Simple Pleasures

In the past, particularly when I was working full-time, I really didn't take the time to enjoy the subtleties of life.  A sunset, flowers blooming, the beauty of the sky, the sound of the rain; all of the little moments that make life so special.  I was too busy working or worrying about work; wishing life away to get to the next weekend, month, summer, etc.  Then Grace came along and, at first, in the fog of my new mommyhood, I couldn't really see past myself.

Then something happened. As Grace was growing and discovering her world, I re-discovered my own, and realized all of those little things I'd been missing for so long. I guess that's part of the beauty of children; they remind us of who we used to be.  They bring back the curiosity and optimism we once had.  Their energy is unstoppable and contagious (well, maybe not that contagious). Their spirit, fearless.  And, they couldn't care less what other people think of them.  Imagine that.

Grace is, as most children of her age are, very inquisitive and independent.  She wants to know what everything is, how everything works, and she wants to do it herself, or at least help.  By slowing down, albeit reluctantly sometimes, she has taught me patience (although, plenty of room for improvement still remains) and helped me to embrace life's little idiosyncrasies.  She doesn't care if the laundry is put away (actually, she prefers that it's not), whether I cook a meal or order a pizza, or if I exercise three days a week or not.  She just wants love, attention, and the freedom to investigate the big, big world unfolding in front of her.  And I'm so very happy to serve as her ambassador to it. 

This spring has been the best of any in memory, despite my allergies.  I think my renewed love of photography has helped me to focus on and appreciate the little details in nature that I never gave much thought to.  The contrast between dark branches, yellow leaves, and the brilliant, blue sky.  The rich, golden light that dances over creation and sets faces aglow an hour before sunset.  The beauty of water, whether it's in a lake, flowing from a watering can or drinking fountain, or lying still in a puddle.  There's so much out there if you just take the time to look.  And with Grace, you do a lot of looking.

With the transition from spring to summer fast approaching, and Dave's last days of school this week, I'm looking forward to re-discovering more of the simple pleasures in life, together as a family, and taking in all that I can.

Thank you, Grace, for constantly inspiring me to do more and to be better, but also to just be still and be me sometimes.  I sure do love you...

Ohio Photos

A" few" more photos...

These water fountain shots just make me happy 

And couldn't we all use a little happy?

"Uncle Seth, see poopy?!"

One of many country road-potty stops on our trip.  

The Pool...

Although it took a little coaxing to get her in,

she was beyond excited once she took the plunge.

"How you do this thing?"

Waiting for the train that never came...

Memories (Part 2)

Our trip to Ohio wasn't just to reunite with old friends, but also to visit the Columbus Zoo, a place I used to love to go to when I was a kid.  It brought back fond memories of sunburns, chaffed thighs, gift-shopping, and a love of any souvenir cup shaped like an animal.  Good times. Needless to say, much has changed over the years.  We probably didn't pick the best weekend to visit, being a holiday weekend and all.  It was hot.  Really hot. And crowded.  But, we made do by stopping in the shade often and drinking Icees and lots of water.

 A shady respite...

This goose really liked Seth and his pretzel

The animals were amazing to see.  Grace says her favorites were the Gorillas.  It was fascinating seeing this momma Gorilla up close.  She almost seemed to have a soul.  I felt a little guilty staring at her from behind the glass as she looked me straight in the eye.

My favorite part of our visit to the zoo was watching a juvenile elephant take a bath.  We got an up-close look at this sweet creature.  She kept flopping into the water over and over again.  I guess she was pretty hot too.

I wasn't sure just how the nap situation would work out, but, Grace finally passed out around her usual time, in her stroller.  It was a pretty adorable sight...

Plum tuckered out...

While she was sleeping, Grace missed a few cute sightings, like this Koala bear catching some zzzz's in the tree.  I guess they sleep up to 22 hours in a day.  Must be nice...

 

Amazing colors

The Columbus Zoo was recently named the best zoo in the nation, and I have to say, it was pretty fantastic, overall.  We hope to make this an annual family excursion.  Next year, we'll definitely opt for a mid-week visit when it's not so crowded, and we'll be more mindful of the weather.  I think Grace will be even more excited about the animals then.  I'm looking forward to it already...

Memories (Part 1)

My childhood was an idyllic one. I grew up in Granville-a charming, small town in central Ohio. Quintessential middle America.  At the time, a yet undiscovered gem.  We lived out in the country, in a little subdivision snuggled between cornfields and rolling hills.  Most of my memories are of the summertime--catching fireflies, playing in the woods, having sleepovers, climbing on hay bales, and searching for arrowheads in the cornfield behind our house; running through the dewy grass late at night, riding my bike (with a banana seat, of course) around the neighborhood, and swimming with friends at Spring Valley Pool until our lips turned blue and our teeth chattered.  These are just a few of my favorites.

Tarah was my best friend growing up.  We were two peas in a pod, so to speak.  She lived a few houses down from us on Knoll Drive.  This past weekend, I got to reunite with my old friend, who I hadn't seen in more than twenty years. It was a blessing...

My brother, me, and Tarah on our back porch.

It was so special seeing Cindy, Tarah's sister, again.

My, how time flies...

Dave, Grace and I, along with my parents and brother, Seth, drove down to our old stomping grounds in Ohio.  Although at times I felt like our eventual destination must be Wally World, we ended up having quite a good time, despite a few bumps in the road (or should I say, barrels), many, many potty-stops, and a near-overdose on Johnny Horton and the Muppets.

We really enjoyed catching up with the Blayney's, Tarah's family.  I think all of us were all glad we took the time out of our three-day trip to do that.  We met up at her parent's place, who still live in the same house as they did when we lived there.  When we walked in, not much had changed. It even smelled the same (in a good way).  I was half expecting Tarah's old room to have Duran Duran posters still hanging on the walls and Glamour Gals in her closet.  No such luck, though.  It definitely took me back, and it was great to catch up, if only for a couple of hours.  Tarah has a beautiful family of her own now - a son, Kevin, who is two, and a daughter, Rachel, six.  Grace was quite taken with both of them, especially Kevin.  They had quite a good time playing while the adults reminisced.

Honestly, I really wasn't sure what Granville would be like twenty-some years later, but, I was pleasantly surprised that, while there were some changes to the small town of my youth (new subdivisions and the like), it was not nearly as developed as I had feared.  Many "green areas" have been preserved, and most of the new businesses that have gone in are still independent, small businesses, and not part of larger, national chains.

 Downtown Granville...

Grace was quite fond of the new frozen custard shop

The Buxton Inn

The Library.  So many story-time memories...

The Granville Inn

 In many ways, I'd love to move back to Granville, for me, but also for Grace--so she could have some of the same experiences that I did; the ones you only get in a small town.  I forgot how just much I missed them after all these years...