I was tagged (a long while back, I admit) by two wonderful women, Lotta and Charlotta, whom I admire deeply and who are a constant source of inspiration to me.
I was supposed to open my first folder, scroll down to the tenth picture and write about it. The truth: the tenth photo was rather uneventful compared to this one. So forgive me for cheating a little, but I chose this one instead.
The first digital folder we have dates back to 2004, the year Noah was born. I would love to document that here, even if it means bending the rules just a little bit.
In this picture, Noah was only a few days old - maybe just two or three days old. I want to remember this moment: my calm, but distinct awareness of not quite feeling like his mother yet; Noah's fierce determination to be himself and be heard, which made for a challenging first year, but are traits that will serve him well in life.
For those first few moments with him, and all the moments between then and now, and the moments I don't yet know that I will get to share with my beautiful, resolute boy - for all of that, I am thankful.
For Bill, a man who knows and loves me better than I sometimes know and love myself - for him, too, I am thankful.
For the unconditional love we all three share for one another - for that, I am thankful.
For the kind, encouraging words traveling near and far distances alike, and for the genuine friendships I've made with virtual strangers in this incredible community of bloggers - for that, I am also thankful.
I think my blues have been in part related to things I want to settle in my life - right now. And it meant that for a moment there, I forgot about the very things that have been important in my life - always. So this tenth photo assignment was a good exercise; it was a good way to remind myself that I have much to be grateful for...and that things will fall into place, each in its own time, because I am working toward certain goals - steadily and with an open heart.
Of course it is my wish that we will all reach the goals and dreams we set for ourselves - make no mistake about that.
But for now, I need to practice patience. Resolute patience.
(image: bill)
I was supposed to open my first folder, scroll down to the tenth picture and write about it. The truth: the tenth photo was rather uneventful compared to this one. So forgive me for cheating a little, but I chose this one instead.
The first digital folder we have dates back to 2004, the year Noah was born. I would love to document that here, even if it means bending the rules just a little bit.
In this picture, Noah was only a few days old - maybe just two or three days old. I want to remember this moment: my calm, but distinct awareness of not quite feeling like his mother yet; Noah's fierce determination to be himself and be heard, which made for a challenging first year, but are traits that will serve him well in life.
For those first few moments with him, and all the moments between then and now, and the moments I don't yet know that I will get to share with my beautiful, resolute boy - for all of that, I am thankful.
For Bill, a man who knows and loves me better than I sometimes know and love myself - for him, too, I am thankful.
For the unconditional love we all three share for one another - for that, I am thankful.
For the kind, encouraging words traveling near and far distances alike, and for the genuine friendships I've made with virtual strangers in this incredible community of bloggers - for that, I am also thankful.
I think my blues have been in part related to things I want to settle in my life - right now. And it meant that for a moment there, I forgot about the very things that have been important in my life - always. So this tenth photo assignment was a good exercise; it was a good way to remind myself that I have much to be grateful for...and that things will fall into place, each in its own time, because I am working toward certain goals - steadily and with an open heart.
Of course it is my wish that we will all reach the goals and dreams we set for ourselves - make no mistake about that.
But for now, I need to practice patience. Resolute patience.
(image: bill)
This is such a beautiful photo! And some very wise thoughts, thanks for sharing! xoxo, Monika
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! Thanks for sharing such honest and wise thoughts...a nice reminder for us all. Life is so much more pleasant when we take the time slow down and be thankful for each little moment.
ReplyDeleteHope things are well with you and your beautiful family ~
Sarah :)
beautiful thoughts friend! i love the photo of you and that beautiful little one....
ReplyDeletehope all is well....xo
Thank you for sharing that with us, both the beautiful picture and your inner world.
ReplyDeleteSo true when we're feeling grateful our hearts are so full we don't have room for the what ifs and whens.
xo Jane
I really needed to read this today, to think this today, to remember this today. Thank you, Maria. Long e-mail in the works, but short thoughts in the meantime.
ReplyDeleteHow very beautiful. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. That photo of you and your little one is just precious.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great day!
Beth.
Oh that look of a mother learning her child. With any luck we also learn ourselves. You are wonderful, Maria.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post...
ReplyDeletelove that image of the two of you!
These are great sentiments that you have shared with us today, thank you.
Qué linda foto, una dulzura total, muy lindas tus palabras. Beso grande
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful image. You are looking at Noah like you know how precious he is and you want to be oh-so-careful with his tiny fragile life. It's beautiful. The thoughts you've shared are very wise. Being thankful for what we have is time well spent. Thank you for the reminder.
ReplyDelete...Thank you for sharing your feelings... feeling over or underwhelmed sometimes is painfull ...Blessings to you for prioritizing!...and making it count!..What a beautiful family you have..
ReplyDeleteLovely photo and an equally lovely post. It's ok to be blue, even when you know you have much to be thankful for. Life is simply ... too overwhelming at times ... and we need to pause. The bright colors come back around soon enough.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you and your lovely family.
Jennifer
Such a beautiful and touching photo my wise friend. Your words have reached me at just the right time. I am heartened to hear that you are doing better. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your experiences and your family in such a beautiful way. You are such a tenderhearted and beautiful soul and I am so grateful to have you as my friend. Your dreams will come true...I have no doubt. Hugs from me ~ Txx
ReplyDeletehola maría!! éste post es tan bello como la imagen tuya con tu bebito !!! tus palabras,tus sentimientos,tus agradecimientos...llegan al corazón maría!! muchos besosssssss y muy linda semana !!
ReplyDeleteoh dear for the way we have to learn patience....
ReplyDeleteblessings to you
and the photograph is sooo soo beautiful
oh Maria that is a wonderful photo and that moment is so so special. I know how hard it can be, when you have much to be grateful for and yet you can't shake that overwhelmed feeling. It just seems wrong and ungracious in a way doesn't it. And of course when people point out how lucky you are it makes it even worse! You will get there, I know, mostly because you have a good soul and you are surrounded by your little family who love you to bits. xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhat an extraordinarily moving post! The picture is wonderful but your writing also went straight to my heart.
ReplyDeletebeautiful photo and sentiment, maria. gives me pause to be thankful for all i have too :) thank you.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, the picture, the words, the everything. Something I needed to hear myself as well.
ReplyDeleteMaria this is gorgeous and so moving. The tender moments we have with our newborns are beyond what words can explain. What a beautiful photo to share with us!
ReplyDeleteTo be your friend and to be there for you is a privilege my dear. Don't ever feel otherwise. You know we love you. xx
Have a beautiful week and hug those beautiful men in your life! And yourself!! :)
xx Charlotta
That is such a gorgeous photo of your newborn. It's amazing how the true values in life can always put into perspective all the other things that are imperfect. I'm just glad that I've gotten to meet you via blogging :)
ReplyDeleteHoping you're having a wonderful Tuesday Maria!
xo Mary Jo
loved. this.
ReplyDeletepatience. gratitude. more patience. yes to all.
xoxo.
Querida María, me alegra tanto que encuentres en tu vida momentos tan felices y que les des un espacio para no olvidar que la felicidad existe!!
ReplyDeleteDisfruta a Noah tanto como en los primeros
momentos de su vida!!!
muchos cariños
maria cecilia
In a way, it must seem to you like a different time and another person, that lovely private picture. It's good to remember a time when you didn't know as much as you did now, and expect the same unfolding of all your selves in the next five years.
ReplyDeleteMaria dear, a good reminder to all of us.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of you and Noah is so beautiful. Pure, real, honest and filled with so much love that I can feel it all the way to where I am sitting. (And just look at Noah's adorable little face!)
Do you know how many people would give up everything for that moment?
The "must have now" and not feeling complete are just jealous inner voices because you have other more important things going on right now. It is ok to wait a little Maria. In time everything is going to work out just the way you want it. Yes, they will! Trust me.
You are very loved my friend. By so many.
Mon
I can't argue with any of your sentiments. Beautifully said. I think you have your priorities in order and I can't imagine anything but goodness gravitating toward a wonderful spirit such as yours.
ReplyDeleteah maria--beautiful photo and beautiful words. there is so much possibility in both; new life is unfolding in each moment if only we look. thank you for sharing this here.
ReplyDeleteOh Maria - what a lovely post. Patience - so hard to do at the best of times :) It is easy to forget the important things in life - thank you for the reminder. I adore the image of you and Noah - so quiet and serene.
ReplyDeleteThis post brought tears to my eyes. Tears of gratitude an appreciation and well wishes. That is such a beautiful photo - both of you so sincere and determined, and with so much love. I have also thought about all the wonderful things I have in my life lately. It is so easy to forget and to push aside. I hope you find peace and contentment in being with your loved ones and I am sure the things you wish and strive for will happen in its own time. XXOO.
ReplyDeleteIs the dog an elkhound
ReplyDeletehttp://1001steps4u.blogspot.com/