I had a very busy day today, shuttling kids from one activity to the next. As I was packing lunches for everyone this morning I was trying to figure out how I was going to get my little one lunch in the twenty minutes she had between activities, so I packed a lunch for the two of us, thinking we'd eat in the car between activities. Story hour ended a little early and as I was walking through the parking lot, I decided to take our lunch and have an impromtu picnic at the school playground. Little did I know this lunch was nourishment for the soul.
I found a quilt in the back of the car, grabbed our food and we were off. As we walked to a perfect spot under a shade tree I felt myself physically slowing down. Walking slower behind my daughter and listening to her excitement over eating a sandwich in the park. We were serenaded by songbirds as we talked about the stories we just read at the library and all the friends she had just met. Time began to slow and I found myself breathing easier, taking in the surroundings and really listening to what my three year old was telling me.
After lunch we even had a little time to hit the playground and slide down the slide. When was the last time you slid down a slipper slide? If it hasn't been recently, I highly recommend it. I don't know what was more exhilerating - the slide or my three year old's squeal of delight that mommy was sliding! Our whole lunch lasted thirty minutes and it was off to the next activity, but it felt that just for a few minutes time stood still. My challenge for you this week is to eat at least one meal outside. The next time you find yourself at a fast food drive thru, pull over at the first patch of grass you see. Get out of your car and eat outside. I believe the food tastes better in the fresh air. If your really feeling frisky, kick your shoes off and actually feel the grass between your toes. It will give you the boost you need to get through the rest of your day.
Please take a moment to check out TheFarmersWifeCT to add this lovely picnic basket to your next outing. If your looking for your own quilt to travel with, please take a moment to check out TheArtistsHouse as well as her blog.
Thank you for including me in your lovely post. I agree, there is something about eating outside that really slows life down. This is so important! Thanks for the beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteYes, eating outdoors is fun, I should do it more often :)
ReplyDeleteAhhh...that sounds good! Great suggestion!
ReplyDeleteI think that's a lovely idea! I'm in TX, so I admit that I may wait until fall when the weather's less oppressive, though ;)
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing like an impromptu picnic or playing on the playground. I haven't done either in a very long time!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for a beautiful post. I am inspired & will take you up on your challenge. Can't wait to grab a blanket & a bite to eat :)
ReplyDeleteEating outside can be so much fun! I will certainly try to fit this in this weekend!
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Wow, I haven't been on a slip 'n' slide in SOOO long! Sounds like fun. :D Your day sounds beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI agree, I love to be outside!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really good time! We actually did this today, on our front lawn. We try to do picnics as much as possible :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely day! When the excruciating heat leaves me be, I shall happily take on your picnic challenge as soon as possible. :D
ReplyDeleteReally sounds wonderful - it is the simple things that count.
ReplyDeletewell it's winter here! But we can still eat outside, I'll try to remember to do that this week!
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful!! It is gorgeous and sunny here in London and there is a park at the top of my road, so I might just find myself there tomorrow and slip of my shoes and feel the grass amongst my toes!
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