a. e. smith’s official website

And apparently I am too. Yesterday I had someone tell me, “You look like you could have started the Sound of Music!” Thinking that he meant I was somehow rebellious but hopeful, or maybe confusing me with a convent dropout, I asked what he meant. “Well, you’re very pretty and you just look very wholesome.”

This could explain why I never got in trouble in school even when I should have. It could also explain why I’ve always wanted to turn old drapes into play clothes.

Needless to say, I’m adding it to my list of funny compliments I’ve received. And yes, the list is getting very long.

In honor of my new niece and nephew making their debuts this week, I thought I’d watch a documentary called “The Business of Being Born.” It’s about birthing methods in the United States — typical hospital vs. midwife and home deliveries. Pretty compelling stuff, though I doubt it would make a good date movie (particularly a first date movie…unless you’re hoping to scare off your date). The film asserts that the needs of the mother and child have been overlooked in America, often because it’s financially better for hospitals and insurance companies, or it’s simply more convenient.

One of my friends tried having an at home delivery but had to go to the hospital for a c-section anyhow. I had a friend in college who went on to midwifery school following graduation. And this is a midwife I met while in Ghana last summer:

I’ve never been pregnant, and have no plans to do so in the near future, but the film certainly got me thinking.

That’s right: I’m getting married. I’m pretty sure I just saw a flying pig outside my window, but sure enough, I’ll be tying the knot some time this fall. You can find all you ever wanted to know about our nuptials at http://www.darrellandaudrey.com/.