Friday, January 19, 2007

Friday 55 & Da Count- Wake up and smell the coffee

FRIDAY 55
Yakking on the cellphone while cutting off another driver.
Bashing into me with your cart in your rush to get the freshest asparagus.
Meandering through the aisles and weaving like a drunk so no one can get around you.
Oh, look! Anchovy paste, isn't that interesting, dear?
Is being oblivious as blissful as it seems?



DA COUNT
This week I want to count awareness. It comes in many forms but the kind I want to count is the sort that increases gladness. My stepmother is great at this. You could mention in passing that you enjoyed a particular new recipe youtasted somewhere or some sort of music or that you are trying to figure out how to solve a particular problem. She mentally files it all away and at a time when you most need a boost she will demonstrate she has rememebered and surprise you with some form of what you mentioned. She's also the type who will see the suffering someone endures even when others miss it entirely. From her I learned to pay attention to what people say and how they say it.

My mom is the type who tends to be quiet. She is not quick to offer her opinion or a solution to a dilemma, but when she does she always has something pertinent to add, some key thing that other people have often overlooked or the final piece of the puzzle. She can look at an obstacle from all the angles, mull it over, and come up with a unique solution. I learned to pay attention to how things work together from her.

My son, as you know, loves bugs. I've learned how to pay attention to their amazing little bodies and marvel over them because he does. But he also has a way of drawing my attention to other things I might miss as well. Last winter we stood at the bus stop and he seemed to be staring at his feet. Then he squatted way down and squinted into the snow and said, 'Mom, did you know you can see individual snowflakes melting one at a time?' I love that he has not grown out of the wonder that often seems reserved for younger children. So there we were squatted down marvelling over melting snowflakes when the bus came and the driver looked at us like we'd lost our minds. I know she had a schedule to keep and the roads were not the best, so I was aware of her constraints and didn't mind.

I'm just glad for the poeple who ARE aware and the people who make me aware of new things, ideas, and experiences.

29 comments:

Stephanie said...

Julie has that sense of wonder too. It just amazes me sometimes. Paying attention... not so much (actually that goes for the other 2 and their dad -- I guess learning by example has occurred here -- too bad they followed the wrong person)

KFarmer said...

I think your ability to be aware of others awareness is wonderful. Not too many take the time to look- and be aware :)

Breazy said...

Great 55! I am a detail person so I do look at the "little things" but not always. My middle child is the one that will bring it to my attention if I miss it. Great post Lime!

CozyMama said...

my oldest is way too observant....happy friday.

lecram sinun said...

In this age of self awareness... not many take the time to setp outside of themselves. Tis a fine thing you do and a wonderful count.

Cheers!

ttfootball said...

This takes a certain amount of patience, its amazing that your son has such an awareness and appreciation of small things like that.

I found the audio post in Feb. '06. It's so blissfully american! LOL! Brilliant! HAHAHA What a good time listening to that one. I always find it intriguing how people perceive so much stress on certain syllables an dthen double it up when they try to imitate us. hehehe. By now u probably need a refresher-visit to trinidad? ;) Issac would prob learn pretty quick hehe

Anonymous said...

Great 55, expect mine in about 4 hours time.

Brillian count. Yes people sometimes are very unaware of what goes on around them. Can't wait until Raphael starts to really notice stuff.

Anonymous said...

You could of told the bus driver that you were looking for a contact! Great story as always Michelle Trini Limey....G

DaMasta said...

I'm always touched by someone who can point out thing that I've missed.. not even young people in particular, even my adult friends who give me a diff perspective on life and change my attitude for the better... great post, Lime, have a good weekend! :D

Anonymous said...

it's just so cool that there are folks out there who are still taking the time and focus to wonder and appreciate it. I think it's a lost art in this ADD world... (I also think everybody starts out like this, and slowly grows more calloused,,, which I'm so glad you and the little woodspersons (pol. correct term for woodsmen or 'hillbillies,' (or my fav. 'woodchucks.'

cooool post.
-E

S said...

Hey Blogger ate my comment today?

Anonymous said...

It is awesome to see there are still open eyes out there!

Anonymous said...

Your Friday 55 reminds me of my biggest pet peeve when it comes to paying attention...people in public areas that have no clule where they are in space in relation to every one else they are sharing the space with. In the grocery store, in the parking lot, in the elevator, the hallway. Just look up long enough to notice the person you are about to run into.

Bugs uh? Don't know how interested I could be in bugs but snowflakes could fascinate me for hours. Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

awareness=wisdom. muchos kudos.

Anonymous said...

Gettysburg?

Anonymous said...

Wow! Awesome. If we could just put into practice the art of awareness everyday how fulfilling and rich our lives would be.
tc

Anonymous said...

Lime you are the coolest mom...(((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

Wilkes-Barre?

Anonymous said...

Altoona?

Anonymous said...

Pixberg..er Pittsburg?

ShyRocket said...

... and for parents on the snowflake thing... not only does it take awareness but patience, too. Patience to listen and patience to avoid stifling.

I love awareness... great post.

Anonymous said...

(-:Hm...I can think of some world leaders who need more awareness...(-:

Anonymous said...

Erie?

Anonymous said...

I agree 100% Lime. I love when folks show me how to see. Your son sounds like a great kid. I bet going for hikes with him adds a great dimension to the experience.

Anonymous said...

I agree 100% Lime. I love when folks show me how to see. Your son sounds like a great kid. I bet going for hikes with him adds a great dimension to the experience.

Anonymous said...

I agree 100% Lime. I love when folks show me how to see. Your son sounds like a great kid. I bet going for hikes with him adds a great dimension to the experience.

Anonymous said...

Reading?

Anonymous said...

I'm guessing to something that you commented on in someones post.....least you think I'm babbling!

Anonymous said...

Very, very nice post...as usual. You are such a lucky human, and we are lucky to have you reminding us of slowing down to pay attention. Thanks, Lime!