Sometimes it’s the smallest, most unexpected moments that show you how truly beautiful life is…
THE STORY
…I’ve written before about the moments that take your breath away. When I was younger I thought that happiness and contentment were a goal that you worked towards; they were an actual thing that once you got there you were just happy. And content. All of the time. Well folks, that’s not exactly how life works. Real true happiness and contentment are oftentimes found in moments; infinitesimal slices of time, that if you’re really paying attention will blow your mind with their beauty.
The other night I was sitting outside after dark with my daughter. Our yard is truly gorgeous at night. We have lights in various places to enhance different areas; it’s really kind of magical looking. To add to the magic, we are currently inundated with lightning bugs thanks to the mild winter (maybe that makes up for all of the nasty stinging type bugs we’re also inundated with) and there were zillions of them flashing green light from the ground up into the branches of the trees.
My husband recently hung a swing from the branch of our maple tree. The way he hung it it swings out over the yard and it gently spins and twirls while you swing. It’s really kind of cool, like floating through the air. Our daughter loves it and can often be found perched there. She decided to swing while we were sitting outside that night. I was sitting under the gazebo sipping my coffee and just sort of absent-mindedly watching her. It took a minute for my brain to comprehend the utter perfection of the moment. After that I was mesmerized. There was no sound other then the crickets and tree frogs, there was no sound from the movement of the swing. Due to the position of the swing and the lights I couldn’t see the swing, but I could see my daughter, intermittently, when she would pass through the path of one of the lights. Then she would disappear into the shadows and then reappear twirling through the beams of a different light. The way she was leaning back on the swing her long blonde curls were hanging down and she looked like some gorgeous tree sprite or little fairy come to life to dance with the lightning bugs. Honestly, words cannot do it justice. It was one of those moments that I wanted to last forever. It was one of those infinitesimal moments, that had I not been paying attention, I would have missed out on. You have to open your eyes to the magic.
THE OUTFIT
I’ve been on the hunt for shorts that are not denim, long enough that they couldn’t be termed bootie shorts, but short enough that I don’t look like a frumposaurus rex. I need a little variety in my summer wear, both for my own sanity and so I don’t drive you all insane with 1,001 ways to wear denim shorts this summer.
So far I have had zero luck, but I did happen upon these fabulous rayon/linen blend cropped drawstring pants the other day at JCPenney. They are so soft and lightweight that they are almost as good as a pair of shorts in regard to comfort in the heat. I bought them a size larger then what I needed because I like that extra bit of slouchiness and I also got the black cropped drawstring pants because, well, you all know that I buy in multiples if I love something. I paired them with my blush pink cami because pink paired with olive or camo is one of my favorite combinations. And the bonus was that all of this lightweight slouchiness allowed for plenty of room for funnel cake a la’ mode at DQ when we took daddy out for ice cream on Father’s Day.
THE TIP
When looking for pants to wear during the summer months, go for lightweight material, a looser fit and a drawstring waist. If possible, size up to give yourself even more room for air flow to keep you cool.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Pants: JCPenney (Similar); Cami: Similar; Sandals: Payless (Similar)
Cute easy breezy pants! I’ve been looking for a pair with the gather at the ankle, but perhaps a runching will work better for my shape 🙂
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Shopping Haul in Palm Desert, CA
Thanks Monica! The gathering at the ankle was definitely an added bonus. I’m so glad that I found these; they really are perfect for summer.
Those are the best moments, Debbie! And you’re right…we need to enjoy it as it’s happening…sometimes I think about it after and realize how great it was—but I didn’t savor it as it was happening!! (And really…you drink coffee at night? It doesn’t keep you up?—that’s a gift!)
I can’t decide whether to buy more shorts or be happy with the ones I have. I realize I’m not too old anymore—but the legs certainly don’t look quite as nice as years before….so I vacillate. Of course…that was two days ago—then yesterday the Loft had their flash sale, and a pair slipped into my shopping cart!! Hahahaha—pretty soon I’ll be on the news for the amount of packages from UPS too!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie filogomo recently posted…Black & White Combo with Sheela & Eve (With Our Favorite Color)
Lol…yes, I drink coffee at night and it doesn’t keep me up. Funny thing is though, if I don’t have it in the morning I can’t wake up; must be a mental thing.
My legs aren’t what they used to be either, but I figure…screw it! If I wanna wear shorts then I’m going to wear shorts. One good thing about UPS jail…a lot of us will be there together…lol!
Such a beautiful moment Debbie. Love your tops, they look perfect together 🙂
Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays
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It really was Claire…so glad I didn’t miss it. 🙂
What magical moment! I love this airy summer look! So pretty on you!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Jill recently posted…GIVE EXTRA, GET EXTRA with a DIY No-Sew Gum Pouch
Thanks so much Jill! 🙂
I would love to see that backyard. It sounds mystical. Love the pants on you . Not so much on me. . when I tried them on at JCP.
Neti recently posted…Orangeee
Thanks Neti! It is a pretty great backyard; my husband and I have put a lot of work into it. That’s too bad about the pants because they really are so comfortable. 🙂
such a lovely moment thanks for sharing
Linda Cassidy recently posted…Old Navy Does it Right
Thank you Linda…it really was and I’m so glad I was paying attention!
Sounds like such a sweet moment 🙂 Love these pants, they look so cute and comfy!
Thanks Tara!
Cute outfit especially the pants! Beautiful look!
http://chicglamstyle.com
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Thank you Rachel!
Love this color combo! Such an airy, pretty look for summer.
Mary
http://www.marymurnane.com
Mary Murnane recently posted…Marla
Thank you so much Mary!
The way you wove your words allowed me to “see” the entire scene unfold before my very eyes, Debbie. How beautiful. How surreal. What a wonderland, what a moment xoxo
p/s I love those joggers, I really need to get me some. A lot of some.
You do need to get you some…trust me, you’ll love them. I’m seriously considering going back to fetch the camo pair.
I’m glad you think I was descriptive enough. I really tried to nail it, but it somehow felt lacking. I guess a moment that surreal is hard to retell after the moment has passed…
Debbie, you are as beautiful as the words you write! Such a vivid, lovely, magical picture you created for us all. I’m not going to lie, but I actually teared up a bit at the beauty you described! And you are right, it is so easy to miss these magical moments if we are not paying attention. I love your casual outfit as much as I love this post!
I hope to see Friday at my On the Edge of the Week Link Up!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Shelbee on the Edge recently posted…A Little Black Dress
I’ve always had a bad habit of not paying attention to things around me. I have to say that I’ve gotten better at it with age. 🙂
Oh, golly! I want to come and hang out in your backyard! That does sound rather perfect. I’m glad that you were able to stop and realize just how wonderful those moments truly were!
: signe :
: the daily savant :
Ichcha Scarf/$40 GIVEAWAY
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It is pretty fabulous…I think you’d love it!
I’ve been eyeing the same style of pants but I’m still not buying it because I don’t know how I’m going to style it! You did a great job in pairing it with a crop top. It makes the look sexy and chic 🙂
xoxo,
SHAIRA // New post
Thank you Shaira! They’d look even better dressed up a bit with heels or wedges. 🙂
Cute outfit but your words struck me! It’s the simple pleasures in life that are indeed the magical moments!
Are you from northwest Pennsylvania? I live in Edinboro.
Thank you Nancy…I’m so happy you enjoyed the post! Yes, I’m about an hour south of Edinboro… 🙂
I adore this pink kimono. It is so girly and flowy and just the definition of pretty!
http://michellespaige.com
I those moments that I can cherish that make me happy. It might be something as simple as my pup snuggling at night, or hubby leaning over for a quick kiss, With your outfit, I love the olive and pale pink together. I have a pair of cargo olive pants that i bought from Loft that are truly comfy with a drawstring , perfect for summer.
You look great Deb!
Thanks for linking up with turning heads tuesday
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Love the tiny floral detail! Super cute!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode