Tuesday, June 14, 2011

an hour

Sitting at a table watching the rain fall through a window that touches the ceiling.  I walked the 1100 feet from my front door to Starbucks, thanks to this amazing sister that I have.  A lively French tune is playing and my favorite aroma fills the air.

“An hour? just one hour, that’s all you want?” She asked.

“Yes, an hour will be nice,” I answered.

An hour alone in the world of motherhood is much longer than 60 minutes to anyone else. Is this not true?

And so, I casually walked out the door, nearly 50 lbs. lighter.  I ordered my drink and found a tiny table that seats two, but is ideal for one.  In these moments of reprieve, every little thing seems extraordinary and a gift.

To drink an entire coffee before it cools to room temperature.

To watch the rain fall, as the rest of the world blurs into stillness, with each drop streaming down the glass.

To leisurely pursue blogs or listen to a random conversation or just revel in the fact that no one in the room will need me for anything.

To write an entire post in one uninterrupted sitting.

And then, a sweet, lingering walk home in the rain, under a polka dot umbrella.

Yes, an hour will be lovely.

{image source}

Sabrina:  This is what you do on your very first day in Paris. You get yourself, not a drizzle, but some honest-to-goodness rain, and you find yourself someone really nice and drive her through the Bois de Boulogne in a taxi. The rain’s very important. That’s when Paris smells its sweetest. - It’s the damp chestnut trees

What would you do with the gift of an hour?

2 comments:

  1. this is a great question! here's the thing... i don't know what i'd do with an hour... not a clue! to be honest, i've been a full time working mom since my kids have been born (i've got 5 now!), and i've always felt like i spend so much time away from them while at work that when i have a spare moment, i just want to be with my kids!

    but now, i've been out of work on maternity leave for the past 15 weeks (give or take) & i am with them constantly... day in & day out... i love them so much & have felt incredibly blessed to have so much time with them... and when i'm not with them, i'm with my husband, so i don't really get alone time just me by myself...

    after reading your post, i asked myself what i would do with just one hour & i realized that i don't have a clue... you've given me something to think about!

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  2. I really love this post. I am not a mother yet, but I can appreciate the need for just an hour of quiet of just being. It all sounds so lovely. And that quote from Sabrina was beyond perfect--it reminded me what a lovely movie that is. Enjoy all your moments!

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So thank you.

Have a lovely day.
Drink some coffee.