good thing there weren’t any jello shots
This morning, we went to a “fair” that was advertised in the local paper. Actually, it turned out to be a gas station whose proprietor had hired a pony and a band. Not kidding. As we approached, Nat said very quietly, almost under her breath, “I’m gonna ride a pony.” Now, Daddy and I have offered pony rides on multiple occasions, and each time the girls have professed fear. The pony in question (“Mugsy”) this time was adorable, russet brown, and very tame. Two big girls (of around 10) were in charge of leading the pony behind the gas station in a tiny loop. We waited in line. Soon it was Nat’s turn. She got on with no hesitation whatsoever. On her face was the same expression as she wore at Funland, intensity and self-control so powerful that her face was almost blank. Both of the big girls admired Nat’s beauty. Nat ignored them.
Afterwards, Nat kept on muttering to herself that she had ridden the pony. We saw that there was face painting. Face painting is exactly like pony rides-we have offered it on many occasions and been declined. This time, Nat plunked herself down in a seat and said quietly, “I want something purple.” The girl doing the painting drew a purple tulip on her cheek. Natalie was immensely pleased.
In other words, Nat was in an extremely intrepid mood. Obviously, she was prepared to give whatever was offered a whirl.
Then we all got a small, free sprite. We shared it among the four of us.
During all of this Toe was uncharacteristically subdued. We offered her the pony. No. We offered her face painting. No. As we walked back to the car, Toe commented on what had been her favorite part of the outing, the soda. Once we got back into the car, Toe began to regret her decisions. She said she wanted her face painted. We told her that the next time we went to a fair, she’d get her face painted but that this time she’d missed her chance. She wept, angry at us, but mostly at herself.
At the same time, Nat wanted to admire her tulip in the mirror. Once we got home (after a quick stop for tamales), she asked several times to see her tulip in various mirrors at home.
All day this was the pattern. When Toe was in a bad place, Nat was in a good one, and vice versa.
Afterwards, Nat kept on muttering to herself that she had ridden the pony. We saw that there was face painting. Face painting is exactly like pony rides-we have offered it on many occasions and been declined. This time, Nat plunked herself down in a seat and said quietly, “I want something purple.” The girl doing the painting drew a purple tulip on her cheek. Natalie was immensely pleased.
In other words, Nat was in an extremely intrepid mood. Obviously, she was prepared to give whatever was offered a whirl.
Then we all got a small, free sprite. We shared it among the four of us.
During all of this Toe was uncharacteristically subdued. We offered her the pony. No. We offered her face painting. No. As we walked back to the car, Toe commented on what had been her favorite part of the outing, the soda. Once we got back into the car, Toe began to regret her decisions. She said she wanted her face painted. We told her that the next time we went to a fair, she’d get her face painted but that this time she’d missed her chance. She wept, angry at us, but mostly at herself.
At the same time, Nat wanted to admire her tulip in the mirror. Once we got home (after a quick stop for tamales), she asked several times to see her tulip in various mirrors at home.
All day this was the pattern. When Toe was in a bad place, Nat was in a good one, and vice versa.