One day during my last ( and last ever ) mat leave, my dad called me at home to see how my day was going.
I told him that the baby had been napping all morning.
So what are you doing with yourself then, daughter?
Oh, I washed the sheets, folded towels, wandered around the garden doing some disorganised and capricious weeding and looking for caterpillars and throwing them into the chicken coop -- they won't eat them though, but I keep trying -- took some pictures of my daylilies -- they really do only last a day you know -- and planted some more mache. Not much, really. I don't want to be focussed though, while he's napping. That would ruin it.
Ah, so you were just farting around then?
Yeah I guess so. I'm farting around today. But soon Rara will be home from school and then I won't be farting around anymore.
Did you watch that Vonnegut video I sent you?
No Dad, I haven't watched it. The VCR is in storage. We only have the DVD player set up. I'll get it out one day soon and watch the tape.
Well, you should watch it. You'd like it. He talks about farting around. He says it is the only thing worth doing. I'm so glad you have this time, you know. Time for farting around. It's precious.
Yes it is.
Well I won't keep you. Get back to your nothing.
Okay, Dad. Will do. Go do nothing yourself for a bit.
I just might. Love you.
Love you.
