Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Growing

...
Sometimes, to really see things as they are meant to be seen, you need to step back and change the perspective a bit.

Take the time to really look around and process it all.

.
Yep. That happened.

Somewhere around 23,000 feet in the air, I was struck with the realization that an alone weekend sans kids/hubs hadn't happened for this chick in over seven years... although, I am quite certain it has been longer. Heck, most days a visit to the toilet doesn't even happen alone. How's that slant to my perspective? This break was long overdue. And what do you know, while nestled up against the window, in all that pressurized air, breathing suddenly came a little easier.

I didn't take a million pictures, make to-do lists or even schedule one must do thing. I listened, I internalized, I relaxed within my world, wrapped up in some good company and made way for more growing.

Looking around now, I am able to see things that perhaps I might have overlooked without the little change of scenery. I had lots of time wrapped up in thoughts of growing. It seems that there are all types of growing happening all around me to appreciate. Man, am I am appreciating it.

For example.

Today at a ballet demonstration I was struck with an acute awareness that this...



































has now transformed to this...


































               
And for all the little girly goofiness that abundantly exists...

 They can listen now.
 And follow directions... using REAL ballet terms...
 They get feet positions...




































Heck, they can plank.

 I sit here stunned. Because in truth, it doesn't feel like seven years since I have had lots of alone time.

In fact, this...


































feels like it could have been my yesterday.

Realizing that I have a lifetime to spend celebrating this gal


































as she becomes the beautiful woman she will one day be, I am swept away and painfully aware of how quickly that day will arrive. Hopefully, only after a decade of beaches reminding me to breathe and live in the now.

Days like today are the best parts of growing to be found.

3 comments:

AllisonDickson said...

Julie May, this makes my heart happy. I'm glad you got your time away.

Emilia Adams said...

I love these ballet pictures; those girls are ADORABLE! It's so sweet for your kids to have a lovely mother and i guess you're lucky to have them too! :)

Max said...

Having you here to visit made me realize how lucky I am to be here too. Thank you for showing the magin in my own home. You are just the best friend I could ever ask for and I love you more than I can ever tell you. Please, come back soon. Come back during the summer so we can REALLY relax!! :) I love you, darling!