Playing with Fire

Having a preschooler with you 24/7 is a lot like watching a campfire on the same schedule. You never dare go far from the campfire, for fear it will flare up and engulf a forest, equally, you have to watch over it and care for it, so it doesn't go out entirely. You have to keep unwary visitors from stepping into the red hot coals, or waving loose strings or garments too close to the flames.

Luckily, there are those of us who don't mind playing with fire, but there are moments I wish the fire could watch itself, be left to its own devices for five minutes or cook itself some chicken strips. It is a good thing campfires are warm, crackling and attractive, or we'd never have them.

On the easel: Blue
On the laptop: Column on Mark Foley page scandal
On tape: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
On the art table: Daniel Smith art supply catalogue
On the nightstand: What Mrs. Mcgillicudy Saw by Agatha Christie
On my mind: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry display of Star Wars costumes and props, appropriate discipline for the spirited three year old, Sexy Mother--my mystery in the incubation stage
o