playful pause

September's One Word Project brought so much joy to my weary heart throughout the month. Like so many women I know, I have piled so much on my plate lately I am overwhelmed. So much of it's good good stuff and yet, it still means work. And navigation. Concentration and so much emotional and even physical energy. I'm too busy. Too tired. Overextended.

When I get like this, it's images like this one from E Whitaker Photo that remind me of what's important. Slow down, it gently urges me. Remember how fast time passes and how you can miss it if you don't take some time to observe and appreciate it.

My girls are much older than the two children above and perhaps that is why it breaks my heart. And yet, I am delighted in the same breath as I am reminded of life's playful simplicities. So grateful that I took time out tonight, after bedtime, to let my oldest daughter soak in a warm tub to ease her body and mind after a long day of middle school. I sat there on the bathroom floor with her and just listened and we laughed together and just were. Like these two. Slow, simple, easy.

It's the levity of the simple moments we all need. The easy play time. The lightheartedness of being in our own world and also of being with others. I will miss the word play. It's been exactly what I've needed. On this last day, please share a playful moment. Anything goes. Make me laugh. Make me cry. Take me away.

Tomorrow we wll announce the new word for October. Don't miss it. It will be equally as wonderful I'm sure of it.

Comments

[Marcie]

A lighthearted moment of play...turning the world upside down:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=937

[Elizabeth Harper]

The color of joy for me today is all about play....

http://giftsofthejourney.wordpress.com/2009/10/01/the-color-of-joy/

[Vanessa]

i agree that it's the levity of the simple moments that we all need. sometimes it baffles me that the very thing that exhausts me the most -my kids!- is also the one thing that teaches me to let go, to ease myself into life, to abandon myself to enjoyment, to let the endorphins rush and just... play.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3971544006/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3971543992/in/photostream/

[kosenrufu mama]

some sweet moments of playing around my house
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/2009/09/profumo-di-zuppa-di-zucca.html

[Julia]

My daughter sliding. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pFs8Xoasq3s/Sr12F4dPl8I/AAAAAAAACCM/EM3lcJ8QVV8/s1600-h/Gracie+staticky+hair.jpg

[Jamie]

Yes, play is good. Playing in the dirt is good, too!

http://camerashy.tinycorners.com/index.php?showimage=129

[djbeat]

play was such a good word & month... wanted to share a couple of my favorites:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/djbeat/3911888530/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/djbeat/3914615138/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/djbeat/3896532483/

[emily]

*sigh*

I've enjoyed these more than I can say.

[Puna]

I have a post about children playing, or not play as it were...

http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2009/10/what-soccer-game/

[Nina]

Let the Halloween fun begin

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beansf/3975545886/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/beansf/3975545886/

[Screen Sleuth]

Beautiful pic...it does remind me to take life more slowly.

[Liz]

Wonderful post Tracey! Thank you!

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