No Joneses to Keep Up With

Not long ago on a run, I found myself peering into neighborhood house windows.

Not completely stalkerish...just sort of as I was running by.  I have a favorite street that I run down and play this game where I think about what the people are doing in the ultra big, beautiful brick homes.

So today when I spied my four-year old daughter, Kate markering up her splurge, over-priced, had-to-have adorable cowgirl hat, I said, "Honey, what are you doing?"  to which she replied, "I'm coloring it, so that they will know me."

I'm not sure who "they" are, but her comment struck me as beautiful and poignant.  No ordinary cowgirl hat will do.  It has to have pink, purple, and orange stripes on it, so that the world will know that she loves big messy color and that Kate is in the house.

When we worry about what others think of us or how we should present ourselves so that we project or portray certain images, everyone loses.  Because respectfully speaking the "Joneses" miss out on knowing the real you...the one who colors her cowgirl hat and is adored because of it.

So, in spirit of Kate, I've decided to keep it real for everyone who randomly stops by.  As a snap shot, I have a million colored pencils, markers, and crayons decorating the floor along with smooshed rice krispies, avocado, sippy cups, and mismatched socks.  I think something died in my bathroom, although I can't find it.  I think I put deoderant on but I'm not sure that it's doing the trick.  And, my baby is wailing protesting a nap.  But, if you want to hang out, I'll always have a cup of coffee available and a smile.