Simple Pleasures

I like to go on walks, usually with a purpose such as to get in shape, burn calories or to give my two dogs some exercise. Things of this nature motivate me into my ventures around the block.

Today I took Ansley, my almost 19 month old granddaughter, on a walk around her neighborhood. Some where along my 54 years of living, I've lost the joy in some of the simple pleasures of life. While my intent was to tire Ansley out, she was on a completely different mission.
She was busy looking for birds and airplanes. She listened to the sound of her shoes as they tapped on the sidewalk. My little granddaughter was intrigued with pine trees with their prickly needles and with palms with low growing branches whose leaves clapped together in the wind.

She found a small hill that she ran up and down at least two dozen times while loudly exclaiming we-eee on the way down. Ansley enjoyed feeling the sun on her face as she wore her yellow sun glasses with painted pink butterflies and the feel of the gentle breeze as it blew through her duck-down blonde hair.

She noticed the beauty of spring weeds and fiddle neck flowers with bees busily working amongst them. Small treasures of pebbles were found along the way and a doggy's barking in the background was noted. The world around her was like points of interest on a tourists map. Nothing was too small to notice and enjoy.

Today I hope to take home the lesson of slowing down and relishing the simple pleasures of life.

Thanks Ansley!