Notes to start a writer's week

1. No one will die because you started installing a flagstone patio and, five weeks later, there is still a hole in the yard. Nor will anyone kill themselves by tripping over said hole, the roll of partially-unrolled landscape fabric, the unsettled flagstone, or the bags of gravel, even though some of them have been opened. You parked the kids' wagon above the hole as a safety measure.


2. No, the PTA will not fine you for filling the kids' wagon with turf or leaving it parked over a hole for five weeks.


3. The weeds promise to return next year for you to continue your annual war.


4. The squirrels, birds, and raccoons really appreciate that you left the apples on the apple tree in your front yard.


5. The kids loved watching the raccoon family eating said apples. Just think: if you'd picked the apples, cut out all the bad spots, and made applesauce, those raccoons would have taken their business elsewhere.


6. Yes, your husband thinks it's endearing that your pillow talk contains words like "character arc" and "plot twists".


7. It is not immoral to hire a house cleaner.


8. Neither is it immoral to go three weeks without doing laundry. That's what Target's underwear section is for. As for the kids--they'd rather you spent your time on important activities such as game-playing, cuddling, and dancing on the sofas.


9. Your dogs still love you, even though they are voting for you to take more creativity walks. With them.


10. And finally: Your family is happier when you're happier. (Translation: write, baby, write!)