remembering summer

Although fall has grasped hold of my heart right now, I still find myself contemplating summer.  It was a memorable, albeit crazy summer and this is one of my favorite pictures.  I'm not sure how much of "summer 2012 catch-up" I'll be able to do on this blog, but every now and then I want to post a picture that seems to capture one fleeting summer memory.

I snapped this photo of Liza one evening in Island Park, Idaho.  I remember the moment well.  We had spent the afternoon kayaking on the river and met up with friends at Mack's that evening before dinner.  My friend Kristin and I sat chatting on the shore of the river while Liza, ever diligent in collecting minnows from the dock, took a moment to relax and let the sun bathe her warm, tan skin in the late afternoon light.

If I could capture the beauty and tranquility of our annual week in Island Park in one photo, this would be it.

This is beautiful

The simple moments

"It is a valuable exercise to close your eyes every once in a while and think,
'What is the most wonderful moment I have lived through during the past year?'

It might be part of a grand event or a very simple moment, perhaps a brief interaction with another person.
The grand or the simple, it doesn't matter.
Just the remembering will lift your spirits, and warm feelings will fill your soul."

~Marjorie Pay Hinckley~

Today was one of those days I want to remember.  A day filled with many simple, yet profoundly sweet moments spent with my children, friends, neighbors, and my husband.  As simple as a trail run in the cool early morning, surrounded by the fresh scents of pine and mountain air, and a meaningful conversation with a friend.  As simple as morning hugs, kisses, and "I love yous."  As simple as feeling the warm spirit within our home as Caroline takes time to make bracelets, build forts, and read stories with her sisters.  As simple as basking in the energy of a teenage son's awesome day and listening to all the details.  As simple as helping Liza master her first basic piano pieces and sharing Caroline's modest pride in her own accomplishments.

The joy found in making dinner with my children and the sweet conversations that take place when we work together.  The simplicity of an evening walk, entranced by the thunderstorm rolling in from the east and casting it's spell with a breathtaking sunset and picturesque canyon sky.  The spontaneous, welcoming conversation with new neighbors as we watch the western sky.  As simple as spending time reading and pondering the scriptures.  And, of course, the beautiful simplicity of spending a few minutes cuddling and talking with my love at the end of the day.

Indeed, a day to remember . . . and it was all so simple.

Reflection

I want to share the most eloquent words I've read all year.  They came as a Christmas card greeting from a dear friend of mine, the last will and testament from her grandmother.  So, as we contemplate "new year's resolutions" and the fresh start 2010 offers, I am reminded that it's the simple, everyday moments that I want to place my focus this year . . . living each moment filled with gratitude and joy:

"My love of learning is yours for the seeking.

My excitement over Earth's beauty

Is to be snatched in the fleeting moments

By the observant.

My deep well of contentment will be found

In quiet moments of thankfulness.

The riches I have found in life

are for each of you.

Find them in a baby's smile,

In a friend's warm touch,

In the understanding smile of a stranger,

In the security of family love.

The peace I have

That God is a good and forgiving father

I give to all of you with my love and blessings."

Maurine Conover Jensen (1913-2007)

So, if I die anytime soon, just copy and paste these words into my own "last will and testament." I couldn't express how I feel any better.  Here's to a beautiful 2010.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving.  What a beautiful holiday.  Gratitude.  Thanks.  Appreciation.  Love.  Family.  Home.  Friends.  The Gospel.  Nature.  Music.  Laughter.  Health.  Kindness.  Adversity.  Beauty.  Intelligence.  Hope.  Faith.

My Father-in-law sent this inspiring message of Thanksgiving to his family today.  I thought I would pass it on . . .

All the really great things in life
are expressed in the simplest words:

friends and family;

purpose and meaning;

love and work;

caring and community;

appreciation and gratitude.

- Dan Zadra -

The Little Things

I found this tea towel at one of my favorite boutiques the other day and just had to get it for my oven door, and since I do have days that are less than favorable, I wanted this little reminder that it is those little things that make me the happiest and bring the most joy into my daily life.

In eastern philosophy, the more one dwells on the negative, the more that negativity becomes part of his/her soul, until it eventually takes over. It can be hard to stop that cycle of thinking and there are certainly days when I begin to dwell on the negative, but when my mind turns to those little things that bring joy into my every day, the cycle stops and is replaced with optimism and peace.

Here are just a few of the small, seemingly insignificant things that make me smile and remind me that life IS good:

the sunrise through the kitchen windows

the sweet touch from Chris as he wakes me up every morning and sits on the edge of the bed to talk before he leaves for the day

the eager hugs and kisses from warm little bodies each morning

the mountains surrounding our home, and how they never fail to impress each time I walk back home from the mailbox

good friends, uplifting discussions, spontaneous conversations with neighbors outside while the kids play

laughter, giggles, squeals of delight

the excitement and nonstop chatter surrounding the kids when they arrive home from school each day

the peace inside the house when I have it to myself

the unexpected, touching conversation with a child while we're fixing dinner together

listening to a little one read out loud

taking the time to savor a book, listen to music, or play piano

freshly changed sheets on the bed, soft pillows, and the stars - always there, out the window for me to enjoy as I fall asleep