A warm night. The kitchen window wide open.
I’m unloading the dishwasher, second nature. Feet moving along the well-worn path between cupboard and drawer. Hands depositing glasses, forks, bowls in their waiting places.
Suddenly, I hear something that stops me in my tracks: the unmistakable sounds of a small group of people gathering.
Laughter.
Lilting voices.
Glasses clinking.
In that brief moment I turn toward the open window. I surrender to how very much I love the sounds of people gathering, sinking into the pleasure of it for a few moments.
And then I return to my dishwasher task.
Lately I seem to be paying more mindful attention than ever to these brief moments, cultivating them.
I think it’s because I’m less distracted now that I’ve finally gotten in the swing of studying for my LPCC exams. That means limitations on a lot of things: aimless web surfing, blogging, tweeting. I’m trying to check email only once or twice a day.
And I’m not too proud to admit that a couple of times I’ve enlisted Dave’s help and asked him to take away the computer mouse and put parental restrictions on my other devices so I can’t get access to the internet browser. Drastic? Perhaps, but it works.
It also helps that I’m spending every other week at our little creekside getaway place, where a decent internet connection can only be found about 10 minutes away at the library or coffee house or Lakeside Grill. (But I’m not complaining.)
It’s all good. Especially the brief moments and small loves.
The evening breeze rippling across my skin.
The frosty tang of a limesicle hitting my tongue.
Watching the cat sleep in a pool of sunlight.
Inhaling the scent of a lavender bush as I pass by.
Simple, simple things to love and appreciate.
And this week, I wish you many small loves and brief moments.
page from my art journal: people gathering
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living deep studio 
Thank you, Patty for sharing the joy of doing the dishes. Appreciating the the simple everyday pleasures brings true happiness. Dancing with a 3 year old, enjoying the cool breeze on my face while absorbing the warm sun on my back, laughing and singing to a child makes me happy. Best wishes for passing your exams and most of all for enjoying the creek.
I can just tell how much those brief moments lift you up, Nancy. Thanks for visiting and sharing them.
Your wonderful simple moment reminded me of my own, similar one: This morning, watering my garden, and through the open window of my neighbor’s house, I heard the sound of her putting dishes away. Which immediately made me realize how much I love the sound of dishes and silverware clinking–not sure what it reminds me of, but its a very happy sound to me!
Yes! Those clinking sounds are so evocative Charlotte. I adore them too.
Beautifully written. Somehow, these small slices of life is the most precious.
Thank you so much. Really appreciate you stopping by.
Small moments that aren’t really small. Simple appreciation that connect us to something much bigger. I’ve always hated emptying the dishwasher. We must be on the same wavelength because, lately, I’ve used that chore as an opportunity to be present, as a kind of moving meditation. All the best for your exams!
Oh I’m laughing because I hate unloading the DW too. So this moment of stopping & sinking into the sensory pleasure of listening to my neighbor’s get together somehow gave unloading the DW a whole new meaning!
I read this and had a very nice, big sigh. It’s beautifully said and so very true. Taking the time to be aware of the “small loves and brief moments” is precious time, never wasteful. Good luck with your exams:~)
Thank you for visiting, Sara! I love how you say that…precious time, never wasteful.