Small gifts and daily graces are more difficult to appreciate lately. Because of Tuesdays Unwrapped, I am noticing them, but noticing is not the same as celebrating. Hustle and bustle can be bullies with a capital B. I’ve allowed myself to be pushed around by them a bit lately. Still, there are moments.
Moments where I choose to say yes to the sprinkler even though it means dinner will be late. Here’s to keeping this Tuesday from becoming a reckless and used day.
***
All of blogland has had difficulty with Mister Linky lately because he has become so popular. As much as I love my custom design, it has presented problems with the recent Linky changes and I am currently unable to host one. He has been gracious to work with me to try to make it work again. And by ‘he’ I mean Mister Linky. Yes, we are BFFs.
When I am able to have links again, I will give you ample notice so we can again enjoy unwrapping our Tuesday moments together. Feel free to link up in the comments section to your Tuesday Unwrapped post. Or tell me: what are your biggest Tuesday bullies?
Well Mine isnt about bullies– just about giggles. Little girl giggles to be precise. http://cagefreemonkeys.blogspot.com/2009/06/tuesdays-unwrapped-giggles.html
Sorry things are a little wonky for you. How gracious to still host this that we might share in each other’s joys and hope.
http://forsakenforlent.blogspot.com/2009/06/infuse-and-coddle-and-fill.html
hmmmm… a tuesday bully? i think exhaustion! may is always such a full month… great moments and memories, but full. i am happy now that june has arrived and the pace will slow! my kiddos are celebrating their last day of school today- and we will celebrate tonight with a picnic at the beach… just for fun.
you are so kind to keep unwrapping tuesdays… even with your mr. linky trouble… thanks for pressing on!
http://beyondgracedmg.blogspot.com/2009/06/curtsy.html
The sprinkler shot is lovely. Both as art and in what it represents–saying yes to messy fun, putting routine aside to enjoy life.
For me, the bullies are the “good” beating up the “best”. I get overwhelmed by the sheer number of possibilities for our day, week, year, and I have difficulty discerning what’s truly the best investment of my time (and my family’s time).
My magical moment for the week was at the Magic Kingdom of all places, but not on an enchanted ride or at a tea with a Princess. But getting caught in the rain and getting lost in the moment:
http://mainelymyles.blogspot.com/2009/05/disney-style-downpour.
Thank you so much for giving us this space to unwrap things. This week I’m feeling more like I need to unravel feelings than unwrap them. My oldest son will graduate from high school on Friday. I am so proud of him–he’s a wonderful young man. How could so many feelings be packed into one heart?
Thinking about Tuesdays Unwrapped helped me to look a little more closely at this moment in my life.
http://impartinggrace-richella.blogspot.com/2009/06/rest-of-porch-story.html
Love,
Richella
Love your sprinkler shot. My post is about working on a craft project and receiving unexpected help from my son. As a result the project gave us both a sense of accomplishment that we could share.
http://erine.typepad.com/eckenrode_family/2009/06/the-quilting-pirate.html
Thought of you when I posted this yesterday: http://livingbygrace.blogspot.com/2009/06/and-terribly-sweet-moment.html
Oh my gosh Emily – what beautiful photography, as always!
I would have to say my biggest Tuesdays bully is just expectations… The kind I place on myself. Just like you said, the “I-can’t-possibly-let-you-play-in-the-sprinklers” kinds of things. The things that I think are important to the world, like Emmeline not wearing her Dora jammies with her Hello Kitty boots in public. Those are my bullies and I want desperately to be rid of them. It’s a hard thing to let go of, isn’t it?
My Tuesday Unwrapped Post:
http://riches-of-my-soul.blogspot.com/2009/06/happiness-is.html
Hugs, my friend.
you guys are my favorite.
My Gift today is a stroll through the garden this sunny morning.
http://acatinmylap.blogspot.com/2009/06/tuesdays-blooms-and-rays-of-sunshine.html
I’ve been out of town the last two weeks and didn’t get by to see everyone’s posts before but hope to find time today to enjoy them all.
Your sprinkler looks so fun, Emily!
My biggest Tuesday bully is just getting the day started. It seems like everybody wants to be first. “Let me out,” “play with me,” “Is the coffee ready yet?” Honestly, I want to give them all numbers and tell them to wait in line!
But, thanks in part to Tuesday’s Unwrapped, I’m still trying to find those little gifts in the day. I hope you like today’s.
http://beemusing.blogspot.com/2009/06/ill-never-look-at-dandelions-same-way.html
http://chadandkellye.blogspot.com/2009/06/tuesdays-unwrapped.html
And praise God for sprinklers! And little boys who love them!!!!
Love, LOVE the image you posted today. It’s so full of life! My bully has just been getting through each day. The hubbie has worked 2 weeks solid, often not getting home until after the boys are in bed. Thankfully that job is over and he’s now back to regularly scheduled work days. I’ve been guilty of feeling sorry for myself and losing patience all too quickly with the kids. BUT, God is so full of grace and the children are still full of smiles, even after our rough few weeks.
My gift came late last week during an impromptu afternoon dance with my oldest. We tossed aside the stresses of the day and had a lovely time. I am so thankful we had these moments together, and thankful for the opportunity to share my heart with so many others – thanks again Emily for opening up your “home” to us each week, Mr Linky or not
My gift can be seen here:
http://blog.angiewarrenphotography.com/an-afternoon-dance/
Emily – I just love Tuesday’s Unwrapped. You must keep it going – Mr Linky or not!
I appreciate you, my friend.
Here’s mine:
http://livelaughlove5.blogspot.com/2009/06/unprompted-smiles.html
My biggest bully is after school! The time from 3 to 5 or 6 is always my hardest part of the day. Giving the older two attention after school, getting the kids settled, homework, after school activities and getting dinner started! Plus I am always tired by that time of the day! But somehow I make it through everyday! I don’t know if I can take time to enjoy it, but I can try! The good thing is today is the last day of school–bring on the lazy (and hopefully bully free) days of summer!
However, when I do stop the craziness around me–this is what I see:
http://therandolphsix.blogspot.com/2009/06/makes-me-smile.html
Love the sprinkler shot! I am definitely having to remind myself on a regular basis not to get caught up by the hustle and bustle…my gratitude journal and moments of reflection like these help keep me in the right frame of mind!
http://problemsolvinmom.blogspot.com/2009/06/dont-blink.html
I don’t have a post to link, but I think my biggest bully is my not being disciplined. If I had a set schedule I followed every day my house would run so much more smoothly and I would have time to enjoy my days with my Kiddo. Thanks for the reminder that that IS a bully and I don’t have to let it run my life! Okay, off of here now to go play with my son!
Okay..I posted about sprinklers and no dinner today…aren’t there vitamins in the water that comes out of the hose…when it’s hot…I only want to drink!
sandy toe
It’s SO easy to get caught up in other “little things” that aren’t the important ones we want to treasure! Here’s my kids in a belated posting of our Mother’s Day picture http://abbieknaub.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/happy-mothers-day/
I look at Hustle and Bustle as a way of life anymore
Heres my Tuesday Unwrapped, about finding the joy of living in the country when my heart still dwells in the city
http://thisoldhenhouse.blogspot.com/2009/06/tuesdays-unwrapped.html
My biggest bully is my bad attitude when things don’t go my way – what would you call that? Yes, I am still quite childlike, and not necessarily in a good way. I want my daughter to pick up her markers and crayons and endless paper confetti when I want her to, and sometimes overlook the masterpieces in the making. But as I read the posters above me I know that I’m not alone, and in an appreciative spirit I am thankful for Momma’s like all of you that don’t have to be perfect (although after seeing you on the trampoline I would have to say you LOOK perfect!!
what a DARLING little picture. love it!
I second you on keeping Tuesdays from becoming reckless & abused. Your “Unwrapped” project definitely helps with that. THANK YOU!
I guess my biggest bullies are routine and schedule. I tend to become a little like a robot.
I also wanted to say that your post on Sunday spoke to me so much! With a husband ministering to children in a residential home, I sometimes feel left out when I don’t get to go on the beach trips or camp adventures. My husband encourages me, though, that it is the simple things that sometimes reach kids’ hearts. Like walking around campus and visiting or being at an event or just being solid for him. They can be so perceptive.
Here’s my unwrapped moment: http://desanddrew2005.blogspot.com/2009/06/everyday-afternoon.html
well, this is finally my first offering!
Mine isn’t about bullies, but about finding a moment to shine and just be who you are.
Happy Tuesday!
http://focused-on-the-center.blogspot.com/2009/06/tuesday-unwrapped-baseball.html
My bully is noise attempting to drown out beauty – saws, hammers, drills competing against bird calls and winning.
Can you tell me what type of camera you have (& lens)……I love your photos and have been working on my photography skills for about a year now. I just think you capture the best photos – & while I know there is the skill you invoke as the photo taker, I know it also takes a great camera & lens. Thanks so much!
what a great, great picture!! love it-thanks for sharing!!
Beautiful picture that expresses your heart!! Thank you for this idea. My Tuesday bully… summer boredom, already. I just need to remember that each phase of a child’s life goes by so quickly. Gone before we know it. Let’s all grasp tightly to the memories and focus on the wonderful moments we are blessed with each day.
Lovely blog… I’m glad I’ve found it! In fact, I liked it so much I think I’m adding you to my blog roll…
So nice meeting you!
Cielo