keeping house

It was only when I got married that I lived away from my family. With our first home, I was excited to keep the house as clean as I could.  There was freedom in arranging our furniture, scheduling our own weekend activities and preparing meals.   It was like playing house, while remembering all that my mom told me about housekeeping.   With the freedom, came the burdens of keeping expenses within our means and making everyday household and meal decisions with my husband.  Good thing he was easy to please as my cooking skills were very basic and I was trying out different dishes for us.  Yes, there were burnt dishes, disaster meals, and arguments about groceries and bills.  We adjusted and moved on.  

Throughout my marriage and raising 3 children, my husband never asked me to quit my career. I was working full time, and he encouraged me to study further and pursue higher career goals.  It helped that his mother was a doctor and was also encouraged to work during her marriage.   The challenge for me, and for all working women, is to balance work, family life, and personal (alone) time.  It continues to this day. 

black birds and chickadees

peck on seeds under giant willow tree-

summer sun, red rose- 

Posted for dVerse Poets, Haibun Monday, with Bjorn Rudberg as host.   The theme is Freedom (benefits and consequences).  See you when the pub doors open at 3pm EST.  Thank you.