Thursday, July 4, 2013

365 Inspirations—185: Noticing the Little Things

"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed."—Khalil Gibran

Sometimes my husband and I like to spend a quiet 4th of July hiking in the mountains, but this year we went to my best friend Lena's house in Seattle for barbecue and a walk down to Lake Union to see the fireworks.

It seemed like a typical 4th of July celebration, but there were some unique things about the day.

I saw a hummingbird up close in my best friend's gorgeous Butterfly Tree in her backyard where we were having a barbecue. This little guy was friendly and didn't fly away when I got close.



On the way down to the park where we planned to watch the fireworks, I saw a swing hanging from a tree in the middle of the sidewalk. Well, that was enough of an invitation for me. Put a swing in my path and I'll get on it for a ride. It doesn't matter where it is, I'm game.



I took a picture with my friends and later we discovered we were colored coordinated and even in the correct order. We were red, white and blue, but we didn't plan it that way.


We got more than we bargained for while waiting for the fireworks. A spark from a nearby firework must have fallen on the marina below us and it went up in flames. The fire department came and had to put it out.

Thinking we had had enough excitement for the day, we were just about to leave when the fireworks started.

I got some lovely shots with the Space Needle in the background. I love how little the Space Needle looks next to the fireworks.




I'm glad I spent the time with friends and was able to notice not just the big things, but also the little things that make life worth living.

Did you stop to notice the little things today? What were they?

3 comments:

  1. I noticed the fire, too! And I'm surprised we didn't run into each other since it sounds like we were in the same spot.

    I haven't been as conscious lately about noticing the small things, so I'm glad you asked the question. One thing I noticed yesterday was an altar set up for someone who died on University Ave. I'd seen a gathering there a few days before, but it appears that there's a vigil of mourners at the spot. Now there are signs and flowers as well.

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    1. Wow! We must have been right next to each other Emily. That fire was scary, but glad they got to it quickly. Sounds like you did notice some little things in your day!

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  2. My fourth - hubby had to work, which was a surprise. My son (2) and I took a nature walk up to the stream close by. He loved to toss leaves into the stream and watch them bump and weave down through the rocks... quite lovely. It was entrancing for me as well!

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