A Journey to a Simple Happy Life

Gratitude Sunday :: Days of Summer 3

This week I am grateful for:

.:. My mom staying with us for a little bit

.:. Learning each day how to take better pictures

.:. Thunderstorms

.:. Friends

.:. Running 

.:. Flowers

What are you grateful for this week?

{this moment} : Days of Summer 2

Joining Soulemama's  Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Days of Summer :: 1

No words. Just snapshots of my favorite moments.

Know thy neighbor

Do you know your neighbors??

Actually I don't. I know what they look like and we wave if we see each other but I we never got to know them. It's very odd for me.

I grew up knowing all my neighbors, their names, how many children they had, what schools they went to and even their musical tastes if one of them had the bad taste of playing his music too loud. We shared happy events like weddings and births and we were there for each other in time of sorrows. You could always call on a neighbor for help or a cup of flour.

So what is so unconducive to neighborly relationships in my new neighborhood. I would like to blame it on the large lots, the house being far away from the street, the lack of sidewalks or maybe the absence of porches. The truth is that we never really tried or took the time to cross the yard or the street, walk up the driveway ring the bell and say hello.

This morning I had to call my neighbor because of a fallen tree. They've moved to Seattle and I had to contact their Realtor to get their information. So now we will have to talk to each other about estimates and insurances claims. Now it's really not conducive to friendship.

In the midst of all of this I decided I will get to know my neighbors. I will ring their bell and introduce myself...and if nothing comes out of it, I would at least have tried.

{this moment}

Joining Soulemama's  Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Best Shot Monday: In search of summer

I promise this is the last time I will bore you to death with my vacation pictures. Why do people always feel the need to show you their vacation pictures? I guess it's a way of re-living the experience and extending ones pleasure.

I love this picture of Samy and Layla. Even though technically it's not as good as I wish it could be , I chose it to be my Best Shot Monday. For two reasons, the first one because it's a life lesson in by itself: The best moments in life don't need to be perfect. Perfection is over-rated, just enjoy your life the way it is.

Reason number 2 is that I love how Samy has blossomed lately. He seems to have opened up and taken on his "Big Brother" role rather seriously. His relationship to Tarek is very strong; the two of them are a pair. They are so close in age that Samy used to ask the other kids if they had a Tarek too. Meaning how come you don't have a brother. Layla and Samy were a different story, lots of love there but not much of an interest until lately when they've become each others advocate.

Seeing their relationship blossom and grow stronger each day is such a pleasure.

In Search of Summer: June 5th

I love watching my children learn and experience new textures and sensations!!

What are your plans for the weekend?

{this moment}

Joining Soulemama's  Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

In search of Summer: June 3

Going to the shore was such a casual thing for me growing up that I never gave it much thoughts. But by moving away from home one of the things I miss most is walking in the sand and the smell of the sea. As soon as we parked the car and opened the door, Salim said: "Can you smell it?".

I knew exactly what he meant. Yes, I could smell it. The smell of my childhood summers, running freely, the games I shared with friends, the late evenings on the beach, the outside cookouts...

Mary of the Yellow Door Paperie is hosting In Search of Summer now through June 9th. I am excited to see everyone's view of the beauty of summer. Have a wonderful day!

{this moment}

Joining Soulemama's  Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend. I will be back on Tuesday!