Since Supergirl came along, time has sped up, ticking away so quickly that I blink and two weeks are gone. We’re busy; that doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re rushing from meeting to meeting, but it means that we’re not the type of people who really stop; even relaxation is something you do.
On Sunday there was an exhibition of World War II military vehicles at a local garden centre. We pointed out things to Aeryn, trying to keep it simple. That’s a truck, that’s a motorbike, that’s a side-car, isn’t it pretty. I asked Chris if he knew why we both find it so enjoyable to wander through and look and discuss; his response was that it’s the pragmatic and beautifully functional design that pulls us in. It was a whole mini-reenactment, rather than just a vehicle display it turns out, and walking past the dancing hall and refreshment tables and older amusement park rides, we didn’t quite feel like we were fitting in any more.
A lady at the table across from us rather disapprovingly commented that not everybody is taking the event series and people who aren’t dressed up shouldn’t be allowed access and look, there are even people here in jogging clothes, with children, how awful. I guess in our jeans and gaming hoodies the reference were to the three of us. I didn’t mind; I understand where she is coming from. I think its rather unrealistic to expect people who visit a garden centre on a Sunday morning to even be aware of the event, never mind dress for it, but still, part of me wished that I could’ve made the experience better for her. It was obviously a day she had looked forward too and all these people with their modern clothes and smart phones were ruining it.
It did make me think about expectations and how much the view of our world shape the course of our lives. I’ve always believed that happiness isn’t elusive, it’s finding contentment in the moment, whatever the moment happened to be. It’s not something you chase after or something that finds you, it’s just living your life to the best of your ability and hoping major disasters either don’t struck or come in manageable time frames and proportions. I plan to raise a little girl that has an open mind and a positive attitude to life in general and that’s not always an easy task.
It was a beautiful summer’s morning, I had a nice cup of coffee and Buttons said Boo! at anyone walking past her high chair in the restaurant. Chris went to fetch coffee’s and cake and although he made the worst possible selection (apple and date and I’m not particularly fond of dried fruit), it just didn’t matter. Our lives have always been extraordinarily stressful with huge uncertainties and frequent risks scattered through the days, getting older though, I’ve come to realise that its all very well and good to find your pleasure in the little things, but when even the little things go wrong, it can throw you off balance.
I used to need things to be just perfect, one blip and the moment was ruined; but now, I, who have never been a picture person look through the gallery of my phone, pictures I’ve taken over the last year. The first picture of my pregnancy showing, the last picture of being pregnant, my friends, my family, my old cat, my new cat and really, the type of cake just doesn’t seem to matter to me any more. All that matter is time; always make time to stop and really look at the people in your life, that’s what really matters. I may not have time to write much these days, but no matter how busy we get, we block off family time, always, without exception; that’s the rule. The big secret of happiness, always make time for the things you love.
