Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Domestic Tranquility






Did you have a busy weekend?

I did.

Lots to do on Saturday, more than I could possibly get done.  But then, isn't that always the way it is with moms?  Sometimes, the overwhelming amount to get done leads to, shall we say, a bit of grumpiness?  

(Grumpy?  Well, perhaps:  or, like Aunt Voula would say from My Big Fat Greek Wedding:  "...it's the hormonees...")

(Which sometimes then can lead to a pity party with only one in attendance.  Me.)






But being a constant photo-taker, sometimes it's good for making me stop to take notice of what is around me, in spite of all the busyness.  I'm learning that when I'm at my worst, to grab the camera.

(Looking through that lens helps me see so much more clearly, all the sweet blessings surrounding me, in my everyday, ordinary life.)





To take time to look through the lens makes me realize how fortunate I really am.

I might have lots of work to do, and what I do never stays done,  but at least I have a home--so many right now do not.

I might see jobs to do all around me, but I also have a lot of beauty to see.

(If I'll only look with my heart's eyes.)






Dogs are a lot of work and cause a lot of messiness and consternation at times, they always track dirt in, I haul it out--there are three of these big beauties here most of the time, and then our little one, too.  

They get hair all over the rugs, and I remove it,  they slobber, too, and scatter their food around the kitchen floor when they eat it, drip water everywhere from their jowls when they drink.

But...

But they truly are beautiful and loving creatures, willing to love us unconditionally--given to us to enjoy and be a friend to.

(Always waiting there, whenever you need a soft head to stroke; 
 and a big, floppy, velvety ear in which to whisper silly things.)






I can appreciate this, too:  one of the simplest, most timeless chores, that is really domestic tranquility:  and how much I like listening to the sheets flapping in the crisp spring breeze all afternoon long.


Taking pleasure in the knowing of how soft they'll be--and how they'll smell like pure sunshine--that night when I finally lay my head down on the pillow.





Yes, I am blessed, 
if I will only take more time 
to notice all the ways.








Sunshine, green grass, and blue skies overhead.
That is enough.
And yet, I have even more.
Have a great Tuesday.
A blessed one.

TAKE TIME TO NOTICE all the ways.

15 comments:

Kori Vincent My little Corner Design said...

This blog inspired me to do some laundry. That is pretty hard to do at this point. So crisp and clean! You are right the best part of hanging sheets outside is when you lay your head down on them at night, Heaven!

Lorri said...

Thank you for the timely message. I am always in such a hurry these days. i have started a little walk around the pool each morning just about sunrise. I take my cup of tea and walk the paths to look at the flowers, check on the vegetables I have planted and to listen to the soft breeze blow the windchimes. I loved your clothesline pictures. Used to have one years ago and yes, I do remember the feel and the smell. Have a great day.

Linda said...

I know I say this everytime I get a chance to visit your blog, but, so pretty!! Yes, pity parties happen here too. Thank you for always putting a smile on my face.

Mary Jane said...

I asked for ...and GOT...clotheslines for my birthday last month! I hadn't had any in years, and I'm enjoying them so much.

Sabrina @Falling Leaf Woodworkers and Primitives said...

Your pictures are beautiful and inspiring. Thank you
Sabrina

lil red hen said...

After a long, cold winter it's not always easy to come out of that pity party, but we are truly blessed. We just had fresh garden greens yesterday!

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

Sweet things to temember, Joni!
You will appreciate my post this a.m.! It will hit home with you!
xo, misha

Cher' Shots said...

I catch myself on occasion having a pity party too, but I think we probably all have those private moments of partying alone. LOVE the sheets hanging on the line. They smell so fresh!
'hugs from afar'

Anonymous said...

I love your blog and your inspirational posts. I am looking forward so much to retiring in 3 more years (after working nonstop for the past 41 years). I want to have a clothesline and time to hang out the clothes. I can hardly wait to have time to relax on the front porch with a glass of iced tea and have more time to be a homemaker. Right now due to the economy i am working 2 jobs, a day job then a cleaning job at night. Theres hardly any time to relax and when i get time i love reading your posts. keep up the good work you are doing and keep encouragins your readers as you do so well.

Bring Pretty Back said...

I have been doing laundry all day and I have been taking the time to smell the downy! Great post!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

Donna said...

You are blessed indeed! There are lots of folks without homes right now because of tornado damage or flooding. So when household chores get the best of us, it's always good to remind ourselves that it's a GOD thing to have those chores!

Tanya said...

Very good Joni!!!! Your pity party did not last long...You got your big girl pants on....went out there and shot the shots with that camera and now you feel (and we do too!) a whole lot better! Good for you! You are so right...we really need to stop...take a breath...and count the blessings! Thanks for reminding me!

Anonymous said...

So true. And a party of one is no fun!

Anonymous said...

I often think these thoughts when I'm on a hike or a walk, or in my back yard or kitchen. I truly believe living in the moment and appreciating what we do have makes for a happier life!

Danielle@sixtasteschef.com/blog said...

I often think these thoughts when I'm on a hike or a walk, or in my back yard or kitchen. I truly believe living in the moment and appreciating what we do have makes for a happier life!

I especially agree with your reflections on your dogs, as any pet does take work, but in return, they give so much of themselves.

(Sorry for the dup comment, I hit return too quickly!)