The Things We Carry

On Saturday I took my daughter to her soccer game located about 4 miles from home. I dropped her off and watched her run to the field with her water bottle and mouth guard in hand; She was ready to play. I parked the car and then proceeded to throw things over my shoulder and fill my hands. I had a bag with a book to read, a notebook and pen, a snack, my camera, an extra fleece and windbreaker. I had my purse (my mother would be so proud) with wallet, cell phone, glasses, and keys. I had a camp chair and a cup of coffee. As I made my way to the field, and stuff was literally dripping off of me, I couldn't contain my laughter ~ it suddenly seemed so silly to be carrying so much stuff for an hour and a half activity ~ but, I am all about being prepared and I was prepared to watch my daughter's soccer game ~ and deal with hunger, thirst, boredom, and a change in weather, if necessary.

A few minutes into the game, my daughter yelled to me from the field, "Mumma!" She had her hand on her chest to signify to me her breathing was constricted. "Where is your inhaler?", I yelled back. "At home!" was the reply.

The irony of this situation was not lost on me...

As much as I try to prepare for mine and my family's daily activities/events/responsibilities and contingencies, by having what is needed readily available, it seems like there is always something I didn't anticipate. I wish I could say that I handle these unexpected situations gracefully, but that would be lying. With age, I think I've taken on some control freak characteristics.

On the drive back to the house, I couldn't help thinking, "Of all the things we need to carry, on our person or within ourselves, in order to be or feel 'prepared' for our life's events, it would be really good to remember to carry those things that help us to inhale deeply and breathe easier!"

Whittling

In a few days it will be 28 years since Bampi died, but he is still in my thoughts most days. There are moments when I feel his presence or the memory of his spirit so keenly ~ and then, the familiar lump, of loss and missing him, travels from the pit of my stomach to the back of my throat setting off the waterworks. I had one of those moments recently when my son, after reading The Dangerous Book For Boys, decided that it was time to make a bow and arrow.

With some initial assistance and guidance from my husband, my son and his friend set about to make bows and arrows. It ended up being an all day totally engaging activity. At last count, I believe 6 bows were made and I don't know how many arrows - seemed like lots.

Late in the afternoon, I realized my son and his friend had moved their activity to the porch. There they were ~ sitting side by side on the porch swing, two friends with sticks and little knives in hand, chatting about 'stuff' and whittling the end of their arrow sticks to a point. Looking at this sweet picture was like seeing young boys from a simpler time and simultaneously like two old men hanging out today. I felt my grandfather blow through me and I knew that he must be looking at this picture too and smiling ~ the simplicity and sweetness of the moment was a reminder that these are the points in our lives that we need to whittle down to.

Tree Dance

It is a windy day ~ blustery even! Looking at the tops of trees, they appear to dance back and forth seductively within the deep blue sky. Sunshine behind them make the tips of the leaves sparkle as they move. They bend and dip; They pause... and then move again. Leaves and branches merge into each other and into other trees. Shades of green leaves and outstretched branches shake and shimmy and as they do, they create their own dynamic music... hushing, rushing, whooshing, and whishing as conducted by the wind. The leaves, they are alive. They hold on and yet seem to move with abandon. Perhaps they know their summer dances are numbered. There are always tree dances, but today's dance is beautiful in its vitality.

Trying Something New

Trying something new is simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying and if I think too much about that first step, I will convince myself that now isn't the 'right' time. So, before I talk myself out of it...here's to throwing my naturally cautious and private nature to the wind and having faith that this is the 'right' space and time for my wanderings & wondering to be written and shared!