Burn Barrel Epiphany

Let our memories mimic the sun at high noon,
For that is when the shadows disappear.

My mind is usually plagued with my childhood stories to tell you, but for some reason I'm running low. And I think I know why. It's because what seemed like a "white trash" thing to do to other people, seemed and STILL seems perfectly normal to me.

For example, I was brainstorming in the car for new material. :) I asked Luke if he could think of any good stuff. He was hesitant, but he said something about having a "burn barrel." What? I think that's perfectly acceptable! As a matter of fact, we're building a new house and I was truly expecting to have a burn barrel in the back yard. I told him that and he laughed at me--he said it was fine for a farm, but not for suburbia. Who knew?! Then I read my sister's comments on "You MAY have been white trash if..." and SHE even mentioned a burn barrel.

So, wait a minute! Am I more white-trashy than I think I am?

I suppose it depends on who's doing the judging, because I wouldn't change a thing. In retrospect I realize that everything we did or didn't do, and everything we had or didn't have molded me into who I am. And I like me. And almost as important as liking me, I get to tell awesomely funny stories about growing up!

You didn't have to grow up in a trailer to understand what I'm saying. You just have to love yourself right now. Pay your respects to the hard times, because they made you strong, and lay them to rest. Then you celebrate and cultivate the good memories, because those are the thoughts that you want to carry you through life.

So due to my recent "burn barrel epiphany," I now get to reexamine my past and laugh at even more memories.

And I'm really looking forward to that!