Just Another Day

Yesterday’s tooth extraction is not troubling me. I only took ibuprofen to prevent the pain last night but seem to be fine. 


My biggest question this morning was can I drink coffee. I was told nothing hot but couldn’t remember exactly the instructions on coffee.  I solved my question by making half an Espresso and adding cold milk. It was quite pleasant. I am now having a cool steamed milk at Nunu. Just didn’t want to interrupt my walking routine. 


The bench man was walking this morning. I spoke to him. Asked about his new walking ritual. He said he needed to maintain his form. I resisted telling him he was at my dream salon. Felt that might be too much. However, maybe I missed the opportunity for him to say he remembered it.


It is funny how much I stressed over this dental procedure. Put it off forever and was actually frightened the night before. Parting with my tooth was part of it. Then the expense. But vanity played a big role. I love to smile! How would this affect that for the three or four months before the implant?


I have always been obsessed with my teeth. I even used to dream I lost them all. That created a panic!


When I was in high school, my senior year, I had braces to bring my front teeth together as I had a space between them. Didn’t Chaucer say that was a sign one would travel wide? 


Well I wasn’t having it. Once I had the braces I rarely smiled until some kind male  classmates complained they missed my smile. I think that is why I have always valued my teeth and my smile.


Actually the missing tooth does not show very much and I don’t plan on reducing my smile time!


When my kids were at the French American school, a beautiful Iranian mom loaned me a book that encouraged always carrying a Mona Lisa smile to prevent wrinkles. I always do that unless I am angry of course. Does she ever get mad? All these years in the museum with crowds staring at her and taking photos. Surely it must get tiring. The price of fame!


My daughter and her family are in Antibes, France. Days of soaking up the sun, the sea, the French way. It brings back memories of her childhood when we all traveled together. Now their children are doing the same. It makes me proud.


This will be a slow day. Only thing on the agenda is donating many items—the results of cleaning closets-to people who are transitioning into some kind of housing. I wish them well.


Now I gather up my poles, clear my cup away, breathe deeply and enjoy my journey. In spite of all the turmoil I just absorbed in today’s news, this simple ritual grounds me and brings me joy.