They say it takes 21 days to form a habit, so I don't know if that will mean 21 Fridays or just 21 days. So I am either 8 days or 2 days into forming a new habit. The habit of slowing down. It is still hard. I have a list of things I want to do each Friday, and the list usually involves more things than I realistically have time to do. I really need to let this list go. I follow a to-do list very effectively the other 4 days of the week. On Fridays I need to just have a starting point and let the day evolve from there.
We have driven by it many times over the years, and I may have even been here once when I was young. I have always wanted to stop, and today was the day. The weather was glorious today, upper 60's and sunny with a slight breeze.
I parked in the gravel parking lot, grabbed my camera, iPhone, and Pumpkin Spice Latte. I set out to do a quick walk and grab some photos.
Thankfully once I started walking I came to my senses. My inner monologue (new phrase for the voice in my head, thanks to the High School teacher that taught last Sunday's sermon) said "Sarah, slow down, you don't have any place else that you have to be today. Take your time, enjoy this beautiful day and really SEE what is around you".
I am so glad that I listened. This park is Veterans Memorial Park, formally dedicated in 1934 it is a memorial to all who have served in the nation's armed forces, whether they have passed on or are still alive to remember the experience.
I find it a bit oddly located. Centered between two busy roads, it is in the shadow of the power plant, and there are LOTS of electrical wires overhead.
Once you get over those facts though you can take in its beauty. The walking path is lined with these plaques, names of people, names like Stanley, Corbett, Rex, Arthur and Thomas, and the years that they served our country.
There are some that you know didn't make it back from their tour of duty...WWII, Vietnam. I wonder what their lives would have been like if they had lived. Who would they have married, or did they leave a widow behind? Were there children left fatherless? What is the world missing out on because these men are gone?
I think in the end they would love to be sitting on the bench where I am today, enjoying the sunshine, taking the time to slow down and enjoy life. So I need to remember this gift I have and not take it for granted.
Joining my friend Helen for Weekend Walks
Joining my friend Kim for Friday Finds
13 comments:
I love this episode of your blog. I, too, need to slow down and enjoy things around me. Beautiful park. Thanks for taking us along.
Thanks for sharing your day out.. We are visiting the National Memorial Arboretum tomorrow on our way to Yorkshire hopefully I will be able to share some photos of that. The plaques are very moving and I too wonder what would have happened to their lives had they returned home..
As always a wonderful set of photos and thoughtful writing. Sarah I love that you can dedicate a regular day to feed your creative soul. One of the reasons behind me creating the Weekend Walk link was to encourage people to slow down and appreciate the moment...wherever they may be - encourage contemplation too - it gives greater meaning and connection to the photos we take.
I am so jealous of your Fridays!!! This is wonderful, slowing down, exploring new places, taking it in... Beautiful observations, Sarah. Be sure to listen to that inner monologue.
Looks like you had anther wonderful day. I am going to make the time to today for myself also. Thanks for the inspiration.
I am so jealous of your weather in the upper 60's. We are still hovering around 100 degrees here, ugh!! I just don't enjoy being out in the heat. I am so looking forward to even 80 degree weather :) Great photo set!!
This is such a lovely park. I can feel the peace and quiet through your beautiful photos. I really like the last shot of the flag and grasses blowing in the wind. I'm envying your cool weather!! I love the idea of the plaques. It makes the dedication of service members more real when you see names, dates and faces. Keep listening to the inner voice, it's right you know! We all need time to reflect and refresh. Enjoy your weekend!
Looks like a lovely day out, Sarah !
So nice you could slow down and enjoy life ...
Have a wonderful weekend,
Sylvia
What a lovely day. So glad you slowed down and shared your day with us!
slowing down is always great. Love the bridge pic.
Such a great idea to take a day off and explore....It certainly looks like you had a great day...
Looks like it was a lovely day...it's always good to remember our fallen heroes.
This slowing down thing: it's harder than it looks!
xoxo
What a beautiful way to spend a Friday...ever so slowly!
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