There’s a soft subtle breeze that whispers through the tree tops. The crickets, frogs, birds, and a host of other creatures I try to identify without success bellow a cacophony of instrumentation that I haven’t heard in months. It’s a sweet, peaceful arrangement that speaks of creation and goodness.
I haven’t heard this musical score lately because I haven’t slowed down. I haven’t slowed down because life has been too busy. When life is too busy, I throw the very simple pleasures of life back in the face of those that need it most.
I acknowledge that when my schedule has no moments to relax and enjoy my own backyard, it points to the very time that I need it most.
Our deck symbolizes an oasis for my soul.
I do not have one bad memory of moments spent on our deck. In fact, it’s a place where we live Life to its fullest.
It’s a sanctuary to have my quiet time, to read with the kids, too unwind, and gain perspective.
Food served on our deck is more than just nourishment for the bellies; it’s food for the soul, shared with family and friends, laughter and tears.
Those moments are a choice.
A choice I want to fight for; no, I choice I must prioritize.
A few days ago, I went outside to snap a few outdoor shots. I never intended to spend thirty minutes laughing hysterically with our youngest daughter.
I think there’s just something about our outdoor moments that welcomes those emotions, and quiets our soul through a host of fun.
Unless we open ourselves to some of these moments of spontaneity, we just don’t know what we are missing.
I don’t want to miss those simple pleasures in life, do you?
Those are just some of the reasons I am choosing to prioritize time outside.
What activities does your family enjoy on your patio?
Answer the question below and one of my readers will win a $25 Sears gift card!
Need some help figuring out your style? Sears is making it easy with their interactive quiz that helps you select your perfect style.
We don’t really have a great deck, but we use our backyard TONS. We love to sit and watch the chickens graze, and let the kids run and run or jump on the trampoline. We have parties out there, and many many barbeques.
We enjoy watching the interaction between our four sons and our three pets while sitting on the patio with a mason jar of iced tea.
We do school work on the back patio until it gets too cold to work out there – it’s just the perfect spot for reading out loud and enjoying the breezes. We eat out on the patio all spring and fall – it’s too hot in summer, but sometimes we brave it and enjoy the outdoor setting even in the heat. I am an outdoor girl – I hope someday soon we’ll be able to upgrade our 10+ year old computer and have wireless so that I can take it outside with me too! The children love to be outside too, so I really need to spruce things up out there to make it a more fun and welcoming place to relax.
We enjoy having our meals, watching the birds and wildlife, reading the newspaper, and doing crafts on our veranda.
We love setting outside in the evening or sometimes at night and talk, look at the stars, listen to the animals all while on the deck. Lots of good times out there. I have my own personal space as well. It is my circle, I lay in the grass and meditate and listen to the sounds of Nature. I celebrate the Sabbats and full moons, and hold rituals for healing and different things. Nothing beats the outdoors, and nothing beats living deep out in the country.
Reading! I love love love to read on my deck. Hearing the birds and dogs. So relaxing.
Stories with the boys!
Reading and just hanging out as a family is what our backyard is for I have to say haven’t done it enough this summer thanks for a reminder to take the time