Early on in my career as a mother, I was certain that I had my family future figured out. Everyone would talk things out. My dear sweet angels would love each other and compliant to my every whim. Chilldren would be like clay, ready to be molded into perfect human beings. With no whining, no arguing, and an eternal smile on each beloved face.
Nobody likes a butt. In our family, If you have a pine cone, it means grumpy, mad, or simply being a hind-ender and affecting the stratosphere. A perfect time to illustrate this metaphor would have been in the movie, “The Sound of Music”. When Fraulein Maria sat on that pine cone? Rheumatism my eye! If she sat on it hard, she wouldn’t be smiling or dismissing it. Additionally, if it were to actually disappear when she sat on it . . . Woah! Fraulein! No pine cones, please!
The three pack, T, B, and G have been raised on this concept. Last year, found a Christmas ornament in the shape of a huge golden pine cone. We established a game behind the scenes we like to call, “Pass The Pine Cone”. Whichever girl has it, she hides the pine cone for someone else to find. When it is found unexpectedly it is a cause for a smile. Other times it is a blatant reminder that it is time that person removed theirs. Somtimes you can get real ticked because the truth hurts. Especially if the cone you are experiencing hat day is a “Sequoya”.
I found the pine cone recently in my underwear drawer. It has been seen in light fixtures or under pillows. I have located it in my car and in my freezer. We seldom speak of it. This invisable bond of the pinecone.
I can’t wait for December. December is National No Pine Cone month! Peace on earth.
