Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Vacation images - a little girl colors

I am convinced that adults don't spend enough time watching children being themselves. If we did, we'd learn quite a lot about how we should be leading our supposedly grown-up lives.

Here, Dahlia taught me that it's possible to be at peace even when the world flies by at 120 km/h and you're hundreds of kilometers from home. I love this picture because it is so reflective of the soft little bubble that a girl builds around herself when she simply wants to be a seven-year-old child.

I love this picture for how it makes me feel. I'm blessed to be her Dad, to be able to peek into scenes like this no matter where we are or what we're doing.

How do you - or your children, if you have them - find small slices of peace amidst the bustle of life? Why do you feel this is so critical to your well-being?

8 comments:

portuguesa nova said...

I love this picture. It must be a great feeling as a parent to be able to catch your child lost in moments where he or she is totally at peace with the world that you've created for them.

Moogie said...

What a wonderful photo. It's so peaceful. I feel it's so important to provide your child with "downtime"if you will. Today we are all constantly on the go. For the kids it's school, sports, etc. Each night after bath we have quiet time. Whether it's watching a tv show, reading or just playing games we make up while I'm lying with them in bed. It's their time, and in essence, it's mine. It's when I come down from the day. It gives me peace.

Jef said...

I don't have children, but when my little sister was little, one of my favorite memories is of going to Disneyworld when she was five. We stood in long lines in the heat and we sing a counting song. I would say, "1-2" and then she would say in her little voice, "Cha cha cha." It wasn't much, but it entertained us for hours. She was so cute as she smiled shyly and said, "Cha cha cha." Now she's 22 and a senior in college. Where does the time go?

My cat teaches me things too. I have never heard her come into a room and ask, "Do I look fat?" She can also cat nap in perfect harmony now when I run the vacuum cleaner. That's a peace bubble!

Anonymous said...

VedaSays

It's always refreshing (or should be) to a parent to witness their child's understanding of how to do something on their own, by themselves. No matter what it is. Something like this, being creative, is extra rewarding. Not only do we get to witness, but we get the bonus of knowing the child is comfortable enough given whatever surroundings, to do their own thing. Not to mention, we get the break from being constantly involved with whatever they're doing. ('course, this changes to being a break from constant worry, as they grow to the teen years, but you're not there yet.) :) Definitely moments to be cherished! Great shot, Carmi!

Unknown said...

I love the way you can watch your daughter color and see the bubble she built around herself... and then express it so well. You always make me look at things a little differently. Thank you.

Jill said...

I love this photo. Dahlia's selection of the page with flowers, the upside-down Hallmark bag, the open ziplock bag at her side, and the frozen street and icy trees outside. She looks so cozy, warm, and safe. You caught your daughter in a perfect moment, Carmi. Simply wonderful.

Mellie Helen said...

When I'm sorting laundry, cooking a meal, doing other household chores, while at the same time calculating in my head the fifty other things I "should" be doing right then, I'm all caught up in the adult world of activity, concern, planning, juggling, struggling -- and then I hear a little lilting voice speaking the various roles of her Little Peoples as she plays with the figures in her doll house; changing the tonality for each character. I know I've made myself too busy and too unavailable if I hear the "mommy" character tell the "baby" character, "Not now, honey, I'm busy. Go find something to play with." That's a cue that I am DONE with housework for the day and its time to join in the bubble.

F said...

My daughter can't help but fall asleep within 15 minutes of riding in my car. She's five, but still, it must be most comfortable car seat ever made.

There are other times where I will catch and then watch her trying to read a book. She seems like she is taking it all in, in her own little world and nothing else really matters.