Visiting Time runs differently than Regular Time, or School Time, or even Christmas Time (which, we all know, runs at one speed for adults and at another for children - truly, the most unique time of all!) But Visiting Time is different altogether than any other Time.
Mornings linger longer and then vanish completely, seemingly without warning. There is no steady progression of time from waking to noon. Days become somewhat superfluous, as if today being Thursday or Saturday really mattered to begin with. Meals seem to anchor the days, and aside from the late night dragging of bodies to bed, become the only time to gauge the actual passing of time.
Visiting Time is a slower time. A pot of coffee may disappear in the blink of an eye, but an entire morning will pass before anyone thinks to head out or be productive. The gaunt expressions of the children generally trigger a quick time check... and breakfast.
Visiting Time is a time for sharing stories. Sometimes the stories are new. Often, they are old favorites, retold for newcomers to the porch, or shared again simply for the warmth and humor they impart. They become more interesting when told through two or three perspectives, the convolutions growing deeper and more insightful as the story progresses.
Visiting Time is a time to sit back and really watch your children. Since there is no schedule to keep, you sit back and see them through the eyes of your visitors. And you realize that these little people truly are just as neat as you thought, but sometimes forgot. They're also bound to surprise you with some new trick, or comment, or behavior, now that you're paying attention.
Visiting Time is a time to share favorite recipes, call in requests for new ones, and break out the good china. Or the paper plates. It really doesn't matter, because it's not about the things; it's about the time.
Visiting Time goes way too quickly, when your visitors are wonderful.
4 comments:
Wow, you captured the last two weeks of my life perfectly! Only sometimes I didn't quite look at it quite that way. It's all about perspective. Glad you are having a wonderful time.
-dawn
Ahh, that sounds lovely - and with your A/C and washing machine & dryer too, what could be better? :-)
A lovely post, it makes me want to go visit someone or have some family over and just sit for a spell.
I have had visitors too.....only it wasn't like what you describe. No....no....it was different....much different.
I haven't been over here for a few days and just look at you!! A/C AND a washer dryer!! Don't you just FEEL so much....RICHER?? I can remember one whole summer that we didn't have a/c in our car, and no matter what I was wearing or where I was going, I always FELT like I was driving around barefoot with a beer between my legs!
Enjoy hugging your sweat-free family!
It always helps when your hostess is as much fun to visit!
Just popped in to say hello, and thanks for having us over for a visit.
: )
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