I am currently sitting outside with the breeze blowing my hair in my face, writing with a pen on paper.
As my son digs for ladybugs and throws his plastic golf club in the budding lilac, I feel peace. I chat with him as I write; this pad posing nowhere near the barrier my laptop does.
There is a simplicity in this arrangement – a simplicity that I crave while being pulled to live online.
My paper is now stained with bubbles that have met their demise to the sounds of my son screeching in delight. Simple things - pen to paper, delight, bubbles, ladybugs…
It is in these moments that I strike a balance – when my online complements my offline without interfering with it.
Back to basics. Pen in hand.
I love living online; I’ve been doing it for 15 years – interacting with people, building relationships, and meeting wonderful people who have enriched my life. People who have become dear friends. But, living online has to fit into my life – the life that doesn’t need a computer to exist, or a wireless connection to thrive.
As I watch my son leave a plate of dirty cucumber slices out for the squirrels, I realize how much I take for granted in this world I know – a simplicity and an appreciation for what is right before my eyes and in reach of not only my fingertips, but my arms.
This was gorgeous to read, and just the reminder I needed to get out the pads of paper. They feel more authentic somehow…
Loved the images
Thanks, Corinne. Yeah, there is something that feels more authentic about it.
That could pretty much be in book of non-traditional poetry. And it makes me excited for my little daughter who is due in less than 6 weeks. I can’t wait for days like that.
Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!
Wow! Thank you.
Less than 6 weeks?! How exciting!
What is wrong with me? I write with a pen and paper and I get a HAND CRAMP! But, I so appreciate that there is a simplicity about revisiting the basic that poses less of a barrier to the rest of life as it moves along with us. Online engagement can become such a vortex. Thanks for stopping by (and for your thoughtful comment – someone who gets it!!) and for this post. It is a great reminder
Sarah,
This was a beautiful post. I love moments like the one you described. I’m so aware of life offline…and appreciate it everyday.
Wishing you a beautiful Sunday…
Have a I ever told you that one of my favourite pass times is making cards? For the same reason that you express here, it’s simple, beautiful and reminds me to think of others, because each card I make has a purpose, to be given to a friend or family member sometimes for an occasion, sometimes, just because. It reminds me to reach out and appreciate what’s right there for me in what can sometimes be a technology driven, crazy, overwhelming world.
Great post Sarah! I can almost feel that breeze and wish I was there to share t with you.
I had no idea that you make cards – that is awesome. I can see how that could bring you back and shift your focus to someone else for a little while.
I love the idea of cards made with intention.
I too love the pen and paper. Sometimes it makes me sad to think about how people read books through a computer screen…
I just bought a new journal today; this post has now inspired to break it in tonight! Thank you for this gentle reminder…
Nice! I am glad you stopped by!
I cannot bring myself to read a book on a screen. I love pages.
Lovely post… everyday I try remind myself that I should be grateful for my family and my abilities… and the beautiful outdoors. Going back to the basics keeps us grounded, doesn’t it?
It certainly does!
Sarah, you certainly have a way with words. Stopping by from SITS
Thank you, Erin!