Topic: Building a New Dream

Miranda Branson

Date: 2014-01-16 00:00 EST
It is in the pain of waiting that we find a new purpose, a new drive. A brave smile or a helping hand still won't make the hazy hours between sunrise and twilight any easier to contend with. The tears still fall, the ache at the very core of your chest still pulls tight with every breath and it is in these moments that we burn. Delusions of what could have been, what should have been, lazily drift to the floor in a complete disarray of dust particles.

Sure we keep ourselves busy. Take a new job, hobby and take the time to make new friends, but that doesn't change the pain. It waits with a pleasant smile, arms spread open to hold us tight and we run. We forget that in order to know the pure pleasure of joy, we must understand pain.

Angel had been asleep for hours, peacefully snuggled against her mother. Deep steady breaths and Miranda still found herself surprised that the cherry bubble bath was lingering so prominently. Things had been taken in stride and the two of them carried on in the safety of Mage house as a temporary home. Miranda had made sure that Angel's needs were met, giving a sense of structure and it was in these hours, wrapped in darkness that Miranda became stronger.

Slipping gracefully from the sheets, her feet moved along the carpeted floor towards the living room. The cold of night had always held a bittersweet comfort since childhood. Kneeling on the stone of the fire place she slowly stacked the kindling, small pieces of wood to large. The manual act pulled her deep within herself.

"You do realize you can't keep doing this?"

A wisp of a smile graced her features as the first hints of the fire to come snapped to life. Warmth started to drift over her hands, but she remained cold.

"I can't keep doing what? The coven is safe and a growing family. Angel and I are safe.."

"You can't keep hiding."

Tears started to form on the edges of Miranda's lashes causing them to stick together. This conversation with herself was always what hurt the most. Each rib pulling tighter in her chest as she stifled a sob.

"You fought against an organization without batting an eye at what it could cost you. Held on to hope even if it was damning. Why are you hiding now?"

"I don't know."

"You do."

Rocking forward on her knees, one arm cradled her chest with her hand pressed firmly against her mouth. Miranda's cries were reduced to whimpers. Tears rolling between her fingers and bringing the taste of salt to her lips. The cold sunk deeper into her body.

"It was just me then. I was young and I didn't matter."

"You did matter. You were the last of the Branson line. A symbol of the old ways and that would have died with you."

"Then I don't know."

"Oh, but you do."

The cold consumed her like a second skin. A physical sign of the torrent of pain raking through her soul. Head bowed to the stone of the hearth, Miranda's tears dripped into a pool. It felt as if an old friend were gently pulling her body upright.

"What was this, Miranda?"

Mint green eyes met their younger match, whether this was a hallucination or dream, Miranda welcomed it.

"The coven, our dream."

"Who's dream?"

She found herself choking on his name. If she said it, would her heart leap out of her mouth. Would it shatter on the floor in front of her bringing this all to an end"

"Morgan and mine's."

"And what?s happened?"

"He's dead?"

"Then why are you hiding in a dream that's at an end" You are not at an end."

Miranda's face glistened with her spent tears in the firelight. The answer was as damning as the pain, but her own words spilled out into the empty room. Back braced against the polished stone, warmth started to return to her numb limbs.

"You have to wake up and build a new dream."

"I have to wake up and build a new dream."

Miranda Branson

Date: 2014-01-21 23:19 EST
The very long to do list had reached at least a good stopping point for the day. With Angel at school, Miranda wandered the grounds checking on projects and members if only to simple say hello. Wrapped up in her jacket the cool wind was more of a comfort. The tip of her nose turning a pale shade of pink and her cheeks slowly growing to match.

Rolling around like a marble between wooden pegs, Miranda kept asking herself questions. Each one crafted to lead to another so that no stone was unturned. Her choices did more than effect herself and it would be horrible of her to think otherwise. Angel was on the top of her list, the coven...

"What do I want' What is my new dream?"

A good game of chase was always fun, but chasing a dream...you were likely to forget the world and find yourself toddering on the edge of disaster all to soon. Then again, in the fall you have no where to go, but up and what a thrilling ride to the bottom it could be. "I should move out of Mage house and find a place to raise Angel, but not off the grounds."

Close to the houses would be best, but there was such a thing as being to wrapped up in work. There was also that old saying about being in the middle of it all. A leather glove brushed wind swept hair out of her face. Miranda was forgetting the world around her bit by bit.

"Then again I have always enjoyed living near a body of wa....ack!"

Nearly toppling off to one side, Miranda found her backside landing soundly on solid ground. Righting herself, mint green eyes finally drank in what was around her. One of her booted feet firmly planted in the bottom of a babbling brook winding it's way to a lake back in the woods. Little pebbles in all manner of colors lined the sandy clay banks. The grass had started to turn a pale straw, but clearly had been lush in warmer months. Tree limbs playfully dancing in the gentle breeze above her. There was more than enough room for a house and a garden. The image of a stone house playfully peeking out of the woods facing the houses not far away.

Even in the open space, Miranda felt as if her lives were colliding. The old and the new blending to make the perfect home to start anew. Kicking her feet in the pond startling what few creatures remained before winter, Miranda threw her head back in delighted laughter.

"This is one fall I shall not forget."

Angel of Death

Date: 2014-02-06 18:08 EST
Empty dinner plates cleared away, Angel was playing on the floor with bunny. Her backside up in the air wiggling as she thought long and hard about what she wanted to become. Flopping to one side, she suddenly looked like a golden version of Mallow with purple eyes. Staggering about it took several moments for her to learn the tail was for balance. With a growl, Angel raced for Bunny! She was going to get! Tackle him dead center!

"I'm going to ahhhhhh wooden floor!"

All four paws scrambling, kitten Angel slid right into her precious stuffed rabbit, peeking out only to have it flop over on top of her. Meowing softly, Angel was soon scooped up in the air.

"Well now. I didn't think you were a cat person."

Miranda teasing as she whisked them both away to the small couch near the fire. At some point she would have to start calling engineers and contractors to begin work on the house, but long before any of that, she needed to speak with Angel. This might be what she wanted to do, but that didn't mean it held true for her daughter.

Kitten Angel waited til they were on the couch before rolling out of her mother's arms and going back to being herself. That was to fluffy for her, she could still taste fur! Making a few faces before washing it away with some milk.

"Are we going to bake cookies tomorrow, Mommy' Or maybe a cake?"

She loved to bake on mommy's days off cause there had to be a taste tester to make sure it was good and that was her favorite part!

Miranda Branson

Date: 2014-02-06 18:10 EST
"I think we can do something a little more tricky than cookies if you want. Maybe a pumpkin cake and some boxty bread to go with dinner."

"But we don't eat boxes, mommy."

Running her hands through Angel's hair, Miranda adjusted her body so Angel could snuggle comfortably. There was no help for the chuckle and smile that followed about eating boxes.

"It is not that kind of box darling. You will see. However, I do need to talk to you about something that we will need boxes for."

Looking up at her mommy, Angel couldn't help wiggling. She had no clue what it was, but cool things came in boxes. She was pretty sure Yaz came from a box, but hadn't been able to prove it yet.

"What's that mommy?"

"I think it is about time we had a place or our own like we did before. You having your own bedroom and maybe a playroom. We would still be on the coven grounds, though. You, my little heart, still have school to get through and far to many friends for us to go anywhere far."

Twitching her nose from side to side, Angel was really thinking hard about this. Her own bedroom...but she did like sleeping with mommy. It was like have a sleep over all the time! Then again....with her own room she could have more friends at a sleep over besides mommy. A playroom' But she played everywhere so why just one room' That didn't sound like to much fun.

Angel of Death

Date: 2014-02-06 18:11 EST
"What if I don't want a play room?"

Miranda could see the smoke coming out of Angel's ears if she thought to hard about it. Tickling her side to pull her out of question upon question.

"You don't have too. A playroom is just a room where you can keep all your toys, make are and have all your friends there too. It is really nice on all those days were it is to cold or to rainy to go outside."

Thinking back on a time where Uncie Krugie wouldn't let her and the other kids at daycare go outside to play no matter how much they begged cause he said there was a storm coming. Did that mean the daycare room was a giant playroom run by Captain Krugie" AWESOME!!!!

"Yes I want a playroom and when can we live there" Are we going to paint the walls" Can I make my room pink" Or Pink with purple pokie dots"! Pokie dots, mommy!"

Allowing Angel to push her back into the couch in her tackle of excitement her laughter rang throughout the small lodgings. Arms tenderly wrapping around her daughter, Miranda was relieved to find that Angel wanted to be a part of this new dream.

"I think we can handle pokie dots. It will be a while before we can live there, because some nice people have to build it for us. Soon enough though you will be picking out the colors of your room, your own bed and flowers to plant with me in the spring."

"Yay! Mommy I can't wait! It needs to happen now! Cause I'm so happy I might essplode!?

Miranda Branson

Date: 2014-07-08 11:28 EST
Days of dreaming about this new house had turned into weeks. Several builders and contractors had submitted mock ups for Miranda's house. Angel has switched from polka dots to stripes to castle walls and back to polka dots of every color. Miranda has suspected that Angel was taking her cues from Yas' decorating, but that was something to consider later.

She had never thought building a house would take so much effort before a foundation was even laid. So many were friends of the coven or members themselves, offering help and friendly advice. Mai's offer of Art to help paint still had her chuckling. Poor Art, if Angel has her way he would end up a rainbow of colors.

Out of all the options, it made sense to build some magic wards into the house so that if need be it could grow. Not that she was planning on having any children or adopting, but in case of guests or hosting a party it would be a wise idea.

A small model sat on the side table of her desk. It reminded her of cottages that sat near the bluffs. A little weathered, odd and inviting. The back yard was certainly big enough for a garden, perhaps a pool when Angel gets a little older. The little bridge a cross the creek was a nice touch and would come in handy if they had any flooding.

There was a fireplace for the living room, her bedroom and a brick gas oven for the kitchen. It reminded her of all the bread her mother use to bake, how it filled the whole house with that starchy smell. This layout was the best, but the basement was left unfinished. Chris had suggested to turn it into an adult playroom for the main area. Bar, pool table, darts and maybe a mini living room. Miranda had never heard of such a thing, but it did sound delightful. Granted more functionally it should have a laundry room, another bathroom for quick clean up after gardening, maybe a storage area. It would be much easier than trying to get into an attic space.

Choices, choices....Staring long and hard, Miranda jumped as Angel came racing in the room.

"Mommy! Mommy! Did you make me a dollies house"!"

"It is a model of what our new home could look like. What do you think?"

Pulling Angel into her lap so she could get a closer view. The poor model was turned upside down, left, right and back again. Angel was trying her best to make a serious face like mommy and failing miserably.

"I love it! When does it get bigger so we can move in?"

"It will take a while, but soon enough. In the meantime you and I can go into the market place and try and pick out a new bed that is all yours. What do you think?"

"Now or after dinner?"

"We can go now if you like."

That was all the prompting Angel needed. Hitting the ground running, she took her mother's hand and raced for the door chanting. "I'm getting my own bed!?

Miranda Branson

Date: 2014-09-06 00:22 EST
After months of planning, shipping materials, set backs and measurement conversion, the house was up. There was still dry wall and lots of installations to go, but from the outside, standing in the snow Miranda had lost her breath. The dream was becoming real so quickly.

"What do you think Miss. Branson."

Hands clasped behind his back, the contractor waited patiently for her to process what he and his men has spend so much time on. Careful details were going into every inch of this house.

"It is more than I could have ever dreamed."

Her words muffled slightly by her gloves. She couldn't wait to bring Angel here later on the weekend. Despite the joy the task master in her mind was checking off a list.

"You have to get things out of storage and sorted. Pick out your furniture for the rooms. Let us not forget to pick out paint. You should tell Atticus."

Taking the contractor's hand and thanking him she strolled the perimeter a wash with a new debate. One not of color or trappings, but of ties. It was true they had been spending time together, getting closer, but was it time? Resting her hand on her front door, she took a deep breath. A puzzle for another time. Right now it was best to focus on her dream and if Atticus wandered into the scene then so be it.

http://www.loghomefloorplansonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/trian_rusticluxury_timberframe_cabin.jpg

*Home by Mountain Architects Inc.*

Miranda Branson

Date: 2014-11-20 23:31 EST
http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8b/61/aa/8b61aa437accfdc988021482101ec22a.jpg

The weather had started to turn from crisp Autumn to first breaths of Winter. Sitting at her desk, tugging her shawl back into place was Miranda. Angel laid on her belly humming away as she worked on her spelling. Now and again her tongue would peek out between her lips adding to those clearly deep thoughts. Perhaps later in the evening Miranda could persuade Angel to help change out their clothing from storage. Better to have the wool coats out and clean before the first snowfall.

Turning the page of the booklet, it was becoming more difficult to make up he mind as to what kitchen she wanted. Room to move about was for certain, perhaps one of those things they called and island. Miranda adored the dark wood, but to add dark color counters and paint would make the whole kitchen heavy, almost brooding. No, this should be a place of warmth and laughter. Inviting, of course, but letting the food be the star of the space.

Hitting the last page for the third time, she started at the beginning again. What had started out as a blank piece of paper was not littered with page numbers. Taking a deep breath Miranda decided to narrow it down. All of the dark wood and dark color kitchens were off the list. That had her down to 7 options. The wooden counters would require more maintenance and given her current schedule that was not going to be possible. This was a smaller home too, even though it would be enchanted to expand as needed like Mage house, she didn't want the whole house to be kitchen.

Finally down to two, it nearly had her chewing on the pen she tapped at her lips. She did enjoy the light sage color over the cream walls, but that did not win over the stainless steel appliances ruining the homey feel the green color and close quarters brought. Not to mention the tile floor would need deep cleaning ever six months at least.

Looking between the two one last time it was settled. On a fresh sheet of paper she began to write the contractor her selection and a few minor changes. From egg shell to a deeper cream for the wall color. The decorative tiles behind the stove would be changed Celtic knots depicting the world and the four elements and that would make her dream kitchen. Maybe later she would lay out the design for a unique chandelier. Slipping the paper into place with the image of her knew kitchen, Miranda closed the book for the last time.

Laying on the floor next to Angel, she tussled her daughter's hair. "How about we spell cat with a c, my darling."

Angel began to pout. "But Uncie Krugie said....!"

"I suppose Uncie Krugie and I will have a talk soon about the alphabet song and spelling."

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GL-UOBdtI34/Uof8pAhmouI/AAAAAAAAAlM/2-pJbdQS9Ic/s320/install-tile-set.jpg

*Images of the tiles and the kitchen*

Miranda Branson

Date: 2015-09-23 23:21 EST
http://st.houzz.com/simgs/49f1eea801f04f52_4-4790/traditional-living-room.jpg

There were many things she had agreed to. The fireplace reminded her so much of her childhood. Cuddled in her parents loving arms as they weaved story after story to lull her to sleep. Large window letting the afternoon sun bath the living room in warmth and of course the built in bookcases. Miranda found herself fussing over the details long into the night while Angel slept. Christine had been kind enough to locate old barrels to turn into lovely recycled hardwood floors. Working closely with the contractor, it was decided to extend the living room so that there was more room for Angel to play on cold or rainy days and plenty of room to entertain.

Jack might have been tearing her hair out after explain to Miranda several times with multiple cups of coffee how to order things on the computer. It just seemed like cheating to Miranda. The hunt and thrill of finding the perfect pieces was part of owning a home, but Jack had insisted that it should be much easier. It had taken C.A.M to break up their polite discussion about what room the skull carpet should or shouldn't go in, but after peace had returned Miranda had finally settled on over sized cognac leather chairs and sofa with patchwork pillows and a plush sage green rug.



http://www.giesendesign.com/stock/restoration-hardware-leather-chair-with-color-classic.jpg http://st.houzz.com/simgs/eda13fec0e9750c2_4-1389/decorative-pillows.jpg

(Images of living room and pillow by houzz.com. Leather chair from Restoration Hardware.)

Miranda Branson

Date: 2015-12-02 15:11 EST
http://st.houzz.com/simgs/f52191d60f3d1449_4-4962/mediterranean-bathroom.jpg (bathroom found through http://www.houzz.com/)

The copper, gold and cream had made it the clear winner. Miranda could only dream of sinking into that deep tub after a long day, filled with scented bubbles and softly flickering candles. Overall it might have been a bit too modern, but since it was to be the main bathroom it should suit any guest. Another half bath in similar tones should take care of things when a special occasion arose.

https://createandsmile.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/bathroom-old-world-charm1.jpg (Bathroom found at https://createandsmile.files.wordpress.com) http://adorable-home.com/wp-content/gallery/get-inspired-rustic-bathroom-designs-for-the-modern-home/Get-inspired-rustic-bathroom-designs-for-the-modern-home-5.jpg (Sink found at http://adorable-home.com)

Her own bathroom was proving a bit more complicated. The project manager had presented example after example of "master" bathrooms and all of them were far too much. What was the purpose in a mirror facing the tub or a fireplace" Was she to heat the water over the flames or use the light of the sun" Musing over a cup of tea, Miranda walked the construction site. The house seemed like a long awaited dream and it made her smile all the more. BANG! Startled, the earl gray tea with honey nearly greeted the river stone path. "Are you gentlemen alright?" The large hunk of tree rested on the ground between two men. It had proved more than they could handle and when the bark gave way, they were lucky to have their toes. "Yes, mam. Not to worry." Miranda walked to them drinking in the gnarled tree. "Where is the foreman?" "He should be inside double checking the pipes." With a nod of thanks, she headed for the house.

That very piece of tree would find a place in her home accenting not just her own bathroom, but the bathroom downstairs. It would be a lovely reminder of the garden right outside her doors. Some old world tiles, crafted with care and it would be a small sanctuary after a long day. Angel would be finishing her lessons soon, perhaps a trip into town as a special treat. Her darling daughter was getting a little too big for her old bed.

Miranda Branson

Date: 2015-12-02 22:52 EST
http://www.avaliving.com/photos/room/3285/15985_LG.jpg (Image found on http://www.avaliving.com) After their trip into the market, Angel's room was easily planned. She had practically danced in the store when Miranda had said yes to purchase the white bed. The mural to be painted on her wall was the contractor's idea. His son had taken several art classes and was itching to put them to use and of course bunny would have to be in the painting. The contractor had made sure that the mural contained the door connecting Angel's room to the playroom. Miranda found the first few sketches on the wall rather inspiring and decided to make a special light fixture for her daughter's room.

Miranda refused to turn her bedroom into some show piece. The walls painted a warm sage, trim and crown molding in cream dry brushed with sandalwood to look older and wood floors. There would be a fireplace near a small window seat and that was that. No walk in closet, no arched ceiling or other such craziness. For her it was all the simple things, the details that make a home and she was going to do them by hand. https://swcountry.com/sciwenchantedhr.jpg (Image found on https://swcountry.com)

It would take a month of work, but by the end Miranda stepped back and sighed happily at what would be her bed. The post warm and strong as they waited to bare the weight of a full spring canopy. Teasing leaves fighting for the soft sunlight leading to the little nest of lights that would bath her bed in what at times would feel like moonlight. Despite her brave face, Miranda at times choked down the memories of hanging in the garden, of watching Morgan die.

http://www.fireplacesareus.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/10/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/m/small_victroian_fireplace.jpg (Image found on http://www.fireplacesareus.co.uk) The fireplace would have to be made on site to achieve the look Miranda hoped for. Deep set so little fingers and toes could not be easily burned and large enough that if need be she could make offerings like her mother use to on major holiday. Using her abilities the image of her mind pulled from her fingertips and rose up the wall. Details of her childhood came to life and a bittersweet smile claimed her face. Yes, this was her home.

Miranda Branson

Date: 2015-12-11 10:06 EST
http://www.ltr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/rent-a-castle-in-ireland-dining-room.jpg (Image from http://www.ltr.co.uk )

It had been a challenge to find a dining room that was both elegant and a accommodating. Miranda knew as leader of the coven she would host formal affairs at her private residence when needed, but also wanted to keep it her home. To be perfectly honest, if she saw one more black and white example what was considered the height of a fashionable home it would find a quick death in the fireplace. Both hands closed as round a steaming up of lemon honey tea and she closed her eyes. Drifting thoughts of what was home, what had been home floated to the front of her mind. Miranda could hear Angel giggling as she made bunny walk over to the tiny tea set. Yes, this needed to be a warm and inviting place. When she opened her eyes, pen met paper and the directions sent quickly to the construction site. It would be a nice challenge to make her own silverware and a few portraits of the grounds and one of her and Angel would do the soft green walls justice.

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000a8VaAzlPU3A/s/860/688/COLCVAP-9587.jpg http://www.worthpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/plancius_128-849.jpg (Images from http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com and http://www.worthpoint.com )

There was always work to be done and it would be rather absurd for her to keep her current office at Mage house when it could be used for new members and guests. Glancing up at all the books documenting household affairs, history, folklore and current projects there was no getting around the fact that her new office must be part library. People would come to call and so a large central desk would allow them all to work comfortably. Miranda leaned back in her chair to see the cream crown molding and popcorn ceiling and chuckled. "I'm afraid you shall not be part of my new office." The textured ceiling had a way of feeling intrusive. The new office would be inspiring. She knew of an artist in the marketplace and their lovely maps would make the space feel even more expansive with large window and glass doors.

http://st.houzz.com/simgs/cf418a4501312f1e_4-9815/traditional-home-office.jpg (Image from http://st.houzz.com )

Miranda had come to the conclusion that though most of her house would be open to all at Bristle Crios she needed her own little space. If Angel could have a playroom why couldn't she. Inspired by old movies, she helped design a secret office. At the back of her closet was a secret door that lead to a spiral staircase. At the bottom of the stairs would be a small space for her to read whatever would indulge her imagination. She could have kissed the foreman for his idea of the bookcase also being a secret door allowing her to slip away into the garden or the large rec room in the basement.

Miranda Branson

Date: 2015-12-14 00:24 EST
She knew that Aja was the best, but the sketches, maps and sample potted plants took Miranda's breath away. Come spring the landscaping around the house would be fit to burst with blooms and fragrant. A small potted herb garden near the kitchen and the two of them were still debating about a victory garden down the road, but for now Aja's work had taken her breath away.

http://lunar.thegamez.net/gardenidea/home-gardens-ideas/of-rock-garden-design-for-backyard-garden-ideas-home-design-gallery-of-1024x768.jpg (Image found at http://lunar.thegamez.net)

Little stairs and pathways fliting in and out of the beds in river stone would make it easy for Miranda to take care of the garden. The most oddly shaped would become accents or part of small retaining walls so that the garden could be tiered and drain rain water easily from one bed to the next.

http://lghttp.42255.nexcesscdn.net/8016A97/magento/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/800x800/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/h/t/ht879-love_n_peace-bloom-2.jpghttp://www.flowers-magzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Tiger-Lily.jpghttp://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72HIRndVhqs/UJiYz7wTq2I/AAAAAAAADUo/RimHQiDculM/s1600/Hydrangea+flower.gif (Images found at http://lghttp.42255.nexcesscdn.net, http://www.flowers-magzine.com, and http://1.bp.blogspot.com)

Miranda gazed longingly at the images of the flowers. Some of them her absolute favorites. The crafty pirate was trying to steal away her worries and to the hell of all the seven seas if she wasn't winning. Hydrangeas in a wide range of colors, tiger lilies and of all the roses of course peace and love roses. Their petals transitioning with pink and yellow leaving the warmest and comforting smell.

http://cdn.decoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Heavy-basalt-rocks-dreamy-waterfall-and-Japanese-maple-help-shape-the-stunning-pool-retreat.jpg (Image found at http://cdn.decoist.com)

With the lake nearby and all the extra river rock there was no stopping a small pool from being put in. The lake water would be processed through a special filter making it safe to swim in and cycle back to the lake without an ill effects. The extra river stone would be used to make the pool look natural among the trees. After seeing Aja so excited to be creating this pool Miranda left it in her amazing hands and ended up with more than what she bargained for.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i6pbcKs_xD8/U6bVlC0UBVI/AAAAAAAAOS4/p2oz88WbEU4/s1600/46e1be431f27f9138d225fcab1f5a3f6.jpg (Image found at http://4.bp.blogspot.com)

The plans crossed her desk after the project was half way done. Miranda couldn't be cross with the crafty pirate. An outdoor shower was a great idea and it would come in handy with a daughter unapologetic about starting a mud fight. Plus it would match the pool.