Yesterday was an unusual day in that it was the first really sunny day in about a week here. Not only was it a nice break from almost continuous snowstorms, it gave me a chance to indulge in a favorite pass-time of mine. I wasn't truly aware how wrapped up in the pass-time I become until my better half remarked from behind me that I was coming to resemble our five cats more every day. Not being absolutely clear what she meant, I inquired as to her thinking on the matter. Her answer, of course, led to another group of thoughts tumbling from my mouth about how this behavior on my part wasn't new, but had started when I was young and very curious growing up amid the wonders of a farm in the woods. The only real difference today is that I'm much older and curious. It seems the older I get, the more inquisitive I become, apparently so much so that the wife thinks I'm becoming like the cats.
And what activity on my part was the inspiration for this, probably very apt, observation on her part? It seems she'd been observing me from another room for quite some time trying to figure out just what was holding my attention so well, and that of the cats grouped around me sharing the view from the window. Nothing in particular I told her, just a couple different things. We're watching the snow falling past the window as it plunges from the roof. And, between the exciting moments of plunging snow, we're watching the water run down the sides of the icicles hanging from the eaves and freeze at the tips to increase their length one minuscule bit at a time. It was her observing this behavior that caused her to remark how she thought I was becoming more like the cats every day, how little she knows. I prefer to think of it as the cats, being younger than I even in 'kitty years', have come to appreciate the joys of learning the art of quiet observation of life's little miracles at the side of an 'old master'. Until next time, take care, and don't forget to observe this wonderful world at every opportunity. It sure beats working on the never-ending 'to do list'.
18 comments:
This might be one of my favorite posts of yours. We should all take the time to observe the world around us. Not just the view we see, but also the one we don't notice. Thanks, L
Why Thank Y'All. Watching snowplows is another biggie here with "the gang":)
Ah, you had be believing, there, Mike, right up to the last sentence.
Pretty good treatise on how to avoid the to-do list. Next you'll be teaching the kitties how to contemplate their navel. Should be a long work-free period of time, because I don't think kitties have navels. Do they? Hehehehehe.
Seriously, Mike, very nice post, and good advice.
I love this post. Looking forward to reading more of your blog!
OK, I admit it. I, too, have watched icicles form, it's fascinating! I have also watched paint dry, while waiting to apply a second coat. I absolutely refuse to watch grass grow though! ;)
Hi again, Mike. First of all, you’re a poet, very nice literature in this post. Second, I personally think it's great that you resemble your cats and that your cats resemble yourself, you both will win from it. And third and finally, I think your best half is not wrong in the result of her observation, she knows what she's talking about, I'm sure. I'll follow your advice and will try to spend more time in observing the beautiness of the simple things of the world.
Another huge hug for you, Mrs.T and the cats, Mar (and Pepe in the distance),
Sunshine & Blue Skys here, no icicles to watch, no snow to plow, & to a little to cold to paint anything. If I'm not careful, I may have to get something done today.
Mike - That was put so well. Thanks for the insight - into you, your life, and an attitude I'm working on.
I, on the other hand HAVE watched grass grow, and I can assure you it is one of the most pleasant pasttimes in life. To witness each individual blade of grass, slowly edge it's way out of the brown earth, millimitre by millimitre, until there is no brown left, only a carpet of lush green. Mike, thanks for this thought and awe inspiring lesson.
Thank you for getting us thinking.
Treasa
Ah Treasa, you have the advantage of getting to watch the lush Eire grass grow in the company of the leprechauns. In such surroundings, I might find myself substituting grass for the icicles too:)
Mar, now ya did it. She no longer just considers herself a 'better half', she's upgraded her position to 'best half'. Kitties say Hola El Gato Grande Pepe.
Personally, I enjoy watching the tides ebb and flow. ;)
Tim, I love it too, especially here where the change is always over 20feet and as much as 30feet in places. It's that damned 3 hour drive each way to the coast & back 4 times a day in winter that's a killer:)
Excellent post, Mike. Right up my alley as you no doubt know.
I enjoy watching snow in all its forms whether falling from the sky, the roof, or just sitting there glistening. And icicles are a major source of joy around here, so rare are they. Watching them grow and drip, grow and drip. Like some ancient meditation.
Right now, I'm watching the the early sun's first rays grow, reach, elongate, and stretch across the cloudless sky...sloowwly, like patient paint brushes coloring the morning.
And you are right. It sure beats working on the never-ending 'to do list'.
Thanks for that great post Mike. You've shown me that I'm not as crazy as some might think.... just an avid observer with an enquiring and often poetic mind.
Thanks again.
Slán
Jim
Cherie, damned near anything beats working on the 'to do' list. Even minor surgery.
Jim, don't go by my behavior, as I'm about as 'crazy as a shit-house rat':)
It sounds like the good life to me Mike! Ya big ol' pussy cat you!
Hey, I moved my site today. I'm going to try out the new location for a couple of weeks and if all goes will I will redirect my url to the new home. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Quiet observation is a wonderful habit. An art. Good for you and the kitties.
i completely agree with you. i find that i can just sit and observe with the best of them. and if i have my camera it's even better. love the pics too!
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