It Takes Time

Nobody sees a flower, really, it is so small. We haven't time - and to see takes time like to have a friend takes time. ---Georgia O'Keeffe

We're in the throes of planning for our Dream Assignment, and everyday in between phone calls and meetings and researching leads to stories of hope around the world, all I can think of is this quote and the tiny field full of buttercups staring back at me from the other side of the driveway out my backdoor.

It takes time, a still quiet voice tells me from the deepest place inside.

Time?? my monkey mind chatters. I want to hop on a plane now!

But my beginner's mind knows better.  For every prize winning rose bush and sensational lead, there is a meadow of buttercups and a hopeful story waiting to be unearthed. A story as simple and as certain as a buttercup in May.  A deep and honest story that can only be seen when I make time to really pay attention to what's happening around me.  When I'm willing to stop.  When I'm willing to listen.

Breathe, my better self advises.  Everyday things are coming together, little by little--exactly as they should.

And so I walk to the grassy knoll on the other side of the driveway, and gather up my yellow treasures in a little bouquet, each one reminding me that hope endures, that it can be seen in the smallest ways, in the tiniest places, if I have the courage to let the stories come to me, one simple yellow flower at a time.

What are you waiting for today?  Show us what you're taking the time to see right now as you look through that hope-full lens.

Comments

[kaytee]

http://missredphotos.blogspot.com/2009/05/wishing-on-dandelion.html

[Shalet]

Today I am fully aware it's the little things in life that make me truly happy.

http://peculiarmomma.blogspot.com/2009/05/grateful.html

[Jody]

I have been looking at the field of buttercups in my neighbors field for a week now. If I don't stop and get them soon they'll be gone...

On the way to work tonight tho I did stop when I saw some red poppies growing in a field. Yes I stopped my car and did a U turn. So later today after I've slept I will show them to you.

I love capturing the little things with my camera =)

[Sara]

I know that I'll be moving in about a month and all of my sisters will be coming to visit. Waiting is so hard! But little moments like today's bird visit are wonderful to pass the time.

http://indigoamethyst.blogspot.com/2009/05/little-visitor.html

[Georgia]

i have always loved that quote since i first saw it—as do i love the work of georgia o'keefe {and not just because i share her name}
:)

being out of work affords me so much time to "stop and smell the roses".

but i still have to make a conscious effort to take the time to go and see. like i did sunday—i planned a photo shoot with any of my friends that were interested in going to the arboretum to take pictures. here:
http://jorjah-b.blogspot.com/2009/05/jorjah-catch-up.html

i also did this today—i made time to go out in my neighborhood and look for the beauty in the every-day things we pass by without notice. here:
http://itsjusthowiseethings.blogspot.com/2009/05/ill-have-tall-iced-green-tea-latte-with.html

great post, jen. precious buttercup photo!

[Amy Kropp]

I'm seeing the most gorgeous Alaskan spring I have ever seen!

http://amykropp.typepad.com/pictures/2009/05/things-are-greening-up.html

[Elaina Avalos]

I know my entry might seem weird...but two of my favorite buildings in New Bern, NC leave me with that feeling -- whether viewed through a lens or not.

http://elainaavalos.blogspot.com/2009/05/hope-and-waiting.html

[kosenrufu mama]

Here what I'm waiting for... especially green.
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/2009/05/verde-premio.html

[Marcie]

Great post.
Just breathe! It's my daily mantra.There is hidden beauty everywhere:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=777

[Sebrina]

Patience is not my strong point! I am starting my own photography business and I want to be a certain place but I know it takes time to get there.. but the waiting is so hard!

[Puna]

I picked up this little baby and made him cry. His mom was pacifying him. I of course made it worse by snapping a photo....

http://lifesignatures.wordpress.com/2009/05/13/wordless-wednesday-tracks-of-my-tears/

[mrs. e]

A Mother's Day gift that keeps on giving.
http://erickfam.blogspot.com/2009/05/happy-as-kings.html

[Wayfaring Wanderer]

Waiting for my next mini-vacay! Till then, I will just enjoy pictures from my last camping excursion.

http://www.wayfaringwanderer.com/2009/05/oceanside-camping-on-nc-coast.html

~WW

[ELK]

jen love the post and photo..

me ...today....thinking about tomorrow ....and breathing right along with you:

http://www.redorgray.com/2009/05/you-are-invited.html

[rjoxie broussard]

Summer flowers make me happy. It's such a simple thing to love.

[Danielle]

I've been taking time to enjoy my husband and twin boys:

http://dancebythelight.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/a-trip-to-the-rocks/

[Vanessa]

a beautiful post full of beautiful, simple lessons.
it can be so hard -yet so rewarding- to be patient.

btw, my buttercup wants to say hello to your buttercup: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/3524627193/

:)

[Dani]

I took my son fishing and on our way back to the car, I stopped to notice the flowers...and some things going on in them!
http://orangesalad.blogspot.com/2009/05/when-we-get-down-on-ground-things-we.html

[Jamie Lapeyrolerie]

So funny, I was just thinking about this yesterday :)
http://jamielynnephotography.blogspot.com/2009/05/walking-around-block.html

[Toni | DailyVignette]

Every morning when I get up and let the dogs out, I go outside with them and stand on my back deck soaking up the early morning solitude. But it isn't solitude. It is filled with life and hope and joy as I watch the goldfinches chase each other from tree to tree and the robin staring back at me and the symphony all the different birds of the neighborhood create as they celebrate the dawning of a new day.

Lilacs waiting to blossom in the early morning light:
http://dailyvignette.com/2009/05/13/lilacs-and-bokeh/

[margie]

our city celebrates spring with a tulip festival. i could sit all day looking at those fields of tulips. all around the city.

http://www.soeursdujour.com/

[beth]

I've looking at life with a bigger heart...


http://www.flickr.com/photos/29291473@N04/3528509686/

[BlessedMess]

Oh this post is so perfect right now. Just yesterday I did a big whiny blog post

http://blessourmess.blogspot.com/2009/05/ok-mercury-just-grade-or-whatever.html

Reading this snapped me back to where I need to be. Thank you.

[Katie in MA]

What a beautifully reflective post. I love how you said, "Everyday things are coming together..." like you emphasized the *things.* But I read it as "*Everyday things* are coming together..." and I thought how appropriate that was, given your message.

Today, I'm waiting for my trip home (SQUEEEE!!!!) for the first time in a year and a half. It's still six weeks away, so for now I am having a BLAST as I make my to-do lists and to-bring-with-us lists and talk it up with my girlies. The waiting and anticipation and planning is half the fun!

[abby]

I have been enjoying these!
http://littlesaysaton.synthasite.com/blog/watching-the-lilacs