Monday, February 14, 2011

Captivating

There is something on my mind today that just needed to be shared. No, it has nothing to  about nutrition, recipes, workouts, etc. But I hope it leaves you feeling happy, warm, and peaceful. Just what we all need on a Monday.

Smile

My dad sent us this picture yesterday. It’s a picture he took on the deer lease when he and the hubs went hunting a few months back. When I opened it, all I could do is stare. Every inch of this picture captivated me.

site

captivating - capturing interest as if by a spell; attractive - pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm. to attract and hold the attention or interest of, as by beauty or excellence; enchant (source).

How so?

  • The beauty of God’s creation shown at day break.
  • The deer nourishing off the earth
  • The stillness of the water
  • The quiet sounds of the morning (I can just imagine).

So why talk about this? Because there is so much in life that captivates us, yet we never pause to enjoy it. We never sit and enjoy it beauty in that moment.

  • The love of friends, family, spouses.

em and whittle 3mom and me at HHDSCF0395parents and me at HH

  • The person who never gives up hope on their dreams, no matter how big or small.

(I took this picture while we were driving to Kansas for a race- endless fields!)on the road to KS

  • The way a little bit of encouragement can be paid forward to so many others. (Read Angie’s story here. Amazing!)

What Captivated you today? Will you stop and enjoy its charm?

The sappiness is over. I blame it on Valentines day! hehe.

Much Love,

LC

54 comments:

Kristina @ spabettie said...

Happy Valentines, sweet friend. I appreciate you, especially your sweet words and support lately <3

I get roses each year from Jason, and today while looking at my beautiful 2 dozen, I think of my Grandpa Z. I think of him every time I receive roses, as he ALWAYS said "stop and smell the roses"... he lived life and enjoyed it all... took it all in... as he will always be one of my Very Favorite People, I try to celebrate that as much as possible. :)

small town runner said...

What a beatiful post, Lindsay! That photo of the deer lease is gorgeous, too!
Thanks for reminding us to be captivated by what we have around us.

Happy Valentine's Day to you two !!

Pure2raw Twins said...

Amazing post girl, just want I need to hear and see :) I love that picture!! So breathtaking too!! Happy Valentine's Day!

lauren@spiced plate said...

Happy Valentines Day! Being captivated by something is such a beautiful state to be in -- I am captivated by love, friends, and the bay that I drive by several times a day here in portland, maine.

Jess said...

Awww, loved this post!! I am always captivated by God's beautiful creation--It was a lovely 72 degrees out today and absolutely GORGEOUS!

Bre said...

Beautiful photo...it look almost surreal. Gorgeous! And thanks for posting the link to Angie's story- how did you know that was exactly what I needed to read today? Happy Love day friend!

Courtney L. said...

What a refreshing post, Lindsay. I welcome the sappiness with open arms! :)

marathonmaiden said...

hahah ooooooooooooh sappiness. happy valentine's day :)

Sweet Tooth Runner said...

Awww love this post:) Sappiness rocks!! THIS post and Angela's post TOTALLY captivated me today! You girls are amazing:)

Colleen said...

Love the pictures Lindsay... and the reminder to appreciate the little things! :) Happy Valentine's Day!

Jennifer Laughlin said...

A good photo like that will make my day sometimes =) A picture REALLY is worth a thousand million zillion words =)

Happy Valentines dAY LOVE! <3

XOXO
Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

Heather @ Where's the Beach said...

Fabulous post for the day. What an absolutely gorgeous picture for starters. And you make such great points about stopping and enjoying the things that captivate us. I am definitely captivated by the fantastic, warm, gorgeous day and the love of my husband who for whatever reason keeps on putting up with me. Hugs my friend.

bamarunner11 said...

I hate Valentines day! LOL.

lauren@spiced plate said...

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cdn.lightgalleries.net/4bd5ebfda5718/images/back_bay_16x20-2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.rgsphoto.com/contents/TRAVEL%2520Gallery/TRAVEL%2520~%2520MAINE/image-back_bay_16x20/&usg=__Af3AoGj9sMFbsTMnKLfidLbmxy8=&h=446&w=648&sz=118&hl=en&start=24&zoom=0&tbnid=Z7iCVuv4rY2imM:&tbnh=94&tbnw=137&ei=j8pZTd_dGszTgAePjbHBDA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dportland%2Bback%2Bcove%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official%26biw%3D1440%26bih%3D747%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C912&um=1&itbs=1&biw=1440&bih=747

woah, long link -- but that's a picture of it that I found online !

Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) said...

I swear this hits so close to home. This weekend, being in TN, the sun set and fresh air completely captivated me. I am starting to really wonder where I want to be and how to enjoy the life I have. This is beautiful!

Kristina said...

Love a good sappy post! That pic is gorg...seems so peaceful. There's a place I run that is like this early in the am..the fact that I can only run around here for 3-4 months of the year, I take full advantage!

Jess said...

Seriously?? Are all my favorite bloggy friends on the same wavelength as me or what?? I am TOTALLY feeling like I've been lacking the whole "being present thing and it's not good. I'm missing out on being captivated by the beauty of everything around me, including my husband's smile as he watches me blog the night away some nights during the week. Yes, it's awesome that he supports me as he does but is it really fair of me to be so connected all the time? It just hit me today that I spend far too much time connected...and not nearly enough time being present. To be captivated by all that surrounds me. Thanks girl, loved this post. totally needed...

christinaorso said...

beautiful pics! happy v-day to you!! :)

Wendy said...

Um...being "captivated" is precisely why I don't race! :-) As a poet, I see the stories as I run/swim and often have a hard time focusing on the athletic aspect of the movement (at times).

It's also why I've learned to make a deal: split the run/swim 50-50 or 75/25. I may be at the best pace possible, but if I feel it's best to stop and enjoy- I do! For me, it's the balance that counts.

On Saturday I was mid stride when I had a feeling to stop and walk. Up ahead, the bay was blowing in the breezes. The reflection of the sky was magnificent. The animals were fluterring to and fro. Even the beagle at the overlook was captivated.

It's not always easy to find the balance, but I take the approach of "75 fitness; 25 gratitude focus." I walk in silence at the end of a trail run, soaking in every detail, and appreciating all of my life.

natalie hopkins said...

Love the entry, your posts are so thought provoking :) What captivated me today? My daughter's 3 hour nap ;)

Angie said...

Lindsay, you are so sweet to share that about me. It has been a long day, and seeing that made me smile. :) Hope you had a wonderful Valentines Day!Your post made me think of that George Strait song about how life is not about the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away.

She Rocks Fitness said...

The passion and joy I feel when I practice yoga is what captivated me today! Realizing how strong and healthy my body is when I take a challenging yoga class is truly amazing. I was smiling all day and that is a true sign of a captivating experience. 2 more classes to take this week to fulfill for my personal weekly goal. :) Happy V-Day!

Dorry said...

beautiful post, Linds! This spring-like weather captivates me - all the sunshine, blue skies, new green things about to bloom...we saw a gorgeous sunset tonight when we were leaving the grocery store. those things in nature captivate me. I showed the photo above to Billy - he loves nothing more than being out on a deer lease! it's the time he feels closest to his dad.

love ya, friend. xo

klh said...

Love this post! I am very guilty of flying through life and not enjoying the many amazing blessings right in front of me. You and the hubs are adorable, btw!

guest said...

AH! I love this and your blog...I just found stumbled across it and I love your healthy lifestyle and relationship with food as well as your positivity and love for God! Thanks for this!

purplebirdblog said...

I was captivated by the lovely weather and a new CD (that I preordered MONTHS ago, so I've been anxiously awaiting it!!) :)

Shannon said...

that it such a gorgeous photo!!! it hit 50 today, in boston, in feb... i was captivated by not needing to button my coat!

burp_excuzme said...

Really, really, really love this post.

If you must know, a bird pooped on my head today. I guess in a way, it's also the beauty of nature...haha! Always looking at it positively! ;-)

Katy said...

This was such a beautiful post. It brought a smile to my face!

Joanna Sutter said...

Ahhh...that post made my heart smile.

xo

Carrie said...

SO TRUE! I am always a go-go rushed person and I never stop to smell the roses... I need to appreciate lthings more!! I can't think of anything that has captivated me yet today, but when I walk my dog I'm going to appreciate nature's beauty in this wonderful city!

alex said...

beautiful pictures!! My little family captivated me today :) My husband and pug just brought tears to my eyes and I got to thinking how much I love them :D The weather wasn't that pretty yesterday to captivate me in that way :) thanks for this post!

Sabrina @ Radioactive Runner said...

That picture of the deer is absolutely beautiful. I love how the sun is just coming up over the trees. In fact, all of the pictures you posted are beautiful! I loved this post because you are so right. Sometimes we get caught up in so much. I've even noticed lately that its nice to just sit in silence my my hubby; no tv, no internet, just enjoy each others company and talk about our day. it can do the soul good to pause and enjoy the small things in life!
Have a great day!!

Kim K said...

wow, that is a gorgeous photo. i would frame it if i were you! let's see.... i was definitely captivated by the surprised warm weather in boston! i wore only a blazer (well with jeans) to dinner - no winter jacket :) today we are in the 20s again, so im definitely NOT captivated anymore. happy vday!

Lauren said...

That picture is gorgeous! I love using stumbleupon photography setting to look at captivating landscape pictures. One of the reasons I love living in Vermont is we have distinct seasons - we get the fall foliage, snowy mountains, spring flowers, and summer. I am always amazed by where I live.

Salah said...

I went to the hiking point in Westlake yesterday that overlooks the bridge and all of downtown and thats so beautiful, it captivated me :-)

La. said...

Fabulous! That picture is breathtaking! I was just thinking something similar today. I was getting frustrated by all the blogs I was reading CONSTANTLY talking about wanting another season than the one they are in. It is winter. I am choosing the enjoy the beauty of it all! (and not worry about what other people think!)

Katherine: Unemployed said...

gorgeous! the sun has me captivated today! I cannot wait to get outside

Mindy@findingsilverlinings said...

This picture is beautiful. The reflection in the water and the color of the light on the trees glow. The melting snow sparkling on the trees in my back yard captivated me this morning. Thanks for the inspiration today.
xo
Mindy

Kath (My Funny Little Life) said...

Lindsay, this picture is true beauty. Period.

What captivated me today: I saw that the first snowdrops are blooming in the beds in the courtyart. This made me happy.

Crowleyparty said...

the blue blue sky and green grass in that last image is breathtaking!

Missy said...

Wow what a beautiful post....I love the thought. Let yourslef be captivated....
funny how a little twist made me realize some beautiful things captivate us....some unhealthy things hold us captive. We miss the beautiful stuff. My new motto just might be "Don't be captive....be captivated."
I might blog about that. Wow.

Heather @ Dietitian on the Run said...

Wow, I love this! Today I was completely captivated by the SUNSHINE. The weather is absolutely perfect right now and it is so refreshing. :)

kate@ahealthypassion said...

What an amazing post, thanks for making me sit back and take in the moment :)

Sophie said...

A captivating & lovely moving post! Thanks for sharing your thoughts & these stunning pictures!

AAaaaaaah,....ooooh,....!!! :)

(what runs) Lori said...

I thoroughly enjoy your sappiness! In fact, you are always so positive! i know I can count on feeling great after reading your blog! So thank you.

And yes, that photo really is beautiful and captivating!!! Wow.

Shutuprun said...

That picture is stinking amazing. So calming and peaceful. And the colors are out of this world.

"The person who never gives up hope on their dreams, no matter how big or small." That's my favorite quote in this post, you can guess why! I like to think it can apply to me.

Lisakthrives said...

Wow---amazing picture! I can almost imagine what it would be like to be there observing it in person.
I love those moments of captivation---they have this magical power of putting everything in life in its proper place. It's like hitting the "reset button"...in an instant you can know what's really important in life and readjust any misaligned perspectives or priorities :)
Today, I worked from home, so my small moment of captivation had to do with my dinner :)
Great post--thanks for this reminder!

thefitnessfreak said...

That IS a great picture Lindsay! Life is so fast I often forget to stop and enjoy it. Today I was captivated by my boys playing in a basketball game. I am glad I am a SAHM so I can be there for all of them. They did really well and my oldest made a basket, yeah! And you can be sappy ANYTIME!! :D

Nicole

Liz @ Iheartvegetables said...

Thanks for sharing! God's creation never ceases to amaze me. We've had some wonderful sunshine recently and it's breathtaking! God is good :)

chuck feerick said...

Goes back to what we're really thankful for. Love those moments!

Megan @munchercruncher said...

That picture really is gorgeous! I live in UT right up against the mountains and constantly captivated by how beautiful they are. Thanks for the reminder to stop and LOOK. P.s. you look Darling in all of those pics! You're beautiful girlie!! xoxoxo

kalli said...

so true lindsay. there is so much to be captivated by and for us to appreciate each day. thank you for the reminder!

kissmybroccoli said...

I agree, every once in a while, you just need to stop and "smell the roses". We take far too much for granted sometimes. What a gorgeous picture!