| Photo Credits: Kepguru, Hawaii.Magazine, Hawaii.Court.Reporters, About.com, Carrose.Marcas, Maui.Tunes, mis.llaves.maestras |
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| Music: Blue Hawaii Whispers - Home Old New Orleans Friday's Journal |
| Most of the photos on this page were taken in the beautiful state of Hawaii. |
When my son was small, I often had occasion to wonder who was supposed to have the job of
teaching and who was supposed to have the job of learning. While it's true that children have a lot
to learn, they, also, have a tremendous amount to teach. Or, maybe a better word would be
"remind." During the hustle and bustle and strain and stress of life, adults tend to lose sight of the
small things, the things they've come to consider insignificant. Children are masters at noticing the
small things.
So, it's thanks to my granddaughter - who is just as good a teacher as her dad was, and who
always notices and appreciates ants and lizards and doodle bugs - that I recently took an interest in
an ant that was slowly and laboriously making its way across the patio. This ant's task was far from
easy, as he was carrying a captured treasure of some sort that looked to be at least 4 times his
size. But he was determined and clearly had high hopes of reaching his destination.
I watched as he would move forward a few inches and then stop, put down his burden, go around
in circles, as though scouting out the terrain, then retrieve his heavy load and proceed another few
inches. He repeated this routine over and over, until he finally reached his goal of a flower bed on
the far side of the patio.
This lesson in patience, perseverance and optimism intrigued me. And it occurred to me that
there was one more lesson. It was impressive, don't you think, that he laid down his burden while
he scouted for a proper path - no use in carrying it any distances that weren't necessary.
There have been plenty of times when I could've used an example like that. But I guess I wasn't
watching the ants.
It must've been somewhere between the years of my son's childhood and my granddaughter's,
when there was no one to remind me about the small things. And how important they can be.
-- Nancy
teaching and who was supposed to have the job of learning. While it's true that children have a lot
to learn, they, also, have a tremendous amount to teach. Or, maybe a better word would be
"remind." During the hustle and bustle and strain and stress of life, adults tend to lose sight of the
small things, the things they've come to consider insignificant. Children are masters at noticing the
small things.
So, it's thanks to my granddaughter - who is just as good a teacher as her dad was, and who
always notices and appreciates ants and lizards and doodle bugs - that I recently took an interest in
an ant that was slowly and laboriously making its way across the patio. This ant's task was far from
easy, as he was carrying a captured treasure of some sort that looked to be at least 4 times his
size. But he was determined and clearly had high hopes of reaching his destination.
I watched as he would move forward a few inches and then stop, put down his burden, go around
in circles, as though scouting out the terrain, then retrieve his heavy load and proceed another few
inches. He repeated this routine over and over, until he finally reached his goal of a flower bed on
the far side of the patio.
This lesson in patience, perseverance and optimism intrigued me. And it occurred to me that
there was one more lesson. It was impressive, don't you think, that he laid down his burden while
he scouted for a proper path - no use in carrying it any distances that weren't necessary.
There have been plenty of times when I could've used an example like that. But I guess I wasn't
watching the ants.
It must've been somewhere between the years of my son's childhood and my granddaughter's,
when there was no one to remind me about the small things. And how important they can be.
-- Nancy
| Lantern Floating, Honolulu: Candlelit paper lanterns set afloat on Memorial Day, each carrying the names of loved ones who have passed away and a message wishing them comfort on their spiritual journey. |
| Next time you're found with your chin on the ground, There's a lot to be learned, so look around. Just what makes that little old ant Think he'll move that rubber tree plant. Anyone knows an ant can't Move a rubber tree plant. But he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes, He's got high apple pie in the sky hopes. So any time you're feeling low, Instead of letting go, Just remember that ant. Whoops, there goes another rubber tree plant! Problems are like toy balloons, they'll be bursting soon, They're just bound to go pop. Whoops, there goes another problem kerplop! -- Sammy Cahn |
| The tide recedes, but leaves behind Bright seashells in the sand. The sun goes down, but gentle warmth Still lingers on the land. The music stops, yet echoes on, In soulful, sweet refrains. For every joy that passes, Something beautiful remains. -- Author Unknown |