Inspiration~ Love~ Education

Here is one of my favourite poems by the talented and inspirational, Maya Angelou.
I first read this when I was about 15 years old and it resonated with this girl who was not as 'perfect' as those around her... I wish I knew then what I do now...

PHENOMENAL WOMAN by Maya Angelou (1978)

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing of my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can't see.
I say
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
The palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Blessings

I know, I know, I harp on a bit and it is so sickly sweet but I truly do thank my lucky stars for my man... I couldn't ask for a better partner, friend, lover or father for my daughter.

Have you seen a sweeter face?

walking, walking, walking

I have been unwell for a couple of days with fever, chills and all around general yuck and he just totally takes over. Even as I am sick I feel guilty that I am laying in bed on our weekend together~ that is much cherished family time and I can hardly raise my head.

We had plans to see family at Winchester farmers Market and, as I later discovered, he had a 'surprise' outing organised to a National Trust site... maybe next weekend..

He is ever so patient with me when I holler and call for provisions, all the while caring for Avalon and doing what needs to be done around the house (double yuck).

Avalon lights up like Christmas when he is around and watching them play together is life and love affirming.

So, here I am feeling less than hot and thanking my lucky stars and whoever *may* be above for the two greatest treasures in my life.

Playing on a Saturday morning...

My joy...