My happy place is the corner of the couch. I can stretch out under a blanket with the back and side supporting me as the kids climb up to snuggle. They might watch TV while I read or we might read a book together. It doesn't really matter what time of year it is, but I'll be under a blanket. I just like the weight of it on my lap and the fuzziness of the fleece. If I'm really lucky, I can have my feet stretched out onto Ken's lap.
My happy place is waking the kids up on a Saturday morning when we have no where to go. I climb into bed with one or another and whisper sweet nothings until I hear the grunt that tells me to stop squishing them. It's rare that I actually awaken my kids in a good mood, but if I time it correctly, I can go in and get them out of bed before they've gotten cranky for the day.
My happy place is sitting in a church pew next to my best friend Julie. Her kids and my kids are mingled together on the pew, on a lap, on the floor. I see Ken holding a child that isn't his, but whom he loves anyway. I see two boys sharing colored pencils while coloring art work about today's Gospel. I lose track of my son and find him again tucked securely under the arm of his brother's godfather. I have a child who isn't mine tell me she needs to go to the bathroom and I send her off with a child who is mine for supervision. I hold my hands out for the Lord's Prayer and never know who will grab on to them or how long they will stay still once they do. I smile at the woman behind us who thinks Julie and I are sisters and that Steve and Carrie are our parents.
My happy place is the living room upstairs at my parents' house. The kids are in bed and I smile that Frances thinks my room is her room. That's what her grandmother has told her anyway. She knows it used to be mine, but it isn't any longer. And my boys are sleeping in what was previously my little brother's room. And my mom and I chat and watch TV while we take turns shooing kids back into bed because at Grandma's house the rules are pretty loose; even if mom is around. And that's the way it should be.
My happy place is driving down the interstate with the music blaring and the kids singing, or laughing, or fighting, or sleeping. We're headed for a trade-off or a visit. They know somehow during this trip they'll get to see loved ones. Maybe if we're extra lucky we'll get to spend some extended time with them, but whether it's a hug and trade trip or a full blown visit, it's nice to love on people you don't get to see often.
My happy place is outside on a warm summer night. It's quiet except for the crickets and maybe the crackle of a fire. You can see the stars and count them if you're so inclined. You confuse a few of the fireflies for them. The grass is soft, the lemonade is tart, and the company is good.
My happy place in laying in bed next to Ken at night. The house is more quiet than usual. He's almost asleep as I ask the stupid, hypothetical question. I can feel him roll his eyes at me and I giggle. He and I both know he's not a fan of conversation, but it's easier when the lights are out and the question is light. He also knows that the best way to shut me up is a snuggle. Which may or may not be why I asked that dumb question in the first place.
What about your happy place? Where is it? How do you get there and how often do you get to visit?
