Have you noticed how nobody ever looks up? . . . Nobody looks at chimneys, or trees against the sky, or the tops of buildings. Everybody just looks down at the pavement or their shoes. The whole world could pass them by and most people wouldn’t notice.
from The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards
Today’s Favorite Thing is a little unusual. It is not really a thing, but rather an action. It is Looking Up, in the literal sense.
Yesterday I took Marshall out to play in the yard. This is something I try to do whenever the weather is good, and yesterday was as fine a day as there has ever been, with plenty of sun and just enough breeze to make it brisk, not cold. A shadow skidded across the lawn, so I looked up, hoping to see the bird I knew must be there. And yes, a large hawk was soaring above. Past the hawk, the foliage on some of the trees was still so new it had a peachy hue that almost glowed against the contrasting blue sky. Behind the trees, wispy clouds floated above the horizon. The scene made me yearn for a paintbrush, or even just a good set of crayons and some artistic skill.
The weather today is just as excellent, so I am outside, watching the trees swaying in the wind and admiring the passing clouds. It is such a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and that is why Looking Up is one of My Favorite Things.
Yes! I have noticed that very few people look up. They miss amazing things — like hawks and rainbows and space shuttles. Crazy people!