Dear Reese,
You take a surprise 2-hour and 15-minute nap on me this morning. Surprise because it was an hour and a half earlier than I planned. But you were so upset, and nothing seemed to make it better until I rocked you against me on the living room couch and you closed your eyes.
This is called being ‘napped trapped’. It’s a gift, though. I know these days are numbered.
But if you ever wonder what I did while you napped on me, today I build a fantasy map for a D&D game. Luckily, I have my computer in front of me when you fall asleep and am able to use both hands despite your head on my arm limiting my movement.
I use an online tool and make a draft of the new world for our upcoming campaign, Eldruna (below). Not pictured: The Great Archipelago and anything above “The Final Wave” that has acted as a magical and physical barrier to the land that once belonged to the dragons.
I’m a poor artist at the best of times, but the tool was fun to play with and it was a nice way to pass the morning. And you were much happier after that long rest.
This afternoon we welcome your Aunt Jenn to Door County! And you get to meet her partner, Taj, for the first time. You love them both, of course. We get Mexican food from Mauricio’s pop-up, and I feed you guacamole on their living room floor. Your Aunt Jenn has the foresight to put down a washable blanket so we don’t stain their nice rug green.
For the first time in a while, the sun is out and it’s practically warm as we walk down to Sunset Park (you nap again in the stroller). Later, Aunt Jenn breaks out the bubbles. You’re skeptical, but then you get really into it.
We’ll see them again soon, I’m sure. I am so grateful to now have friends only 20 minutes away.
Love,
Mama
The Castle in the Pond, Part 24
This time, the Great Bullfrog comes to you as the sun sets. She’s flanked by the glow of her firefly guards.
“Croak. I’ve come to thank you, little one,” she says. “We didn’t know we would need a knight, but a knight showed up anyway. You will always be at home here.”
“But it is not my home,” you answer. “My family needs me. I came here for them.”
”And you passed my trials, yet now I have no power to offer,” she says sadly. “But I think you already know that you have all the power you need.”
You nod. Hopefully, this burgeoning power within you will be enough to face the curse back home.
You say your goodbyes. The Great Bullfrog. The ancient turtle. The Fierce Croc snaps his jaws playfully. You really are sorry about his tail.
Then, finally, the friendly duck. But he pipes up, “I’m going with you! If you’re a knight, you’ll need a squire!”
You break out in a big smile. And just like you first came to this kingdom, you and the duck swim together across the pond.
The End.