Growing Chocolate (and Wonder and Hope)

So, one of the really cool things about young kids is their total suspension of disbelief. They don't even know what disbelief is! They just walk around, looking at the world with the belief that anything is possible. It is fucking awesome. I look at my kids and wonder where I lost that ability, but know that in me? It is long, long gone. I am one cynical, disbelieving bitch. Not so cynical that I don't let them believe, though.

Which is why I answered Rollie the way I did today when we were out gardening. I had finished what I was doing, and decided to get some of the flowering things and bring them inside to enjoy. I was cutting some jasmine when Rollie said, "Mama?" "This plant is going to grow up and up and grow chocolate."

I looked at the Hydrangea, my absolute favorite flower (Not really a flower, I know!) at which he was pointing, and I thought, well, it is my favorite flower, but it would be pretty fucking cool if it was chocolate, plus, if my hydrangeas bloomed chocolate, I think we would be able to retire to my imagined farm in the middle of nowhere.

"Yeah, Rollie. It might just do that," I nodded, hopeful for a moment, and with a slight smile on my face. "It just might."

Baby, I'm a Star

My friend Jasonaut posted a link to this site where you can find out which Tarot card you are. . . . His was interestingly like him. Mine? Well, it is maybe more hopeful than I really am. I guess when I was answering the questions I answered them as I wish I were rather than how I am. Whatever. I am guessing this is not exactly scientific or guaranteed in accuracy, so without further ado: I am The Star.

You are The Star. Hope, expectation, Bright promises. The Star is one of the great cards of faith, dreams realised. The Star is a card that looks to the future. It does not predict any immediate or powerful change, but it does predict hope and healing. This card suggests clarity of vision, spiritual insight. And, most importantly, that unexpected help will be coming, with water to quench your thirst, with a guiding light to the future. They might say you're a dreamer, but you're not the only one.