I live two blocks from Grand Avenue in St. Paul. This means nothing to you unless you are from Minnesota and either live in the Twin Cities or come to “The Cities” for shopping.
Well Grand Avenue is St. Paul’s urban shopping and restaurant district, it’s near all of the colleges, and frankly it’s where all of the cool people live. I used to be one of those cool people.
On the first Sunday of June each year Grand Avenue hosts the largest street party in the Midwest. Like 250,000 people large.
After my birthday, it’s probably my favorite day of the year. It used to be my favorite day because of the beer, the bands and the shirtless men. Now it’s my favorite day because I don’t have to find a parking place.
In the 90′s I’d only attend the ‘entertainment/music/bar’ area and would stand in line to get a wristband, admire tattoos, flirt with cute shirtless guys who would buy my beer, and try not to get trampled while dancing to our favorite bands.
Now I only attend the ‘clown/pony/face-painting” area that serves lemonade and mini donuts and I watch my kids getting trampled in bouncy houses, dance to some teddy bear band of sorts, and spend $5 on glitter tattoos.
It’s kind of just like the beer area but everyone is much shorter and the dads keep their shirts on(thank god), and the only urine smell is coming from over-soaked diapers.
I ran into an old neighbor who was at a big house party on Grand enjoying the day and having a few beers. He has three daughters – now all grown. I used to spot him 15 years ago on this day as I was walking to the party area and he was pushing a stroller walking in the opposite direction towards the clowns.
Now roles reversed again. And he kind of laughed at me as he said “have fun in the kiddie area!”
And I told him that there was no other place that I’d rather be right now.
*******
Are you happy with your ‘right now?’
Every day that goes by is one where I try to be ‘here and now’. I used to always be living for the future, for moments yet to come that were never promised to me anyway, and I’d be looking so far ahead that I was missing everything right under my nose. When I stopped, the world became more focused. And much better.
I love my here and now, and mostly because I never thought I’d be here. This was one of those future moments that I dreamed about, wished for and yearned to have, and now it’s here and I can’t believe I get to live in it, with this husband and this son and this life. It’s frickin’ amazing. I’d be a fool to look beyond it for anything else.
Kate recently posted..a super simple strawberry vinaigrette
I think it’s so cool that you are able to share with your kids the same experiences you had long ago.
liz recently posted..Twive & Receive and Why You Should Look your City Up
It is really awesome…now if it just wasn’t completely inappropriate to take them to the beer tent life would be perfect!
I don’t know if I should smile or slice my wrists knowing that I’m in the same boat. I guess I could do both, huh?
m.
Mark recently posted..I’m not dead
I know – there are days we wish for both – shirtless men and bouncy houses…
Love this Tracy because I am. I’m definitely happy with where I am right now. I have no desire to be at the beer tent. I’m not dying to be in the nine hour long line for face painting either but as long as the men keep their shirts on I’m good.
Jessica recently posted..Superhero in my house
I know – what’s with the long face-painting lines?…especially when you just have to wash it off in the tub in a few hours. xo
We can only be truly happy if we savor the ‘here and now.” I do a decent job most of the time. Sounds like a lovely experience your girls will always cherish.
Cheers!
Kerry Ann (aka Vinobaby) recently posted..Pinterest Hit or Miss Monday Link Up — Teacher Gift
I’m happy!!! I have the most adorable boys ever! (yes sometimes it’s hard and they can be PITAs, but they’re MY PITAs.)
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..The Things He Says
With a 17 year old lapping at the shores of college, yes…my “right now” has taken on even more significance.
It is all gone in a wink of an eye.
Alexandra recently posted..The Hypochondriac’s Guide To Life: Or Just Say No To Another ER Visit
When they are being sweet, yes. When we are on the car ride home after a day of family-dom and they are bickering because they are so tired? I would totally rather be in the beer tent than deal with bedtime!
Poppy recently posted..Murray Cheese Shop of NYC Opens Inside Burlingame Fred Meyers
Amen so very true!
LOVE this. Yes. I’m happy with my right now. It’s amazing to look back over the years I have been parenting (11 now) and see how much has changed. But, at my core, I’m still he same person. Just older and a little wiser (thankfully). I would go to and have fun in the kiddie section, but I would also probably get a sitter and go back to the beer tents later. Thankfully I’m old enough now to have fun and be home in bed at a decent time so I can wake up feeling good.
Jessica recently posted..Of Reaping and Weeping
I remember last time I attended the party, it was so much fun. This is also worth mentioning, that it was where I met my love of my life Mr. hubby
Emily Woodhouse recently posted..How To Lose Weight Boxing
Awww..that is so awesome!
I’m so happy with where I am right now. Even though my bones may creak and my skin is starting to sag, I am more comfortable in my body and that makes me more comfortable in life. My girls also just make me enjoy life more. It is a whole lot of fun to hang out with them…especially at events like yours.
Btw, why is Astrid the only one without a frozen treat? Is that why one of my most favorite girlies on the planet looks sad?
Kristen recently posted..The Infamous Black Rat Snake
Um yes – I’m mean and wouldn’t buy her one of her own and made her sisters just give her bites. I hope she never reads this!
I wish I could get my hubby to go over there! He thinks St. Paul is the boonies.
mommylisa recently posted..Two Squirrels
The boonies?? Hilarious!
Yes, happy to be here. Although sometimes it’s easier than others. (Published a post sort of about this today too.)
christine recently posted..Being Here
I try so hard not to rush it — not to say, “I can’t wait until they go to school,” or “I can’t wait until they can do more for themselves.” As hectic as it can be having to cater to 3 kids 4 and under, I know I’ll miss it when they go off and do their own thing. Honestly I want to find the happy medium and stay there. The place where they still need me and are still cute, but I can spend a little time in the beer tent.
Leigh Ann recently posted..It’s gonna be a long summer
I am! I love our right now. Zoo trips and popsicles.
Though I also love our infrequent grandparent sleepovers where we escape to the beer tent. Though we generally end up giggling about our zoo trips and popsicles.
angela recently posted..Choosing Joy
My husband is trying to convince me to move to Minnesota one day…this makes me want to do it!
Nicole @MTDLBlog recently posted..My Interview with Guy Fieri {A Testament to the Power of Social Media}
Oh Minnesota is fabulous! You need to move here!
I am happy with my right now. Very, very much so. Love that pic – they look like they’re so happy!
Missy | The Literal Mom recently posted..This summer I will . . .
What a great picture of the girls! Overall, I’m happy with where I am now. Yes, there are good days and bad days but I wouldn’t trade my boys’ sweetness and squishy cheeks for the world.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Summer Memories
I’m definitely happy with my right now. Bouncy houses and petting zoos are where I love to be. That is a great picture.
Barbara recently posted..Do-over
No I’m not happy in my right now and I don’t know why. I don’t want them to grow too fast and leave home – I want them near and cute, but I can’t relax and enjoy it and I have no idea why. (Been feeling this way for a few months).
Lady Jennie recently posted..Un Bouquet de Bisous
Hugs my friend. xo I’ve been there – like about a year ago I hated my here and now. Thinking about you.
I am so happy with my Right Now.
Well, actually my RIGHTNOW right now consists of eating oatmeal and not wearing a bra. But my philosophical RIGHTNOW (having teenaged children and a strong marriage and a fulfilling although unpaid career) is awesome.
Then again, I’ve never been one of the cool people.
What was that like?
Also, it wouldn’t suck getting paid.
julie gardner recently posted..And now for something completely different…
It totally wouldn’t suck getting paid.
Also, I went bra-less today!
You’re cool to me. xo
I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else either:)
Michelle
http://normalchaosforamultitaskmom.blogspot.com/2012/06/my-little-muffin.html
We went to grand old day for the first time this year and loved it. We only went to the family area. One of these days maybe i’ll try this entertainment area you speak of
Marta recently posted..Festivals. Parades. Dinosaurs.
Oh so glad you loved it! We look forward to it every year. xo
I absolutely loved this post! I’ve been thinking a lot recently about roles being reversed and growing up. Actually, I’m writing a blog post on my own page about that and I was wondering if you would be alright if i linked to this page?
Of course! xo
I love right now being at home watching my kids learn so much everyday. I just wish I got paid for it. Also hazard pay.
What a lovely, beautiful Right Now to be in!
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