Slowing Down (The View Through a Child's Camera)

Last week, after confessing to the world my frustrations with house cleaning and my struggle to define myself as an individual and a mother, I decided I needed to just slow down a bit. Slowing down is a constant goal of mine. I want to slow down. I don't want to constantly running from task to task. Every now and then I succeed at slowing down, I savor the little things, and have a lovely time. Then everything on my must-get-done-at-all-costs list sneaks back in and I find myself rushing around again.

So, last Wednesday, I put everything else aside (again) and focused on why I really love staying home with my daughter (and tried to distract myself from the sneaking anxiety that typically accompanies publishing a post that leaves me feeling vulnerable).

Our afternoon found us outside on the back patio drawing with sidewalk chalk. L. asked me to lay down so she could trace me (she likes tracing--or being traced--so she can color in the person left behind). While laying on my back looking at the blue sky and watching the new leaves on the Mesquite tree waving gently in the breeze, I couldn't help but want my camera. I wanted to hang on to that moment forever.

When L. was finished tracing I dashed inside to get my camera.

L. immediately wanted her camera too. She has a hand-me-down toy Kodak camera. She loves it.

"Mama, you want to lay down and take pictures of the sky with me?"

Of course I did.

We spent the rest of the afternoon taking photos in the backyard.

These are her photos (including the one above).

Someday I'll show you the pictures I took of her taking these photos. 

When we were finished playing photographer J. arrived home from work and we discovered our internet had died.

I figured it was a sign that I needed to spend a few more days slowing down. And that what I've done.

I'm trying to keep the (slow) momentum going. I'm going to take deep breaths when I need to, I'm going to laugh at every possible opportunity, and I'm going to plan a trip to the beach.  

How are you slowing down this week? 

This post was shared on Teach Me Tuesday, and Wordful Wednesdays at 5 Minutes for Mom, live and love out loud, Verernas Schone Welt, The Naptime Momtog, Project Alicia, Fresh Mommy, and Seven Clown Circus.