In fact, one of our infamous pajama days became the subject of my first major publication in Chicken Soup for the Mothers of Preschooler’s Soul, (found on page 28, titled Flannel in the Food Court ).
One of my favorite quotes comes from George Eliot: “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” That seems to sum up my life with calming clarity. It invokes random images of moments that didn’t really seem to fit together. Experiences that didn’t imply any real greatness. Decisions that didn’t appear to evolve out of any real purpose. But now everything – every moment, every experience, every decision – they all seem monumental in creating the person that I am today. Calming in the sense that all things matter. Clarity from that understanding . This moment is no different. My hope is to use this blog to piece together little moments of life in order to create a clearer picture. A bigger picture beyond being someone’s wife, mother, friend, and daughter. A picture that is honest and uninhibited. A blog that does not worry about what opinions people have of me or the people in my life. We all have our pajama days. I will figure out the reasons I started this blog, eventually – but for now, I am content sitting here in grey and red flannel pajamas, drinking coffee, listening to Joshua Radin and wondering what in the world I could possibly have to say.
Congratulations!! You have been awarded The Versatile Blogger Award. Stop by at comingeast.com to see more details.
Hey!
really enjoying your blog so far. and I gave you the Versatile Blogger Award – http://goneforawalk.wordpress.com/2011/05/11/champion-at-versatility/
Just wanted to let you know I gave you the Stylish Blogger Award:
http://sanjapanja.wordpress.com/2011/03/10/stylish-blogger-award/
Emily,
Congrats on a great year of blogging. I hope I can achieve the same following that you’ve gotten when my blog turns 1! Keep up the great writing!
I love the story behind your blog. I’d wear pajamas all the time if it was acceptable at work.
Very Nice blog.. Keep it up !
I found your blog via your ‘Where will I be in 10 years?’ post and wanted to thank you for your clever, extremely-clear style and your honesty in the narrative of your life.
“My hope is to use this blog to piece together little moments of life in order to create a clearer picture.”
- This line struck me. You and I are at very different points in our journey, but I think we’re both looking for the same piece of clarity. I’m looking forward to stopping by again soon. Cheers.
Thank you Hannah! I’ll be sure to stop by your blog this week.
Your blogs are all such a joy to read! You certainly have the gift of story-telling. I look forward to reading more of your blogs! I have a baking blog – feel free to stop by for and grab some reciped for your kids and hubby to enjoy
Yes, yes!! I love to cook and will certainly check out your recipes. Thanks!
I feel like I can relate to what you are saying here. So true. Not sure what’s the whole purpose of why this is sort of all coming together but I’m just going along for the ride…
Hi again.
I commented on Goodnight Sweet Chelsea Girl, and I have subscribed to your blog etc.
I just wanted you to know that the name of one of my blogs on WordPress is Stanley Blanc’s Poetry Blog.
I think you may like the poem I have on there.
Your writng has given Chelsea a place in my heart too.
God Bless and take care.
Sincerely,
Stanley Blanc
Happy to have found you (well, you found me first…)! Love the essay about you by your daughter. As mom to a 13.5 year old girl, I know how precious that kind of thing is.
Will be adding you to the blogroll over at
http://www.commonsense-dancing.com
Alyson
I am so flattered! Thank you for your comments – I love getting to meet moms at stages just beyond my present season. It helps me to prepare a little more for what is ahead. I look forward to “getting to know you” a little better.
Ditto – like your writing and point of view!
Good stuff. I’m looking forward to following you! And I’ve added you to my blogroll.