I know folks love spending time with their kids over the summer. I include myself in those sentiments, but this summer, it was different--one child left for 20 days to the other side of the world--the other was with me 24-7 and we had some amazing times, but what was completely different is that my family never had one time all together like we have had in the past.
Before you get started, yes, I know, first world problems, but it was a struggle to get through the summer without real plans, without gatherings with friends, or with folks you thought you might hang out with, or you didn't have time to hang out with--but it didn't happen. Most days were at home just doing nothing special.
My children clung to me or to each other, and then we all dispersed and fought or separated in big huffs about stupid stuff, and I'd feel the weight of the world come crashing down because I could not get them to WANT to go outside and do something with me (like going to the pool with the high dive) unless it had all kinds of conditions.
I didn't even have work in our way, but I couldn't get a "plan" for the life of me this summer, and I really am looking forward to school setting that plan up for me again.
One child takes a giant leap into high school life tomorrow. The other goes back where she knows something about being a middle-schooler, but she goes with new eyes, new legs, new thoughts.
And I hope to come to this chair and rest. Just rest, and say "it's ok; not all summers are meant to be 'memorable.'"
I love the simplicity of this shot Daryl and what a story - our expectations of summer are huge, time to be together, time to have fun, no routine ... but reality doesn't always live up to those expectations. Maybe next year you will get what you seek and then it will be all the more memorable because f this one.
I love this shot so much i FAVed it and welcome to family conversion! As your girls get older you will transition into new dynamics that prepare them (and you) for their independence and separate life form you! This was the first step this summer and you mastered it well!
Your narrative represents so much thought as you close your summer and anticipate what's next. That chair is ready for you . . .
Having "retired" from university life means a change in the pacing of the year, and I've not yet "settled" into a new pace. I often feel a frantic flow instead.
I loved your shot when I first saw it - it just "spoke" to me - but since reading your story I love it even more. That's the thing about families ... moving apart, finding each other again, moving apart again ... another part of the circle of life.
I remember summers like that. I hope you'll soon be enjoying that chair and enjoying your brief solitude. I apologize for my contouring failure to keep up with 365 a -- seems I'm always late posting my pictures and commenting on other people's photos. Anyway fave for your chair.
@catwoman2 Please forgive ME! I have dropped off considerably, and please feel no obligation at all to comment on my page. I can't reciprocate these days. It makes me sad. I'm back at work and kids are back in school and thank goodness gracious for that! :) My summer was eventful, just not memorable in a way I'd like to look back on it. Ebb. Flow. Thanks so much for the visit. I miss conversing with you. :)
Having "retired" from university life means a change in the pacing of the year, and I've not yet "settled" into a new pace. I often feel a frantic flow instead.