Sunday, June 7, 2009

There's so much Beauty

These days here are so beautiful, it is almost painful. Everything is so green and lush and full. Flowers are everywhere, light fills the day for so many hours, birds never stop signing. The blue of the sky is vibrant. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds. The Canada Geese on the pond I see every day on the way to work trail their fluffy ducklings along behind as they waddle. Everyday I try to hold on so tight. It hurts.
Yet, I am reminded of the closing lines from the movie, American Beauty. "It's hard to stay mad, when there is so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I am seeing it all at once, and it's too much. My heart fills up like a balloon that is about to burst." (I am not yet able to let it go and let it flow through me - next lines.) As I listen to this movie clip now, tears are in my eyes.
Though this photo was taken a month ago, this is another place that usually makes me feel that wash-over-your-body sense of the world being so beautiful. (Where are the flowers you say? They are in my yard!) This is a view from our town's public library looking out over althletic fields. The town purchased this farmland a dozen years ago or so, and built a beautiful, Adirondack style library looking over these fields, facing West to the sunset. I have spent many happy late afternoons watching my children play soccer and the setting sun.
You may be saying, well, in the world's scheme of beautiful places, this is far from outstanding. I know, and agree. It's just a place the somehow makes me swell with that feeling, even though it is not spectacular. Maybe because it is simpler than spectacular. Maybe because it is just a place in my town, just a place to pick up and drop off library books, swoosh down slides with my granddaughter, watch kids playing their games. Maybe it is the expanse of sky.
This screened porch of the library has rockers facing the same view. And this gorgeous barn is to the side. And on the other side of the barn, a playground which is now a favorite for my granddaughter when she comes to visit in the warmer months.
This life...our lives...our children...our grandchildren. It's so beautiful, it's too much.

10 comments:

  1. oh, I can just imagine sitting on one of those porch chairs with a good book, and glancing at the scenery every now and then.... thanks for sharing your beautiful world with us.

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  2. you're so right! i was just thinking of that line from american beauty the other day!

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  3. Simple beauty. Meaningful moments. Hope your assistant's husband is getting better and has many more years to enjoy simple pleasures.

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  4. It's the comfort you sink in when you are here; I understand perfectly.

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  5. What a beautiful place to hold the treasure of books. I'm always torn between needing to live in the city, close to the hustle and bustle, and wanting to live in the country with the quiet and nature. I guess I'm still looking for that balance between the two.

    I just started following you (found you indirectly through drollgirl) and was attracted to your blog name as my blog is "At My Kitchen Table". Please feel free to drop by my table when you're in the neighbourhood.

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  6. Hi Jennifer,

    I find the view from the rear of the library very enticing- the rural simplicity, greens and rolling hills all conjure up mellow feelings and take me back to NZ countrysides.
    I go for simplicity and subtlety over dramatic views any day of the week.
    And you have the additional family connotations to raise the connection levels you feel with the setting so I can understand why your 'cup is running over'

    Do you think that age has something to do with that overwhelming feeling of beauty in the everyday...perhaps a level of surrender and contentment too...
    anyway enjoy it...tis a good feeling...to be grateful...

    Happy Days

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  7. Ever heard of the Stendhal Syndrome? Too much beauty can do that.

    Ciao sweet friend. I have a lot to catch up...

    Lola xx

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  8. Jennifer you have the heart of a poet.

    This is a beautiful post and I could feel you. I almost touched you here today.

    Renee xoxox

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  9. What a beautiful place for a library!

    I know what you mean about beauty being almost too beautiful to bear - I feel that sometimes in nature, or when I listen to some pieces of music. I feel my heart could break!

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  10. Lovely words and photographs...touching a tender place inside. Thank you Jennifer.

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Thanks for visiting. I love having you at my table with me.

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