Love Yourself Some Today

or, do unto yourself as you do unto others

My son called today, just to chat. After hearing about what was going on with him, he asked me the same. I replied that my husband had left early this morning to drive from here in North Carolina to what is bound to be a fifth-level inferno of hell called Alabama to race his motorcycle for the weekend.

I opted not to live in a tin can (ok, RV) in a “feels like” of 107 degrees for three days. Instead, I am making paintings in my comfortable air conditioned studio. Little 5x7 abstracts like this one.

I am having “girl dinners” while my man is gone, so I can take a break from preparing meals. This basically means making up an elegant looking plate of noshes requiring no cooking paired with a lovely chenin blanc. Tonight will be smoked salmon with cucumber, capers, fresh dill and a schmear with some crusty bread.

I am also sleeping in the guest room.

“Why”, Joe asked, “what’s wrong with your room?”

There’s not a thing wrong with my room, but the guest room feels like a treat, a little getaway with out getting away.

Earlier this year, my daughter, who has a very demanding full time job and a couple active young children, really needed a break and, after some convincing, she agreed to come here to the beach, alone, for a long weekend and recharge her batteries.

I wanted to make her visit as spa-like as possible: relaxing and serene, white noise and candles, an abundance of fluffy pillows and cloud-soft bed. I bought her some comfy lounge wear and slippers. There was even a box of chocolates.

I created a cozy, casually elegant space, perfect for sipping a cup of tea while reading a good book.

I told my son that his sister had enjoyed the room so much that I wanted to spend some time in there myself. Why not? I don’t get to stay in nice hotels or resorts as much as I did when I was working and traveling. It would be a nice change of pace.

Joe agreed, and said that he had done something similar recently after making up a special place for friends to visit in his apartment.

“Isn’t it funny, Mom, that we will make the effort to make things beautiful and special for someone we love, but not give ourselves that same care?”

Indeed, Joe, indeed.

And so, I offer you this: make something special today. Just for you.