Sunday, January 15, 2012

In the Details...

"The events in our lives happen in a sequence in time,
but in their significance to ourselves, 
they find their own order...
the continuous thread of revelation."
- Eudora Welty

My father liked to play a game with me and my siblings... actually, as these things go, it became a teaching tool. We would walk down the street of a small town and every so often my father would stop and ask us if we remembered what was in a shop window we had passed, or what was on the front porch of a certain home (or even what color the home was painted). We would try to remember and guess, and then we all would wander on back to the spot he had mentioned to see how much we had noticed. With time, a cultivated and playful discipline of looking for the details materialized... and has never left me. As you journey through your days, I hope you will take the time to notice the details of your life and become more simply inspired...

6 comments:

Rattus Scribus said...

Hi Karen,
I'm glad you enjoyed the poem I posted by Kay Ryan. The game your dad used to play with you was very different from my upbringing. My mom, a very devout Catholic when I was growing up, always reminded us children that when we walk we should do so with heads bowed looking at the ground. At least three things were to be gleaned from this. 1. Cultivation of humility (head bowed). 2. The habit of looking where we're planting our feet -- i.e., the path we take. 3. Luck or fortune. With eyes everywhere but where you're going you could walk right over some money (which God has put?) at your feet. I concede some wisdom in my childhood teaching, but it took me years to break this habit and walk with my head up to really see and appreciate what is around me, not caring if I walked over a losy dime or quarter.

All the best
Ruben

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh I love Eudora Welty; her writings were among the first in my repertoire of reading material in college! Karen, thank you for your visit today dearest, and yes, it is IN THE DETAILS, isn't it?

Anita

Kate said...

What a beautiful concept in the game your father played with you! I would love to do that with my future children (or current students)! Being able to notice the details in life is such a valuable skill, and is something I continue to work on in myself. Thank you, as always, for your inspiration!

Red Rose Alley said...

What a wonderful game your father played with you all, and at the same time taught you something very special. If you think about it, how often do we remember the wonderful things that come our way every day? It sounds like you were so close to your dad, as I was close to mine. My dad passed away over 20 years ago, and he is in my heart every day. I'm so thankful for your dad and mom, as they raised such a beautiful daughter.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

What a wise man your dad was. Some days I don't recall seeing the scenery on my way to work. I must remember to stop and smell the roses and enjoy their beauty.

Anonymous said...

dear Karen, this is so beautiful, what a smart and fun way to 'educate' your dad did play with you! i love the picture i feel so much sun in it that i could soak myself in it, rain is back here ... much love!

About Me

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I have always been inspired by my Grandfather's particular generosity and encouragement, along with his love for others and nature. His spirit lives on, and the influence is quietly with me as I write and share. This is my small offering that I pray will bless others and allow them to become Simply Inspired. warmly, karen -xok.

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