Tuesday, April 3, 2012

52 Weeks of Happiness :: Week 4

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When Griffin was a brand new baby
and I was a brand new mom,
my mother told me a story
about Leonardo da Vinci
that I have kept with me well into motherhood.

How he was an illegitimate child
that was not given the same privileges as his own father.
Yet as a child, he had an uncle named Francesco that took him in.

Together they explored the wild countryside.

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Franceso fostered Leonardo's love for nature and animals.
They observed insects and explored the land.
They sprawled out in the grass
and create shapes out of the clouds.

Creativity was found in the world around them.

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I can easily envision Leonardo as a child,
crouched down by a stream
and racing sticks in the water
that trickled between smooth rocks.

His nurturing uncle not far behind him,
encouraging him to try and grab a tiny fish.

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I can't help but feel like Francesco
when I take my boys out to explore
the wild woods near our home.

We take them down a beautiful path
that I hope will lead them to their own greatness.

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Where they stop and feel the grass beneath their heads
and find the dragon that floats across the sky.
They observe the wind that pushes the dragon in font of the sun
and unleashes the warmth that kisses their curious faces.

We are raising Leonardo da Vinci.

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Want to join me in my quest
to scout out happiness for a whole year?
Simply post a photo of something that
makes you wildly happy and tell us all about it.
Then, steal my button and include it in your post.
Don't forget to link up to Mr. Linky.



15 comments:

Becs said...

How amazing to have woods like that on your doorstep. Love the first shot especially with the sun flare. Gorgeous.

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

Looks like a wonderful trip in the woods. I'm sure your boys will remember these walks fondly.

Pieni Lintu said...

Those landscapes look amazing - like a paintings!

Unknown said...

Awwwwww.... I love it. The boys, the pictures, the story....all of it.

Jessica said...

Love all the photos!!! The first is my favorite!

Unknown said...

Ok color me jealous that you have a place like that in your backyard to explore. AS always your pictures are simply stunning and I never knew that about DaVinci.

Gina Kleinworth said...

Great post Leigh! So insightful & reflective. I love the area- what a beautiful place to take the boys.

Karen Mortensen said...

That was beautiful. Love the pictures.

Susan said...

Love that first shot. I think every little boy and girl should have the opportunity to explore the great outdoors. How lucky you are able to do so.

Susan said...

Love that first shot. I think every little boy and girl should have the opportunity to explore the great outdoors. How lucky you are able to do so.

Unknown said...

That is so beautiful, the story and the photos!

Susan Anderson said...

I think it's a gift to allow our children to feel at home in the world. Learning to understand and appreciate nature is part of that.

Great job, mama!

=)

SarahMarie said...

What a beautiful post!

Maude Lynn said...

Yes, we are! Gorgeous pictures.

Andrea said...

Love that you can have adventures so close to home! Such great pictures!