Annabelle’s Rules

She’s quiet, so I really have no idea where this came from. Well, technically, it came from the back seat of the car, as she fiddled (I thought it was fiddling) on her lap top yesterday afternoon. She’s growing up, my first born daughter — but not too fast.

On the brink of 12, she asked me to crimp her hair for her first school “social” last week, but she’ll still play with dolls for hours. Not long ago, she chose extra time on the beach over Disneyland. She really likes Abercrombie & Fitch clothes. A lot. But she doesn’t mind if they come from the thrift store. For now, anyway.

It’s a cool age. The calm before the storm? I won’t bet against it.

But if she listens to her own advice, even puberty won’t be so bad for Annabelle.

Anyone can dance
Never give up
Never doubt yourself
Always push ahead
Be yourself
Everyone is special
Love is all you need
Look at the bright side of things
Ending the bad is nothing unless you start the good