When I tell people my mother-in-law is visiting, I will occasionally get the questioning look, like, “And how is that for you?” I know that there are those whose in-laws are abominable, but that is far from the case with me. Tex’s charming, loveable, smart and funny mom is a joy to hang out with, and it’s been just wonderful to not only catch up but to dive right into conversations about life and all it contains. Poignant and precious, also, in light of the fact that my own dearest mother is happy and safe, but less able to engage about these topics as she once was.
Yesterday, my mother-in-law and I were talking about a project I’m working on and about her long work history as an academic consultant. At one point, she said, “I’m so glad to have lived through the history I have in my life; it just informs my soul. I’m so glad I lived through Watergate, and I know how awful someone like Nixon can be. And I know how wonderful but deeply flawed someone like Clinton can be…” Her observation helped me think about my project in a different, more intimate way: how do I approach it as uniquely myself, uniquely situated in my own lived history? I am so grateful for her wisdom and her generosity!
Today, my precious femme sisters, I wish for you that the treasure(s) in your family shine out for you, and that you spend a moment or two in gratitude for their brilliance.
Let it inform your soul.
Every Monday, I offer a Meditation for Queer Femmes in the spirit of my maternal grandmother, Mimi, who was fabulous, kind, and wise and from whom I inherited her Meditations for Women.
At the Total Femme, my intention is to post three times a week: Meditations for Queer Femmes on Monday, Pingy-Dingy Wednesday on Wednesday and Femme Friday on Friday. Rather than play catch-up in a stressful fashion on those weeks when life prevents posting, I have decided to just move gaily forward: if I miss a Monday, the next post will be on Wednesday, and so on. Thank you, little bottle of antibiotics for inspiring me in this! (“…if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Don’t take a double dose to make up for a missed one.”)
The Total Femme 