The View From Mrs. Sundberg's Window

You never do know

May 27, 2009

Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. Mr. Keillor's words inspired me, as they often do — this time to take a walk. Mr. Sundberg was in Chicago until Monday, giving a motivational talk on authenticity, so I invited the kids to come along with me, and on Sunday afternoon we set out for a walk in the woods. "An adventure," they called it, and they brought water bottles and walking sticks and chocolate chip cookies and a compass. We're only going to be gone a while, I told them. "Well, you never know," they said.

As we walked, we talked about school and summer plans, and how they'd like to drive for a day and pitch a tent somewhere and eat beans out of a can. We talked about growing up and growing old and the worst day of our lives so far and what we're looking forward to, and how fun it was the time we went tubing down the river, and how good the wild honeysuckle smells. "Only nine days of school left, and look out, walleye, I'm comin' to getcha'," one of them said. "Then we get to be home every day," said another, "and we can help you bake and wash windows and stuff. We can plant a garden with just herbs and maybe even cook fish over the fire. Wouldn't that be cool?" "I don't want school to end," said the third, "I'll miss my friends and what's there to do at home? I can't wait to graduate and go to college. Then I'll have a part-time job and you can come visit me every weekend and bring me cookies and make curtains for me. I think I want green ones."

The tear in my eye wasn't about anxiety or sadness or poison ivy issues. While the kids were talking, I was appreciating the moment in the moment and I was moved by how wonderfully different we all are. Thing is, you aren't going to love everybody. Nope. And not everybody's gonna love you. That's what I tell the kids, anyway. The important thing is that you have a good heart, and things like bullying and gossip aren't going to get you anywhere. What will take you everywhere is hard work, truth, and a good compass. Chocolate chip cookies aren't a bad idea, either. The kids are right. You never do know.

Spinachy Bacon and Cheese Dip
This dip is great with chips or fresh vegetables. Set it out for the kids after school or as a meal in itself with bread and salad.

1 lb Velveeta cheese
1 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
4 oz cream cheese
1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
8 slices cooked, crisped, crumbled bacon

Microwave in bowl on high 5 minutes or so, stirring every few minutes.
Or put all ingredients into a pan on the stove and simmer for a while until
bubbly. Makes about four cups. Serve hot.

Enjoy!

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