Yesterday I got a survey-type email from a friend that asked what I’d rather be doing, my favorite foods, fragrances, etc. I don’t normally take such surveys. I just read them and then delete. But this one made me think a minute…
I was asked what smells really good to me?
I like to breathe in…
the early morning air wet with dew
freshly-brewed dark-roast coffee
summer rains
salt water breezes
new babies, pure and fresh
pine needles in the forest
I took this photo on a morning walk through
Schoeffle Gardens, Birmingham, Ohio.
Then I was asked where would I rather be? What would I rather be doing? With whom?
I am where I’d rather be, doing what I want to do, with my husband working on his own projects, my kids safely in their homes and work places, their kids happily growing into themselves.
Are there other things I’d like to do? Elsewhere? With others?
Well sure. I’m certainly not done. The path leads ever-forward, bending through the trees.
I have tons to learn and many new friends to build a relationship with, whom I’ve yet to meet.
But today is today… now… the only time I have to be who I am right now. And right now I’m a mom and grandmom-on-call. Today I read. Observe. Ponder. Write and draw.
Am I where I want to be? Maybe a better question is: Do I want to be where I am? And that is a choice………..
I ask you the same questions — I like that first one. It opens the creative juices. 
What do you like to breathe?
Are you where you want to be?
Doing what you want to do?
Help yourself to snacks and coffee. Water bottles are in the fridge. Thank you for coming by.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I have similar breathing loves as you do, an pine tree forest, salt water beach, the air after a fresh rain, the first lawn mow of the season, and bacon.
I’m not sure I’ll ever be where I want to be. There are too many things I want to do, see, and go. I enjoy all the experience of one place, the people, sights, and sounds, but I always have another idea of what’s next.
I’m doing what I want to do only part time. When I’m able to do it full time, I’ll be doing what I want to do.
These questions were thought provoking and brought a few issues to my mind. Thanks, Barb.
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I like to breathe the scent of rain wafting in on a breeze, the tang of ocean air and pure joy of newborn babies.
I’m not where I want to be…but we’re moving there this weekend! WOOHOO!
In terms of what I’m doing this minute, yep, I’m fairly satisfied. In terms of am I doing what I want to be doing in life? Not quite … but I am making progress.
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I like your forward-looking path.
I too love the smell of pine needles. Oh, so much.
One of my most favorite smells in the world is something I don’t even know. When I was around 3, it was not far from my house. It was some sort of flower that only bloomed a certain time of year. It was amazingly intense and just thinking of it makes me dizzy. I have never smelled anything like it, ever since. I’m not sure if I can ever find that smell again.
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I love this post Barb. I can smell the pine needles as I walk through your wood always on into the future.
There is nowhere I would rather be than here, in my lovely house looking out over the tree tops, yet at the same time in touch with the whole world through my computer and TV.
This presents a problem in that I don’t have a strong urge for a holiday. There’s nothing I want to escape from!
Valerie Beeby´s last blog ..Which is the Best iPhone Painting App?
Barb,
I always enjoy your thoughtful questions.
We were recently in Appenzell Switzerland. It is a delightful village in the foothills of the Alps. Lots of eye candy for photographs. But, the smells of the village were not pleasant. We became accustomed to the smells over the 3 days there. When we left we wondered if we carried that smell with us onto the plane returning to the US. Although we found that odor repugnant, we would not have missed our journey there. We took pleasant memories with us.
I am enjoying my life and my activities, wherever and whatever I am doing. I am grateful to be able bodied at this age.
Carol
My thoughts exactly but I could never express them as beautifully as you do Barb. I love life and I love what I am doing right now.
I love the smell of the top of a baby’s head, toast, and old fashioned roses – oh there are so many more – I can read smells very well and get headaches from artificial aromas – very sensitive nose.
I am right where I would like to be, doing mostly exactly what I want to be doing and slowly learning how to be earner – it is very good right now – I am on my path
I am looking forward to my walking tour of Scotland which begins next week – long time no travel and I think this is part of my spiritual path right now.
I will be writing there too – all is good right now
I love taking surveys they stimulate interesting thinking – unless they are just ads
Very lovely post
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We love a lot of the same smells! I would add freshly cut green grass and the memory of the smell of my Grandma’s house.
I do enjoy where I’m at but I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.
I haven’t been to Schoeffle Gardens, can you believe that??! It looks beautiful. I’ll put it on my list of places to get to before summer is over!
Thanks Barb, I always enjoy my visit to your website, coffee in hand! Have a good day!
Oh Barb, I never mentioned my very favourite smell. It’s that musty, damp smell of an old garden shed that has been closed up for a while. Or maybe a damp cellar. Don’t know what it is, but it sends me into ecstasies just to think of it! Bring me a bottle of Old Shed perfume and I’m yours forever.
)
Valerie Beeby´s last blog ..Which is the Best iPhone Painting App?
Hi Barb, Again you are truly amazing! I get these surveys from Traci & have trouble answering with one word, which is typically what they ask for.
Smells….fresh mowed grass in the Spring, the fragrance of lilac bushes catching me off guard as I walk by; fresh brewed coffee. While walking the skywalk trail in Nova Scotia last fall (where I took my winning photo of sunset) I was surprised how strong the fragrance was of the pine trees…it was wonderful!! When I walked to grade school “years ago”, I had to go by a bakery and I loved the smell of fresh baked bread as I passed by. MMMMM!!
I like where I am…living by a lake, with friends and family near by. The sounds of seagulls chattering to each other…spotting a heron fly by, the changes of the seasons, the beautiful parks, the small town scene…yes, I like it here.
Doing what I want to do…now that’s a tough one. There are so many things I want to do and haven’t made the time to do them. But, I have been de-cluttering my life so…very soon, I will be free to let my creative juices flow or maybe even squirt!! (since they have been bottled up for so long)
Thanks for provoking my thoughts…in a nice way of course. Love you!! See you soon.
your other sister…Sandy
This blog is wonder. You are not only a terrific writer, but an outstanding painter as well.
This site is so peaceful and reminds me of the fact that I am very happy where I am in life, except for having lost my wonderful husband 8 years ago. He was so much a part of my life, but left gently and at peace so I could handle it.
Thank you for sharing.
Judy
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Your horrible hacker on FB prompted me to visit your blog. I am glad I did. It had been ages. You write what I think and experience! Sorry about your bad guy last night. But grateful for your blog! You are a delight. Lisa
We miss you! Is everything OK?
You have been in my thoughts and prayers
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