Sunday, February 1, 2009

Manic Monday: Cloud

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Many times growing up in the summer we could play in the front yard of my Grandparents home. Given that our home was next to theirs, this was something that Jazz and I (along with cousins and neighbors) did often. Oh how I miss that time and place. I look back fondly and with a heart full of love. It literally brings tears to my eyes as I do so miss PA and it will always be 'home'

I can still see it all so clearly in my mind. The grass was always lush and green. The mountains were always full of greenery and softly rolled across the horizon. We would lay down and roll down the slight decline of a hill laughing all the way. The hill seemed fairly big back then and almost even steep. Having seen it many years later I perceived it so much differently. Growing up tends to do that...some times, it's a good thing. Some times it is a bad thing.

When you got to the bottom of this hilly yard, it was normal to stop and lie on your back waiting for the dizziness to pass as you gained your barrings. Those quiet moments afforded time to study the sky and literally watch the clouds roll by. I loved to indulge cloud gazing and you really could see them moving. I loved to determine what type of clouds were in the sky (and based my analysis Mr. Costello's 4th grade science class!) and find images and shapes in them.

The world really was a simpler place back then. As I think back to this time in my life it almost just feels like a really good dream that leaves you feeling warm and peaceful when you wake. So much has happened since those care free days full of giggles. The word cloud quickly brought me back and if it is one thing that I love, it's a good memory.

On the B Side: I will be traveling to PA in March for work. The only piece of 'home' that really remains constant for me is my Father and he will likely be out west helping to tend the children in my absence. This is a great thing simply because he will get to meet our little Adalie, spend some time with Dayton, Ellie and McKayla and see Jazz and Micci (oh and this time he won't have be ill). I'm happy that things are working out this way (even if I don't get to see him) but that doesn't keep me from missing home and reflecting fondly back upon what made it all so great. Yes, I am wiping away the tears now but these are the good kind of tears. xoxo

9 shout outs:

Durward Discussion said...

Nice memories and the whole idea of how "home" changes once we leave is something I've been thinking about lately. It is good you have your father and that he will get to see the family. Travel safely.

Anonymous said...

I used to live in PA, too! Philly suburb. All I remember is the street name...Schoolhouse Lane

Jackie said...

Mine's up.... (so's my own new meme)... :)

http://callmewhenyougetthere.blogspot.com/

frizzyeatworld said...

I can't remember the last time I actually looked up and marveled at the sky like that, you know, through a child's eyes.

I was on the plane from Boston to LA a couple of weeks back and I sure did notice the clouds outside the window, just not the way they're supposed to be appreciated.

Thanks for sharing this. :)

miccolene said...

I hope your dad makes it out here! We would love to see him!

Rebecca said...

aw those were the days. My brothers and cousins use to lay on the grass in front of our apartment in LA and discuss the shapes of the clouds.

Confession Time: When I was around 4 I thought I could tell which way the earth rotated by the direction the clouds moved :) :)

ClancyPants said...

This was such a lovely, poignant post, Britt. I loved every word of it. If you ever say "I don't know words" again to me, I'm gonna kick you in the pants. You have such a lovely way with words and I love you so much! Sorry I didn't call on Sat... I spaced. :P Love you.

Kristin said...

Cloud brought back the same sort of memories for me. Only mine were about 4 miles from here. I still miss it though because it's no longer our house (my parents sold it about 12 years ago). Very sweet! Love ya'!

Tink *~*~* said...

Thanks for sharing your sweet memories of yester-years. Growing up should come with a sign that says, "WARNING! OBJECTS IN MEMORY APPEAR LARGER THAN LIFE!"

:D

Tink *~*~*