hugs

I should have blogged yesterday. I've let myself off the hook with regard to publishing something EVERY day this summer, though I still try to be mindful of moments of truth and beauty daily. Yesterday started with the messy and uncomfortable sensations of depression-- feeling like my bones are made of styrofoam and every synapse under the surface of my skin is pulling me under the veil of tears. It's a shitty feeling. Time to pull out the big guns. I went on a mission to collect hugs. You can't always count on finding someone on a street corner on a FREE HUGS campaign (if you don't know about the campaign, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4) so sometimes you have to take things into your own hands, or arms as the case may be. It's times like these that I'm deeply, deeply thankful for the kids in my life. They give the most exuberant hugs. I found most of the M family in the park near Trout Lake and when G saw me, even before I'd stated my mission, he called out my name and came running into my arms. Sweetness. The other children willingly wrapped their arms about me, their mother gave me not only a hug, but a plum freshly picked from the tree in their yard. Again, sweetness. By the end of the day, I'd gathered my arms around three more hugs, one brief baby cuddle and a series of enthusiastic, doggy licks from a large, slobbery dog. The therapeutic value of such signs of affection is enormous.