I am sitting on the grassy slope, keeping an eye on the kids and our bikes. Chas is lying on his back, arms wide, laughing at the twilight and the moon. Ford is networking with another stranger. They’re wild and free. I’m in a funk, but Damon encouraged this bike ride. And here we are, downtown, waiting for the bats. Emotional management.
A colossal thunderhead looms over downtown, rolling south. It’s insides churn with lightening. We pack up the kids and head back, weaving through pedestrians on the bridge. Half of them are holding camerafones to the sky. Passing them, we feel a headwind as the storm sucks up our warm air, wafting guano up from beneath the bridge: intense and murky, like cultured warm beef agarose.
Faster we pedal back, past the biggest pillowfight I’ve ever seen, diffusing with hoopla under police megafone. I want to be in it, to detox. I can’t clip through the shadows fast enough for all the angst. Instead, I whiz through the trees wondering whether my kids will grow up as moody as me. While some parents hope their children become pro basketball players, I hope my children become rational problem-solvers. Fortunately, I am married to one. The odds are even, I guess.
Amy | 07-Apr-06 at 1:02 pm | Permalink
We need to take Bea to see the bats too. She’s been “hanging” upside down all week and velcro-ing her wings shut like her little toy.
Yes, I think Bea has inherited David’s even-tempered ways and I am quite thankful. Course, puberty is still to come.
Charmaine | 07-Apr-06 at 3:00 pm | Permalink
Wow. That is an amazing shot of the thunderhead and lightening. I love big storms like that.
At least you recognize and acknowledge when you’re in a “funk” or being moody. That’s really important. I find solace in the fact that if my boyfriend and I (he’s the rational problem solver) ever have children, the might have the slightest chance of being much more calm and centered than I am or ever was.
How many bats are there on a given night?
steph | 07-Apr-06 at 3:10 pm | Permalink
Like the mockingbirds, the bats deserve their own post! We have the largest bat colony in America, I believe. Thousands of Mexican Free Tailed Bats come here every year while it’s warm.
Charmaine | 07-Apr-06 at 6:38 pm | Permalink
Cool. I love watching bats, outside, at night. I have had a few experiences with bats INSIDE that were not quite as pleasant!
Amy | 08-Apr-06 at 2:20 am | Permalink
It is the largest urban bat colony. It is a nursery colony – mamas come back in the spring and each have 1 baby. Last I heard, after the babies are born they estimate 1.5 million bats on average.
I’m pretty batty — bat exhibit stuff at the Children’s Museum. Definitely needs their own post. 🙂
steph | 08-Apr-06 at 4:48 am | Permalink
Nursery colony! How cute is that?!
I wonder how long it takes each mama to find her baby under that bridge, when she comes back with a big fat juicy June bug. With so many babies hanging there, it has to be difficult!
molly | 09-Apr-06 at 9:16 pm | Permalink
gosh, steph. I’m just catching up on your blog…and i’m soaking up all of your words and stories and pictures. You are such a beautiful writer and mother and artist. I love the thoughts and moments you capture and share with us.
Elizabeth | 10-Apr-06 at 3:03 am | Permalink
I didn’t know what you meant by “pillowfight” so I clicked on the link and it WAS a huge pillowfight– HA. Too awesome.
And wow– do I hear you on the wish for your kids– but then, your moods figure into your art–