This week, I am sharing a kit that made me think perhaps deeper than any others I have designed. Initially, it was meant to focus on our vision and perspective. Seeing things clearly. As I worked on this, I came to be aware of a few things about myself.
Truth told, I am not not the most disciplined of people. Exercise comes in bursts- usually as I try to keep pace with my boys during our weekend activities. I do try and plan a good family dinner (sure, I care about what the family eats- but really,I put effort in because cooking is a little indulgence of mine because cooking is a source of joy for me π but- my breakfast and lunch usually consist of coffee and whatever is easiest to eat at my desk while I work. If it’s oatmeal- fine. M&Ms- even better. I pick and choose my focus.
But, without fail, one thing I am committed to is being present in the moment. It’s easy sometimes. Deadlines (and the gift of a big block of uninterrupted time) will force me to be present and committed to the task at hand. A lazy day at the beach- yep. Easy to focus on my guys and the joy of a childhood day jumping waves and picking shelves. Other times though- not so easy. When I pick my little guy up from school, and there are conversations around me, a list of chores to be done before we get home and my big guy to pick up- I have to really be conscious to stop. Stop. And see what is going on right at this moment. See the little face that lights up as he sees me waiting at the door to pick him up. See the hands clutching a treasure that has been made with such care in class that day. Bend down to his level, and look in his eyes and ask- how was your day? It takes about 4 minutes. It’s not long- though sometimes it seems like if I stop for that long, my whole web of responsibilities will collapse . Of course it never does. And I know those few minutes after school are but a passing season. I will ache for them one day. The closest I can get to keeping them is to be present in them. Push pause. To see the moment as it plays in front of me.
You must be present in the time you share with the ones you love. If you take the time to see it, you will get to keep it in your heart forever. I remember one night my family and I were having dinner at my parent’s home. It wasn’t a holiday or celebration- just a little dinner. It was a crazy week, I had deadlines, the weather was bad, there was a pile of laundry that seemed to be taking on a life of its own. Right before we were set to leave, I thought about asking for a rain date. But then, I thought about my mom who most like spent the day at the market, straightening the house and setting a pretty table. It was getting harder and harder to carve out times like this- it took work. Focus. So, we packed in the car, and drove out to their house. I remember it was a good time- and we stayed longer than we should have, it being a school night. But the food was great- and the talk even better. A bit after dessert, my Dad excused himself. He was so tired, he could barely keep his eyes open. He said his good-nights and walked towards his room. I remember- Lord as my witness- I remember feeling a little sad as he walked away. Sad for the times once upon a time ago I was the little girl in this house and Dad would tuck me in. So I called out to him- “Hey- where’s my kiss?” I am silly that way. Kiss hello. Kiss goodbye. Even if I’m going around the corner for a few minutes for groceries- gotta give and get a little kiss. π If we are on the phone- I always end with an “I love you”. There were times mom and dad would hand up after a chat- and it would hit me we didn’t say it. I’d call right back, and they always laugh as they answer..”Yes, Renne- I love you!”
That night, he almost got away without a smooch. But when I called out to him, he shook his head and laughed a bit. I gave him a kiss on the cheek and a big hug. A hug. Three seconds of holding on with all your heart and letting someone really feel how darn much you love them. Three seconds. These were the last three seconds I got to show my dad how much I loved him. He passed away unexpectedly two days later. And all I can say is that I am glad we both saw how important it was. To stop. Be present. See that this moment is for living and living right now.
I hope you always have the eyes to see that as well.
I can't tell you how much this means to me. Sometimes when I'm writing, I wonerfor a moment how its going to be recived- am I being too emotional? But then, I really belive that if you cant write real- then why bother. Of course I love to talk shoppe and share things that I design- alot of that has to do with the fact that I just spent alot of time and energy on a project and am so darn happy with it, I just have to beam a bit. But sometimes, I sit down to write, and my post will take a totally different direction- usually one that's guided by what's on my mind or in my heart- and it makes me so very happy when I can connect with others. Make them happy- make them smile or laugh, or stop and think and maybe say a little word of thanks for the love they have in their lives. Its so terrific you took the time to write me. I'm glad you stopped by ;)and took the time to share a bit yourself!
I can't tell you how much this means to me. Sometimes when I'm writing, I wonerfor a moment how its going to be recived- am I being too emotional? But then, I really belive that if you cant write real- then why bother. Of course I love to talk shoppe and share things that I design- alot of that has to do with the fact that I just spent alot of time and energy on a project and am so darn happy with it, I just have to beam a bit. But sometimes, I sit down to write, and my post will take a totally different direction- usually one that's guided by what's on my mind or in my heart- and it makes me so very happy when I can connect with others. Make them happy- make them smile or laugh, or stop and think and maybe say a little word of thanks for the love they have in their lives. Its so terrific you took the time to write me. I'm glad you stopped by ;)and took the time to share a bit yourself!
I always put the being touchy (lots of hugs & kisses) verbal (saying I love you when putting phone down or when loved ones are going out, even if we have had an argument and are not in the best of therms at that very time, always ALWAYS saying I love you) and very expressive in general, always put it down to the fact of being latin, especially when you live in England for as long as I have… and my heart sings with joy when I fond people with the same attitude. I can tell many stories like yours, friends who had an argument, went out and life happened, had an accident….the one left in this world of ours got stucked with the last words not having been of love…so this post touched me hugely…and if I admired you and loved what you do up till now, that love just went up a few steps up.. π
Been buying from you for a couple of years now, not that much, granted, I haven't giot too much to spend on scrapping, but was scrapping a page with this kit & thought yes, make some time look at the blog, but I have to confess, was with the intent on signing up for a newsletter and maybe get some discounts through that so being able to buy a bit more…and you surprise me with this amazing post.
Ok, so I will leave it here, as (another latin thing) I talk/type too much LOL but just wanted to say how much I love your kits, and how much I', loving getting to know a boit more of your life…. π
Hugggzzzz
I always put the being touchy (lots of hugs & kisses) verbal (saying I love you when putting phone down or when loved ones are going out, even if we have had an argument and are not in the best of therms at that very time, always ALWAYS saying I love you) and very expressive in general, always put it down to the fact of being latin, especially when you live in England for as long as I have… and my heart sings with joy when I fond people with the same attitude. I can tell many stories like yours, friends who had an argument, went out and life happened, had an accident….the one left in this world of ours got stucked with the last words not having been of love…so this post touched me hugely…and if I admired you and loved what you do up till now, that love just went up a few steps up.. π
Been buying from you for a couple of years now, not that much, granted, I haven't giot too much to spend on scrapping, but was scrapping a page with this kit & thought yes, make some time look at the blog, but I have to confess, was with the intent on signing up for a newsletter and maybe get some discounts through that so being able to buy a bit more…and you surprise me with this amazing post.
Ok, so I will leave it here, as (another latin thing) I talk/type too much LOL but just wanted to say how much I love your kits, and how much I', loving getting to know a boit more of your life…. π
Hugggzzzz
Yep. β₯ I know-
-It was a little bittersweet writing today- but I think its important to share that feeling. We all get a little caught up- but the only ones who can make us slow down- is ourselves. π
Thanks for the hug
π
Yep. β₯ I know-
-It was a little bittersweet writing today- but I think its important to share that feeling. We all get a little caught up- but the only ones who can make us slow down- is ourselves. π
Thanks for the hug
π
I meant Renne! I totally knew that. π
I meant Renne! I totally knew that. π
I can't tell you how much this post touched my heart, Renee. It's so easy to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. To be in the present is a gift. And I think you know why the story snippet about your dad touches me deeply. β₯
I can't tell you how much this post touched my heart, Renee. It's so easy to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. To be in the present is a gift. And I think you know why the story snippet about your dad touches me deeply. β₯