Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The Sound of Silence

It was a full week and by the end of it, my to- do list cluttered and stuffed my mind. Even as I cooked dinner, I mulled over what I needed to do the following week and tried to devise a plan to get caught up.

Teenaged Daughter was eating supper at her aunt's, so it was just my husband and me. We talked  about our days and everything we had going for the upcoming week. He went outside for a bit and came back in just as the food was ready. He smiled and beckoned me to follow him outside. He'd set up chairs and a little area for us to enjoy our meal outside. The weather was gentle and lovely. He put his finger to his lips as we carried our plates out.

I smiled, too. This was going to be a Silent Supper. We enjoy these a few times a year. We eat our meal in happy silence outdoors, letting the quiet declutter our minds and infuse us with serene refreshment. Living far away from towns, major roads, and other houses affords us great peace in our surroundings.

The sun was already low on the horizon and threw streaks of the most vivid orange hues I've seen in a while across the sky. The blues around them deepened as evening eased in.

The jasmine plant, still blooming even in the winter in our warm climate, loaded the air with its enchanting aroma, willing me to take slow, deep breaths.

I looked over at my husband and he was deep in reverie already as he ate. He caught my gaze and winked.

A bit of the sun still hung on to the edge of the skyline even as the first stars shyly appeared. A soft rustling, barely audible, caught our attention at the edge of the pasture that abuts the back yard. A snuffling sound, and then a mother javelina with several babies casually made her way into the back yard. More javelinas followed until a pack of about 12 or 13 headed slowly towards us and our pets' large water bowl, about five feet to my right.

Our stillness was an invitation for them to keep coming until they encircled the water bowl, taking turns and deep draughts of the cool water.  The babies were not more than three feet from us as they nuzzled each other and waited for the adults to finish.

A rustling of wings and a scrape on a branch heralded a large hawk as he settled into his roost for the night. Two roadrunners zipped several yards, froze, zipped several more yards and froze, continuing this pattern across the yard until they vanished.

The gathering darkness couldn't hide a small armadillo that skittered into view, so engrossed in his own business of digging a small hole that he took no notice of us or the departing javelinas.

By now, the stars were in full control of the velvety heavens, shining with such clarity that it seemed they could be touched if only I could stretch myself out a little higher.

The silence continued its work. My mind unkinked itself, relaxing and loosening. A gratitude list replaced my to- do list, and I thanked God for all the blessings in my life.

Three rabbits hopped through without a sound, their camouflage of darkness upended by the whiteness of their tails, even as the stars ceded their hold on the skies to the luminous moon.

A small breeze picked up, sending one last gift of the intoxicating jasmine aroma to me as we packed up our chairs and plates.

That sacred silence.

48 comments:

  1. Isn't it amazing what you notice when you stop talking and thinking and just "be" for a bit? This was one of the loveliest descriptive passages I have read Shelly, and I felt as though I was right there enjoying it with you and relaxing. Thank you for sharing it.

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    1. cath: I wish I could give everyone a dose of silence. It is completely rejuvenating and well worth the investment!

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  2. OMG- What a beautiful picture you painted with your words Shelly. Truly an evening to remember and cherish. You are blessed to live in such a warm climate and to be around so many creatures that to us in NC would seem so strange. I am so glad you two had those beautiful moments together. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Odie: Yes, I am amazed at how blessed we are. I wish everyone could have an evening like that. I am so glad, though, we don't live in an area where there are bears. Wouldn't be able to enjoy moments like that if there were!

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  3. This is one of your most poetic posts, Shelly! Dinner at the Ritz would not interest me nearly as much as dining in silence outdoors while communing with nature. It's a fantastic idea and more people should experience it. As an animal lover I would have been thrilled to sit quietly at twilight and observe trusting creatures emerging from their hiding places to spend time feeding near me. People who feel the need to shoot at anything that moves are missing a golden opportunity to share a special moment with wild animals. Animals are our brothers and sisters. No less than the trees and the stars they have a right to be here.

    We have armadillo on our property and I needed to look up javelina to be reminded that they are Collared Peccary also know as skunk pigs. As a boy I wrote an essay about peccary and was fascinated by all types of pigs including the wild boar and similar animals like tapir.

    In a social setting my mother dreaded silence. In her mind a lapse in the conversation was a negative sign and she always had a dozen questions and comments on the tip of her tongue ready to be inserted to fill the void. You and your husband have discovered the healing power of silence. Silence is not something to be dreaded and feared. It can actually create a more powerful bond between two people.

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    1. Shady: I thought the same thing, that there isn't a pricey restaurant anywhere that could give me the ambience and peace of sitting outside like that.

      Those javelina can be really smelly sometimes, and it's an awful stench, but this was one of the times they didn't leave that behind, so I was thankful.

      I used to be like your mom in that I felt any lapse into silence when with others signaled a need for more talk, but my advancing age is moving me out of that mindset, and I am richly rewarded for it.

      I love, love, love to watch animals in their natural habitat, like you. No movie can compare for entertainment value, that's for sure!

      Have a wonderful day, my friend!

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  4. Your gift for storytelling is truly wonderful and that silent dinner sounded absolutely perfect. Isn't it amazing what you see when you sit quietly and pay attention. God really does provide us with everything we need - even tableside entertainment. :)

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    1. What a lovely evening!! I felt like I was dining right along with you through your vivid description!

      Nicely written!

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    2. Jenn June: It was such a lovely evening, and truly a showcase of all that God has given us in nature to enjoy. It's really a pity, though, that too many of us don't take the time to really enjoy it.

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    3. Saimi: Thank you- I wish I could have taken all my blogging friends with us!

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  5. Awww, you are letting us all fall in love with your husband!!

    All you saw because of the silence, amazing. I bet it set the tone for the rest of the evening too.

    OK, I had to google "javelina"---oh, warthogs!! That's what they look like anyway! My son would love to see all that wildlife!

    Sometimes for silence (semi silence) to happen around here, it only takes one kiddo to go to a friend's house. Not even a particular kid, (although, I guess it is the girls) but one to change the dynamics.

    Longing for summer and the quietness of my porch, even if it's only a few moments before they find me! :)

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  6. Jamie Jo: He's really a sweet guy- thanks!

    I just can't explain to you how wonderfully peaceful it was, but even more than that, like it was a sacred moment.

    If you ever come to Texas, I will be happy to show you javelinas! They are not too attractive, and can be vicious with their tusks when protecting their young, but they have really funny personalities.

    I know what you mean about the dynamics just changing a little for peace to come. Summer will be here before we know it as fast as this month has been zipping by!

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  7. Like Jamie, I thought your husband sounded so sweet. I was caught up in your writing and felt I was there enjoying the evening with you. I looked up javelinas and oh, they are funny looking but I like them. I've only seen one road runner and I would love to see more of them. They are such interesting birds. I remember going out on the porch at my sister's home in Nevada and the thousands of stars that lit the night sky. The desert is a wonderful place to live.

    This would make a good article in a magazine. Actually, you are an amazing writer and perhaps you could sell some of your stories.

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    1. Belle: I just love all the little critters that live around here. They are fascinating, even if some of them do smell sometimes, like the javelina. Thank you so much for your very kind words!

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  8. I love to "read" you.
    What a lovely, flowing style you have.
    I consider your posts a snippeet of literature, romantic and poetic in style. So glad I found you!

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    1. Sweet Tea: I'm so glad I found yours, too! It's always a delightful read- thank you!

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  9. I agree wholeheartedly with all the other comments above. That was such a beautiful post, and so wonderfully described. I really was right there with you. How sweet of your hubby to lead you by the hand like that and take you outside to where he had set up the chairs. To eat in silence and really take in all the beauty of life all around you must have been very special indeed, and must certainly have recharged your batteries, all ready for the fray again!

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    1. Thisisme: I so wish I could have all my blogging friends with me one evening like this. It really is beyond words about how lovely and peaceful it is. And yes, it is the perfect antidote to ease any of the day's stresses!

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  10. That was a beautiful post. I can almost smell that jasmine!

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    1. Lydia: It's absolutely one of the most heavenly scents! Thank you for stopping by~

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  11. How peaceful. You painted a beautiful picture. And I love a man that will catch your eye and wink.

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    1. Karen: I love those winks, too- we never get too old for them, do we?!

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  12. Oh, how nice - - I am able to comment. Wow, I have been reading your blog entries and was not able to post any comments. God is great indeed. Now I can let you know how much I enjoy your blogs.
    The mention of Jasmine air sent me back forty years when I was not married and lived with my parents. It is beautiful and keeps lingering in our minds for a long time.

    You guys are true believers. You not only share your home but also your time with God's creature. This is wonderful:)

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    1. Munir: So very good to see you here again! I do hope blogger is settling down. Jasmine is one of those aromas we don't soon forget and I like how it brings back sweet memories for you!

      I love animals- they are fascinating to me. I am so glad we share this earth with them!

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  13. What a lovely dinner experience! A comfortable, peaceful silence is at least as enjoyable as a good conversation!

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  14. Dr. Kathy: Oh, so true! We need conversations, and then we need some times of healthy silences, too. Can't have too much of one~

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  15. Another beautiful post. We used to live in the desert and I loved your descriptions of the sunset and critters. I miss them all! Right from the start of this post I thought of one of my favorite songs, Alan Jackson's: "Song For the Life". It just seemed to fit. Have a great day!

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    1. Felt Family: What a wonderful song that is! I love it, too! I am thankful daily for our spectacular sunsets and sunrises, and for the critters, even when they sometimes stink, like the javelinas. Thank you for starting my day off with a terrific song in my head. Hope your day is tops!

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  16. Shelly...oh how I'd love to be able to have a silent supper. I'd have to turn the phone off. Hide the cars and bolt the doors. It seems the entire world KNOWS when we are eating even if we do it early or late in the evening. What a beautiful world you live in...
    Hugs~

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    1. Sush: I don't think we could do this if we lived closer to civilization. I do wish you could have one sometime. It really does profound things not just for the body, but for the soul. Have a great day, my friend!

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  17. "that sacred silence". What a lovely final sentance to end a lovely post.

    I read recently that as God's children we long to become one with His creations. The author of the book called our drinking in nature "at-one-ment". Atonement. A returning to what once was.

    Interesting, huh?

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    1. Crystal: Mmmmm- a returning to what once was. That's really going to be in my mind today. I love to turn things over like that, and also the "at-one-ment". There is such richness in the world God gave us.

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  18. What a beautiful evening! You took us with you into paradise. Thank you.

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  19. Vanilla: I decided to write about that evening after reading your post on the critters you've encountered down here in South Texas. So, thank you for the inspiration!

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  20. Hi! Dearest Shelly,
    Wow, what a LOVELY post and writing.
    I admire you having such a wonderful husband again. (we already knew he is a magnificent person). And this is such an amazing and romantic way for a couple to enjoy " the sound of silence"♡♡♡ Haha, we cannot expect that sweetness for Japanese men, hehe.
    My favorite phrasing of what you wrote (if I should choose) was the 8th paragraph. "Our stillness was an invitation for them to keep coming until they encircled the water bowl, taking turns and deep draughts of the cool water. The babies were not more than three feet from us as they nuzzled each other and waited for the adults to finish." Thank you very much for the great writing, I enjoyed this post very much, my friend.
    Blessing to you, xoxo Miyako*

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  21. Dear Friend Miyako: Your words are so very sweet and bring me blessings. Thank you! I'll bet Japanese men can be just as sweet- they all have it in them, even if it's down deep.

    Have a wonderful day, my sweet friend!

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  22. I'm so jealous in a nice way - I don't think that I have ever been able to do that - we have always had someone here. I lone for silence yet I don't - well maybe for an hour. lol sandie

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    1. Sandie: I was surprised because I thought it would be uncomfortable, but it was so relaxing and enjoyable. We don't do it often, but every now and then is nice.

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  23. Your posts are always sweet and perfect.

    Have a nice day.

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    1. izdiher: You just described yourself, too. Thank you, my friend!

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  24. I wonder if we are connected in ways unseen. Last night we walked in the woods at sunset and decided to pause in complete silence. The air in the woods was fragrant and cool. The birds had stopped chattering. For a little while there was complete peaceful silence. After the sun dipped down under the horizon on the lake, we headed for home. That silence stayed with us and instead of tv, we read. I slept the most peaceful sleep since I was a child.
    Thank you for painting your incredible evening and sharing it with us. I felt like I was there too.

    I like the idea of having a silent supper. I plan to add that to our family traditions!

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  25. Jenny: Wow- that is too neat! Isn't it amazing what strength and renewal silence can work in us? I love how you went for a walk. I think that will be something to do in the future for us, too.

    We're too often afraid of peaceful silence. It has great restorative powers- I'm a believer!

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  26. You paint a beautiful picture with your descriptive words! I enjoyed reading about your 'silent supper'!
    Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment!

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    1. Dorothy: Thank you, and I most enjoyed reading your blog!

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  27. Oh, honey, that was wonderful.

    I think we forget how important it is, sometimes, to let the beauty of silence wash over us...

    Pearl

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    1. Pearl: I think the silence is a cleansing, a washing. Our souls really need that from time to time.

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  28. I love the idea of a quiet dinner. And I'm very jealous of your alfresco dinner. Here in Canada, we are hunkered indoors with windows sealed tight and with most wildlife either migrated to warmer climates or deep in hibernation.

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  29. Kara: I'm so sorry you all have stay indoors so much in the winter. It's very pleasant here in the winter months, but not so much in the summer!

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