Thursday, December 22, 2011

Wednesday Wish (22)


I was sitting at the kitchen counter in my childhood home. It was early morning, before school. My brothers were on either side of me, each of us eating cereal. Cheerios. It was silent but for our silverware hitting the porcelain, our little mouths occasionally slurping up the happy milk-soaked rings.

“What did you say?”
I looked over at my elder brother. Was he talking to me? Yep, he was looking at me with the half irritated, half curious brow only a brother can give.
“Nothing,” I said.
“Yes you did. I heard you.”
“It wasn’t me.”
“Oh, really? Then who was it?”
“You don’t want to know.”
“I don’t?”
I shook my head, “Nope.”
He pushed in a big pile and chewed violently, his cheeks bulging. I could almost hear their terrified screams. That was it. I had to tell him.
“The cheerios. My cheerios were laughing.”
He choked on his own laughter, spraying the counter with white and brown splatter. “You’re weird,” he said.
“I told you you didn’t want to know. I knew you wouldn’t understand. But just so you know the whole story, I eat them gently, so they can ride down unhurt. It’s like a water slide. They laugh when they go down. It’s super fun. For them and for me. You should try it sometime.” I took another bite, my face pure smile. Pure smile.

*          *          *

My Wednesday Wish for You?

Christmas dinner is almost here and I am willing to bet that a few of you get to eat with at least one person you don’t really enjoy. In fact, I am willing to bet that some of you are right now, all these hours ahead of time, dreading such things as conversation topics, uncomfortable questions, all the patience you are going to need, even the way you feel in your belly when you’d rather be doing something entirely different than listening to this person who you really don’t connect with on your left. I mean, lets face it, sometimes we have to do things we don’t always enjoy. And especially when it’s the nice thing to do. But…we do have a little wiggle room. And that’s what I’m here to help with. The wiggle room, the place where fun lives even when boring or painful or ugly surrounds you. And you know what? Even when it doesn't. You see, wiggle rooms are just as fun to be in when life is pure joy.

My Wednesday Wish for you, whether you are dreading Christmas dinner or more excited about it than anything else all month is…are you ready for this…to give consciousness to your food. That’s right. Let your food come alive. Imagine what the mashed potatoes are saying as you slop them onto your plate. “Hey, easy. Its Christmas for me, too, you know.” And what about the dessert? “Ooh, I love this part, when I touch your tongue. I love to make you feel happy, you know. I can hardly wait to play in your belly, too. I will keep making you happy all night, if you let me!” Whatever you eat, invite it to speak to you, to give you smiles, to make your Christmas even more magical than perhaps it has ever been. Give yourself a little childhood fun, if not for me, then for the boring old lady on your left who has never had a better Christmas conversation with anyone but you in her entire life.  


And p.s. don't forget to watch this video. It might give you a happy head start. For truth is, you don't have to stop with your food. Maybe a lot more in your life craves consciousness, too:)


Address Is Approximate from The Theory on Vimeo.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

The video touched something so deep in me - made me cry - but in a good way. Thank you Brynne, and than you for opening up so many new ways of looking at the world I had forgotten - The Daughter arrives here tonight, and The Son comes with his partner on Christmas Day - so I am lucky that i will be with people who I want to talk to/laugh with/eat with...but this post has reminded me to find the fun in it and let the rest go...love you dear lady, and love that you are in my life.

Brynne said...

I am sOOo happy to hear that your children will be with you, Jo! A beautiful love-filled holiday for you for sure!! Hooray! And the video...I am soO happy it touched you, angel Jo. it gives me a tear to know your heart was touched. Thank you for always sharing your heart with me here. I treasure you more than you could possibly know. Happy Christmas, dear friend. You will be with me, too:)

Gary Gauthier said...

Aaaahh, the magic of childhood. Loved the Cheerios story!! I can definitely relate. Sorry, I haven't been by in so long, Brynne. I promise to visit more often.

Merry Christmas!

Brynne said...

No worries, dear Gary! Life does get busy...especially up there in the US of A:) I know you are out there and I, too...will work at being better about visiting your great blogs in the new year! Hooray!! Hugs and happies to last into January!!

Anonymous said...

Brynne, lovely childhood story which fit so nicely with the video! Thanks for sharing! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!

Brynne said...

Thank you, Astra! What a treat to have you visit! And with such kind words, you just made my day!:) I wish you a beautiful Christmas with all the magic in the world, fellow writer...and am sending you a great big happy hug. There. Did you get it??:) Be visiting your blog soon, too!! Yay!

Michael Ann said...

Oh Bryne, only you would think of this! But that is what I like about you. I'm going to give this a try because for SURE I'm gonna need it!

Brynne said...

Silly goose, Michael Ann:)! You give me smiles!! I hope this helps! No one wants to be stuck with ugly feelings at Christmas! And especially not my Michael Ann!!! Happy Christmas...may you find lots of new and silly giggles waiting for you at a table near you:) Thanks for popping by! I always love to find you here!

Anonymous said...

Brilliant and tasty, what a wonderful message! I love my life and all the people who fill it, but how fun would this world be if everyone thought like you. Let's make it happen, I'm starting with me!

Brynne said...

Thank you for your kind, heartfelt words, dear John. A beautiful end to a beautiful day! Merry Christmas, dear soul!:)

Bella said...

Aw Brynne, I loved the video! And I loved your childhood story even more! What fun to have brothers who share in your mischief. I grew up wishing and yearning for an older brother; a protector. I hated how my other friends all had older brothers and I only had two younger sisters. Sigh. In another life, perhaps. That said, I hope your Christmas day was magical and that you were able to enjoy yourself in the company of loved ones! :)

Brynne said...

Soo happy you liked it, Bella! It was fun to have brothers...but of course I always wanted a sister, too!!
How was your Christmas?? I am sure it was filled with smiles and yummy treats! Now its on to New Years and all the fun resolutions/intentions that come with it! Cant wait to read your take on all that, dear soul!! Sending you love and hugs, dear Bella! Happy New Year, bright girl!:)

Deniz Bevan said...

Oh how lovely! Ever since I read this post I've been paying that much more attention to the food on my plate.

Blessings to you in the new year!

Brynne said...

Yayyy! Soo happy to hear that, Deniz! Makes eating soo much more fun, don't you think? Happy New Year, sweet soul! I always love seeing you here! Thank you for being a part of my world!:)