You touched a hummingbird! How did THAT happen? I don't remember my first flight on a plane but recall, in a generalized way, dressing up for the flight and looking out the window at what the toy landscape of miniature houses below. The braised beef served on one of our economy flights so dazzled me that I begged my mother, a fine cook, to serve "airplane meat" at home. Those were the days...
Ha! Can you imagine raving about airline food now?!
The hummingbird is actually a story in two parts. Sadly, I found one that had died in our greenhouse, but because of the high heat it was totally desiccated (aka: didn't smell). Though sad, it was also fascinating to be able to see all its delicate little features up close like that. On a different occasion, a hummer flew into my house. As I went to try to guide it to the open door, it lit on my finger for just a split second. I hardly felt it at all!
Time is such a mind-trip! I've read that one reason our perception of it changes is that a week (or any unit) is such a smaller percentage of our lives when we are older than it was when we were younger. I like your explanation better, but I do have to fight how much I like routine. It does feel like just a summer or two ago that we learned how to do all those things. I've been wrestling with feelings lately about realizing just how much time has passed, and with missing people and places that feel so present in my mind, but are not at all in my life.
I've read that, too, Rita. I have a harder time wrapping my head around that one, but I suppose that doesn't make it inaccurate. :) If I look back for too long at people and experiences that have come and gone, I can feel waves of melancholy coming over me. So many good times, and a certain percentage of those folks have now gone over to the other side. It helps if I can remember that life is made up of many seasons, none that look quite the same. Here's hoping we both have many more ahead. Appreciate your thoughtful comment, Rita.
Yes, I can hold the losses more easily now than I could when younger, and for the reason you shared. I understand now that nothing is fixed, even family. Helps me stay more focused on the present and fully loving what we have now.
I was young once, but the spirit remains young and I fly on the memories but don't wallow in them. Maybe that's the secret.
I live a quiet, unremarkable but contented existence where to live by the sea or look into the microcosm of a rockpool on a daily basis is all I really want to do. Does it slow time down or speed it up? I try not to think about it and just soak up the peaceful atmosphere and thank the stars for the privilege.
So wise, Prue. I try to not dwell in the impossible. I can't make time stand still and don't really want to. I'm quite content with simple pleasures, but my habitual tendencies can tend toward monotony if I don't put my mind to keeping things fresh.
I do wish I could bottle up the time I get to spend with my daughters these days. Once a year is better than nothing, of course, but so very little all in all. Still, as you say, I thank the stars we at least have that.
I don't think so. There's talk of that daughter returning to the States in March '25, and while holding off until then will be hard for all of us, it seems to make the best financial sense.
It's taken me a few days to respond to your posting as I have continued to think about it. The song 100 Years always makes me teary, more so as I meander, stumble , and stride through my 70's, occasionally tripped up with the latest health event. I can emphasize with your longing for more time with your daughters as my son and his family are also far away with little chance of moving "back home". I find, as my mother once divulged, that I miss them the most right after a visit or when he is struggling with a family concern. (He once flew home for just 24 hours to say goodbye to my mother in her last days.) I believe my son and daughter to be magnificent human beings and it makes my heart physically ache to know that I have already spent more time with them and their families than I will ever again. Thank heavens for technology!
Your writing never fails to foster reflection...thank you!
Thank you, Susan, for spending time with your thoughts and for coming back here to share them. I feel the same heartache. No parting is any less difficult than the previous one, though I do appreciate that, in general, the greater the distance, the longer the stay when we do come together. So, for example, we might spend a week or two in each others' company rather than just 3-4 nights, as I did with my parents for years. Always grasping at silver linings! 🌟 I appreciate your presence here.
What can I remember doing for the very first time? - I love this question. Sometimes parenting feels like one long ever ending day. I’m having trouble remembering when I did something for the first time. I missed that feeling that comes with it so much.
I hear you, Marc! The baby's firsts become yours, to some degree, but it's not quite the same. Maybe you can be intentional about something new. Picnic in a different spot? Dance in the shower? Explore a new neighborhood? Give away flowers?
Or maybe it's something right at home, like holding hands and staring into each others' eyes for 5 straight minutes. 😊
It might just have to wait until there's more space in the days, which will come at some point.
Thanks for being here. Really appreciate the comment.
I love these suggestions! My mind goes to very big things like skydiving (haha). Going to try some of these. I am sure my wife would appreciate these too. Thank you!
“Good intentions are no match for the comfort of the quotidian.” — great post, Elizabeth. I often focus on embracing the quotidian, simplifying. It has drawbacks though. Finding ways to continue to have and appreciate firsts is a good reminder. Sometimes the firsts are there, but require a bit of reframing to see them, maybe.
Oh, yes, that's such a keen observation, Amy! And at first blush, our firsts might not always be something conventionally thought of as good or enjoyable, yet they still shape us in meaningful ways. I am Make no mistake: I am a creature of my habits and routines and have no intention to be otherwise. For me, it's important to intentionally challenge that every now and then lest I forget how! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Today marks a new first for me. It’s my longest streak so far of staying alive, and it’s been a good one. Mostly.
That's amazing, Switter! I'm adding that to my bucket list!
You touched a hummingbird! How did THAT happen? I don't remember my first flight on a plane but recall, in a generalized way, dressing up for the flight and looking out the window at what the toy landscape of miniature houses below. The braised beef served on one of our economy flights so dazzled me that I begged my mother, a fine cook, to serve "airplane meat" at home. Those were the days...
Ha! Can you imagine raving about airline food now?!
The hummingbird is actually a story in two parts. Sadly, I found one that had died in our greenhouse, but because of the high heat it was totally desiccated (aka: didn't smell). Though sad, it was also fascinating to be able to see all its delicate little features up close like that. On a different occasion, a hummer flew into my house. As I went to try to guide it to the open door, it lit on my finger for just a split second. I hardly felt it at all!
Thanks so much for being here, Rona!
Our oldest grandson graduates from high school this weekend. In the blink of an eye.
Incredible, Suzanne. Will you be able to be there? I know you'll all be so proud. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, we’ll be there. They live in Charles Town, WV near Harper’s Ferry.
Time is such a mind-trip! I've read that one reason our perception of it changes is that a week (or any unit) is such a smaller percentage of our lives when we are older than it was when we were younger. I like your explanation better, but I do have to fight how much I like routine. It does feel like just a summer or two ago that we learned how to do all those things. I've been wrestling with feelings lately about realizing just how much time has passed, and with missing people and places that feel so present in my mind, but are not at all in my life.
I've read that, too, Rita. I have a harder time wrapping my head around that one, but I suppose that doesn't make it inaccurate. :) If I look back for too long at people and experiences that have come and gone, I can feel waves of melancholy coming over me. So many good times, and a certain percentage of those folks have now gone over to the other side. It helps if I can remember that life is made up of many seasons, none that look quite the same. Here's hoping we both have many more ahead. Appreciate your thoughtful comment, Rita.
Yes, I can hold the losses more easily now than I could when younger, and for the reason you shared. I understand now that nothing is fixed, even family. Helps me stay more focused on the present and fully loving what we have now.
Thank you for the insightful post as always.
Life is yesterday, today and tomorrow.
I was young once, but the spirit remains young and I fly on the memories but don't wallow in them. Maybe that's the secret.
I live a quiet, unremarkable but contented existence where to live by the sea or look into the microcosm of a rockpool on a daily basis is all I really want to do. Does it slow time down or speed it up? I try not to think about it and just soak up the peaceful atmosphere and thank the stars for the privilege.
So wise, Prue. I try to not dwell in the impossible. I can't make time stand still and don't really want to. I'm quite content with simple pleasures, but my habitual tendencies can tend toward monotony if I don't put my mind to keeping things fresh.
I do wish I could bottle up the time I get to spend with my daughters these days. Once a year is better than nothing, of course, but so very little all in all. Still, as you say, I thank the stars we at least have that.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Any likliehood of an Australian sojourn in that bottling up of time with your daughters?
I don't think so. There's talk of that daughter returning to the States in March '25, and while holding off until then will be hard for all of us, it seems to make the best financial sense.
Ah well, it does.
But a chance to meet would have been special.
So special. If anything changes, you'll be among the first to know.
It's taken me a few days to respond to your posting as I have continued to think about it. The song 100 Years always makes me teary, more so as I meander, stumble , and stride through my 70's, occasionally tripped up with the latest health event. I can emphasize with your longing for more time with your daughters as my son and his family are also far away with little chance of moving "back home". I find, as my mother once divulged, that I miss them the most right after a visit or when he is struggling with a family concern. (He once flew home for just 24 hours to say goodbye to my mother in her last days.) I believe my son and daughter to be magnificent human beings and it makes my heart physically ache to know that I have already spent more time with them and their families than I will ever again. Thank heavens for technology!
Your writing never fails to foster reflection...thank you!
Thank you, Susan, for spending time with your thoughts and for coming back here to share them. I feel the same heartache. No parting is any less difficult than the previous one, though I do appreciate that, in general, the greater the distance, the longer the stay when we do come together. So, for example, we might spend a week or two in each others' company rather than just 3-4 nights, as I did with my parents for years. Always grasping at silver linings! 🌟 I appreciate your presence here.
What can I remember doing for the very first time? - I love this question. Sometimes parenting feels like one long ever ending day. I’m having trouble remembering when I did something for the first time. I missed that feeling that comes with it so much.
I hear you, Marc! The baby's firsts become yours, to some degree, but it's not quite the same. Maybe you can be intentional about something new. Picnic in a different spot? Dance in the shower? Explore a new neighborhood? Give away flowers?
Or maybe it's something right at home, like holding hands and staring into each others' eyes for 5 straight minutes. 😊
It might just have to wait until there's more space in the days, which will come at some point.
Thanks for being here. Really appreciate the comment.
I love these suggestions! My mind goes to very big things like skydiving (haha). Going to try some of these. I am sure my wife would appreciate these too. Thank you!
You can HAVE the skydiving, sir. Hahah!
Oh gosh, such a beautiful post, Elizabeth - and thank you for making me think about some of my own firsts.
Oh, and the 'green pea up my nose' line made me laugh out loud - guess why?! 🙋♀️
Hahah!! So fun discovering ALL the ways we 'Stackers are connected. 🤣
Yup! Also…. a coffee bean…. 🫘
I thought coffee smelled so delicious I had wanted the opportunity to be able to smell it all day. Not proud.
*snort!* (<-- in all the ways) :p
🤣 SO funny!!! 😂
“Good intentions are no match for the comfort of the quotidian.” — great post, Elizabeth. I often focus on embracing the quotidian, simplifying. It has drawbacks though. Finding ways to continue to have and appreciate firsts is a good reminder. Sometimes the firsts are there, but require a bit of reframing to see them, maybe.
Oh, yes, that's such a keen observation, Amy! And at first blush, our firsts might not always be something conventionally thought of as good or enjoyable, yet they still shape us in meaningful ways. I am Make no mistake: I am a creature of my habits and routines and have no intention to be otherwise. For me, it's important to intentionally challenge that every now and then lest I forget how! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.