Skies - "Everyone Needs a Happy Cloud in Their Day"
I've had experiences my whole life that have led me to believe that this life we live is 'alive and interactive'.
Now, we all have our dogmas and beliefs which might be slightly different. We might use different language, have different labels to describe them. However, I think most of us (at least I hope) have had experiences where we've been moved to tears, lifted out of depression, plucked from mediocrity or had some major shift or epiphany that seemed to expand our perception of reality and ourselves....our lives. I wouldn't call this day one of those major moments, it certainly was one of those sweet little 'winks' that brought me a lot of joy and will forever remain in that special place of my heart.
This particular time in my life was one of those uprooting times. A purging ;) Not a particularly pleasant experience but we know that life goes through these changes and people come and go, new chapters end and begin. So, I wasn't my normal upbeat, positive self - I had just shed (or was in the process of shedding) a few layers of the onion, so to speak. Trying to adopt a 'new normal' as the influx of new friends, new faces, new chapters emerged.
We had just barely entered into our new experience of 'homeschooling' when this day occurred. Mornings for us have always been a struggle with two kids that have allergies. Not to mention, their lack of understanding of 'time'. We were often late to any class or event. This was a new group that we had just recently joined for science.
Late again!
Fifteen minutes late for our science class, I was feeling the stressed. Frazzled might aptly describe my state. However, we made it and everyone had clothes on, I had lunches and snacks packed, had a supply of water, allergy medicine. This was a 45 acres outdoor learning branch of the museum that was used intermittently depending on the class content. As we walked, I did notice that the place seemed a little too quiet and I didn't see a lot of cars parked when we got there. Trekking our way to the outdoor classroom, it became increasingly clear that our group was not there and I knew that I had apparently got the place mixed up. I felt so incredibly bad about this, overwhelmed actually. My mind tripping over itself at the thought of not only being late, but a no show and missing out on an important class - and it was all my fault!
No sooner did I think this, did a group of scientists show up to ask why we were there. This was not a place open to the public unless an event was happening or classes were taking place. I explained the mix-up and then they strangely excused themselves to the side, had a little chat and returned to tell me, "We're going to be in meetings all day and although it's against policy, we'd like to invite you to stay if you'd like and spend the day here with your kids - go ahead and enjoy yourselves!" Then each one proceeded to give me a mental map of their favorite places to experience..."Oh, you have to experience the 'lace tree', it just started blooming...you can't miss the pond or creek..." Not the response I was expecting, but it was very cool.
As they disappeared over a hill, I stood there with my two boys and realized that we had not only their blessing to explore this beautiful land, but that we had 45 acres to ourselves for the day! My overwhelming feeling was suddenly replaced by a deep breath of release, acceptance - and enthusiasm!
And for the next 5 hours, we played and played! We rolled up our pants and got our feet wet in creeks and ponds, played with tadpoles and dragonflies, discovered new trees and plants and just when we were just too pooped to continue and decided to head home, I looked up into this beautiful deep blue sky and saw this lone cloud smiling back at us. Perfect day! One of my favorite days, in fact. ;) ;)
The Lace Tree!
Found a caterpillar on the path that we had to save
All safe
To me, this is what Mother's Day (and life) is about. These special little moments that create the tapestry of memories and love - topped off with a wink. That was the message I felt we got that day. "This" is what life is about.
| Category | (Skies ) |
| Camera | (Iphone) |
| Location | (Prairie Ridge ) |
This is an entry to the MONOMAD contest hosted by our @brumest at his new account @monochromes
TOPICS LIST:
Monday - Macro
Tuesday - Street
Wednesday - Abstract
Thursday - Animals
Friday - Flowers
Saturday - Silhouettes
Sunday - Skies
Hive
Bomb
It seems as if clouds have a way of adding to the joy of a joyful day, so many times after a good day, I'll look up and see a really cool cloud, after a really nice outing last summer, of hunting agates..taking pictures, and then reflection shots in a lake...on the way home an eagle cloud in sky...it really capped the day of nicely. So great of them to let you an your kids play in their 45 acre park.
I'm a cloud watcher, too @bashadow I have some really amazing shots of things I've seen up there ;) Don't want to freak anyone out though LOL
It really was a kind thing to let us have those acres for the day - I guess we were meant to be there instead of some stuffy museum for the day.
Hive
vote
I think Mother Nature makes the best museum.
Oh yes! I love exploring Mother Nature's museum the most.
Strange how sometimes the wrong place or time morphs into the "right place, right time." Serendipitous indeed.
Perhaps you were exactly where you were per-determined to be all along, huh?
Like you said, the world we inhabit is alive and interactive and perhaps it is in fact so malleable that it has the profound ability for us to be placed at the exact tree we require right at harvest time.
The cloud was just the cherry on top, re-affirming that you were in the precise place you needed to be.
We share the same sentiments on this exactly, @stevenwood :) Alive and interactive, indeed!
This is awesome! A new adventure being quite the surprise. How lovely :)
That cloud picture is the best! And I have to say my next favorite would be the one just before the lace tree. I think that would be my hang out spot if there was one just like that where I live.
Beautiful post. Thank you for sharing. Highlights of life right here ^_^
We actually did spend a lot of time in that place, @foxyspirit :) . It was a very quiet, serene place with a log crossing the creek and sunlight coming through the trees like a spotlight.
Lovely! In the next few days, when the sun comes out and warms up a little more, I will go out in the forest and share my spot of tranquility, hoping the bugs wont be so bad lol. Glad you spent many great moments there :D
I do hope the sun comes out and you are able to share - would love to see it! Wouldn't that be a great new trend on steemit? "Where is your place of tranquility?" Maybe we can start a new tag #tranquility to get it started.
Oh that's a great Idea! DM me on discord when you have the time. We can talk about starting that if you are willing ^_^ I would just need a few days to get more snow to melt so I can walk the trail :p
Yes, we do need to keep our minds and eyes open, less we miss noticing a gift right in front of us. Whether that be a smiling cloud or field trip not going as originally planned. Life is alive and interactive indeed, hopefully we are open to notice its many unplanned and subtle gifts.
Sometimes in life, our "mistakes" turn out to be pure blessings, if only we can look at it from a different perspective! SO glad you guys had such a wonderful time. Your pictures are beautiful! My favorite is the one with the kiddo holding the caterpillar! Thanks for sharing your beautiful day with us! :) Happy Mothers Day!
Happy Mother's Day, @smylie2005 :) Thank you.
I didn't include in this story that it took us 40+ minutes to find the 'perfect' place for that caterpillar :) Saving caterpillars is serious business! ;)
What a cute Mother's day Date you did have. I'm glad you had a wonderful and enjoyable day with the kids.
I thought caterpillars are itchy, this is why we aren't allowed to touch it.