Something So Simple
It's really very easy to get lost in your bubble as life passes you by. I know I do it all of the time. It's obvious that others do as well.
I see it every time we hit the trails for a long bike ride.
As we pedal our way along the river, I see people with their noses stuck in their smart phones. They are completely oblivious to the beautiful skyline at their side, thereby proving once and for all that smart phones make people dumber. I swear the simple act of texting while walking can lower a person's IQ by 20 points.
I understand the allure of headphones, but so much happens when you're immersed in a cloud of loud music. I see people missing out on baby geese trying to honk for the very first time, the roar of the crowd at PNC Park after a home run, and the laughter of children playing at the water steps.
Every time we ride I see people rushing to and fro with their heads buried and their shoulders hunched. I see parents dragging kids, urging them to walk faster. I see people who are completely missing out on so much as they try to quickly make their way to their Next Important Thing.
But then I also see a lot of people who stop and notice.
Alexis is quite the sight as she pedals her little bike attachment as fast as she can. It's a Frankenstein sort of bicycle built for two that she rides, her portion white while Mr. Husband's portion is red. Mismatched or not, it's an arrangement that works well for her. She's able to keep up for 20+ miles, happily pedaling when she wants and checking out the sites when the urge calls her.
Mile after mile she sings at the top of her lungs, chatters endlessly as only 6-year olds can do, and does her very best to fill every possible moment of silence. She does it all while donning bright pink and orange Hello Kitty sunglasses and a funny little bike helmet with bunny ears.
It's hard not to smile when you see her.
It makes me happy that so many people take notice of her special brand of crazy. It's certainly not everyone, but every tenth person or so pauses for a moment and follows her with their eyes. Each time there is a long moment of thought followed by a huge smile. It's really hard not to smile when you see a kid blasting joy at their top of their lungs while dressed in a way that is so very uniquely "Alexis."
Have you paused to smile today?
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Reader Comments (7)
I love that kid.
I love that I have one of those kids and I try every day to remember to unplug and to see, to enjoy and to cherish
Oh Alexis. Don't let the world eat your crazy alive. With a momma like yours, it's not likely to happen, thank goodness.
I like the bling on her finger ha
I have to be honest here: Do you remember that blog post you did about a year and half ago I think? The one where the little girl was trying to catch snowflakes on her tongue and her mom missed the whole thing because she was rushing forward instead of looking back at the girl attached to the hand she was holding? THAT post has stuck with me SO much that if I find myself pulling a little hand along I ALWAYS stop to see why they're dawdling. Sometimes, there's no reason other than that they're 3 or 5. But sometimes, I'm SO, SO, SO glad I took the time to look back. Those times make me smile. And I would have missed it if not for your reminder. There ya go.
PS How often do people at PNC actually GET to cheer for a homerun? Just sayin'...;)
there truly are endless amount to be said about observing and living authentically...
I LOVE her painted nails and ring!!!
Thank's to your blog and others I get to smile often. Totally agree with this post. Your Alexis makes me want to have a daughter. I'm 41 with a bad back and a 20yo son. Wasn't able to have any more kids after him so I guess it's just meant to be the three of us and that's ok. I'm happy with us. But she is a keeper that is for sure! She brings light to this world. I would so be videoing her or letting her video herself and put it on Youtube. With her personality you would be getting crazy huge views as well as the cooking and the crafting and the photography. I could so see you making parter with them. Of course I think it's gotten quite hard now that it has exploded. Your home is never dull that's for sure. :-)
Hope you have a blessed day!
Jackie
she makes the world a better place. truly.