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Saturday, September 13, 2014

A Return to Childhood


We've just returned from two days of visiting the gardens of Henry du Pont at Winterthur in Delaware and Pierre du Pont at Longwood Gardens in Pennslyvania.  But before I can tell you all about these visits I must settle something with myself. . . .

This year I've been reading one entry a week from the 52 essays in Alan Cohen's little book entitled Wisdom of the Heart.  This week's, interestingly, is entitled "Resignation from Adulthood."  Lest I give my readers the wrong impression I decided to re-title my post in a more positive tone.....but I love how he starts his essay.  He said, "I've decided that I'd like to accept the responsibilities of an eight-year-old again.  I want to go to McDonald's and think that it's a four-star restaurant."  The reason this struck me is that I'd just written in my journal this morning about the B&B we'd stayed in the one night we were away.  As you can see it was a very nice place. . . .

I loved the Palladian Window overlooking their lovely garden. . . .

Later we took a walk out in the garden. . . .



That's a beehive oven under our window built in the 1700's. . . .
But the noise from the traffic on the main artery in front of the Inn kept distracting me from enjoying it.  Then later when I kept rolling toward the center of the bed all I could think about was my most comfortable bed at home!  Cohen's comments made me realize I had not fully appreciated my B&B stay because, by comparison, we've stayed in even nicer places.   He reminded me I need  to set aside the past so that I can enjoy the present moment for its own sake.  Children don't have much of a past, and because they are inquisitive anything new can be exciting!  These two children were having a blast playing in the water fountain in the Children's Garden at Longwood Gardens.  I'm sure they've probably played in water before this, but it did not keep them from enjoying playing in it this time. . . .

Earlier I'd come down these stairs from the upper level of the Children's Garden to find a little girl dipping her hand into the mist coming out of this little pool.  I remarked to her that she must be very courageous to stick her hand into something she couldn't see into.   Her mother agreed and told me about some of her other daredevil adventures. . . .

Cohen says, "I want to think M & M's are better than money because you can eat them."  I want to be able to say, "Getting away for a couple days and seeing new sights and experiencing new things is better than being comfortable."

Now that I've made my confession, over the next week I'll show you, through the eyes of the little child still in me, just how much fun I had.  I won't mention the outrageous road and tunnel tolls, the traffic delays, the heat and humidity, the less-than-comfortable bed and weak coffee, the traffic noise, the inefficient timed-entry for the Winterthur house tour, the tent covering half of Winterthur while they replace storm windows, the disappointing atmosphere at the restaurant, or the extreme tiredness from traipsing all over more than 200 acres of gardens!  Instead you'll hear about just how perfect the weather was when we needed it to be, the very helpful Longwood Garden worker, the delicious dinner, and shared pleasantries with strangers, along with a few other lovely things.

Until then, I'll leave you with more thoughts on childhood by Alan Cohen:  "Children are magnificent teachers because they live in innocence.  All of us are born in simplicity, but then we learn complexity.  By watching children, we can reclaim the innocence we gave away.   Kids live in the moment, play frequently, let their imaginations soar, ask for what they want, let their emotions rise and fall, laugh often, have no sense of shame, don't believe that they have to earn their good....They're in touch with their natural knowing and live fully from it.  It's never too late to have a happy childhood.  To do so, simply drop what you've been taught and remember what you know.....Simple delight beckons, Will you come home to it?"


26 comments:

  1. I love Alan Cohen's quote at the end of your post, Cathy. Oh to be and do as a child. I can remember as a child thinking about my older relatives--some were joyful and some not. I know for a fact that many of them had much to be unjoyful about. I want my disapointments as an adult not to take away my joyfulness. I am reminded of Tasha Tudor's "Take Joy"--- You always give me much to ponder--Thank you. I'm looking forward to your visits to the lovely gardens of Longwood and Winterthur. ♥

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    1. This is why I'm so looking forward to playing with my granddaughter. I think she will be my best teacher.

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  2. Hi Cathy,
    The B&B sure is pretty, and all the pictures of the gardens are most certainly as lovely as can be!!
    Very nice food for thought there, bringing to mind to choose joy! It sure is nice to get away and refresh
    the mind! ;-)
    Thank you for sharing!
    Many Blessings and warmth, Linnie

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    1. Being reminded to choose joy is something I seem to need. I'm very glad to share the reminder!



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    2. Hello Dear,
      How nice and wonderful that you were the blessed recipient of Jeri's
      Glass garden!:-)
      I must say that they are very impressive and colorful in real life ( I started at each for quite some time)!
      Thanks for coming over and your sweet comments , Many Blessings and warmth, Linnie

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  3. As Dewi Sant {Saint David} the Patron Saint of Wales said, "Be Joyful, Keep the Faith, and do the Little Things that You have Seen Me Do and Heard About" ~~~
    A very pretty place to stay, despite the traffic, and I'm looking forward to the next instalment of your visit.
    ~~~waving~~~

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    1. You have a very wise Patron Saint there in Wales. :-) The newspaper article about the Tasha Tudor gathering at my house last month came out today. Of course, they had to print an unflattering photo of me :-[ This is a test to see if I can maintain my Joy! :-)

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    2. I am certain it isn't that bad, although newspaper photographs are seldom flattering! I always lodge myself at the back and keep a permanent grin on my face, never daring to blink until the shot is captured! Of course, the best advice is to excuse yourself ~ which was not possible for you!

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    3. Plus, Deborah, I was talking most of the time! At least he didn't get me with my mouth open! :-0

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    4. I found the article! Yes, you were talking lol! I have bookmarked it for future reference

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  4. Hi Cathy!
    I can't wait for the tour....in the meantime I believe I will search out Alan Cohen's book. It's cooled off here for a couple of days and I JUST LOVE IT! It will heat up next week, but I know Fall is coming. I almost think it is better than Christmas! I am going to get my porch cleaned today and get ready to enjoy.
    Thanks for a wonderful post. Adults sometimes do have to be reminded to look for the joys....they are there!
    Chris W

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    1. We are expected to have a week of in the 70's temperatures here! I will not look at the forecast for beyond to spoil my excitement because I know it can easily go back up into the 80's with humidity before Autumn finally settles in here. In the meantime, I'm going to decorate for Autumn, which is one of my favorite color schemes!

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  5. This is some great food for thought! Having children now, I can experience things through their eyes as new and exciting. Its Robbie's first autumn, the first time he's ever seen pumpkins! Can you imagine? I love that! This all reminds me too of the Fra Giovanni quote that Tasha loved-- "no peaces lies in the future which is not hidden in the present moment..."

    These are lovely photos, and I love an autumn garden. The colors are deepening and the plants are getting a reprieve from the heat. I look forward to your other posts!~

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    1. Yes, Heather, you are very fortunate to have little ones. That is the BEST age....before they head off to school. It was so hard to let my children get on that bus and be taken away from me! Keeping this in mind, enjoy them while you have them, especially when you feel annoyed, stressed out, or just plain ol' tired. :-)

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  6. Nice post, Cathy. I have to confess I have not heard of Alan Cohen, but plan to hop over to Amazon and check him out. The B&B looks very pretty, even if the mattress was a bit soft and the busy road a bit too close. :-)

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    1. I think part of the problem of being an adult and a woman in particular is that over my lifetime I've honed my critical-eye skill which has enabled me to be efficient and purposeful in my little corner of the world. It's hard to turn it off when I go outside my realm of influence! Taking responsibility for everything else comes too naturally to me! I need help to remember to take joy in the little things that come my way and leave the rest alone. :-) I also highly recommend Cohen's "Daily Dose of Sanity" which I read through the year last year and "The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore" which I'm reading weekly this year.

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  7. I think we adults notice the negative more than the positive because we've been trained to solve problems and to make improvements. We look for things that need fixing. But it's still so important to enjoy the simple pleasures and all things positive too. Life - and Nature particularly - is all about balance. For every yucky cup of coffee there's the memory of a delicious one. You're so right about what Olivia too. As much as you'll show her, she'll show you even more. Children, and dogs too I think, definitely help us to live in the moment, to see things with a fresh eye. If I ruled the world, I see to it that little kids and dogs ruled the world. Have a great week...

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    1. Janet, I think you've explained the problem very well....solve problems and to make improvements. Those are good things. Now we just need to keep in touch with our own innocence and know when to "go off duty" and have some fun!

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  8. Now THAT is a reading corner I'd never, ever want to leave! Cathy, how stunning! And whatever we all enjoy reading, may those stories, poetry and other literature keep us CREATIVE! Thank you so much for coming to visit my blog! Have a super week! Anita

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    1. Anita, thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a super week, too!

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  9. Such a beautiful post & stunning gardens.
    Yes to be a child & see things through their eye's. I find such joy in our little one's & they give my husband, myself & the older children so many laughs.
    Sorry I am late to see your post, we had a weekend away.
    Blessings Michelle

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    1. I had always wished I had a twin sister and then that I'd have twins, but it was not to be. Your fun must be double right now. You have been blessed to have pretty-much non-stop fun with all your children. By the time your little ones are grown I wouldn't be surprised if you'll have grandchildren to continue the fun.

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  10. I too haven't heard of Cohen but I shall take his words away with me and hopefully remember to be more child like with new experiences! Sarah x

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    1. I just got home from spending the day with my 5-month-old granddaughter. She has started squealing and making raspberry noises--so funny! Nothing like it to be sure--being a grandmother! :-)

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  11. You really do visit the most wonderful places. I understand, however, looking at the negative side, as we adults often do. Since we have to travel so often to art shows, I encounter lots of unpleasantness; hotels, traffic, bad food, high gas prices, it can be such a drag. Now, if I were a child, I would consider it all a great adventure. Maybe, on my next trip, I will take myself back in time, to when, I too, thought a MacDonalds meal was the best treat on earth! By the way, You really would enjoy the Country Living Fair in Ohio. It really is your cuppa tea!

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    1. It would be really interesting for everyone who has commented here to report back about their next "adventure".....if looking at it through the eyes and spirit of a child helped them enjoy it better.

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