My Mum used to tell me never to forget to 'stop and smell the roses'.
I was at a conference on Friday about Education for Sustainable Development. During a workshop on Outdoor Education we were asked to think about one time when we were happiest as a child.
Out of fifteen people, not one could recall a specific experience/event/material possession but all recalled just being outside 'in nature' playing either alone or with friends, as their happiest childhood memory.
This time of year - for us northern hemisphere types - brings us abundant opportunity for making those memories.
Yesterday we drove up to the in-laws to welcome them back from a five week trip to Australia. This is a journey we have done on numerous occasions. Such journeys often merge into one. Nothing special. Just a case of getting from A to B - albeit through some very lovely countryside and pretty villages.
Yesterday's journey was a good one. One to remember. On the way there was the glorious autumn colour of the trees lining the M3 and A34. Then, there was the enormous hare sitting bolt upright in a big open field - followed by a deer lying down in the next field.
The journey back was equally special. A clear autumn night full of stars. We just had to stop the car and get out so that we could all see this most amazing natural spectacle.
Picture borrowed from here.
I'm so grateful that I had a Mum who encouraged me to appreciate these 'little things'. I just had to share it with you.
.....and to those numerous people who drove past us yesterday, with small people in their rear seats glued to their DVD players......STOP and let your children see the stars!
I'll be back tomorrow with crafty photos - promise :)
xxx
19 comments:
Lesley this is such a brilliant post. I totally agree - I don't do this kind of thing enough. It's getting dark. I think I'll bundle MissP into her coat and pop out onto the patio to peep at the stars. Thanks for the reminder to stop rushing about.
Oh yes Missus Moog, definitely stop and look at the stars.
Thank you for the reminder! I'll pop outside right now to have a look at the stars!
We are lucky enough to live in an area where we have dark nights and no citylights, and during winter we can see the northern light. So amazing! We've stood in the freezing cold on numerous occations just gazing at the stars and the dancing light. My mother in law is certain that the stars are closer to earth here that any other place she's been.
you are so right about children not looking out of car windows and missing so much - even a game of motorway cricket can be fun when you all join in!!!!!!
We used to live outside the town in an area with dark skies and it was fantastic to see the stars at night. You did just the right thing to take time and have a look. We miss so much rushing about everyday.
Lovely post! I love to look up at the stars and moon every night just before I get into bed. I fling open the window whatever the weather and just B-R-E-A-T-H-E. The stars are very special to me, my Dad always said I'd been a good girl today if the stars were out
Erm, I would pop out and look at the stars, honest I would Miss, but it's raining Miss. Sorry Miss.
Seriously though - good post Missus and again one of the reasons I love blogging - because not only does it remind us to stop and smell the roses but also provides us with the place to record those moments.
Locket xxxx
P.S. Patiently looking forward to seeing the crafty goodies!
Such a lovely post Lesley... and a timely reminder to stop and smell the roses... or watch the stars!
The stars were stunning last night, weren't they? Now the clocks have changed there are more chances to look at them too!
One of my happy memories is at age eight being taught by my Mum to love the lightning from the electric storm that night. It was a lesson I have never forgotten. None of my children are petrified of storms nor are any of the animals we have ever owned. Your post is excellent and I agree wholeheartedly that children should not spend long trips as another excuse for watching tv. Cherrie
Couldn't agree with you more - what life is this, if full of care - we have no time to stand and stare. We often let the little things pass by unnoticed in the rush of life - but it's the little things that make life so special. Thanks so much for your post xx
you are soo right - i think its the 'little' things that make us the happiest!
xx
Brilliant post Lesley ... There is such wonder and beauty all around us, it's a shame that so many people (esp the ones with DvD's in their cars!!) can't wont or don't see it. Your mum is a very wise woman! xxx
A lovely post about every day things. We are of to Wales next week and one thing that always amazes us is how dark the nights are and how bright the stars are.
I love looking up at the stars, when we visit my parents the view is always better because they are in the country and there's no streetlights. Em loves it too, so much that we got my old ladybird book of stargazing out. Jane x
Great post Kesley. Whilst I'll admit to DVD playing on seriously long journies (hey there's big expanses of nothing in Canada!!!), my children are big fans of the night sky. Especially as Daddy is as big on astronomy as I am on sewing!
I did type Lesley honest. Didn't mean to change your name!!! Sorry!
Lina x
Ah, a smart mother you are, Mrs. Moog! I'm so happy we didn't have those DVD thingies when our boys were little -- I love roadtrips and I always wanted them to look out the window and enjoy the scenery. It was a little tough on trips across the plain states -- very flat and boring, but hopefully they'll want to teach their children the same thing!
It's so easy to get caught up in life and miss the little things. Or the twinkly things.
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