"A Clean Desk is the sign of a Sick Mind" is a slogan I've seen more than once. Perhaps there is a corollary to do with housekeeping. I don't think I'm being naive in stating that while our house is a bit messy, my children are happy. A conversation last night:

"Mom, you remember when you told us that if we ever considered running away, we should run away to a friend's house?"

"Yes. Are you thinking about it?" (this asked of a very mature 16-year-old)

"No, but do you remember the second part of that talk, that if we had a friend that wanted to run away, that they could come here?"

Light begins to dawn.

"Do you have someone in mind? . . . "

We may have a displaced teenager here over spring break, and if she needs to move in for a while, we'll talk about it. The point is, the house may be messy, but the people are comfortable and well-adjusted and nurturing. I'm so proud of a 16-year-old who knows how to look out for her friend and can ask a parent for help.

As Martha Stewart says, even in her spic-n-span house, "This is a good thing."

SRS