Monday, July 23, 2007

Use it or lose it



We live in the Adirondacks, it's literally a twenty minute drive to what is arguably some of the world's most beautiful terrain. I will own not getting out there nearly enough, which then entitles me to gloat, gloat, gloat about having mustered the wherewithal to pack up all the accoutrements necessary for hiking when you have two kids in diapers, a dog and a husband who gets very bear like when his blood sugar dips below a certain level, and head to the mountain, Buck Mountain to be exact.

It's a place Sean and I have hiked often, first as an escape from the blistering, back busting Williamstown years, later with dear friends on New Year's morning pre-kids and marriage, and finally it has been a place that has never failed to bring us back to knowing this:

Life is sweet.




I've said it before, you can choose happiness, and, being lucky enough to know where I consistently find happiness, I did. And do. Sunday we made it out to the trails that free us of our burdens, awakening a carefree spirit that doesn't dwell or mope, we walked taller and smiled brighter. The girls on our shoulders and chests, holding our hands and running ahead, devoured every minute of the wild adventure. Together we chirped at birds, squawked at squirrels and talked about shadows and moss, the mountain and the sky. They scampered and squealed, and served as a reflection of our own joy, and passion. It was one of those moments, relevant to anyone with a heart beat, that lets you know that at a particular moment in time you are doing exactly whay you were meant to be doing.



It was hard, it was inconvenient, but damnit it was the best thing. And typing this today, I am able to feel again the enormity of letting go and simply being. You may not have the Adirondacks, but you've got something.



Go there.



Be there.



Just enjoy being.



And breathe.


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13 comments:

Colleen @AMadisonMom said...

I haven't been to the Adirondacks in ages. I was there a few times with a college boyfriend. His family had a house there. I just remember every trip being amazed with the beauty of the surroundings. And the quiet.

flutter said...

I think you just saved me.

Anonymous said...

So true. I lived near the Adirondacks in college- ah the memories!
Natural sounds are golden.
Great new look BTW- love the new banner!

BetteJo said...

Yes, we all do have something, somewhere, and most of us don't do or visit it enough. Thanks for reminding us ...

Looks heavenly.

Unknown said...

you are so right, it is so lovely there, really just perfect. My mom just took my soon camping there and I was moving and very jealous.

BOSSY said...

So sweet. Beautiful. Hate to tell you, though - but you have a rather large deer tick attached to the front of your shirt...

So Blessed To Be Matthews Mom said...

Absolutely wonderful post. I was in tears just reading about the beauty of your (mother) nature/mom moment. Keep up the moments and the memories!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!
We just moved to a great hiking area. Now to get out there!

Ms. Skywalker said...

Seriously.

You are so beautiful.

Inside and out.

karla said...

So wonderfully put Amanda. And yes, we do need to choose happiness don't we?

Is that a baby bjorn carrier you are wearing? Do tell. Are they comfortable? I currently have a sling, and I'm finding as Nate gets older, it's getting harder and harder to carry him in it comfortably.

Amanda said...

Karla, it is a Baby Bjorn. It's the same one I used with Briar and it has the paint stains to prove it. I think there are two kinds, ours is not the extra super duper sport style, and it is just fine, better than fine. We love(d) it. You can flip the baby around and discreetly nurse, or have them ride shotgun as Avery is doing. The only caveat, I don't know about boy parts...anyone? Not sure if it's as cozy for them.

karla said...

Hmm...yes. Boy parts. I wonder if I can find a store to try it out in.

Totally an aside, but I thought I would let you know that I have been having troubles getting into this site (not The Wink though) using IE 7. It works fine now that I have loaded it in firebox, but with IE, it will only will load as far as the top and side banners, and then it freezes and causes my computer to go into security mode (I run Windows Vista).

:(

Robin Marie said...

Hold up missy, is that Bash Bish? It looks so much like it...