Hashtag Nutcracker Week

"Mom, did you ever wipe off the counter?"
"No, why?"
"Remember?  This morning I told you Tizzy took off her diaper and peed on it?"
"Oh. I...what??!"

#nutcrackerweek

"Mom, my dance friends wanted to go to lunch tomorrow... "
"How fun!"
"...And they wanted to do it at our house."
(Deep breath) "OK. Yes!"
(Note to self:  wipe off counter.)

#nutcrackerweek

Freestone: "Mom, I just realized something.  I'm in a store wearing make-up and tights. Is that even legal?!"

#nutcrackerweek

"Mom, my ankle hurts."
"Oh, me too.  Here, have a cough drop. I just found them!"
"Mom, it's not my throat.  It's my ankle."
"Oh. Well. Have a cough drop anyway. It might help."

#nutcrackerweek

 #nutcrackerweek

11:25 pm:  "Good night, Golda!  Did you get your All-State application submitted?  It's due at midnight."
"Aaaaaaargghgh!"

#mustbenutcrackerweek

 #yep.

The beautiful thing is that when the curtain opens on all those glowing faces and pointed toes, there are a million back stories, countless circumstances, flurries of activities wrapped up and untold hearts that contain stories of joy, loss, sorrow, gratitude and satisfaction.

 It's not just dancing.  It's not just art.  It's life.

“Heard joke once: Man goes to doctor. Says he's depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. Doctor says, "Treatment is simple. Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up." Man bursts into tears. Says, "But doctor...I am Pagliacci.”

― Alan Moore, Watchmen