Friday 10 July 2009

A Sort of Heaven.

When it comes to friends, and the people we choose to have in our lives, it's no surprise we are happiest when we surround ourselves with people who reflect the world as we want it to be.

I escaped to chaos that is home,
and came to this place.

Bringing my children,
even the ones too cool for the country!

And even those cool ones,

ran and chased and played.

And had nothing but books and air and sunlight to entertain them.

And a movie at bedtime,

A row of heads in a cosy makeshift bed on the floor.

And in the morning,

gathering eggs for pancakes,

and leaves for lunch,

and berries for whenever they felt like it.

And there was time to sit.

And just be together.

And to talk and see the world from another perspective,

where there is hope and hard work and reward.

And there was time to wander and to wonder.

And be reminded of some of the things that have slipped out of my grasp in the last two years.

A reaffirming of my mother-priorities.

The ones I had held onto so firmly, for so long,

but that somehow, four tipped the scales away from, in another unwieldy direction,

for a moment.

And there it was,

right with me all along.

As simple as stopping and listening.

And I left these humble giants that I call my friends,

as always, with a renewed sense of my Self,

and my place in the world,

and my purpose.

And what I want for these children of mine.


16 comments:

Antoinette said...

Ciara, this has to be one of the most beautiful posts I have ever read anywhere. Truly. And I ache just reading your words, and gazing at these images.

This is happiness. Innocence, freedom, beauty and happiness.

AMI said...

Phew! I held my breath reading that for some reason! It was lovely... so inspiring...

Well we're still blinkin here... going to chester monday and tuesday... poor mary - alton towers isn't her idea of a fair swap for sunshine!!

see you soon!

Gigi Thibodeau said...

These are heart-achingly beautiful words and stunning photos, Ciara. You are a treasure.
xo

Anne said...

That's a beautiful post.

I love the photos of the gardens.

Mel said...

OHHHHH. my breath caught in my chest and did it's own thing the rest of the way through. Heaven. Yes. I'll be taking this feeling with me today... how beautiful. Thanks for sharing such beauty, healing, intimate truth...

*sigh*

xo Circe

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

So perfect. So gorgeous.
I remember sitting at table just like those two.
You are an amazingly talented photographer.
Happy weekend to you!

Yarrow said...

What a beautifl post. Blessings to you and your beautiful children.

Sara said...

Beautiful words from beautiful you. Oh how I love coming here and hearing such honest wisdom. A sort of heaven indeed. xx

Paddy said...

A great moment to stop a while and catch one's breath.
Great to have such friends.

Annah said...

Oh Ciara, your post moved me so much, and I ache for the freedom in the posts. Freedom to wander, to express and to find our truth. Thank you....

Tia said...

Ciara, delighted your enjoying the little moments of Motherhood...in the world we live in, so many people forget them...as ever my friend, glorious photos !!!! LOVE the one of the kids feet at the table...your holiday reminds me SO of my own childhood in countryside wexford, under the watchful eye of the Blackstairs mountains...

mimi charmante said...

What an incredibly lovely post my friend. So well put, and your way with words makes me long for some time such as that with my boys.
Thank you for sharing such a special event with us,
xo

Acornmoon said...

Your photograph of the children's feet is worthy of an award. Lucky children to have such a nice mum!

Anonymous said...

i know exactly how that feels. should we all be so lucky to have these gentle reminders of simple times.

now you have these photos to come back to when you fall off track. i think that's why i snapped so many on my visit to my aunt last week!

Elaine Prunty said...

really evocative
sounds and looks like the best of fun there

Jennie said...

Beautiful post. Your blog evokes in me such a peaceful easy feeling.