In his four years, I’ve taken a multitude of photos of my grandson but in the last few months, I’ve started asking first, and when I saw him yesterday, he said he appreciated that, and he would let me know if he wanted his picture taken, or not.

I replied that when I don’t see him, I take photos of birds, plants, animals, the landscape, and the ocean.  He asked me if I ask them first, and I’ve been thinking about that.  I think I do, not directly but with sort of a heart tug of connection and acknowledgment.

Recently I read an article on getting rid of “clutter” and why sometimes it’s difficult. It suggested the “stuff” might also be attached to us.  It’s a two-way street.  This has allowed me to be more respectful of what, where, and when I release.  I find it comforting to acknowledge that it isn’t all about me, but that I live in a world of connection, attachment, and bonds that come together and sometimes fall apart.