Artichoke.

There is something to say about the big thistle. Pulling off each leaf to only get a taste of your meal can be tiresome. It takes some work to get to the good stuff. When it looks as if you have reached your goal you have to do the final cleaning of the choke before the sweet moment comes when you get the best part. The HEART. Once you taste that, it is all worth it.

It takes some effort to get things ready for the swing shift, you know the one when just about anything can happen. If done right on Thursdays, when we don't have any obligations, it can look like this.

The girls making masterful cupcake creations out of play dough while the boy tries out some new sound effects with his lump of clay. Peace achieved as I finish up dinner and prepare for our last movie night before daddy's return tomorrow. Just like eating an artichoke and good day takes some effort and preparation. When things are falling apart it is usually due to my lack of preparation for the swing shift. Tonight was a gem of a swing shift. Now I can go enjoy a good read.