On Saturday Leo and I went to visit my Dad. We had been to a client meeting and on our way home we dropped in for a coffee and a chat. Leo got a bit restless and Dad (Pa) took him outside for a tour of the ‘pretties’. Known to most of us as the flowers in his garden,  to Pa and his grandchildren they have always been, and will continue to be, the ‘pretties’. 

This little ritual has never failed to calm and entertain my children. Something about being in the arms of their Pa, hearing his voice and being outside soothes them.  It is such a beautifully simple act and I (quite simply) want to make room for more of these moments in my life.

The life I want to enjoy includes simple solutions and enjoyments such as Pa’s ’pretties’ tour – small moments of being. More jumping on the trampoline; walking the dog; pottering in the garden. Less time here in front of the computer. Yes, I do recognise the irony of this moment!

It would be insane for me to think that my life could be simple in every sense. I may strive for that, but the truth is I would fail miserably. I do love my crazy, beautiful world. I would just like for it to include more simple, less rush.

Simple (to me) = time to soak up my children and their little ways
                     = contentment with this time, unclouded with thoughts of the jobs I am not getting done
                     = time to really understand who my children are and to give them the time to really know and understand who I am
                     = time for me, unclouded with the guilt that often assaults mothers who dare to take time out from work AND their children
                     = time for DJ and I to just be together
                     = time to think about family and friends, call family and friends, send small gifts to family and friends
                     = time to dream – big and small

Is it a surprise to me that simple = time?   Not really. I do feel like I never have enough of it, but as my lovely friend Suz reminded me – not many people do. Being busy and rushed and pushed is not mine alone.  It is also not a surprise that I feel like my life was much more simple before children, but that life also included a time when I lived in a community where most things were only five minutes away, when I didn’t spend two hours of my day driving, when I didn’t run my own business, when I had one job.

So to remind myself of what I long for, every post here is going to include a little gift to myself. A moment; a story; a memory. A simple wandering.  If you want to be part of this indulgence you will find them at the bottom of every post.

As I left my Dad on Saturday I took with me a bunch of gardenia ‘pretties’ from his garden. I have always loved gardenias; their perfume; their delicacy and the very pretty and complex manner in which they unfold. I would love to have gardenias beside my bed always. 

Then, on our way to the car I saw his little field of mini daisies. They looked so happy and pretty and simple. I grabbed a hand full. Daisies may seem simple – when children (and I)  draw daisies they have a round centre and petals – but when you get in close you can see their complexity and beauty. They are rarely perfect, but they are full of hidden treasures – you just have to look for them.

I might want gardenias by my bedside but I want my life to be a daisy.

Fran x
 

Today’s Simple Wandering: A scottish folk song, sung by Poppy

poppy sings ally bally 

Ally bally, ally bally bee,
Sittin’ on yer mammy’s knee,
Greetin’ for a wee bawbee, (crying) (a halfpenny)
Tae buy mair Coulter’s candy. (to) (more)