• Home
  • About Me
  • Life
  • Reading
  • Gardening
  • Subscribe by Email
  • Referral Codes

Kimberussell.com

a blog by Kim Russell

October 31, 2004

Perspective

Is this thing on?

After a week of introspection and sadness, our Halloween party happened. If I had my druthers, I would have cancelled it, but the invitations went out a while back and the guests were looking forward to seeing our new house.

So Thor and I slaved away all Saturday morning cleaning, decorating, and cooking. We suited up (he, a pimp; me, Martha Stewart) and threw open the front door. It was a nice mix of adults, with a handful of kids (my two cousins’ kids) thrown in for good measure. They loved running around in their costumes, and were thrilled with the pinata that we filled for them.

(Yes, we let them whack at it with a stick. The “pull-the-ribbon” pinatas are for wimps.)

A few hours later…

8-yr-old boy and 4-year old girl: Can we color?
Me: Um…sure. I don’t have a coloring book but I can print some stuff from the Internet for you.
Girl: Okay.
Me: But I only have 8 crayons. Can you guys share?
Boy: Sure!

I print out some Halloween pictures, and they are joined shortly by the other two kids, a 10-yr-old girl (boy’s sister) and a 7-yr-old boy (girl’s brother). All four of them share 8 crayons, and color on one tray table.

The 8 year old finishes his picture and brings it to me.

Me: What a great job!
Boy: It’s for you!

Touched, I hang it on my fridge. Then another picture was finished. And another. One by one, little faces brandished big smiles as little hands gave me their masterpieces.

Lesson learned: No matter what life dishes out…sadness, grief, war, disappointment or dirty politics, there is love, hope, and pure generosity.

All I have to do to remember that is look at my fridge.

drawings hung on refrigerator

Thank you to everyone who sent me their condolences on the loss of my grandfather. I didn’t open comments on that post because I didn’t want people to feel compelled to say, “I’m sorry.” I was touched and amazed by the letters and online cards I got – unsolicited. Thank you! 🙂

Posted In: Life · Tagged: halloween, holidays, loss

Previous Post John Alexander Dowd, Sr.
Next Post Two requests

Hello!

About Me

I've been blogging for over twenty (2 decades! 2-0!) years and I'm apparently one of the few over-50 female bloggers who haven't sold out to THE MAN yet; hence this blog remains quirky, homespun, and unprofitable. No big. However, if you're from Disney, Doritos, or Dave Matthews Band, I'm open to talk about selling out.

I live in Southern New Jersey with my husband WM, and our dog Murphy. I'm an adult who likes Disney but not a Disney Adult. I used to work a fun (really!) office job in Philadelphia, but since March of 2020 I'm a work from home hermit. So if you're looking for a childless, slightly round, marginally boring GenX woman's blog to follow, you've come to the right place! :)

Subscribe to my posts via email

A weekly email that will contain links to that week's posts.

Archives

Goodreads

Kimberly's bookshelf: read

The Duke and I
liked it
The Duke and I
by Julia Quinn
Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life
liked it
Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life
by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Spare
really liked it
Spare
by Prince Harry
tagged: memoir, own-ebook, and nonfiction
Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves
really liked it
Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves
by Glory Edim
The Guest List
really liked it
The Guest List
by Lucy Foley

goodreads.com

Pinterest

Visit my profile on Pinterest.
Privacy Policy

“I am I because my little dog knows me.” – G. Stein

We are still in office once a month and although I We are still in office once a month and although I’ve become used to life in soft pants and slippers it’s still nice to see the coworkers in person.
When I was receiving the new Covid booster today I When I was receiving the new Covid booster today I happily told the pharmacist “shoot it into my veins!” and in the most pharmacist way ever, he replied, “well, it’s an intramuscular injection.” #boosted #thankyouscience
When not planted on a chia pet, chia seeds grow in When not planted on a chia pet, chia seeds grow into beautiful and lush little plants.
At the @phillies game — #ringthebell ! #phillies At the @phillies game — #ringthebell ! #phillies
The #garden is slowly starting to produce. Not the The #garden is slowly starting to produce. Not the best year but better than last year. Potatoes anyone?
I will not spend money to try and grab a plush Bob I will not spend money to try and grab a plush Bob Ross. I will not spend money to try and grab a plush Bob Ross. I will not …
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 Kimberussell.com · Theme by 17th Avenue