My kids each caught "mosquito bats" last night. They proudly showed them off to their friends at school this morning.

Pipqueak had no problem, at the end of the day, letting her's fly back into nature.

Stink, in typical forlorn fashion, was too sad to let his go. "I'll miss my friend," he sighed.

Pip's teacher chimed in, "Sweetie, bugs aren't meant to live in cages. They are meant to be free. Just like you are!"

Never underestimate the persuasive powers of Stink. "I'm not free!' he bellowed. "My mommy tells me what to do all the time!"

While I certainly don't keep my son under lock and key like that poor mosquito, I do keep him safe. There are rules, like it or lump it, that he must follow.

It's a constant battle: Be a free floating spirit (who might get squashed by a windshield for passion) or stay safe within plexiglass walls. You won't get hurt, but it's not a bunch of fun either.

Maya Angelou talks about this in her epic poem. In it, there are two birds contrasted: One who has the world under her wings, and one who is stuck behind a cage, singing of what he doesn't really know.

As a mom, and a wife, I know what's out there. I know what I'm missing by leading a safe, predictable existence in a respected suburb, but I also know what I'm gaining in grounded children and solid foundations.

There's a fine line in balancing routines that tie me down and partaking of adventures with questionable outcomes.

The ticket is to be grateful for the mediocrity of my life - my safety net - but always remember that the key to true purpose and fulfillment lies in my hands.

I am giving God the credit for that power of those keys - the gentle whisper of right and wrong, hope and love.

Perhaps you'll validate someone or something else for it. But what I hope you never do is blame another person or event for sitting on that boring perch and singing the same old song.

Cock-a-doodle do. No thank you.

Hey, that rhymed! Look out Maya Angelou! (Okay, maybe not.)

I was fortunate this weekend to find out that not only do I have a crappy marriage, but I'm terrified of my husband who beats me and am very unattractive.

Yup, look what I found in my inbox this morning!

"I read your post on Yahoo's front page and had some fun with it on my website.

I hope you don't find it offensive."

No, no. Why would I be offended at statements like this from his award worthy "parody"?

He writes, "She did the “My husband is awesome(please don’t beat me) thing.  That’s amazing.  And she said she’s ugly, which I’m sure Rex tells her every night."

I can't say I was hurt. I mean, who is this person to me? No one. But I am always surprised that someone would lack such class.

I am also bringing this up to remind all of you to live fearlessly. Another tip is to bill yourself as a comedy writer only if you're truly funny.

Oh, and the "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it all" thing. That works also.

Parents out there, let's never underestimate teaching our kids grace, humility and kindness. And when we fall short ourselves (I know I have) let's call each other on it. Let's apologize. Let's forgive. Let's move on.

In closing, if you'd like to take a look at the post, go for it! But do me a favor. Don't leave something nasty. Leave something kind. Give him examples of what he could do with his time that is more uplifting. Poor guy could use some tips.

http://www.dalezcomedy.com/2010/03/5-habits-of-happy-couples/

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What I love about my daughter is her fearlessness. She wears what she wants. She dances and sings and laughs with her whole heart. And she's not afraid to say no. Or, in her case, with a very straight back and lady like gentility, "No Thank you."

Pipsqueak is the pint sized version of Mary Poppins: Self assured, polite and a bit sassy, but she's so dang beautiful, not to mention a bit bossy, you simply have to listen.

Just this week I have been schooled on keeping my elbows off the table, leaving early for school so I'm not screaming obscenities on the way out the door, and how it's best to stick with the first scheduled event rather than do too much and be late.

Many people say that Pipsqueak is her mama all the way, but truth be told, she has taught me to be more like her. If it's simply assumed that the world will courtesy for her wishes, then I might as well take on that attitude.

Speaking of, I did indeed hear back from Oprah's people. They don't accept outside submissions for work, but they did provide addresses for me to send something anyway. So I will. I'll share those with you when I can find my phone and retrieve the message. (If nothing else, what a classy organization to actually return phone calls. Nice work, Oprah!)

Sticking to my "Be Brilliant in 2010" plan, I have been in touch with several other magazines and muckety mucks - many who have turned me down. But it feels good to be back out there. I'm not doing it from a "I must validate myself" perspective. I'm doing it, as Pip has so wonderfully taught me, because my talent and love are in those areas. 

And so, I bring you this question: Why deny your talent? Why not simply, like Pip and Poppins, put on that fancy hat and let the world see the star you are on the inside?  What is holding you back if you are not?




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