You’d be right here next to me, standing in my living room.
I’d point down the hallway to the open door. The doorway to the some of the most magical lighting I’ve ever experienced.
It’s early morning and a waterfall of sheer white fabric is glowing with the most perfect mix of highlights and shadows. It rushes into the room and bounces playfully from wall to ceiling, to wall, to floor, leaving a perfect kiss of light on every surface it finds. Including, of course, my girl.
She’s sitting on the floor at the bottom left corner of the “waterfall”, legs crossed, her back to the light. To her right is an open drawer, with a rainbow of paper spilling out.
You’d hear her murmur a little something. She’s chatting with the girls before her, asking what color and style they’d like.
A moment later, scissors in hand, she’s carefully cutting tiny strips of paper.
We’d stand, at a distance, and listen to the symphony that plays through my house on almost a daily basis. The lower sound that’s coming from the cutting tells me she’s using a thicker piece of construction paper. The “cut cut cut” is followed by a brief silence and then the screech of packing tape being pulled through the dispenser.
More murmuring. And the symphony begins again.
Minutes later she’s finished. She holds her “client” up, face to face, and asks if she likes it. With a nod of approval, my girl moves on to the next friend.
It’s at this point you might say to me, “Grab your camera!”
And I’ll shake my head no. Not today.
I’m tempted to tell you that today I just want to watch. But the reality is that I’m not just watching.
Today, I’m seeing. And hearing. And feeling what I miss out on when I’m caught up in framing and capturing these moments.
No feverishly dialing in the exposure. No fiddling with changing the focus point. No army crawling along the floor to find an angle free of distortion.
I’ll “watch” for a few moments more before telling you I have to go.
Then I’ll quietly make my way closer. Until she sees me and invites me in.
And we’ll sit together beneath that waterfall of warm light, playing the symphony together.
Beautiful. I’m happy for both of you.
Such a beautiful piece!!!! It is so true that while trying to capture it all on camera or video we miss the actual moment! I have missed that quick moment of my child receiving their award, waiting for the moment to “click” my camera. Now I usually don’t worry about it. I refuse to get a picture of my daughter while performing her figure skating program. It is only a minute and a half to take in the music, the spins, the poise, the look on her face and the way she holds herself–so proud she has worked to get to where she is ….I watch as well, and take in the moment, the experience, the achievement. Isn’t being a mom great? You do a stupendous job my lady!
Totally geared up. This is motherhood; trying so hard to be present and get out of your own way. I struggle with being off-agenda and taking moments in. Can’t wait to see what this new season of home-schooling and being ready for opportunities looks like for you and Mayhem. You are well equipped, Angie, to ride a great adventure – even if it takes you no farther than your living room.
* teared. Stinkin autocorrect.
I think that’s one of the most beautiful “snapshots” you’ve ever shared with us =)
Welcome to the wacky and wonderful world of homeschooling. I can’t think of many kids better suited to it. May you find a fantastic community to play with!
You two are my favorites.
Such a poetic piece. Truly beautiful.
Awww! What a lovely piece. Thank you for generously sharing your life with us. You can actually just keep all the awsomeness, wit and creativity of the little girl all to yourself. But everyday, you choose to share it and bring happiness to your many followers.
Simply beautiful! Thank you for sharing a piece of your world!! Love you guys!
Poetry.
Its easy to get caught up in capturing these moments on camera when the best way to immortalize them is in our memory. Well said mama.
Thank you so much for the reminder to savor the moment. I spend so much time telling my little one to hurry up when I need to be telling myself to slow down and enjoy every minute I have with him.
Beautiful! I feel the same way! Thank you for sharing!
Unfortunately I missed a lot when mine was little for the same reason. The perfect shot,etc.
Now I have grand babies I am torn between enjoying the moment and savoring it then, or capturing it so I can soak them in when I’m away. (They live across the country from me).
Just beautiful, Angie! Your words are as touching and poetic as your photos and Mayhem’s paper dresses. Love. ?
Beautiful.
Beautifully written – it’s like I’m there, “watching” it with you