The Miss Elaine-ous Life

random acts of life, family and photos

For Just One Day

by

I have one eye on my little blondie doing circles in the water, his arms draped over his circular floatie.

The toddler clings to my side as we wade in the water, her baby toes digging into my skin through my suit.

I feel the sun baking my skin even after applying copious amounts of SPF 50. I breathe in the chlorine smell over and over.

I watch other mothers with their kids, adjusting colorful goggles, helping them float, slathering them with sunscreen.

I look to the right and I see her.

She walks into the water like she could easily part it with her tan, thin legs.

Her long dark hair cascades down her nearly naked back.

Her svelte abdomen shows no signs of childbirth or ever eating a cheeseburger and fries.

By today’s standards she is nearly perfect.

I am aware that my eyes are not the only ones following her.

I curse at her under my breath, all the while wishing I could be her, even if only for just one day.

I wonder what it’s like to be her size and never EVER have to worry about what people think of my figure, my thighs, my tummy rolls.

She sinks into the water slowly and I’m brought out of my trance as my little guy calls for me.

“Mommy! Watch me twirl!”

“Yes baby, I see you!”

She disappears under the water as I wade toward the “lazy river” with my babies.

I try to put her out of my mind as I feel my own, strong body in the water, reassuring myself that I AM confident in my own skin.

I’m guessing she has her own insecurities that I know nothing about. Although I’m not sure how that is even possible.

I know I will never look like her since I never have in my life. But that doesn’t mean I still don’t wish I did. Even if only for just one day.

We’d like you to write about what your character wants most.

Do you know what you want most? Does your character? Write a piece of 600 words or less…

Comments

  2. Oh my friend, I get this. I really, really get this.

    Also? You nailed the details. they’re perfect- precise, poignant, just the right amount.

    Much love to you beautiful woman! XO

  3. i understand. and i love your honesty. thank you for writing and expressing it not only for yourself but for your readers, like me. *HUG*

  5. Such an honest post Elaine, so well written, I felt like I was there and felt that tug of envy right along with you.

  7. Very well written! And yes, I think we can all relate to that. But you know, that same perfect bodied woman may be looking at you with your three beautiful children and adoring, wonderful husband and wish she had what you have. 🙂 Still, those thighs do sound great. 😉

    Kat@Seeking Sanity

  8. So many women can relate to this. Wonderfully written — I could see her clearly and found myself cursing her in my own head! What I really liked was how I felt that although you envied her looks, you didn’t necessarily envy her life.

  9. I think everyone can relate to this. Maybe if someone wrote her side it would be about how all the women at the pool have towheaded little girls hanging on their hips and toddlers calling out to watch their tricks while she is all alone and longing for the one thing she can’t have.

  10. Definitely something we all relate to! One of my most beautiful friends is just as insecure as me. I always think about that. We ALL have our issues.

  11. I think every woman has felt this way in one way or another. But I love how you reassured yourself that you are ok, and referenced your strength. Now If I could just be like you in that way of thinking! =)

  12. Oh yeah, I get it too. But even worse, the ones with kids who look like that! 🙂
    But it the image I saw of the baby clinging to your side, toes digging in. I wouldn’t trade that for what she looks like in a million years!

  14. So poignant, so full of longing. We know HOW we should feel, and yet, we sometimes betray ourselves.

    Just lovely.