Monday, September 30, 2013

All lit up, the treat of waiting and on slowing down

- The bridge that goes over Tanyard Creek Park in Atlanta can just be seen, all lit up by the sun, in the far distance.  Click to enlarge.  The week had been frantically busy at work and this after-work-walk on Friday was the first step in winding down.

- On Saturday morning, the shop was open but the human proprietor was nowhere to be seen, but Mr. Whiskers was lying on the floor in a patch of sunlight coming through the window.  I felt a flash of impatience at the prospect of having to wait, because I wanted to get on with my day, but sat on the Deacon's bench to wait.  Whiskers (remembering that I like him) jumped in my lap and stretched his paws up to my shoulder to give me a hug.  We had five full minutes of woman with purring cat, when the shop owner came in, the bell tinkling over the door.  I reluctantly relinquished Whiskers, made my purchase and went on my way.

- On Sunday, I was racing into church at 10:59am to make it in to the service on time, when a woman who is forced to walk slowly came my way and was delighted to see me.  (There is something so wonderful about someone's face lighting up like that.)  I slowed down, too, and told her about my busy morning.  She said, "It took me a lot of years of living to find out that it's OK to slow down."

17 comments:

Leonora said...

It sounds like you were were forced to slow down more than once this weekend. Well, happy Monday! Time for us to start rushing around again :/

Fireblossom said...

I thought things were slower in the South? :-)

happygirl said...

Cats, patience, slowing down, lighting up bridges... these are the stuff of a good life.

Lynn said...

Leonora -

Yes, indeed. I am very laid-back by nature, but the customer service part of my job can be frenetic (and usually is), so I love the wind down that starts on Friday afternoon.

FB -

#2 and #3 are evidence that it is slower. :) I love the trust of the shop owner that she can still be upstairs in her apartment above the shop and know that the shop will be OK.

happygirl -

A good life indeed. Thank you -

Ileana said...

Great advice by the woman...it is OK to slow down and I'm unwinding myself, right now, reading your blog. :)

Beautiful cat and scenic view...a very peaceful post.

Hope you have a wonderful week!!

Sparkling Red said...

What could be better than kitty hugs? Almost nothing, I say.

Elephant's Child said...

Loved your green and leafy vista, and cat cuddles are a joy.
As is slowing down - thank you for a beautiful post and reminder.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Mr. Whiskers sounds like a dream of a Cat. Five minutes of Hugging with Purrrrrrrs---Nothing Better!
Slowing down is good! That is a lovely picture, my dear----so very peaceful and dreamy. Now that is something to slow down for, too.

Riot Kitty said...

I'm still learning that...not sure I will!

Mr. Whiskers is adorable!

Lee said...

That area featured in your photo looks ever so peaceful.

Yes...it is okay to take time to slow down...a wise lady that friend of yours, Lynn. :)

G. B. Miller said...

Ahhhh...ain't nothing like a purring cat to stop you dead in your tracks and make you smell the roses.

TALON said...

I could get lost in that photo, Lynn! Beautiful!

Lynn said...

Ileana -

I'm glad to see you and glad you could wind down a bit by coming around here.

Sparkling Red -

I so agree. :)

Elephant's Child -

Thank you for always coming by!

Lynn said...

Naomi -

"Very peaceful and dreamy" - I like that. And I'm so glad to see you today. ((HUG))

Riot Kitty -

It's all good - however you live your life, I think.

Lee -

Thank you and I agree!

Lynn said...

G -

True!

Talon -

Thank you - it's a favorite spot that I pass in that park (and will this afternoon) and I always look that way.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Lynn - what a sensible and wise lady - letting you know a little earlier than she learnt that going slow is ok!

Cheers Hilary

Snaggle Tooth said...

That must be your favorite walking park- n so beautiful.
Nice to have a friendly cat to borrow now n then!
Kind of you to be such good company to a slower person. We all slow down sooner or later- I'm always on overdrive when out too- But some folks do stop me in my tracks like that.