If I Had to Live My Life Over....

I've been taking a photography class at the local community college; For my final she assigned a 'narrative' and I chose Erma Bombeck's great writing. Now the waiting to see what the professor thought about it all...

If I had my life to live over...

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for a day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical,

wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. 

 Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment

and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's".

More "I'm sorrys"

 But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute....

look at it, and really see it....

live it....

and never give it back.

In the process of taking this six week course, I not only learned what a lot of the buttons and dials on my new camera are for; I also learned that looking from the backside of a camera lens is much like creating a piece of art work. The most important tool you have is not the camera itself, but rather the heart, and the eyes that see what's before you. Getting down on the sandy beach and really seeing the fresh water clam shells, or waiting and waiting to capture the hummingbird, then seeing its tiny wings flutter so fast! Walking through several cemeteries, water parks, etc. was such a treat. 

I don't know what grade I'll get but the class was worth every penny I paid. Thanks to my sweet husband for doing without clean socks, and a house that became a bit of a mess during the process. Now it's back to the grindstone, and every day life, but I'll be seeing it through different eyes from here on out.