Taking a Time Out

Taking a Time Out

A Place to Rest © 2008 Bo Mackison

I am prepared for the craziness that will soon descend on my typically quiet home. Usually there are only two of us to make a mess, take a shower, fix a meal, get a little out of sorts. Today and tomorrow there will be 16 people, adults and teenagers, filling every nook and sleeping in every corner. I’m hoping there is no last minute clothing emergency because the washing machine was pronounced dead by the Maytag man on Monday, and a new one can’t be delivered until next week.

This photo is my solution if there are any situations that may require a time-out. I took this photo earlier this summer in northern Wisconsin, and it always brings back memories of nearly colllapsing in one of those blessed chairs after hiking for many hours. I was hot and tired and maybe – just maybe – a little cranky. But I leaned back in the chair, solid and comfortable, closed my eyes, and just rested for a while. Just relaxed in my own little space.

Gradually, I noticed a graceful breeze, brushing over me ever so gently, cooling away the hot stickiness. The sun tucked itself behind a few wandering clouds and provided a brief respite. I heard a few birds chattering in the branches above me, and grasshoppers were doing their thing in the tall grasses. It was only a short stop, maybe fifteen minutes, but it re-vitalized me in those few moments.

So if I need a time-out over the next few days, I know exactly where I’m heading. These chairs will be waiting for me, tucked in a cranny in my mind. And if I really get desperate and I need a visual reminder, I’ll pop open the computer, and just tell everyone I’m going to check my blog stats.

What’s that you say? I cannot check my stats in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner?

Hmmmmm.

Then maybe it would be better if I take a peek while everyone else is doing the dishes…

About Bo Mackison

I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Comments

  1. There would be a lot more people in those chairs if someone had brought a cooler of the LFB beers from your prior post. Too bad, no planning ahead. This looks like a nice spot to have a fine beer, rest, talk and enjoy the day.

  2. Love those chairs. They look as though they were put there just exactly for the purpose you described.

    We are having 14 here, luckily no one has to stay overnight though so I can relax about that a little.

    Try to enjoy the chaos of a full house of Loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!

  3. Those chairs look very peaceful and inviting..and an excellent place to escape when life gets too chaotic over these next few days.. We – too – are in the midst of kids returning home…more.
    Happy Thanksgiving!!!

  4. Nice chairs, and oh so nice place to sit and just be.

    Happy Thanksgiving, Bo, to you and yours. 🙂

  5. I think it’s OK to check stats in the middle of Thanksgiving Day dinner. I mean, they are official and they’re numbers, so it’s not like you’re running off to do something airy.

    Best to you tomorrow, Bo. Hope no one needs that washing machine!! (Or, laundromats are actually good getaway places, too.)

  6. So did you look at your stats while everyone washed the dishes or sneak during dinner? 🙂

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