Simple Pleasures
Sky DelightJeff Lowe
Sky Delight was created at sunset just after the passing of an ominous cloud formation covering the entire Los Angeles basin. The unusual, wavy fingerling clouds at the lower portion of the image create movement and an almost whimsical element. Please stop by my Flickr photo site to view my photographic essay of the huge, ominous cloud over a two hour period at sunset.
Sky Delight was created at sunset just after the passing of an ominous cloud formation covering the entire Los Angeles basin. The unusual, wavy fingerling clouds at the lower portion of the image create movement and an almost whimsical element. Please stop by my Flickr photo site to view my photographic essay of the huge, ominous cloud over a two hour period at sunset.
Listening To:
1. An assortment of Hawaiian slack key guitar selections,
2. Jubilant Sykes, an amazing baritone and former school-mate,
3. The Dale Warland Singers performing traditional American music post Civil War,
4. Chase, a band from my youth her were all killed in a plane crash.
SIMPLE PLEASURES
I'm taking increasing pleasure in life's simple things.
Another birthday passed a few days ago and my son and daughter (who are 24 and 20 respectively), made the effort to be home despite both living very busy lives. Dinner and a chocolate cake so ablaze an extinguisher was mandated by the fire department, didn't match the immense pleasure I received by their very presence and that of my loving wife.
It's like that now. Simple things or acts give me all the pleasure I need. Kids stretching their wings as they prepare for leaving the nest. I know, life's course dictates their eventual departure. Yes, though we had to raise them to be able to fly away and though they may soon not live under our roof, I'm hopeful both will always know the way home. I'll even pay for their gas or airline ticket.
And, not just for our kids. I once overheard some of my daughter's girlfriends chatting about our little house being their safe haven...the place they come to escape their own parents if but for a wee while. We're regarded as the cool parents. Simply put, that means we offer a friendly welcoming cocoon in which to hang out (we never know who may be sleeping on the couches or floor each morning). In fact, I gave house keys to two of them, a simple act of trust which has never been abused by either. Mix in generous dashes of unconditional love, acceptance, counsel when asked (my wife does that part since all the gal pals seek her wisdom and not mine except for driving directions)...oh, and food, too! Alas, many have gone hundreds and thousands of miles away to university across the country. But, the simple fact is, all are also always welcome.
My children showing up for a lunch to visit with my late brother's wife and her husband who had a window of a few hours. I derived pleasure from the family being together to dine and catch-up. The kids made the effort to meet the time window recognizing the importance of family being together.
Don't tell anyone, but I admit crying quietly to myself, tears wetting my cheeks during my daughter's choir concerts in high school. A simple pleasure listening and watching my baby growing up and producing beautiful music. My daughter reaching out beyond her very close circle of friends to take sailing lessons with a whole new group of people. Despite my fears of having my daughter in a tiny craft over deep water and she not all that good of a swimmer and despite the life jacket, I'm simply pleased for her when each Sunday rolls around and her next lesson commences. Simple pleasures of her growing up.
My son, achieving excellence in his profession at a very young age and enjoying rewards and recognition. All his doing including his simple yet generous acts of giving...buying dinner, offering a gift, sitting and talking with his dad late into the night. Simple pleasures of time spent with him.
Sky Delight, shot during a three hour outing to try and catch the clouds with their pink bellies from before sunset until the moon was well overhead. At the mouth of the marina with few people passing, I enjoyed taking photos of sights that took my breath away. I hope they provide you a moment of simple pleasure.
Jeff/Casual Clicks
1. An assortment of Hawaiian slack key guitar selections,
2. Jubilant Sykes, an amazing baritone and former school-mate,
3. The Dale Warland Singers performing traditional American music post Civil War,
4. Chase, a band from my youth her were all killed in a plane crash.
SIMPLE PLEASURES
I'm taking increasing pleasure in life's simple things.
Another birthday passed a few days ago and my son and daughter (who are 24 and 20 respectively), made the effort to be home despite both living very busy lives. Dinner and a chocolate cake so ablaze an extinguisher was mandated by the fire department, didn't match the immense pleasure I received by their very presence and that of my loving wife.
It's like that now. Simple things or acts give me all the pleasure I need. Kids stretching their wings as they prepare for leaving the nest. I know, life's course dictates their eventual departure. Yes, though we had to raise them to be able to fly away and though they may soon not live under our roof, I'm hopeful both will always know the way home. I'll even pay for their gas or airline ticket.
And, not just for our kids. I once overheard some of my daughter's girlfriends chatting about our little house being their safe haven...the place they come to escape their own parents if but for a wee while. We're regarded as the cool parents. Simply put, that means we offer a friendly welcoming cocoon in which to hang out (we never know who may be sleeping on the couches or floor each morning). In fact, I gave house keys to two of them, a simple act of trust which has never been abused by either. Mix in generous dashes of unconditional love, acceptance, counsel when asked (my wife does that part since all the gal pals seek her wisdom and not mine except for driving directions)...oh, and food, too! Alas, many have gone hundreds and thousands of miles away to university across the country. But, the simple fact is, all are also always welcome.
My children showing up for a lunch to visit with my late brother's wife and her husband who had a window of a few hours. I derived pleasure from the family being together to dine and catch-up. The kids made the effort to meet the time window recognizing the importance of family being together.
Don't tell anyone, but I admit crying quietly to myself, tears wetting my cheeks during my daughter's choir concerts in high school. A simple pleasure listening and watching my baby growing up and producing beautiful music. My daughter reaching out beyond her very close circle of friends to take sailing lessons with a whole new group of people. Despite my fears of having my daughter in a tiny craft over deep water and she not all that good of a swimmer and despite the life jacket, I'm simply pleased for her when each Sunday rolls around and her next lesson commences. Simple pleasures of her growing up.
My son, achieving excellence in his profession at a very young age and enjoying rewards and recognition. All his doing including his simple yet generous acts of giving...buying dinner, offering a gift, sitting and talking with his dad late into the night. Simple pleasures of time spent with him.
Sky Delight, shot during a three hour outing to try and catch the clouds with their pink bellies from before sunset until the moon was well overhead. At the mouth of the marina with few people passing, I enjoyed taking photos of sights that took my breath away. I hope they provide you a moment of simple pleasure.
Jeff/Casual Clicks
posted by Jeff Lowe at
Thursday, March 01, 2007
1 Comments
