As I watched my son walk purposely ahead of me along the lane, I realised that this moment will be a distant memory before I know it.
He has two years left at primary school, but I’m more than aware how time can fly. His next oldest sister has joined their other sister at secondary, this September. I’m growing used to the idea of only one child to pick up from school and walk back along our lane.
Catching up with the day’s news.
Putting the world to rights.
I want to capture all these moments in my memory. Ready to pull out when I need them most.
How that day, I collected blackberries, from the hedgerows, for a crumble I had promised their father before he left. While my sweet, nine year old gathered blackberries for juice to share with his dog. He knows that she likes the taste.
Both of us delivered. Apple and blackberry crumble served with custard. There were second helpings.
I want to remember the moment I grabbed to add stitches to her quilt, while waiting for Eldest to weave out from her after-school club. Knowing she’ll come out in deep conversation with a friend. Slightly loitering to finish. Turning to another. Then she’ll smile and wave goodbye. Flinging herself into the car and checking for treats that I’ve remembered to bring.
In the meantime, I sew and admire the wonderful green landscaped school she and her sister go to. Where they have to check for farm tractors or cows being herded down a green lane that they cross, as they head for further playing fields. Not many other buildings around the campus. Just farm land.
Noticing the crisp white lines on the nearby field, marking out a pitch. How long before it needs marking again. The generous number of bins, leaving no excuse for litter. Middle daughter says that they are every 10 metres. I’m not sure about that.
Noticing the car parked ahead, waiting for a sixth former to finish class. L- plate on back and mother moved over to passenger seat. A sticker in the back explaining in an amusing way why the car may be slow. A black box. Restricted speed. Gutted.
That will be us in three years’ time. Gulp.
Back home, in the garden. The sunflowers’ time is almost up. The plan is to harvest and store them. Putting one head out on the bird table each month. Not quite enough for each month, but six will provide a treat during the coldest months.
I can still take a moment to enjoy the two surprise sunflowers in the kitchen garden. Planted by birds. Elegance and a touch of sadness that the growing year is passing.
Taking a moment to notice several more hidden pumpkins growing to sizes that I never anticipated. More pumpkin recipes required.
Back in my sewing room, I’ve left a skirt cut out on the ironing board. I’m undecided. When I cut this out, – was it two years ago – my hips were slightly narrower. I know that I’m more active in autumn, so there is a good chance I’ll lose it again. The uncertainty hampers my progress.
Not helped maybe by my marathon baking session that morning. Cooker is scheduled to be out of action maybe for a few days while repairs are completed. I grab the moment to bake for the weekend. Granola for breakfast. Butternut squash for supper. Cookies and two different kinds of cake to satisfy even my fussy eaters. Figs dried for later use.
I’m organized. I sit at the kitchen table amending work spreadsheets. Relying on the timer to prompt me to slide trays in and out of the oven. For one moment, I feel truly efficient.
I want to hold on to all these moments.
Mindful of each precious moment.
Moments remembered.
Loved reading this, I know just what you mean. They are every day, ordinary moments that will one day no longer be our moments. It’s good to grab hold and try to remember them now x Thanks for sharing with #WotW
It is good to try and appreciate them at the time, and save them for later. It goes too fast.
Loved this post and i am adding you to my list of regular blogs. I love baking, try to sew and love papecrafting when I get time so I think I will enjoy reading your posts. As for #WOTW I try to keep moments and enjoy them before they turn into memories.x
So important to enjoy the moment. Good choice in pastimes. Sewing is my go-to escape. 🙂
This was wonderful. Thank you for writing it.
Thanks Anna. Thank you for reading.
It sure is saddening that our babies grow up so quick. Thanks for sharing. #WotW
It does seem to go in a flash.
How beautifully poetic your words and thoughts are, and how lovely that you have paused to remember these ordinary, yet oh so special moments. Your images enhance the beauty of your words perfectly. I’m in awe! #WotW
They are the ordinary moments. It’s remembering to treasure them as much as the headline moments. Thank you for your kind words.
All these photos of food is making me grave such beautiful delights X #wotw
Ha! Hope I didn’t make you too hungry.
What a lovely post. Both of mine are at secondary school now and the school pick up seems like the distant past (even though it was only July). I sometimes have moments when I think ‘I must never forget this’ but sadly I do.
I keep thinking that the more time I spend enjoying the moment, the more likely I will commit it to memory. Maybe. It is flying. Hope your youngest is settling in OK.
Wonderful moments of ordinary things…the most precious. These things bring such satisfying feelings. i was thinking the same about my son and school, only 3 yrs left in primary school. #Wotw
My Eldest left Primary three years ago. It’s hard to imagine her there now. A willowy teenager, as she is today. But I do remember the 11 year old. Moments are worth storing up.
What a moving post, so many memories to treasure.
Thank you, Mrs TeePot!
I really loved reading this, such a wonderful journey through simple, precious moments. These are the moments I want to remember too. Thank you so much for sharing with #ThePrompt
Thank you Sara. I hope your week is full of lovely moments, worthy of remembering.
What a beautiful post and I loved reading about all your little moments that you have been treasuring this week. Your daughters’ school sounds wonderful – being surrounded by farmland – and the photos of your baking made me feel quite hungry! 🙂 #WotW
I daren’t look at the baking photo. Makes me hungry too!
Awww that was such a brilliantly written post. Just lovely. #theprompt
Thanks Markus.