The other day, I had one of those rare, quiet moments where I realized just how much beauty and comedy, is tucked into the corners of a normal day. It hit me: Every day is full of surprises. As mentioned before, I write content to auto post. Yesterday’s can be other days or even a few weeks ago 🙂
Welcome to Life Captured!
The Daily Morning Routine
The day started with its usual hectic, modern rhythm: chauffeuring my oldest granddaughter, Brie, between wrestling practice and driver’s ed. It’s a tight schedule. Wrestling wraps up at 10:30 AM, and she has to be back for driver’s ed by noon. We were right in the middle of that midday dash when the universe decided we needed to slow down. Literally.
We were driving just inside the city limits when all lanes of traffic came to a grinding, inexplicable halt. In a city, your mind immediately goes to the worst: construction, an accident, or just standard rush-hour misery.
But as I peered through the windshield, the culprit behind the major traffic delay revealed itself: a grand total of five geese (actually more). They weren’t rushing. Not one in a panic. They were taking a leisurely, incredibly casual Sunday stroll across a three-lane roadway (if you count the center turn lane). The entire city was at a complete standstill, entirely held hostage by a handful of birds who clearly felt they owned the asphalt.
It was a beautiful, hilarious contrast. For a moment, my brain couldn’t even process getting my phone out. I was just mesmerized by the sheer audacity of these geese. By the time I finally snapped out of it and realized, “Wait, this is a legendary photo op!” the feathered pedestrians were already making their exit.
I managed to snap just one quick picture before they cleared the road (the featured image above), but it was enough to remind me: sometimes, the best part of the day is the part you never could have planned for.
What I found intriguing, a blogging friend had made a post titled, His Eye is on the Sparrow (and the Goose) I commented on this post at 2:28 am on June 1st. The featured image above was taken later that very same morning. What a coincidence, or a divine message? 🙂
The Saga Continues…
But this story isn’t over. Not by a long shot.
Once I finally remembered to snap that photo of our magical, slow-motion traffic jam, I looked over toward where the geese were heading. Lo and behold, an even bigger welcoming committee of geese was waiting on the side of the road. Oh, how I wish I could have captured that entire feathered convention! I figured it was a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. After all, who in their wildest imagination would think another photo op like that would happen?
Enter the Next Morning
I hopped back in the car to go pick Brie up for round two of her wrestling-and-driving schedule. And there they were again. Apparently, this three-lane roadway was now their official morning commute. This time, I spotted them on my way to pick her up, rather than on the return trip.
For the rest of the drive, I kept my fingers crossed, actively wishing for a little bit of traffic luck. I desperately wanted them to still be there for the return trip so Brie and I could see them together.
The universe delivered. Not only were they still hanging around on our way back, but I was actually prepared this time. I managed to snap these pictures; proof that lightning (or in this case, a flock of very casual geese) really can strike twice!
The Secret in the Side Mirror
If you zoom in on the center image of the collage, you’ll catch a hilarious little detail I didn’t even realize I captured at the time. Right there in the side mirror, you can see the city groundskeeper on his lawnmower. As it turns out, while I was frantically trying to get my camera ready for the perfect goose shot, he had quietly pulled up alongside of my car. Instead of honking or ruining the moment, he patiently waited for me to finish my phone photography session! I waved and motioned for him to go ahead. After he passed, I clicked the shutter for one more picture. It wasn’t until I looked at the photo that I realized he had been perfectly framed in the mirror. Just another unexpected, heartwarming pleasure from a perfectly normal day.
Have you been attuned to the fun, heartfelt moments and beauty in your normal day? What have you witnessed?
Yesterday is today’s memory.
Be sure to capture your memory today!
All the best,.
Debra Ellen
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Out in the country our traffic is often stopped by geese or deer or what have you. I never have my camera ready though!
Yes, I know what you say. I used to keep my phone in my purse pocket. It’s now in my back pocket. That can be dangerous. I have to remember to take it out before going to the restroom!
That was cool. What an awesome photo op.
I was thrilled to have seen this!
All the best, Kathy.
Ahh! The geese crossing the road did make me smile. It does sound like a comical experience.
What was the funniest, the reactions of my granddaughter while I was taking the pictures. A Kodak moment. I thought best not to include her in the pictures!
All the best.
Great pictures….I think we all need to stop and take in the simple things in life that are so special…Thanks for the reminder!! Thanks too for taking the time to stop by!!
Hugs,
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Hi, Debbie. You are most welcome. I appreciate the reciprocation! Sometimes the simple things are easier to notice. Today, I struggled for my seven days, seven snaps post.
Have a fun week.
All the best.
I love those geese. I know many people detest them because they’re messy, but I think they’re so majestic. How wonderful that no one tried to drive them over but realized the geese were just passing through. And, your image in the mirror is so cool!
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Yes, it was amazing all were patient. A few were not until they saw the geese.
Thank you for visiting.
All the best.
Our Chicagoland suburbs are full of geese, and nothing can stop 6 or more lanes of traffic at rush hour than Geese and their babies…wandering back and forth across the road…Love your photos…and a gentle reminder to stop and breathe and enjoy those moments, Sandi
Hi, Sandi. Now that would be a fun sight to see! I had so much fun seeing this play out. The geese have left that spot. Must be headed South.
Thanks for stopping by!
All the best.
How delightful. When we were boating we had duck crossings that were about the same as this. So fun.
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Have a fabulous day and rest of the week. ♥
Hi, Sandee. Thank you for visiting and commenting! It sure would be neat to see ducks crossing the road! I bet cute as ever.
Have a fun week.
All the best.
I’m never prepared for something like that because I have a little old camera and no smartphone, and I keep forgetting to take the camera if I actually go somewhere.
Great pictures!
It’s taken me a bit to remember I have my phone as camera. I’ve missed many good photo ops. I’m doing better now that I am participating in the project 365 photo a day.
Thank you for visiting!
Have a fun week.
All the best.
Very nice, there is so much to see, when we take a moment to look! One of my features for SSPS #422!
Thank you so much, Melynda!
All the best,
What fun to see those geese!
Yes!