Snippets of SnapDragon

Snap sheds her skin, and it’s not even December yet.

(Uhh, yeah. Not sure what that means either.)

SnapDragon’s List of Things Both Big and Small That Happened in 2020 and Therefore Sparked a Need for Change in Her Life:

1. Pay it Forward. You probably know by now that my son was a NICU baby. Doctors and nurses saved his life (and, it’s probably worth noting, mine). Ten months later, we have so many little mementos from his stay: board books, trinkets, even chapsticks and tote bags that were donated by multiple organizations, to parents like us who pretty much lived in fear for two solid months. I’ve been thinking about those organizations. I’d love to be a part of something like that. I’d love to offer even the smallest ray of hope to those families. ‘Cuz I’ve been there.

2. Forgiveness is Hard. You’ve also probably noticed that on occasion I have a way of being purposefully evasive in my posts. I say things without really saying them. Basically. . . some shit happened. With people who mean the world to me. And while some days are better than others, I’m glad I’ve chosen the path to forgiveness. Life is short; let us focus on the good. I also accept that it may take years for the scars to fade. But indeed, they will. Time is funny that way.

3. Just Laugh. Like, milk-through-your-nose, laugh. Don’t wait until the dishes are done and your hair is perfectly combed. Welcome in the silliness every chance you get. The big things have a way of working themselves out, or so it tends to seem.

4. Go Outside. It’s another Everyday Must-Do. Whether it’s icy, humid, or pleasant-spring-breezy, I’m gettin’ my ass out there, yo. We humans need sunshine.

5. Today is The Special Occasion. I know, I know. Sounds super cheesy. But, like, for real. The bulk of 2020 has been spent at home. That feeling of being out in a restaurant, where you think other people are looking at you and judging your outfit? (Dude, are they?) It almost feels like a relic from a different age. Because maybe what truly matters are the moments not caught on camera, or Instagrammed, or fucking Tweeted. Life is beautifully here for us.

6. I Love Arting. And I desperately need to clean up my projects. All of them, including this blog. I pride myself on being an organized person, but I feel like I’ve let the tech features of this site (categories, buttons, links, et cetera) go to shit. I also need someone to take quality photographs of my paintings, so I can have a decent portfolio of my work. (I live in a townhouse and have serious lighting issues. I need a pro for this.) And, I have a novel in the works. And a novella. And crafts and crocheting and all the rest. Eek!

7. Friends Will Be Friends (Right ‘Til the End). COVID has taught me that like all living things, friendships need TLC. Starve it, forget it, or leave it in the dark, and you’ll see dire consequences. Reach out. Send a text. Write a little letter. Make the time.

8. Friggin’ Go For It. We bought an RV. And, believe-you-me, there’s a lot to learn with such a big rig. There have been moments of head-pounding frustration, but, like all frustrations, they passed. And now we have a beautiful home on wheels, ready to see this gigantic country of ours! And it’s awesome. No risk, no reward, friends.

9. Use it Up, Yo. We’re making a conscious effort to buy less stuff. And we love stuff: Books, clothes, fancy flavors for iced coffees. But we’re running out of room. (And Baby Snap is growing by the hour.) I also get weirdly anxious when I feel like I’m wasting things. I don’t like stacks of tee shirts sitting on a forgotten closet shelf; books and magazines from purchases past haunt me every single day. It’s time to focus on what I have, and to use it.

10. You’re You. My husband’s favorite movie is Planes, Trains, & Automobiles. And whenever I’m feeling extra dorky (you know, like daily) I say, “I like me. My wife likes me. My customers like me. ‘Cause I’m the real article. What you see is what you get.” Because Del’s right: All we can be is ourselves, and the very best version of ourselves. So every time I second-guess, and overthink something for no reason until I’m almost sick to my stomach, I sell myself short. And you know? I feel like people like me better when I believe in what I’m doing. When I’m passionate and honest and excited about things.

When I believe in me.

. . .

SnapDragon is a writer and artist who wishes she could see a casual conch shell, like on a beach, in real life.

Follow her Two-Bit Musings and more on Snippets of SnapDragon.