Thursday, July 15, 2010

Sometimes, life happens.




This week I had planned on getting so much done. I am always full of worry right before we travel -worry about the animals, my garden, being away from home, and being in a new place.

I badly wanted to finish the Backyard Farming Week before we left, but dear friends, it will have to wait another week.



Yesterday my head was fuzzy. It was one of those days where I felt like I was living my life outside of myself, hearing my mouth say things my mind hadn't quite okay'd, yet. Our heat index was 113, my allergies were acting up, and my to-do list was growing by the second. Sheesh, why do we even have to have days like that?
My parents have been on a 2 week camping trip out west, and I've been taking care of Grandma and Grandpa. I'm missing my parents, and spending lots of time at my Grandparents house.



I was running errands all day and right around that time I remembered that I had found (this is a pretty sweet score, ready?....) Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits for $5.99. Remember the days of browsing through used cd's at the bookstore? I still do it. I also sat on the floor in the magazine section and read magazines on outdoor photography. Sometimes I am 16 years old, all over again. I love those sweet little bits of my day. And, that 10 years later, I still love the same things.



Yesterday I listened to my cd while I ran errands and I saw two kids holding a sign on the corner of a street for a lemonade stand. I have been known to frequent local lemonade stands, and can never resist not stopping.
I love to see the kids busy at work. It's pretty freaking cute, sometimes. I love the really young ones that need help pouring the drinks.

This is a mean confession. Ready? Our encounters always go something like this:

1. I ask for one glass of the good stuff, please.
2. While they're fumbling for a plastic cup awkwardly, I ask them what they're saving their pennies for. I am unzipping my wallet and checking out the bill selection, at this point.
3. They answer, proudly. Always proudly. Like they were just waiting for someone to ask.
4. I either like their answer, or I don't.
5. Tip accordingly.

Stop judging me.


First of all, the kid was selling a glass of pre-made lemonade for $.75 cents a cup. What kind of lemonade inflation is this?
Secondly, he was saving for a video game. Sorry dude, not a fan.


But, his bad taste or not, there's something about a kid with a lemonade stand that I find so sweet. It's amazing to see children develop that sense of independence at such a young age.
My Mom told me awhile back that when I was 6 months old, she would come into my room at night, hand me a bottle, and go back to bed.
What?! The more I learn about little humans, the less mysterious they seem. After all, they are just little humans.



My fuzzy day yesterday didn't turn out so bad, after all. Especially because halfway through the day, Bob Dylan playing, drinking my cheap, nasty-ass lemonade, I realized that my day could still be very sweet. So in my mental to-do list, I "cleared my evening," & we headed to our friends' house to take a break, and clear our heads.
I need these nights.

And fortunately, even though I make a lot of to-lists for myself, sometimes things just don't get done on time. Like Backyard Farming Week. Or cutting my toenails. Or mowing the backyard.
And the world doesn't end because of it :) Sometimes.....

life just happens.

















...and I think I'm completely okay, with that.


I hope you have a good weekend, friends.
Don't stress about your undone lists, you'll get to them, eventually.

This weekend we'll be spending time with family, packing up Petey with the camping gear, and getting some much needed rest. My sweet Brady is here, and Auva is bringing Michael and I our very first couch as a family. Can you believe it? Four years and we made it only on a little ripped love seat that the cats turned into a scratching post.



Things are good here.
Have I ever mentioned that I love Summertime?

47 comments:

Karen said...

oooo new couch, fun! and from texas no less... :)

Meghan said...

Thank you for the gentle reminder. I so need to favorite this and refer to it when I'm having one of those days.

Johanna said...

Wowza, that is one sweet-ass fire pit.

Sometimes neglecting to-dos makes room for the BEST insteads. I have the best times when I'm "supposed" to be doing something else. ;)

Anonymous said...

i agree with meghan. this was a great reminder (especially on a day like today) for me to stop stressing and enjoy things :) thanks. (once again, your photography is breathtaking)

Mommy Emily said...

wow, what wonderful photos. i would love if you linked up with my 'imperfect prose on thursdays'... your work is beautiful.

Katyha said...

Ah I've got a million of those mental to-do lists running around in my head and it is so good to cross of some of them, but as soon as one goes two replace it!

You should come & visit Australia to see & hear the didgeridoos played.. you have never truly heard it played until you hear & see the Aboriginals play it and see them dance, beautiful

Have fun camping :)

LilyChen said...

Your pics are simply awesome. You caught every beautiful moment in your life, and atmosphere, the light, the heat, the sunshine, the fresh air from your beautiful garden...and the warmth from your loved friends and family. I hope I could snap photos like your way, I have a Pentax K-X DSLR, and I love to photography, too.

I agree with you: "Don't stress about your undone lists, you'll get to them, eventually.", that's true. :-D

Hannah said...

I love the fire pit- looks like a fun gathering.
I'm with you on usually not doing everything on my list. But there is so much to be said for living in the moment and just not stressing over it.

Anonymous said...

Happy Summertime. All about those wonderful "uneventful events."

On an unrelated note--where did you find those adorable sandals? I have quite the collection going and I just adore those! :)

Emily

a little black cloud in a dress said...

my ipode ended up on Bob Dylan yesterday during my morning run.. It made my day. :]

Rebecca said...

Hey, just found your blog through 'blogs of note' and I am astounded by your photography! I have just started out with a canon slr (350d, second hand, 5 years old) and was wondering if you could give me any words of wisdom? Thanks!

Melinda Owens said...

Lovely post...I absolutely adore the photograph of your Grandfather eating watermelon. So beautiful.

Robyn Devine said...

love the kitty toes and the amazing back yard your friends have! here's to a calm and quiet weekend, full of fire pits, photos, and rest!

Pam said...

Love, love, love your pics! My husband knows EVERY Bob Dylan song by heart & sings them in the shower =) really like your patio lights and fire pit! What is the thingie with the balls hanging from it, some kind of game? Hope you have a wonderful trip and really looking forward to your pics! WOW look at how many followers you have!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Lovely pictures... I like how you capture the little details :)

http://culturedgeekchic.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Your pictures are gorgeous, they are so artfully done!

KeyShe said...

Dear Aura,

I just started a journal as a blog, In search of new Horizons a few days ago.. I havent written in my real note book journal in a long time..
My dad is very ill and is in great pain that i choose that god takes him peacefully instead he keep going painfully longer. I have tried to be the person i am truly but have found it very hard to keep going and then i stumbled upon your blog.

I love it, every bit of it, it reminds me of who i am in a lotta sense. U inspired me, again to find myself, be myself and most of all to just love every bit of life i live.. .

I would love to be friends with you, thank you for the blog and thank you for spreading the love of life...

BTW : I also really love your name :)

God Bless you always...
Krishna
Looking forward to hearing from you!

ag. said...

Lovely post! I love summertime too!
My best friend and I have a saying, "just be" and i think it is such a good reminder to just live in the moment and not worry about crossing everything off on your to-do list or think of what else needs to be done. It's about enjoying life as it happens!
I hope you get to enjoying just being!

Queen of the Rant said...

Love your backyard and the fir pit, the lights I love it all,

With Love, Jamie said...

These pictures are SO BEAUTIFUL!
Your sandals are the cutest,
& I love that game! That's a hit in our family, we play it all the time at family get togethers :)
xx, Jamie

Anonymous said...

our pictures are wonderful.....

Barbara said...

Hi Aura. I found you through Blogs of Note. I immediately fell in love with your blog. Your blog is a pleasure to read and your photos are a feast for the eyes. Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with all of us bloggers.

Peace!

Teddy Bear said...

Love your blog! Did you make that shelf that is hanging on your fence? It's SO cute!

Mimi

ali said...

i love your friends backyard.Have a great weekend and enjoy the new couch.

Unknown said...

Hi Aura, I am another one that came across your blog through the blogs of note. You take wonderful pictures! You have a beautiful family. Your grandfather stands out to me- he looks like such an admirable man. I was reading your post about your wedding and started tearing up at the part where he was singing during your ceremony. Your love for your family really shows in your blog. :)

Wie wirklich ist die Wirklichkeit? said...

such beautiful photos-what do you use? an analog camera?

Jay Marie said...

"Life Happens"
I say that all the time. In fact just yesterday I had written myself a "to-do list" which I do quite often and I did about 1 1/2 of the things on it. You're abosolutely right though, you can't get down on yourself for not completeing the tasks because sometimes life happens.
I found your blog through blogs of note about a week ago and instantly fell in love. I'm new to the whole blogging things and I really like your format.
Also, you said you're parents were camping out west. Where exactly? I'm originally from Idaho and I'm from a family of campers. Just curious, I might know the place.
Thanks again for all the wonderful words.

Federico Panarello said...

The images on your blog are so inspiring! Great blog!

theVEROblog said...

Beautiful pictures!

If you get a chance, check out my blog. Its new and i need some feedback.

beth @ {a latte inspiration} said...

Hi Aura!

When I first stumbled across your site I was memorized by your photography and then your writing captured my heart. The past couple of days I have been reading your entire blog and think that you are endearing & warm person with a beautiful soul. I love your approach to life and find you a great inspiration.

For the past year I have been searching for a career choice that fits me. Your postings have made me realize to follow my dreams no matter how elusive they may be at times. You have awoken my soul and I thank you for that.

I look forward to reading more of your posts, have a great weekend! :)

--Beth

Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! said...

I almost forgot to mention - the image of Fig's toes made me melt. There is just something so special about black cats. ox

Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! said...

Your evening looks so fantastic. The fire pit, the friends, the fun, the music and I love, love, love that the guys were playing a digerido (spelling?) I adore the sound that makes.

Perfect night indeed. I hope you get to feeling better. My vacation was hindered from the heat issues up in Maryland so we didn't get to do anything outdoors, which made me extremely sad.

Enjoy your wilderness trek! oxox

Melissa Blake said...

Hope you have a great vacation!!

shawnacy said...

amazing pictures. so beautiful and full of grace. its a gift to be able to say that life is magical without using words.

Jodi said...

happy camping lovely one. stay safe. and glorious summer sunshine to you x

EvaH said...

i really love your pictures :)
they are great!
it s like reading a fairy tale ;)

cheers

jasunl said...

Pictures are extremely beautiful

Lily said...

I love this! You're an absolutely brill blogger! Your pictures are so lovely. My blog is no where near as excellent as yours, (ive only recently began blogging) but it would really make my day if an experienced blogger such as yourself would stop by and give me some critisim!

Mary said...

Gorgeous pictures and beautiful blog. Happy summer!

Jess said...

The photo of your grandfather with the water melon is amazing.
I love it :)

Not to mention the others are just as beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow! Aboslutely lovely photo's and work here. Just wonderful. So much life!

Jade said...

amazing pictures- i really love this
http://dahay1105.blogspot.com/

DESVENTURAS DE DAVI said...

Lindo seu blog. Parabéns!

Yu said...

I love your blog. You have some really amazing photos!

Yogini Cowgirl said...

just discovered your blog ...it's LOVELY and a wonderful reminder ...and I hope you have an amazing trip!

Anonymous said...

You ask a kid that is selling lemonaide what he is saving for and tip accordingly. Yet you tell us to stop judging you?

white collar | green soul said...

Ladder golf!! My hubby just started playing this with his buddies and has been very excited by it! Looks like you guys are having a wonderful time.

Beautiful pictures, Aura, you are an inspiration.