Jul 7, 2010 - Category: General
MUD ROOMS WITH SAND
So many uncanny similarities to the real Sarah… our loving children with Down syndrome, our middle names (Louise), our university degree (Bachelor of Journalism), our crowns from beauty pageants (Miss Wasilla, Miss Southwest), our love of running (not just campaigns in our high heels, but 5Ks and trails in running shoes). Yes, and when I dress in a red jacket with the glasses and the updo, we look very much alike.
But one glaring difference becomes even more apparent as I unload my minivan today and begin vacuuming the beach sand. As the real Sarah gazes out across her beloved Alaska mountains and lakes, I soak in the sun sand and salt water from my slice of paradise…a mere 45 minute drive from door to shore.
Once upon a time while reading a decorating magazine I saw a remodel on a ‘mud room’. Having never heard of that, my husband, who lived for many years in a small Colorado town, explained the concept. I thought how I would love a mud room just for a kid debriefing , even if we don’t live where it snows.
Then I walk into my kitchen side door past a row of skim boards, long boards, and surf boards that reminds me of the old Annette and Frankie movies. (My older cousins told me about them…okay, so I am a few years older than the real Sarah, but not much!) My sister still thinks Moondoggie really is the absolute coolest surfer name.
I love the great diversity of people in our great country and I love the great diversity of land from sea to shining sea. July seems a fitting month to celebrate our American landscape, both symbolically and literally. And even though Sarah and I are living as far apart as you can get in American geographically (Alaska and Florida), it’s nice to know we’re looking at the same North star.
