28 July 2007

noticing, again

red dahlias (with bug)

We planted these red dahlias a few days before the wedding, and they were some of the planted pots lining the aisle we made for our wedding.

I love going out in the afternoon to see how they are doing. And this day, I spotted the little bug enjoying them too.

This has been a time of big events. We have been running. Sure, I have felt the wind move through my hair as I run, and I love the feeling of my muscles working. But still, everything has moved at such a pace.

Write a book in four months! Change the restaurant to gluten-free! Give interviews to the press! Learn how to market a book! Move to a new house! Get married!

I would not change a thing. Most people aren't given this much joy in one year. Every single movement has been enormous joy. (Okay, maybe not packing up the kitchen.) But there has just been too much movement for one year.

I want to slow down. I want to learn how to feel my breath again, instead of the wind in my hair.

This will be my place for noticing. For life beyond food and love and public moments. Yes, you who are reading, you might have come here from that other site. You can comment, if you wish. This isn't my private diary.

But I need a place to write, the little moments, the bug in the dahlias in the backyard moments. And not feel like it has to be any good.

Here it is.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

There is a story in one of Robert Fulghum's books that tells of an explorer who wanted to trek deep into uncharted territory. He hired several local tribesmen to lead him and help him on his journey. Each day he pushed forward, travelling as far and as fast as possible each day. One morning, his guides refused to budge. They sat, ignoring the increasingly desperate pleas of the explorer to make the most of the daylight. One of the translaters for the tribesmen stood up. He spoke softly and told the explorer that they had simply been moving too quickly for their spirits to keep up. They intended to sit there until their souls had the chance to catch up.

I've always carried that story with me. The first time I read it I remember thinking it was a lesson I had learned long, long ago that my heart had always known, but that my head had forgotten.

I hope you and The Chef are able to take the time to let your spirits catch up. Take care of yourself, and of each other. My best to you both.

Kelly said...

The small, quiet, bug in the flower moments, are just as important as the big moments. And just because they are small doesn't mean they have any less joy.

I hope you enjoy noticing the small moments again.

Carrie said...

These small captured moments of joy are my favorites. I love moments when I just stop and notice the sunset like I did tonight on the way home. The beauty... the peace... the joy in knowing that one beautiful sunset was meant to happen. And it's beauty was purposeful. I'm glad you have this little space to share these sweet and kind moments in life Shauna!

Anonymous said...

mystries of life open up... in a moment..only if u can hold that moment within...
wonderful moments of life Shauna...can spend blissful time ruminating on them...