There is no Perfect Here {Bigger Picture Moments}

Welcome toBigger Picture Moments, a weekly writing meme where we breathe in the moments that paint a picture of the grander scheme. All moments are welcome in this space — small or large, as community is just as important as the grander awareness brought on by searching for a bigger picture every week.

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I am flawed.

What do you see in this picture?

I see…

A very dirty mirror

Tired eyes

Botched haircut

Stained (barely still fits) tee shirt

Frizzy Hair

Missing earrings

Imperfect skin

Dirty clothes on the floor

If I pretend it’s not me in t the picture. That this is a photo on someone else’s blog, of someone else’s life. I see a pretty cute pregnant women whose style I want to copy (where is that cure sweater from?). I don’t notice the clothes on the floor. I see someone who I assume has it together because she is not wearing yoga pants and a pony tail.

Yesterday I read this dad’s thoughts on the disease called perfection*. I nodded my head and I cried through it because I know it so well. I have it, pretty bad.

I am quick to give to other a chance (see example above). Myself though? Never. I go to bed with thoughts so similar to Stephanie’s. I wonder how Mrs. Jones** does so much and has a clean house. How all the moms at preschool drop off can be so put together, made up and stylish so early int eh morning. How friends can seem so infinitely calm and peaceful.

I never stop and think that they feel that way about me. I never remind myself I am seeing a small glimpse of their life. I am being consumed by perfect.

I want to squash perfect.

I want to accept me for all I am.

I am not perfect. I am me. I am good enough and that is great. My kids are happy and healthy. I am sure they don’t think for a minute about how messy my house is. They are kids, they are my nature self absorbed. All they worry about is who got more dessert and who will pick tonight bible story. They don’t see a tired mom, they see their mom. The mom that makes them meals, drives them everywhere that picks them up and hugs and kisses them. Yes they see a mom that is sometimes to short and sometimes to loud. I truly think they get that, sometimes they are too loud, sometimes they can’t control their feelings.

I may feel unattractive and unput together, but my husband will tell me over and over again how beautiful I am. I am loved and cared for whether I feel I deserve it or not.

This is me.

I don’t know what I’m doing.

I don’t do everything well, perfect.

I have not showered today.

I am currently hiding from my children because I cannot answer one more question.

I am avoiding my husband because I have no desire to help or contribute to one more meal for anyone, including myself.

I am tired.

I am overwhelmed.

I am imperfect.

*I don’t link to this for me, it’s for you. If you haven’t read this, go, now. If you only have 5minutes to read one thing today, read this. Seriously, don’t even bother finishing my thoughts, go read his, now, I’ll still be here when your done.


**To the Mrs. Jones I know IRL, this is not you, although I feel you are totally more put together than me, this is the metaphorical “Jones'” that we all need to keep up with.



Please link up your own Bigger Picture Moment  at Peanut Butter in My Hair.


Don’t forget, Write Pink! Starts tomorrow, I hope you’ll join us!

You are Cordially Invited…

Who: You and all of your friends!


What: The Write Pink! Breast Cancer Awareness Carnival Hosted by Bigger Picture Blogs

When: October 1st – 29th

Where: Undercover Mother, Peanut Butter In My Hair, This Heavenly Life, and Bigger Picture Blogs

Why: To tell our stories for Breast Cancer awareness!  We’ll be hosting giveaways and guest writers and opportunities for YOU to tell your story during the month.  We’ll be joining with Army of Women to provide research which will one day lead to discovering a cure.

How: Want to get involved? There will be five link ups through out the month where you are invited to share your thoughts, stories and experiences on Breast Cancer Education, Prevention, Support, and Survival.

Want to be the first in line? Go to Army of Women and take the pledge with us. Dedicate your blog post on October 1 to Army of Women and their march to 1 million. Our voices are more powerful when they band together
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Need more incentive?

Everyone who takes the pledge with us, and links her post will be entered for a chance to win that beauty from the oh-so-generous Ellie.

{Not a blogger? No worries! This part’s for you.}
Just for signing up with Army of Women {and sending your registration email to pbinmyhair@gmail.com you’ll be entered to win a fabulous Lil Blue Boo women’s special edition dragon viscose tee shirt in hot pink and black.

So grab our beautiful button (right over there, in the side bar), tweet it out (#WritePink!), and spread the word.

We’ll be Writing Pink — From the Head, Heart, and Feet.

Please say you’ll join us!

A very special thank you to these sponsors who will be providing support and incentives (you know, giveaways!) to our Write Pink! Event:
Army of Women
Shinning Stones
Lil Blue Boo
Bamboo Luxury
Strawesome
It’s All in the Bag
{So} Sartina

Brooke Martin Photography
Curves

The Never-Ending Day

{ photo credit jay d via flickr creative commons }

This is the day that never ends. It just goes on and on my friends. Some husbands have to travel more I know this is the case, but sometimes when my hubs is gone I just can’t keep the pace.

Because the day just never ends, it just goes on, and on, my friends.

It started with a cry and I went to respond, before I knew what was happening the had just begun. Oh, This is the day that never ends. It just goes on and on my friends. Some husbands have to travel more I know this is the case, but sometimes when my hubs is gone I just can’t keep the pace.

Because the day just never ends, it just goes on, and on, my friends.

We stumble down the stairs, I need some coffee and no one cares! They want waffles, no cereal, no waffles, maybe toast. Wait! What’s that? No coffee?This is the day that never ends. It just goes on and on my friends. Some husbands have to travel more I know this is the case, but sometimes when my hubs is gone I just can’t keep the pace.

Because the day just never ends, it just goes on, and on, my friends.

Hurry, hurry back up those stairs! Mommy needs coffee and I don’t care. Donuts for breakfast it shall be just stop staring at the celling and whining at me! It’s time for school get dressed were late! Sigh, This is the day that never ends. It just goes on and on my friends. Some husbands have to travel more I know this is the case, but sometimes when my hubs is gone I just can’t keep the pace.

Because the day just never ends, it just goes on, and on, my friends.

In the car buckle please, please buckle, PUT YOUR SEAT BELT ON ALREADY! Oh Barista please go quick mommy needs a caffeine fix. Fill them with sugar and get them to school mommy’s got loads of laundry to do! This is the day that never ends. It just goes on and on my friends. Some husbands have to travel more I know this is the case, but sometimes when my hubs is gone I just can’t keep the pace.

Because the day just never ends, it just goes on, and on, my friends.

Pick time already? How can that be? In and out once more, lunch is asked for before we gt in the door. Food on the plate when the telephone rings. What’s that? #1 is singing to the porcelain queen? This is the day that never ends. It just goes on and on my friends. Some husbands have to travel more I know this is the case, but sometimes when my hubs is gone I just can’t keep the pace.

Because the day just never ends, it just goes on, and on, my friends.

Stock up on crackers and Lysol, send the kid up to his bed. Dinner? I have to feed you again? PB&J sounds good to me. Baths? No way I can’t do this on my own. Then I hear number one again at the throne. Sigh, can I fill a tub with Purell? This is the day that never ends. It just goes on and on my friends. Some husbands have to travel more I know this is the case, but sometimes when my hubs is gone I just can’t keep the pace.

Because the day just never ends, it just goes on, and on, my friends.

Bed, PJ’s, stories, songs and more there in bed and I head for the door. Oh wait, there is no escape, I’m the only one here oh goodness sake! The kitchen is trashed, I’m not sure I feed the cat…lights off so I can’t see the mess. Oh what did I step in? This is the day that never ends. It just goes on and on my friends. Some husbands have to travel more I know this is the case, but sometimes when my hubs is gone I just can’t keep the pace.

Because the day just never ends, it just goes on, and on, my friends.

Head hits the pillow, so heavy, so tired, who cares if the sun hasn’t even retired. Shut my eyes about to rest when the phone rings. “HI!” Apparently in California the day is just getting underway and all I want to do is cry. We talk, we laugh, he goes on and on of course because This is the day that never ends. It just goes on and on my friends. Some husbands have to travel more I know this is the case, but sometimes when my hubs is gone I just can’t keep the pace.

Because the day just never ends, it just goes on, and on, my friends.

Finally off the phone, decided to check Twitter. Get caught up in some twitter party, start reading some posts, get an idea and start to write. Next thing I know it’s getting light. Oh no, how can this be is that a child I hear coming towards me? This is the day that never ends. It just goes on and on my friends. Some husbands have to travel more I know this is the case, but sometimes when my hubs is gone I just can’t keep the pace.

Because the day just never ends, it just goes on, and on, my friends. It started when I wasn’t looking and it never seems to end because it’s the day that never ends. It just goes on and on my friends. Some husbands have to travel more I know this is the case, but sometimes when my hubs is gone I just can’t keep the pace.

Because the day just never ends, it just goes on, and on, my friends.

This post was inspired and linked up with MamaKat’s Writer’s workshop, prompt #2 Tell us about a day you were sure you wouldn’t get through. Not the toughest day of my life, but single mamas you deserve an award!

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Written by Melissa, Originally published 22 September 2010.  Melissa is a mom of 2 kids and one angel and is expecting another bundle of joy and messes. She writes about Love, Life, Loss and everything else that gets stuck in her hair at Peanut Butter in my Hair.