Slice of Life Story Challenge DAY 31 -Celebrating The Wonder of Now


 It is the wonder of now that inspires this final offering for the marvellous month of March…

One of the real life lessons acquired from participation in this and previous Slice of Life Story Challenges has been an increased awareness of moments in time. The incredible wonder that resides in being present in that special moment. This morning I spent time at the park with Sass, age 9 and Sunni age 7. I watched them devote extended time to mastering moves on the swing. Their solitary aim was to go as high as possible. They were totally devoted to flying up to the heavens. It was as if nothing else existed beyond that simple goal. I watched intently. Their efforts inspired me to take photos. Captured images of a moment in time, serve as an aid to the writer’s recall.  

Earlier, I had watched them eat waffles, strawberries and ice-cream in the cafe. They ate heartily and scraped their plates until no trace of the culinary delights remained. Kids in the zone.

My observations of people and events have sharpened across the month of March. Hopefully, it is an enduring ability. Writers need to be keen observers. I am trying to be true to the lessons learned from Annie Dillard, when she writes, ‘I have to maintain in my head a running description of the present.’



                                                                                             

Comments

  1. drferreriblogspot.com31 March 2012 at 20:30

    I love your phrase "an increased awareness of moments in time." That's it! That's what looking for the small moments to write about does for us!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wanda Brown31 March 2012 at 21:48

    "They ate heartily and scraped their plates until no trace of the culinary delights remained. Kids in the zone."
    I was at the table with you on during this line. Anyone who has experienced hungry kids would be. The joy of children is a wonderful topic. I wish we could bottle up some of that joy and spread it around.
    It has been fun reading your posts again, Alan.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Terje 1 April 2012 at 00:00

    For some reason as an adult it is not easy to stay in the moment. The thoughts are sometimes stuck in the past and sometimes race to the future. Your posts have shown you to be a keen observer. I can't forget your post about the butterflies and the one about the comforting soup making. The musing about sand was also memorable. It is always enjoyable to see how you craft with words your well thought through ideas. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. elsie1 April 2012 at 00:43

    ". . . a running description of the present," is a perfect way of describing the act of observing to write. You are a master of observation and relating it into words for all to experience. I learn so much from your writing. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lynn1 April 2012 at 00:53

    Alan you said it perfectly, taking the time to write about time...photographs of words just awesome! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dana1 April 2012 at 01:58

    Your moments have been beautifully presented throughout the month. Thank you for sharing all of them with us.

    ReplyDelete
  7. BK1 April 2012 at 02:14

    I don't remember a time when you didn't share your sharp observational skills Alan. I always love clicking to something new on your blog and you never disappointed this month either.
    Glad I know where you live in web reality
    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lee Ann Spillane1 April 2012 at 04:19

    Gorgeous pictures show off your sharp eye. I too have felt a tightening of focus as I've written these slices this month.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Michelle1 April 2012 at 12:30

    Love your words: ". . . Slice of Life Story Challenges has been an increased awareness of moments in time. The incredible wonder that resides in being present in that special moment." So hard to do when life is so busy, but it's a great reminder to slow down. -- Beautiful pictures capturing a perfect moment!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Marika2 April 2012 at 06:07

    Thanks for the Annie Dillard quote. Love it. :) I'm trying to soothe some of my post-challenge-withdrawal by finding new blogs. Glad I found yours.

    ReplyDelete

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