27.12.05 - 3:34 p.m.

margaret atwood-ed for christmas. a mother-in-law who tries, but always almosts. my own gave me a recorder and scented pencils, a microwave, apologies, a stocking full of cat toys (a nose and lots of problems, eye color, the ability to make anything from fabric and thread). twenty five years of odd, ill-fitting presents, but i'd gladly take a plastic recorder and a mother who doesn't shush me when i "summon all the fairies of the forest." repeatedly. no more elbows, non-committal gifts that say you won't be around for long.