how we spend our days

In Digital, Life
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As an avid collector of treasures, I have taught Percy, my 20 month old grandson, to collect things. Empty snail shells, smooth rocks, seed pods, and now fallen leaves. He holds the leaves he has collected tightly as we walk, his chubby, dimpled hand so full that he struggles some with each new one he adds to his collection. I watch, but let him be, allowing him to take his time as he figures it out. He reaches his hand out to show me after he has it all situated and I ooh and ahh, because truly, it is the most beautiful thing I have seen today. 

He has taught me so much in these first 20 months of his life. Reminded me that there is time to read the same story over and over on a rainy afternoon, or rock him for a full twenty minutes when he gets up from a nap. I have brushed up on my dinosaur names and spent sunny afternoons drawing animals with chalk, on various sidewalks.

These simple pleasures and others have found their way into my life and helped me to take note of how I spend my time. He has taught me to let go of some of those nagging things I thought I had to keep up with, opening up time to do things I have neglected for years. And after all, isn’t this what retirement is all about?

Photography has always been a huge pleasure of mine and today is no different. What I have discovered however, is that my subject has changed. Sure, I still head out to take photos of those beautiful fall leaves, but to be honest I would rather spend my time walking the neighborhood, collecting those leaves with him, slipping my phone out of my pocket to take a quick photo, so as not to break the spell. 

As I learn to take back my time back, one of the things that I have backed away from is time spent online. Everything from my favorite cooking sites, to Instagram, and to my personal blog, has become a bit of a chore. And, so as hard as it is to leave, this will be my last post here on Viewfinders. 

It has been such a privilege to learn from these amazing woman, their friendship and inspiration has provided much needed nourishment during these difficult times.Thank you ladies for all you do!

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing.” ~ Annie Dillard 

Thank you for a beautiful ride!
xo, Cathy 

19 Comments

  1. Enjoy your time with your grandson, Cathy! You will be missed…

  2. We will miss you Cathy! Thanks for your lovely images and words, and enjoy these sweet moments.

  3. Cathy, You always lead the way for me . . . at first by seeing the beauty in your own backyard and making your signature pictures, then through your writing where you shared your heart so deeply, and then easing into a new season of life as a grandparent where you begin again—experiencing the world through the eyes of a child. Thank you for being my friend and showing me your way, which has so often guided me to my way. Big Hugs!

    • Donna, Thank you for all your support, inspiration, and friendship! Big hug right back!

  4. That Percy is one lucky little guy.
    We’ll miss you here but I’m so happy to know you’re taking care of you and spending your days in ways that nourish YOU.
    xoxo

    • Michelle, thank you for helping me see that nourishing myself is so important. Take care xoxo

  5. We will miss your lovely images, but I think you are making a good choice! Enjoy every moment with your sweet family.

    • Thank you Leslie, and keep backing that beautiful bread!

  6. Will miss you here, Cathy. I agree, you have made the right choice. Enjoy every minute with Percy!

  7. Thank you, Cathy, for sharing your lovely photos and your vulnerability. Thank you for all the times I found myself nodding yes in response to your words. Thank you for being you. Wishing you all the best, Cathy!

  8. Thank you, Cathy, for sharing your lovely photos and your vulnerability. Thank you for all the times I found myself nodding yes in response to your words. Thank you for being you. Wishing you all the best, Cathy!

  9. Thank you thank you thank you.
    Your gorgeous images will so be missed, but you have absolutely made the right decision. ENJOY! x

    • Thank you so much. It has been lovely getting to know you!
      xoxox

  10. Dear Cathy… I have loved your contributions here – the tenderness with which you write and think. Everything you say here makes perfect sense.

    xoxo

    • Ahh Beth, so fun to hear from you. Thank you so much for these lovely words.

      xoxox

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