BOXING UP THE MOMENT

 

 

Sometimes I just want to pinch myself when life is so momentarily sweet.  Those times don't seem to happen that often and when they do. . . I just want to box myself up with them. . . so they'll last a little longer.

Like this morning, for instance. . . .

I had a super duper full day planned, but I wanted to spend some time taking in the gift of our amazing Missouri morning before the rain (which our lawns will more than appreciate) rolls in.

 

I positioned myself at the far end of our patio.....the part where there is no roof.....and just stared up at the blue sky. . . watching a buzzard circling south of our house. . . then hearing the drone of a small plane and eyeing the sky til it popped into view.

 

 

The noise from a nearby high way was gone, now that rush hour was over, and all I could hear was the wind picking up . . . bringing in some dark clouds and causing the plants on our patio to rustle and the big trees in the yard behind us to stir.

 

 

I wanted to use this quiet, alone time to jot down questions I have for a little "interview" I'm doing with a fellow "elder runner" and . . . 

 

 

to read a few more pages in THE HELP.  I've vowed I will not see the movie til I finish reading it.

 

Once in a while, I've been letting my kitty Twiggy out on the patio with me, too.  I can't trust her to "stick around" like I can my older (and a bit brainier boy cat, Frankie), so I put THE STONE RABBIT in charge of watching her while I wrote my questions and read in my book.

 

 

It was such a rare and peaceful moment we were having and I have to say, I was totally absorbed in my writing and reading. . .when  I was jolted back into reality by the sound of loud squawking Canada Geese. 

 

I heard the sounds, then saw five air born, and ENORMOUS, geese bodies barely clearing the roof of the house across the street, then zooming between our house and that of our neighbor's . . .at a very, very low level.  

Now, we have lots of geese sightings (and ducks) around here because of the pond on a nearby golf course, however, I've NEVER seen them flying over so close to the ground. . . and my head!!!

I wish I had been quicker thinking to grab my camera and snap a photo of them, but I was literally shocked at how fast they came out of no where. . . .  so loudly and low flying, to their next stop.  

This was little Twiggy's first experience with a goose....let a lone five of them.  Once I saw that they were so close, I quickly looked for her, wondering if she was gonna head for the door or make a dash for it off the patio,  but she didn't do either.  Instead, she took the "how small can I make myself look approach" and flattened out on the patio floor. . .doing everything except putting her little paws over her eyes.

 

When the noise stopped, she rose up and hesitantly looked around. . .trying to determine the current safety level.  :)

 

So, while my "quiet time" had been quickly turned upside down, I had to appreciate the moment. . . even when nearly dive-bombed by some noisy, low-flying geese. . . it was a pretty spectacular moment getting to see them up close as they made their way to the pond.

Another thing I appreciated this morning is how most of my plants have survived this crazy hotter than usual summer we've had.  I've had to have most of the pots pulled under the roofed part of the patio or they would have fried for sure.  This weekend, I was able to place them back in the spots they belong.

While I tend to be  a "glass half empty" gal who does strive  to be a "glass half full" person. . . I'm always better off when I sip my morning coffee from my beloved Mary Engelbreit Santa cup.  I find that if I can keep focused on "BELIEVE"  that my mind is in a happier, brighter place. . . at least until the geese take me by surprise again!  

 DANA 

Comments

[Nancy]

OH lucky you - sitting outside surrounded by green grass with rain on the way writing running questions! I wish I could have at least three of those things if not four! I can barely walk today much less run after falling UP the stairs. I remember Twiggy when she was that poor little starving storage unit kitty. She looks so sweet. You are going to love The Help. We all applauded at the end and then went outside and everyone around clapped again as rain clouds scudded overhead and the temp dropped to 90 and the wind whipped around and then - nothing. It all just disappeared. We all loved the cupcakes! I hope LaVerne takes a pic of the back of the sign we had with them. And I know you know this but oh my gosh they are not only pretty in pink they are really good. They are a stress reliever for sure. I've hidden the last few because Jeff ate one even though I told him he would turn into a girl.
Enjoy the weather...enjoy The Help! xoxo Nancy

[Linda @ A La Carte]

Funny post! I love the 'see how small they can make themselves'...oh yes funny. I enjoyed some outside time today also. Maybe this horrible heat has abated somewhat...time will tell. Enjoy your week.

[Pat]

I love this post Dana!

We were thinking about going to see The Help today but decided to wait until tomorrow. I need to get busy on my class reunion projects!

I loved the book and J says he would like to see the movie. I've heard good things about it.

[pat h]

Dana, this was a wonderful post today! Girl you should write a book. You will love the movie. I'm going again next week to see it. Weather has been perfect...enjoy your day and let's get together ......Pat h

[sandy]

Beautiful post Dana. Isn't it great that we ae able to enjoy our backyards again now that the heat and humidity have subsided?

[jeanne]

Hi Dana, As usual, it is time for bed but I decided to come over and see if you posted something. AND, you did. Smile! I love to drink my coffee on the deck with the mountains amazing me as always. I have been slowly munching my hostess cakes and thinking of you with every delectable bite. Mmmmmm, they are great with my morning coffee. I hope some day you might come to the mountains and have a cup of coffee with me. Come with your hubs or with friends. We could go to the Biltmore in Ashville. Just thinkin!

I was just thinkin, again, about your morning on your patio and I can visualize it perfectly. Twiggy keeping you company, enjoying the peaceful beautiful blue sky and then getting dive bombed by geese. A video would have been a great laugh. I'm glad your weather has cooled off. It was 52 degrees here last night. We too are having a bit of a cool spell. Low 80's in the daytime.

I better go to bed so I will have the energy to play tomorrow.
Goodnight my dear friend.
Love, Jeanne

[Robin]

Is The Help any good? I'm looking for another book to read.

BTW....I'm a Missouri girl too. Born and raised in Webster Groves. After many many moves (husband is retired Navy officer), we have settled-in here in Rhode Island

Wishing you another beautiful day....

[lynne@lynnesgiftsfromtheheart]

Dana, what a darling post. I love how Twiggy stayed right with the Stone Rabbit.. the Stone Rabbit should be rewarded for being such a good kitty sitter..Moments like these are to be cherished. I've spent the evening painting, yes yet another area, that's an upcoming post for sure lol.
We've had a bit of thunder and lightening no rain our way so far..
hugs ~lynne~

[Lynn @thevintagenest]

Loved this post Dana. Being on a lake we have geese fly by and stop to chat often. Twice though, they have bombarded my car if you know what I mean. Totally missed Bobby G's car right smack next to mine and totally "messed" mine up. How does that happen? LOL

[Gail]

I am not surprised that Stone Rabbit is responsible enough to babysit the cat.