Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The Hustle and Bustle


Nope. No outfit/fashion post today. Come back tomorrow. Today is different. Something that hit me. A long, hard hit.

Last night as I was driving home, I had a sky of fire above my head. It was one of the most breathtaking sunsets I have seen in awhile. You see, I live what most call the "city" life. I am surrounded by shopping centers, gas stations, headlights, traffic and highways. I don't have the opportunity to embrace nature, if you will. You know...sunsets like this, crickets chirping, fireflies flying or big bright stars that fill the night's sky. 

Because nature's pure, raw beauty seldom crosses my path, I knew I had to pull over and get a shot 15 shots of this view. After I snapped from every angle, I stood there. I stood in the rear of a CVS parking lot, with my car running, with the people hustling and bustling in and out of the store and watched it. I watched it change colors, grow darker and fade back into a typical evening sky. 

As I was having my own little, private "moment" with Mother Nature, my oldest, Logan, was in the back seat, yelling, "Mom, can we go?" "Mom, are you ready?" "Mom, please hurry, I want to go home." Yes, I asked her to get out of the car on numerous occasions to take a peak at this view; to get out of the car and watch the sky change shapes, colors and personality. She could care no less or no more about some sunset. I mean, I get it. She is seven years old. I probably didn't give two shits about a sunset at her age either. I remember my dad doing the same thing to me. I can hear him now...his ooohs and ahhs. Maybe as I get older, I am taking after him. Learning to take in "life's moments". Take in the little things that we take for granted every single day. To put a halt to all the hustle and bustle for a few minutes and breathe in the "world" around me. The "real" world. The world that God has given us all.

I think "life" gets the best of us. Most of us are constantly running from one place to another, answering emails/texts from our phones, checking our calendars, figuring out what is next on the day's agenda...to say it frankly, running around like chickens with our heads cut off. Or even worse, living life like robots. Get up, get dressed, go to work, eat dinner, shower, go to bed...repeat. At times...numerous times...I am living like this. Every.single.day. And I feel like I might be teaching my own children these ways of "life". It's just not right.

I totally get it. We are all busy. We all have bills to pay. We all have responsibilities. And of course stress! Life can't be about chasing rainbows and skipping through fields of daisies 100% of the time, BUT, every day, there is an opportunity to embrace life's beauties. I think that is the part we tend to leave out. 

So, if you get anything from this ramble today, or if you are even still with me, I just hope that after reading, you will take a few times during your hectic week and be still. Be still long enough to wrap your arms around something that takes your breath away for just one moment. Escape the hustle and bustle and remember what life's precious and beautiful moments truly are.

This post is dedicated to an admirable man who lost his battle with cancer this week. He touched so many lives with his heart, his laughter and his love. Sonny Hildebrand, you will be missed. We will all see you again one day at the gates of Heaven. Rest in peace. You fought hard.

P.S. I will be traveling this afternoon and tomorrow. A dear person in my life lost his battle with cancer and I will be spending time with family celebrating his life. I apologize if I do not respond to comments/emails while I am away. 

Photobucket
September Group Giveaway is going on. 
Take a peek here. Five ladies, five prizes! Make sure you enter!

PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, Shanna... this beautiful post brought a tear to my eye. I actually saw a beautiful sunrise this morning and stopped to take pictures.. enjoying those moments really is important! So sorry for your loss and wishing you safe travels. -Stephanie

heidi said...

This is a beautiful picture. I'm so glad you got to take a couple of minutes to enjoy the moment.

Danavee said...

Thinking about you. Safe travels and prayers.

FitTravelerAJ said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Please be careful in your travels and enjoy the celebration.

Thank you for the reminder to stop and smell the roses, or more, stop and enjoy the sunset. I always feel way too busy to live my life, but I really need to take a second to breathe and enjoy it. :-)

-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com

Katie @ My Darling Days said...

Shanna - first off, I am so, so very sorry to hear about your loved one. Cancer is stupid and mean and ugly. So glad he is in better place, and with God. Secondly, WELL SAID. I agreed 110% with this post, now I just gotta do it and stop thinking about doing it. Chin up dear, we love you!

Rachel said...

I am so sorry for your loss, sweet girl. Isn't it such a blessing, though, when God gives you little moments like this in the midst of tragedy to remind you who is still in control, regardless of the situation? I love that promise from Him. Makes me feel at peace. Praying for you! Be safe while traveling :)

Katie said...

shanna I am so sorry for your lose. I know there aren't perfect words to say but I'm sorry. what a great reminder. I spend a lot of time wishing for the next phase in my life and forgetting to enjoy what I have right now. i'll be thinking and praying for you today and this week.

Laura said...

I am sorry for your loss. Beautiful picture, beautiful post.

Melanie Montgomery said...

This was a beautiful post Shana. I'm so sorry you lost someone dear to you. I'll be praying.

The Pink Growl said...

So sorry to hear about your loss Shana! This post is such a great reminder of something that we all need to hear every now and then.

Andrea said...

Oh Shanna, this is such a beautiful post! We all need to remember this! I am also so sorry for your loss. Be careful on your trip and hug each loved one just a little longer while you are away!

Head to Toe Chic said...

Thinking of you sweet friend. I'm so sorry for your loss. This post is so true and we need to all slow down sometimes and just enjoy life. That sunset is so beautiful. Love you!

Shannon @ Bungalow960 said...

You are in my thoughts, lovely.

I was driving down a street in my neighborhood and I saw a tree beginning to change into its fall colors. I slowed down and thought, that's the most beautiful tree I've ever seen. I think sometimes we focus on the destination, and not the journey it takes to get there.

Anonymous said...

Love you Shanna. Thank you for the beautiful reminder. <3

Haley Wishall said...

Saw you post this photo on Instagram last night and seriously stopped for just a few moments to stare it. I still find myself acting like Logan did. My dad is all about some sunsets and moons and scenery and when we were in CA this summer he was asking me to take pictures of EVERYTHING and I admit, I got a little annoyed at times. But now that we're back and I'm missing CA, I understand why he told me to take all those pictures..

Such a great post & reminder, Shanna! Will be thinking about you the next few days and praying for peace for your friend's family! xo

Unknown said...

This is a beautiful post Shanna! Love you lots girl, and I wish you peace during this time of loss. So sorry about your friend.

Really did love this post! I need to take note too :)

pretty little things said...

just gorgeous and a great reminder to stop and enjoy the small things! xo

http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/

The Millers said...

What a thoughtful sunset. The picture is beautiful!!!! I love that quote too, it is so easy to get caught up in life that we forget to enjoy it.

kristen wright said...

this post really hit home...i feel like lately we have been of a fast paced roller coaster that just won't stop. i try to take those moments to just enjoy but it's hard! i hope that over time i learn to remember to stop. sit. and enjoy! thanks so much for a beautiful post and prayers with you as you travel and celebrate a beautiful life.

Unknown said...

Great post Shanna...great reminder to us all. I am so sorry for your lose. Thanks for sharing this. Take care.

Amy Shaughnessy said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Prayers are with you my friend!

Amy


Fashion and Beauty Finds

Amy said...

Im sorry about your loss. Isn't is funny the breathtaking moments that capture us completely?

http://coffeebeansandbobbypins.blogspot.com/

TheTinyHeart said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, Shanna. It is so true that we often get caught up in our busy lives and don't stop to enjoy life's beautiful moments!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart

Unknown said...

Thank you for this post. It has touched my heart. My prayers to you and your friends during this tough time. I hope you remember all the good moments.

Always Maylee said...

I agree with this post 100% Shanna! I'm exactly like this.. always doing something, always thinking and worrying about the next thing. My husband is the one that constantly reminds me to take a breath. :)

I'm sorry for your loss and will be thinking about you and sending you positive thoughts.

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Fleeting is Final said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Shanna. Stay strong. Great post.

Tiffany said...

Miss Shanna, this was lovely. Just lovely. I'm even going to send it to my sister. Much love to you and your friends this week. xoxo.

Vicki said...

I am sorry for your loss, cancer is a horrible thing. That picture is stunning! Consider it a gift from your friend you lost ... a reminder of what's really important. xoxo

Unknown said...

This was a beautiful post. Everyone gets caught up in the hustle and bustle at one time or another, and all of a sudden we do turn into robots. We forget to stop and appreciate the truly beautiful things in life. Thank you for this reminder, and I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your friend's family. Such a beautiful post ♥

Girls Love Fried Pickles said...

I love you my friend! what's important is one day we know we are gonna be life long friends but to meet and then live happily ever after!

Shea Lennon said...

This was a beautiful post and a reminder I think we all needed to read, Shanna. I'm going to try to appreciate the little things more.
I'm so sorry for your loss; my thoughts are with you.

Ashley said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, sweet Shanna. Know that I'm thinking and praying for all of you.

I loved this post. You're such a beautiful writer. I really think it's important to enjoy those "magical" moments and take it all in.

Lindsay said...

So sorry for your loss. I absolutely LOVE this post! You are amazing my dear friend! Love you! xoxo

Jeans and a Teacup said...

Beautiful post! So sorry to hear about your loss. It's so important to stop and appreciate everything in life.
~jessica
http://jeansandateacup.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I have you in my thoughts, sweet Shanna. Beautiful photo - beautiful writing :)

Lindsay said...

Beautiful. That's really all I have to say about this. Thank you for sharing.

Unknown said...

WOW sucWant to follow each other???

ZARA gift card giveaway for $400 on http://fashion-a-holic.com/page/15h a sweet post :) Its amazing how life is short for those amazing souls :)

meghan said...

I love moments like that that make you think and be grateful. I'm sorry that you lost a friend. I hope you're able to continue that feeling of peace in this tough time. I'm thinking about you.

Michelle Pennington said...

Stunning.

Caitlin C. said...

Shannah I SO needed to hear this today! Saw your photo on instagram yesterday and had to stop for a second and say wow. What a great reminder to stop and be thankful for the beautiful moments in life. :)

tara said...

oh shanna, i am so so sorry for your loss. this post was beautiful and a great reminder for all of us to slow down and take time to be thankful. <3

Jenn @ Party of One said...

Absolutely beautiful post. Thoughts and prayers are with you, sweet girl!

Karen said...

Beautiful post! So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you

Courtney said...

Shanna, so sorry for your loss. You're in my prayers. This was a beautiful post.

Simone Howell said...

What a gorgeous post Shanna. I had the same experience with a sunrise at the end of our trip last week...but we didn't pull over. ;( I'm so glad you stopped to take it in and reflect on it. Thank you for sharing it with us. I'm so sorry for your loss. Know your friend will be shining thru in ever gorgeous sunset you see.
Hugs to you sweet lady.
XO

Allie said...

Well said, Shanna. I have to stop and smell the roses often due to a stressful career {hospital + law}. I used to get caught up in the stress of it all until I took a vow {to myself that is} that I will stop, relax, and tell myself "It's just a job," when I get the feeling of wanting to scream. I also used to stress about blogging. Why? I have no clue. It's supposed to be my stress reliever, not stress inducer. So again, I stop, take deep breaths, and remember it's not that big of a deal. Even writing this is helping me get through the day,. so thank you, thanks for the reminder :)

I hope you are doing well and I'm so sorry for your loss. xx, Allie

Unknown said...

Such a good post. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. My heart sends love and I will pray for you and his family for peace and comfort. My heart stopped when I read those last lines because I could have written them. My uncle, who I was close to, lost his battle on Sunday. It was very sudden, they found it all too late. It has been a hard few weeks and I am praying for some sort of comfort for myself and own family multiple times a day.

Chris said...

Friend... I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of a friend. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you.

Lately I've been taking the time to step outside my blog a little. I felt myself focusing so much posting and commenting and responding. I love my bog and the people I've met through the blog... but I felt like I wasn't focusing on much else.

I'm struggling to find my balance. I know I'll find it, but right now I'm just doing what feels right.

Makaila said...

oh honey, I'm sorry for your loss. I pray you have found peace and comfort the past few days..

I feel you. I am always trying to appreciate and be in awe of the Small things. Cause truly, they are the Big things, are they not. The saying is so true. There's so much life and joy to find in something as simple as a sunset. thanks for sharing. XOXO

DESIGN + DEVELOPMENT BY LET IT BE BEAUTIFUL