Mama Gone Green is a blog dedicated to raising happy children and reducing our impact on the Earth. My name is Taryn and I am the mother of 2 young kids and an environmental studies instructor at a community college in Portland, Oregon. Please join me as I journey through life as a mama, teacher, knitter, photographer, gardener, and environmentalist!

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Gratitudes



This week I have been so grateful for the time I have had with my kids, soaking up these last few weeks of summer. Somewhat ironically, I have also been so very grateful for the moments I have had without kids, to myself, to do whatever I choose. Now that T. and I are separated, I am either fully on, without a second to myself, or fully off, without a child in sight. The latter is taking a bit of getting used to, as I never really had time to myself before the separation... not in my own home anyways. And there is joy that comes with the silence; the freedom to do what I please, or just being able to do things at my pace instead of theirs. But there is also a sadness, as I feel like I am without my wing-men, traveling this path alone. It's hard to not be able to see my two favorite people in the world every single day. But, I am learning to enjoy my alone time and to fill it with things that make me happy. And happy is good.

I am also grateful for this body of mine. This body that lets me run, dance, and to get where I need to go. Although I have dealt with several injuries in recent years, my body manages to heal itself (albeit slower than it used to!) and for that I am thankful.

Lastly, I am grateful for nature and for all that it gives us. The flowers that grow persistently, the birds that make their homes nestled among ours, the bees that manage to survive despite the myriad of chemicals that we have doused our planet with. I couldn't get a good shot because this bee wouldn't sop moving, but look how much pollen it has on it! I can't stop thinking if it happened on accident, or if this is utter and complete bliss for a bee. Maybe a practical joke from a fellow hive-mate? She looked a little unstable trying to fly...



Joining in with the other Taryn of Wooly Moss Roots for Gratitude Sunday
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4 comments:

  1. I can imagine the extremes of your new life can be a little overwhelming at times, but I think you are right to soak up that time you have alone, and to do what makes your heart sing. It will leave you refreshed and ready to welcome those kiddos back home.

    Bees are pretty amazing, aren't they? I love watching them.

    Wishing you a wonderful week Taryn.

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  2. Such beautiful pictures, as always. That one with the bee is amazing.

    I just learned about the separation as I was reading this post. My parents were separated when I was young and looking back, I was glad because they stopped fighting so much and were happier living their own lives. I think it was strange for my mom too whenever my sister and I were away, but when you are fully "on" it's so good to have some time to regenerate and have some time for yourself.

    So much love to you!!

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  3. beautiful gratitudes you've listed. I'm grateful for the morning silence, my lists and my life.

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  4. Gorgeous little bee.
    I'm grateful for calm Yiruma radio on Pandora, twinkling lights over my kitchen window and my kids playing outside as the sun begins to go down.

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