a breath....of summer

I took my children to the zoo today.. It was one of the best days I have had in a very long time. We had no agenda, no place to be and no plans. We could look at the gorrillas for as long as we want..
What I found my self being drawn to was not the animals. It was the colors and the sky, the fish in the water. We stuck the tips of our fingers in the water and let the fish nibble our fingers. I noticed the reflections in the water. We walked out on to the river and I noticed for the first time in a long time the rain coming in. I did not want to run for cover I wanted to soak it in, watch the contrast in the sky from light to dark, found myself mesmerized by it's beauty.
We went to the asian gardens and as we were leaving there were these bright red flowers. The flowers were in front of these huge green trees that had moss swaying form it's branches, and just beyond that was the sky with the storm coming in. At that moment I was so thankful for color! The color was so rich I wanted to stand there and soak it in.
I took my children over to the playground and passed by a magnolia tree, the smell was so wonderful. I looked and noticed the sun passing through it's petals. The only camera I had was my blackberry so I snapped a shot to share.

What I want to share with you is the value of time... We can spend our whole lives working to gain the illustrious things of life, and totally miss out on the natural beauty that surrounds us everyday.
This summer take the time to enjoy the smells, sounds and sites that the earth has to offer. Take the time to feel the sand between your toes, to feel the wind blowing your hair, to notice the flowers color and smell.
I wish you all a very happy and safe summer, may you have many blessings
Alissa