Dear Friends,
A couple of weeks ago while I was talking on the phone with my daughter, my granddaughter, Shylee, kept interrupting. You know, because the kids don't pay any attention to you until you're on the phone. When we finished the conversation, just as I was standing up, the phone rang again. I thought Erin had forgot to tell me something, but when I answered, I heard, "Gramma, it's me Shylee".
I sat back down and settled in for some nonsensical conversation with a four year old, never dreaming I would be thinking about that conversation two weeks later. She had walked to the living room window, and looking out proceeded to tell me what she saw. In a matter of a few seconds I realized she was really seeing what was there. She didn't just see leaves. She saw leaves on trees and on the ground. There were green leaves, yellow leaves and brown leaves. There was a little bird hopping on the sidewalk. There was a big red car and a little white car. A man was walking a dog on the other sidewalk. (The one across the street) The dog was snow white and had a long tail.
It became so obvious to me that I don't really see what is around me when I walk outside or when I'm just out and about. I'm focused on doing what I have to do and not so much on the details of my surroundings. Also, when I go from the door to my car, I'm trying really hard not to see if there are salamanders, frogs or snakes anywhere within eyesight! When I get to where I'm going, I just want to do what I'm there for and get back home.
When did I stop seeing the world around me? I've been working on being more mindful of those little things that get looked over. I was walking out to my car the other day and heard a bird chirping. I stopped and looked around to find it and noticed two squirrels chasing each other in the corner of the yard. They made me smile and I wondered what Shylee would have had to say about them.
A couple of weeks ago while I was talking on the phone with my daughter, my granddaughter, Shylee, kept interrupting. You know, because the kids don't pay any attention to you until you're on the phone. When we finished the conversation, just as I was standing up, the phone rang again. I thought Erin had forgot to tell me something, but when I answered, I heard, "Gramma, it's me Shylee".
I sat back down and settled in for some nonsensical conversation with a four year old, never dreaming I would be thinking about that conversation two weeks later. She had walked to the living room window, and looking out proceeded to tell me what she saw. In a matter of a few seconds I realized she was really seeing what was there. She didn't just see leaves. She saw leaves on trees and on the ground. There were green leaves, yellow leaves and brown leaves. There was a little bird hopping on the sidewalk. There was a big red car and a little white car. A man was walking a dog on the other sidewalk. (The one across the street) The dog was snow white and had a long tail.
view from my driveway and living room window
When did I stop seeing the world around me? I've been working on being more mindful of those little things that get looked over. I was walking out to my car the other day and heard a bird chirping. I stopped and looked around to find it and noticed two squirrels chasing each other in the corner of the yard. They made me smile and I wondered what Shylee would have had to say about them.
What do you see when you look out your living room window?
Have a great day!
xo Annette xo
It's nice to take time to stop and look around :)
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty of getting from point A to point B as well. But mostly because if I stop and do something else...I forget my original objective...lol!
How lovely to be able to see the world through the eyes of a child. I wonder when we lose that ability? The ability to see the smallest facet of the world around us, when did we begin focusing upon tasks and purposes, losing sight of the beauty of nature and life that goes on just a stone's throw away?
ReplyDeleteSmart little Shylee, we could all learn a thing or three from one so young. :)
It's always refreshing to "look at things" through a kids eyes. I love working with little 3 year olds because they always come up with the best little stories - makes you smile.
ReplyDeleteOut my living room window is my backyard - I see our Summer garden which is in serious need of some attention and a Winter planting. :-)
We can all learn a few things through the eyes of a child!
ReplyDeleteI have heard many people lamenting lately about how time is whizzing by and we all feel like we are moving too fast. Maybe if we all say it together.... sloooooow dooooown....
I can relate to this so much, I have two preschoolers and a baby, and I often marvel at the way they see the world. Its such a beautiful thing to be part of.
ReplyDeleteChildren are so amazing. They remind us about things we take for granted. Thank you for the reminder to take a moment and discover all the things around us and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired
Isn't it great when the grandkids teach US a thing or two. What a sweet reminder from Shylee.
ReplyDeleteIt's dark now so I can't see anything outside. Typically when I look out my front windows I see the field where my neighbor hopes to one day get his vineyard growing. The horrible heat of summer threw a kink in things, but I hope next summer will lead to great things. Like a vineyard across the street. How awesome that would be (especially considering I live smack dab in the middle of the city and am lucky to have a dreamer for a neighbor).