sensational reunion
I still can’t believe that two weeks ago I met friends I’d never met before. I still can’t believe how much I loved every minute of it. I still can’t believe how comfortable I felt in an altogether uncomfortable situation. I still can’t believe how much I miss my new friends.
That weekend, Cathi told Mandy and I that the best advice she received on her wedding day was to take time to consciously absorb what she was experiencing with all five of her senses. I tucked that thought away, like a smooth pebble from the beach, and attempted to do what she’d been challenged to do. I knew I didn’t want my heart to forget a thing, and so I consciously paid attention to what my senses were, well, sensing.
Smell
The wonderful aroma of Dunkin Donuts coffee reminds me of the sweetness that is Mandy’s husband and the joy that comes with sharing a latte with a friend.
Sight
I close my eyes and the first picture I see of our reunion weekend is the three of us on the couch, talking and laughing. There was no pressure or obligation to do or to be anything in particular. We couched it for hours, which to me is a sign of a close and strong friendship.
Sound
There was such significance in getting to worship together at church on Sunday morning, which was multiplied even more by the sound of Mandy’s sweet, strong voice singing to our Father as she led from the stage. What an honor to worship alongside my sisters and friends.
Taste
Chicken and dumplings, boiled peanuts, salsa, zucchini bread… But mostly it is the taste of laughter that seems to linger in my mouth. Pure, unadulterated joy that only comes with authenticity and sincerity.
Touch
During communion at church, Cathi reached over and grabbed my hand. That touch, both delicate and gripping, told me I am loved, wanted, and valuable.
Our reunion was indeed sensational!
What have been your best five-sense moments recently?
@cassgirl says:
Smell- Panera bread, reminded me of the hard crust that God broke through so He could see the soft and warmth of me inside
Sight- watching my daughter stand up to someone recently who has always been her adversary of her self doubt, stood up and told me she would be alright.
Sound- listening to my 7 year cleaning my tub with his butt and a bar of soap giggling…
Taste- the tast of my raspberry tea as I walked the beach, praying for a long distance friend, as she has a very difficult weekend mourning a loss.
Touch- The hot wet tears that I felt this week some good and some bad.
@mandythompson says:
i am suddenly… utterly… without words.
…why?
@atangie says:
recently? hmm… good question…
sight – older daughter putting make-up on younger sister affirming family bonds
touch – baby kisses on my face communicating what he cannot yet with words
sound – tennis shoes hitting the pavement telling me I can
taste – my homemade guacamole at lunch, one of my specialties, made me feel special
smell – Jasmine in the dark of the morning, love that!
It is good to see you again. I am glad to hear about your adventures. It’s like we get a little taste of what your weekend was like. Even if you just touch on bits and pieces, it really has the sweet aroma of God’s goodness.
;-)
@mandythompson says:
my heart loves this post too much to even start thinking about senses. sniff sniff
@cassgirl says:
@ngie is so right… Even though we weren’t there. We still were invited. We got to see the sights and smells etc.
Awesome idea, might have to use it for something I’m working on!!! :)
lovin and prayin
Wait, so you got married recently? I am confused.
now I’M confused!
@mandythompson says:
who got married!?
i LOVE that you called it a reunion.
@cassgirl says:
You got married?? I thought you were all married??
confusion!!
Smell
The fresh baked rye bread at my local bakery this morning.
Sight
My neighbors children laughing and playing.
Sound
Listening to the waves flowing over the beach today.
Taste
Having that fresh baked rye bread in “Smell” above with olive oil and roasted peppers.
Touch
Meet a friend at the beach. No further comment.
i’m not going to do all five – I have to get ready for a date with my husband:
but, smell: burying my nose in my little girl’s hair about an hour after her bath; still damp and cool, but soft; her body is heavy on my lap because she is sleepy. we are both resting. i guess that is more than just smell…
smell-
smelling all the fall scents at yankie candle co.
sight-
watching Conrad try to lick each candle as I try to show him how to sniff and not eat them, the sales lady and I got a good few laughs! we settled on “cider web”.
sounds-
listening to some of my siblings and husband re-affirm my own thoughts and feelings, that I already knew to be true. It just made me feel very loved by them for their support.
taste- hot chocolate pudding over cold vanilla ice cream, my grandmas recipe yum.
touch-
seeking into Conrad’s room late last night to cuddle with him. I took him out of bed and rocked him. he stayed asleep.
Thanks for this post Alece! I have been having a VERY rough few weeks with my family and you made me look for the good in this week. I always thank God at night for the day and try to think of only the good things that happened but lately it’s been really hard. If anyone feels like it, please pray for me. I am feeling depressed (I have always been a very happy person) but there are just things out of my hands and its hard to deal with.
Angie-
I love that you get baby kisses too, and those that are offered voluntarily are just priceless!
Smell – My hubby smells awesome in the morning…he logs so leaves around 1:30- 2…I grab his pillow and sleep a couple hours more before getting up…mmmm
Sounds: My kids…their voices have dropped, and they stay up most of the night when they are together and laugh forever…
Touch: Anything outside, from grass under my feet, river water, animals, sun on my face…
Taste: Last drop of homemade lemonade, or sweet tea.
Sight: When my son gets off the plane coming home from Iraq.
i’m loving reading everyone’s sensories. (is that kind of like “smemories?”) loving it.
sorry for the confusion — no one got married recently. we just shared wedding day stories with each other at our reunion…
faith — i’m emailing you.
here i am…crying again. WHAT DID YOU GUYS DO TO ME?!?!?!?
And you know my smell…I bought 5 bottles of it!!!
p.s. i love my friends so dearly. so. very. dearly.
i love that you went out and bought that. really, truly.
i miss you.
@atangie says:
DaRonn says he likes the elephant on your banner. :-)
I almost bought every single thing they had!!! Lotion, soap, body wash, spray…EVERY SINGLE THING
Cathi-What smell did you buy?
Alece- I emailed you, Thanks for the love, it’s just what I needed right now. Sorry if it was confusing and stupid family drama.
Hi alece, love this idea of savouring experiences with all of our senses :), fully taking in the moment. So great.
daronn via @ngie — thanks! i took the picture in botswana a couple of years ago…
cathi — i’m sure mark was glad you refrained yourself!
faith — i’ll read and reply soon… my gram’s funeral is today…
First of all, I am so jealous at the friendships you got to experience even if for just one weekend. I am sure it is one of many to come. (I know you live in S. Africa)
Second, I cannot think of a single experience like that recently. I really need to ponder this.
I like the elephant to.
Smell: A strange symphony of exhaust, sewage, hot dogs, and freedom.
Sight: People. Short. Tall. Skinny. Fat. Beautiful. Not so beautiful. Buildings, buildings, buildings. Cabs, buses and always planes overhead. The statue of liberty at night.
Sound: Friends talking while horns are honking and vendors and hawking.
Taste: Gray’s Papaya, Chipotle, Empanada Mama, sushi, and Long Island ice teas.
Touch: The flimsy metrocard as I swipe it the wrong direction, then pause to redirect it. The turnstile pressing against my hips as I pass. Either side of my body pressed up against total strangers as we sway back and forth to the rhythm of the sub and no one seems to think it’s awkward.
I have fallen in love with New York City. And I have so much more to tell you about.
ACK! I like the elephant TOO. That is a grammatical pet peeve of mine. Can’t believe I did it.
@tamhodge says:
i would comment more…but i am bawling!
freshwater cucumber…alece wore this throughout the weekend…she smells yummy!
Ergo…I went to the store, stood there smelling and remembering…and left w/ a slew of it all!
How beautiful! Makes me miss my sister/friend so badly.
A woman in target walked past me the other day and she smelled just like my sister.
I cried. : )
awesome. elegant. there. almost tactile. this was good.
anna — i’m jealous of it too, if it makes sense to say that. i know when i head back to SA in less than 3 weeks, that those opportunities for me aren’t really there. sigh…
natalie — i loved hearing your five-sense description of NYC.
kelli — that was so sweet…