Friday, June 26, 2009

slow down

early morning slow down, reading with a friend
When was the last time you actually slowed down, long enough to sink into your sofa with a good book and a dog. I was whirling about the other day, and captured this lovely site, my little girl reading with our faithful companion, Bentley. I could not even get upset that he was on the "good" couch. I mean how is a dog supposed to know which one is good from bad? The light was streaming in, and all was right in my world.

So, tell me, how do you slow yourself down and give yourself permission to slack, to be a loaf, a slug, a sloth and just slow it all down. I am giving myself permission to hurry up and slow down.  Today is the last day of school (yes in the North East school ends the end of June) and it is time to embrace summer and slow down.

26 comments:

Formerly known as Frau said...

Great shot! I love that your dog is on the good couch and looking a little like oh crap I'm in trouble. I haven't curled up on the couch with a good book in awhile. Rainy day here perhaps today.Have a great last day of school Mom.

Anonymous said...

What a sweet dog!
I love to curl up on the sofa with a book, must make more time for those sort of things. Today i posted a little peek into my sketckbook ;)
xoxo M

qerat said...

what a picture
it is amazingly serene and "right" and I agree nothing would upset me in front of such a great moment.
I will have to learn the art of allowing and giving permission to myself to slow down.

Purple Flowers said...

I love the photo. It is so peaceful to look at. Your daughter reading, and Bentley noticing you.

Today, I am doing necessary chores in the am, and then settling in with my library club book. It's the end of a long week, and I need to be in the moment with a quiet mind.

Slices of Beauty... said...

Tranquil, quietude...really cool.
Thanks for sharing.

A Gift Wrapped Life said...

Bentley knows he's looking too good
and thinking "I'm so cute I'll never get in trouble, look she's even taking my picture". I used to love those first summer days when the kids were done school and the whole schedule shifted....lovely memories. Enjoy Patricia!

Deidra said...

Oh, that's a great photo! It looks like there's room on the couch for you, too.

When I find myself racing around - in my mind or in my body - I drop my shoulders and breathe. Deep, cleansing, restorative breaths. Focusing on breathing deeply stops the world around and within me.

home before dark said...

Being retired—and an empty nester—I get to create my day everyday. Today my husband is taking a "play day" off and we're going to a quarry to order MORE ROCKS! The backyard looms. But today we'll amble down country roads, have a lovely lunch, move through heat and high humidity, he without the restriction of a tie and suit, and just talk to each other. Bentley is adorable. A picture of anyone reading a book in today's world, always gets me. Happy summer.

annechovie said...

I say a slow-down for you is LONG deserved! Supermom, it's time to reward yourself and take a break! Love this photo. Have a relaxing weekend! XO

PS~Erin said...

I need to give this some thought. I haven't allowed myself this time for a while. I've got a stack of magazines that are awaiting my loaf. Thanks for the reminder. (Your pup is adorable!)

Leciawp said...

It is SO hard to slow down, isn't it? At home it's nearly impossible for me. I slow down at the pool if I don't get in with the boys because all I can do is read. And a pedicure - another time of enforced relaxation that I love...

Leciawp said...

my comment was published before I was finished - also wanted to say that your photo is priceless xoxo

Tricia said...

Such a precious image you captured! I am headed on a long journey next week so I'll be forced to slow down and get in some reading and relaxing. Other than that I just don't do it, unfortunately.

mayaluna said...

Thanks for this reminder. My 5th grader has just started summer vacation... he understands this slowing down. I will watch him and try to recall how. Have a great weekend, your friend from the fishbowl!
~maya

soodie :: said...

Good question! Sometimes when you're used to having so much to do and so many deadlines and can't say "NO" to people, you don't know how to slow down. And if you have a moment or even a day to yourself, you're so used to being busy that you get nervous for just wanting to sit on the sofa with your dog watching an old movie -- with your phone turned off of course.

Sanity Fair said...

Bentley looks like such a little sweetie there. I've really worked lately on making time to read - and been so glad I did. The key has really been moving the TV into a room away from my comfy reading area. Even when it's just on for background noise, it doesn't invite quiet reflection.

Kwana said...

I don't do it enough. I'm glad you captured the moment.

Lisa Porter said...

Patricia,
Good for you mom for stopping to appreciate a quiet moment & for keeping shhhhh. I love it when those occur. I think that God gives busy moms those stop-in-your-tracks moments as a reward for taking the time to listen to Him.
I think that Bentley was grateful too!
Have a nice slow weekend....
Lisa

Kate Coveny Hood said...

So true! I often ignore the mess around me (something I would once NEVER do) and just focus on the smiles and laughter of my beautiful children. There will always be a mess to clean up, but children will be grown up and gone before I know it.

Clarity said...

She looks adorable. How is it that a person can convey calmness even when you don't see their face?

I have been up for 48 hours working (with sporadic water, phone and blog breaks) have come back from the Film Institute (or institution depending on which Friday night it is) and am just about ready to sink into....zz.

Sleep and a warm bed is a luxury, never take it for granted.

Unknown said...

Heavenly picture, your girl and her dog...reading!
I try to remind myself of true calming time and usually play piano to get there or curl up in bed and read! It's both perfect for me!
(Last night was such night, I read
"Moloka'i" by Alan Bennett, I was so moved!)

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Actually, I slow down exactly like your lovely daughter. With a book, a sofa, and Edward.

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Bentley melts my heart! I miss my sweet little pug who is waiting for us to come home....I don't think I can travel without her again. When she snuggles up in my lap, I'm given the perfect excuse to just sit and be.

Wishing you and your family a fun-filled summer!

Ina in Alaska said...

Oh I love the picture of Bentley and your daughter!! I wish I could slow down. Maybe some day!

pve design said...

thanks to each of you for slowing down long enough to leave me a comment. seems that each of us need little reminders to find the stillness, the serenity and when it is admired in others, it fills one's heart with joy, so remember to slow down for those around you.
pve

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

From the look on Bentley's face...it's possible, just possible, he knows he may be in the wrong a wee bit. "Ruh-roh...good couch. Make cute face."

Slow down...hmmm...tell me more about this? ;-)