Anne here, and today I am talking about simple, everyday things that we can do to make us feel better. It was inspired by this post that I saw the other day, which gave a list of small everyday ways to boost our happiness. And in the chaos of packing to move house, it really appealed to me.
The article included things like putting up images, photos or pictures that please you. Writing a "life truth" or a note to self. One example was ‘Eat chocolate at 3pm’. I could force myself to do that, I'm sure. (heh heh) (Photo by eniko kis on Unsplash )
Actually I do put up little signs to myself sometimes. The small card below is a particularly helpful reminder now I'm clearing out my house. I was also reminded of feng shui principles when rereading Mary Jo's China Bride recently.
The article suggested list-making — not so much "to do" lists but "done lists" to give you a sense of achievement. (eg Hey, I ate that 3pm chocolate! Go me!)
Another suggestion was to invest in several pairs of reading glasses. That one made me smile and nod. I have cheap reading glasses stashed in every room of the house. Saves a lot of running around searching.
One suggestion that made me laugh was to read a book. I don't think anyone here would have to be reminded of how much pleasure there is in reading.
But it got me thinking about the small everyday things that contribute to my own happiness.
Smells — I love the smell of freshly applied beeswax polish on furniture. I use old-fashioned liquid beeswax which is easy to apply and smells clean and fantastic. When mopping the floor I'll toss in a few drops of eucalyptus and lemon myrtle oil, which leaves a faint fresh fragrance in its wake.
Indoor plants. I have always kept indoor plants, and during lockdown, my indoor plants that line the living-room window made me so happy. Here they are in the morning sun. That splash of crimson is a cyclamen that flowered for months and months and brought me so much joy.
Fresh flowers. Always welcome. And in the absence of flowers I will gather fresh greenery from the garden, including some with fragrance. Even just a sprig or two in a vase pleases me. I pile river stones in the bottom of clear glass vases, which balance the weight of the greenery and look pretty. I will often pop a few floating blossoms — even just one camellia — in a glass bowl lined with river pebbles and it always makes me smile.
Washing. I love the scent and feel of freshly washed sheets, and if they've been dried in the sunshine there's an extra magic to them. I don't iron often, but when I do the scent of a hot iron pressing freshly washed and dried laundry is lovely. I used to iron more in the past, and would often spend an afternoon or evening ironing in front of the TV with a movie or DVD playing. The time would fly, the fragrance was wonderful, and the satisfaction I'd have at the end, with a pile of crisply ironed things was lovely. But these days I hardly ever do it.
Clear surfaces — feng shui again. My dining room table (which is in the living room), the cabinet in the entry vestibule, and the little chest of drawers in my bay window all tend to collect clutter, but when I clear away the clutter, and polish the surfaces and leave them bare or with just one plant or a vase of flowers, or a bowl of fruit, it never fails to lift my spirits.
Bowls of fruit. I have a large blue bowl that was a gift from a friend, and I keep fruit in it all year round, whether it's mixed fruit to browse or a citrus collection.
Music. Music is the best mood-lifter that I know of. Whether it's a classical piece, or rousing rock, there's something to fit every need. On hot summer evenings I will often water my plants to the sound of my favorite Chopin Polonaises recording, but when I'm doing housework I like to have something to sing along to — Van Morrison's Moondance album, maybe.
Sunshine. In the house, and on your skin — at least 15 minutes a day if you can manage it. The first rays of sunshine coming through the bay window in my bedroom always make me happy, and in winter, when the sun is lower in the sky, I get sun all day long. I'm really going to miss that window when I move. And in the living room I love to watch the dancing shadows of my Japanese maple tree silhouetted on the blind. It reminds me of this favorite illustration from a children's story.
Fresh air. I have windows open most of the time, but our winters are not as bitter as some in the Northern Hemisphere. I will often have my front and back doors open to let a breeze through the house. It's lovely and cool in hot weather, but a cold brisk one is lovely in winter when the house has been closed up to keep in the warmth. It scours through the house blowing away the fug and the stale air and letting in the fresh.
A real fire. The crackling sound, scent and sight of a real fire. Such a comfort in the cold weather. A real fire is company, don't you think? And it's even better when shared with a friend.
My dog. Need I say more? Walking & wagging. I can go out for half an hour and when I return it's as if I've returned from the dead, the joyous welcome I get. And she's such good company. She's curled up next to me as I write this, but will be up and nudging me when it's time for our walk.
Wild birds. I wake most mornings to the sound of birds in the trees outside. Mostly it's chittering lorikeets but the glory of a magpie singing to the morning sun is a real treat that sets me up for the day. Even the mournful sound of currawongs, who call in the minor key, brings a smile. You can hear an Australian magpie singing here, and if you want to hear what the dawn chorus in the bush sounds like, with magpies and other birds, click here.
The scent of new-mown grass. Enough said. (Unless it makes you sneeze.)
Making an event of a cuppa. Rather than glugging down a cup of tea or coffee on the run, or in between chores, or while doing something at the same time, make a small ten-minute event of it. Make the tea or coffee or your preferred drink from scratch, pour it into your favorite cup or mug and sit down to drink it with no other distractions. (Add a sweet treat to nibble on if you like.) Sit in the garden, or on the patio, balcony or veranda if you have one, or by the fire — just in your favorite place to sit. Sip the drink slowly, try to think of nothing in particular, and just let yourself yourself relax.
I could list many more simple pleasures, but I'll stop there and ask you: What simple things add a little happiness to your day?
What a wonderful, thought provoking post! One of my happiest moments occur when my little cat curls up beside me and turns her motor on. Nothing like a contented cat purring. Or opening a brand new book. The smell of the paper and heft of it and the anticipation of what is to come. A surprise phone call from someone you have not heard from in a long time. Or a brown paper parcel in the mail that you were not expecting. I am sure there are more things but at the moment they escape me!
What a wonderful, thought provoking post! One of my happiest moments occur when my little cat curls up beside me and turns her motor on. Nothing like a contented cat purring. Or opening a brand new book. The smell of the paper and heft of it and the anticipation of what is to come. A surprise phone call from someone you have not heard from in a long time. Or a brown paper parcel in the mail that you were not expecting. I am sure there are more things but at the moment they escape me!
What a wonderful, thought provoking post! One of my happiest moments occur when my little cat curls up beside me and turns her motor on. Nothing like a contented cat purring. Or opening a brand new book. The smell of the paper and heft of it and the anticipation of what is to come. A surprise phone call from someone you have not heard from in a long time. Or a brown paper parcel in the mail that you were not expecting. I am sure there are more things but at the moment they escape me!
What a wonderful, thought provoking post! One of my happiest moments occur when my little cat curls up beside me and turns her motor on. Nothing like a contented cat purring. Or opening a brand new book. The smell of the paper and heft of it and the anticipation of what is to come. A surprise phone call from someone you have not heard from in a long time. Or a brown paper parcel in the mail that you were not expecting. I am sure there are more things but at the moment they escape me!
What a wonderful, thought provoking post! One of my happiest moments occur when my little cat curls up beside me and turns her motor on. Nothing like a contented cat purring. Or opening a brand new book. The smell of the paper and heft of it and the anticipation of what is to come. A surprise phone call from someone you have not heard from in a long time. Or a brown paper parcel in the mail that you were not expecting. I am sure there are more things but at the moment they escape me!
I have always been an ‘attitude of gratitude” kind of gal and it serves me well now that I am old and practically housebound. Thinking of and appreciating what I have is an exercise that helps me.
Laughing is real important me to me. I have my “go to” books, movies and TV shows but I can also bring up a laugh by just remembering something funny. Not everyone can do that when they are sad, so I think it must be a gift.
But there are so many other simple things that add quality to my days. First cup of coffee in the morning. Prayer and meditation. Kitty rubbing her paws across my cheeks asking me to pet her. Now that the weather is getting better I enjoy sitting on my front porch, watching the birds and waving and chatting with my neighbors.
I had to laugh at your remarks about the reading glasses. I too have cheap reading glasses stashed all over the house because I never have been able to get used to bifocals.
Great post Anne!
I have always been an ‘attitude of gratitude” kind of gal and it serves me well now that I am old and practically housebound. Thinking of and appreciating what I have is an exercise that helps me.
Laughing is real important me to me. I have my “go to” books, movies and TV shows but I can also bring up a laugh by just remembering something funny. Not everyone can do that when they are sad, so I think it must be a gift.
But there are so many other simple things that add quality to my days. First cup of coffee in the morning. Prayer and meditation. Kitty rubbing her paws across my cheeks asking me to pet her. Now that the weather is getting better I enjoy sitting on my front porch, watching the birds and waving and chatting with my neighbors.
I had to laugh at your remarks about the reading glasses. I too have cheap reading glasses stashed all over the house because I never have been able to get used to bifocals.
Great post Anne!
I have always been an ‘attitude of gratitude” kind of gal and it serves me well now that I am old and practically housebound. Thinking of and appreciating what I have is an exercise that helps me.
Laughing is real important me to me. I have my “go to” books, movies and TV shows but I can also bring up a laugh by just remembering something funny. Not everyone can do that when they are sad, so I think it must be a gift.
But there are so many other simple things that add quality to my days. First cup of coffee in the morning. Prayer and meditation. Kitty rubbing her paws across my cheeks asking me to pet her. Now that the weather is getting better I enjoy sitting on my front porch, watching the birds and waving and chatting with my neighbors.
I had to laugh at your remarks about the reading glasses. I too have cheap reading glasses stashed all over the house because I never have been able to get used to bifocals.
Great post Anne!
I have always been an ‘attitude of gratitude” kind of gal and it serves me well now that I am old and practically housebound. Thinking of and appreciating what I have is an exercise that helps me.
Laughing is real important me to me. I have my “go to” books, movies and TV shows but I can also bring up a laugh by just remembering something funny. Not everyone can do that when they are sad, so I think it must be a gift.
But there are so many other simple things that add quality to my days. First cup of coffee in the morning. Prayer and meditation. Kitty rubbing her paws across my cheeks asking me to pet her. Now that the weather is getting better I enjoy sitting on my front porch, watching the birds and waving and chatting with my neighbors.
I had to laugh at your remarks about the reading glasses. I too have cheap reading glasses stashed all over the house because I never have been able to get used to bifocals.
Great post Anne!
I have always been an ‘attitude of gratitude” kind of gal and it serves me well now that I am old and practically housebound. Thinking of and appreciating what I have is an exercise that helps me.
Laughing is real important me to me. I have my “go to” books, movies and TV shows but I can also bring up a laugh by just remembering something funny. Not everyone can do that when they are sad, so I think it must be a gift.
But there are so many other simple things that add quality to my days. First cup of coffee in the morning. Prayer and meditation. Kitty rubbing her paws across my cheeks asking me to pet her. Now that the weather is getting better I enjoy sitting on my front porch, watching the birds and waving and chatting with my neighbors.
I had to laugh at your remarks about the reading glasses. I too have cheap reading glasses stashed all over the house because I never have been able to get used to bifocals.
Great post Anne!
Very relaxing music and images from YouTube channel, Tim Janus. It’s a live video that is ongoing, 24/7.
I like rituals of the sequence of normal experiences of my morning routine including Matcha Green tea and meditation.
Along with what has been mentioned, the familiar walks and running errands in my neighborhood also keep me sane and grounded.
Having a sweet after dinner is very welcome and adds to the comfort food.
Very relaxing music and images from YouTube channel, Tim Janus. It’s a live video that is ongoing, 24/7.
I like rituals of the sequence of normal experiences of my morning routine including Matcha Green tea and meditation.
Along with what has been mentioned, the familiar walks and running errands in my neighborhood also keep me sane and grounded.
Having a sweet after dinner is very welcome and adds to the comfort food.
Very relaxing music and images from YouTube channel, Tim Janus. It’s a live video that is ongoing, 24/7.
I like rituals of the sequence of normal experiences of my morning routine including Matcha Green tea and meditation.
Along with what has been mentioned, the familiar walks and running errands in my neighborhood also keep me sane and grounded.
Having a sweet after dinner is very welcome and adds to the comfort food.
Very relaxing music and images from YouTube channel, Tim Janus. It’s a live video that is ongoing, 24/7.
I like rituals of the sequence of normal experiences of my morning routine including Matcha Green tea and meditation.
Along with what has been mentioned, the familiar walks and running errands in my neighborhood also keep me sane and grounded.
Having a sweet after dinner is very welcome and adds to the comfort food.
Very relaxing music and images from YouTube channel, Tim Janus. It’s a live video that is ongoing, 24/7.
I like rituals of the sequence of normal experiences of my morning routine including Matcha Green tea and meditation.
Along with what has been mentioned, the familiar walks and running errands in my neighborhood also keep me sane and grounded.
Having a sweet after dinner is very welcome and adds to the comfort food.
I showed my husband the picture of the bowl of fruit and asked what he noticed. He said, “That’s our bowl!” And indeed it is.
You said, “Hey, I ate that 3pm chocolate!” I could say that, too. I could often add 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm as I do like my chocolate.
Thanks for a lovely post, Anne, and best wishes for your packing.
I showed my husband the picture of the bowl of fruit and asked what he noticed. He said, “That’s our bowl!” And indeed it is.
You said, “Hey, I ate that 3pm chocolate!” I could say that, too. I could often add 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm as I do like my chocolate.
Thanks for a lovely post, Anne, and best wishes for your packing.
I showed my husband the picture of the bowl of fruit and asked what he noticed. He said, “That’s our bowl!” And indeed it is.
You said, “Hey, I ate that 3pm chocolate!” I could say that, too. I could often add 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm as I do like my chocolate.
Thanks for a lovely post, Anne, and best wishes for your packing.
I showed my husband the picture of the bowl of fruit and asked what he noticed. He said, “That’s our bowl!” And indeed it is.
You said, “Hey, I ate that 3pm chocolate!” I could say that, too. I could often add 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm as I do like my chocolate.
Thanks for a lovely post, Anne, and best wishes for your packing.
I showed my husband the picture of the bowl of fruit and asked what he noticed. He said, “That’s our bowl!” And indeed it is.
You said, “Hey, I ate that 3pm chocolate!” I could say that, too. I could often add 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm as I do like my chocolate.
Thanks for a lovely post, Anne, and best wishes for your packing.
What a wonderful list of simple pleasures, Anne! (Except maybe the ironing. The flowers, the birds–I’ve had Australian bird songs running in the background for the last half hour. So happy!
What a wonderful list of simple pleasures, Anne! (Except maybe the ironing. The flowers, the birds–I’ve had Australian bird songs running in the background for the last half hour. So happy!
What a wonderful list of simple pleasures, Anne! (Except maybe the ironing. The flowers, the birds–I’ve had Australian bird songs running in the background for the last half hour. So happy!
What a wonderful list of simple pleasures, Anne! (Except maybe the ironing. The flowers, the birds–I’ve had Australian bird songs running in the background for the last half hour. So happy!
What a wonderful list of simple pleasures, Anne! (Except maybe the ironing. The flowers, the birds–I’ve had Australian bird songs running in the background for the last half hour. So happy!
Glad you enjoyed the post, Donna. Thank you for sharing your simple pleasures. I so agree with you about having a cat purring on your lap, or snuggled up beside you. Though a writer friend of mine often complains that it’s really difficult to type with a cat wedged in her armpit, or under her chin, as her cat insists is his rightful place.
And I got an unexpected brown paper parcel from a friend last week containing a lovely book. It made me resolve to use brown paper wrapping more often, instead of the pre-made parcel envelopes I generally use.
Glad you enjoyed the post, Donna. Thank you for sharing your simple pleasures. I so agree with you about having a cat purring on your lap, or snuggled up beside you. Though a writer friend of mine often complains that it’s really difficult to type with a cat wedged in her armpit, or under her chin, as her cat insists is his rightful place.
And I got an unexpected brown paper parcel from a friend last week containing a lovely book. It made me resolve to use brown paper wrapping more often, instead of the pre-made parcel envelopes I generally use.
Glad you enjoyed the post, Donna. Thank you for sharing your simple pleasures. I so agree with you about having a cat purring on your lap, or snuggled up beside you. Though a writer friend of mine often complains that it’s really difficult to type with a cat wedged in her armpit, or under her chin, as her cat insists is his rightful place.
And I got an unexpected brown paper parcel from a friend last week containing a lovely book. It made me resolve to use brown paper wrapping more often, instead of the pre-made parcel envelopes I generally use.
Glad you enjoyed the post, Donna. Thank you for sharing your simple pleasures. I so agree with you about having a cat purring on your lap, or snuggled up beside you. Though a writer friend of mine often complains that it’s really difficult to type with a cat wedged in her armpit, or under her chin, as her cat insists is his rightful place.
And I got an unexpected brown paper parcel from a friend last week containing a lovely book. It made me resolve to use brown paper wrapping more often, instead of the pre-made parcel envelopes I generally use.
Glad you enjoyed the post, Donna. Thank you for sharing your simple pleasures. I so agree with you about having a cat purring on your lap, or snuggled up beside you. Though a writer friend of mine often complains that it’s really difficult to type with a cat wedged in her armpit, or under her chin, as her cat insists is his rightful place.
And I got an unexpected brown paper parcel from a friend last week containing a lovely book. It made me resolve to use brown paper wrapping more often, instead of the pre-made parcel envelopes I generally use.
Thank you Mary. I love your ‘attitude of gratitude” — I think a daily reflection of things to be grateful for balances some of the awful things around us these days and helps to keep us content. Oh and I do agree with that first cup of coffee of the day. Such a small ritual and so enjoyable. I also laugh at memories, and odd thoughts, and I agree that if the ability to laugh like that is a gift, I’m very grateful for it. Though I do wonder sometimes what people would think if they heard me chuckling away with nobody else there. I suppose I could blame the dog.
Thank you Mary. I love your ‘attitude of gratitude” — I think a daily reflection of things to be grateful for balances some of the awful things around us these days and helps to keep us content. Oh and I do agree with that first cup of coffee of the day. Such a small ritual and so enjoyable. I also laugh at memories, and odd thoughts, and I agree that if the ability to laugh like that is a gift, I’m very grateful for it. Though I do wonder sometimes what people would think if they heard me chuckling away with nobody else there. I suppose I could blame the dog.
Thank you Mary. I love your ‘attitude of gratitude” — I think a daily reflection of things to be grateful for balances some of the awful things around us these days and helps to keep us content. Oh and I do agree with that first cup of coffee of the day. Such a small ritual and so enjoyable. I also laugh at memories, and odd thoughts, and I agree that if the ability to laugh like that is a gift, I’m very grateful for it. Though I do wonder sometimes what people would think if they heard me chuckling away with nobody else there. I suppose I could blame the dog.
Thank you Mary. I love your ‘attitude of gratitude” — I think a daily reflection of things to be grateful for balances some of the awful things around us these days and helps to keep us content. Oh and I do agree with that first cup of coffee of the day. Such a small ritual and so enjoyable. I also laugh at memories, and odd thoughts, and I agree that if the ability to laugh like that is a gift, I’m very grateful for it. Though I do wonder sometimes what people would think if they heard me chuckling away with nobody else there. I suppose I could blame the dog.
Thank you Mary. I love your ‘attitude of gratitude” — I think a daily reflection of things to be grateful for balances some of the awful things around us these days and helps to keep us content. Oh and I do agree with that first cup of coffee of the day. Such a small ritual and so enjoyable. I also laugh at memories, and odd thoughts, and I agree that if the ability to laugh like that is a gift, I’m very grateful for it. Though I do wonder sometimes what people would think if they heard me chuckling away with nobody else there. I suppose I could blame the dog.
I’ll check out that youtube channel, Patricia. And I agree that routines and small everyday rituals can give pleasure. Thanks for sharing your simple pleasures.
I’ll check out that youtube channel, Patricia. And I agree that routines and small everyday rituals can give pleasure. Thanks for sharing your simple pleasures.
I’ll check out that youtube channel, Patricia. And I agree that routines and small everyday rituals can give pleasure. Thanks for sharing your simple pleasures.
I’ll check out that youtube channel, Patricia. And I agree that routines and small everyday rituals can give pleasure. Thanks for sharing your simple pleasures.
I’ll check out that youtube channel, Patricia. And I agree that routines and small everyday rituals can give pleasure. Thanks for sharing your simple pleasures.
Hah! So our bowls are twins, Kareni. I love mine. And I admire your devotion to the eating of chocolate. Well done you!
Glad you enjoyed the post.
Hah! So our bowls are twins, Kareni. I love mine. And I admire your devotion to the eating of chocolate. Well done you!
Glad you enjoyed the post.
Hah! So our bowls are twins, Kareni. I love mine. And I admire your devotion to the eating of chocolate. Well done you!
Glad you enjoyed the post.
Hah! So our bowls are twins, Kareni. I love mine. And I admire your devotion to the eating of chocolate. Well done you!
Glad you enjoyed the post.
Hah! So our bowls are twins, Kareni. I love mine. And I admire your devotion to the eating of chocolate. Well done you!
Glad you enjoyed the post.
Yes, Mary Jo, there’s a reason I no longer do the ironing. And I’m so glad you enjoyed that soundtrack of the Australian bush dawn chorus. I love it. Takes me right out of the city.
Yes, Mary Jo, there’s a reason I no longer do the ironing. And I’m so glad you enjoyed that soundtrack of the Australian bush dawn chorus. I love it. Takes me right out of the city.
Yes, Mary Jo, there’s a reason I no longer do the ironing. And I’m so glad you enjoyed that soundtrack of the Australian bush dawn chorus. I love it. Takes me right out of the city.
Yes, Mary Jo, there’s a reason I no longer do the ironing. And I’m so glad you enjoyed that soundtrack of the Australian bush dawn chorus. I love it. Takes me right out of the city.
Yes, Mary Jo, there’s a reason I no longer do the ironing. And I’m so glad you enjoyed that soundtrack of the Australian bush dawn chorus. I love it. Takes me right out of the city.
👍(Big thumbs up, in case the emoji doesn’t show up.)
I’m with Mary T., gratitude is everything. I’m glad that I so often think of small, happy memories. When a negative one comes up, I give a tiny whimper to acknowledge it and think again, inevitably of something more positive. When I can, I grab my (not always cooperative) Siamese cat, Sammy, and let him purr over my heart for a bit. That’s bliss.
👍(Big thumbs up, in case the emoji doesn’t show up.)
I’m with Mary T., gratitude is everything. I’m glad that I so often think of small, happy memories. When a negative one comes up, I give a tiny whimper to acknowledge it and think again, inevitably of something more positive. When I can, I grab my (not always cooperative) Siamese cat, Sammy, and let him purr over my heart for a bit. That’s bliss.
👍(Big thumbs up, in case the emoji doesn’t show up.)
I’m with Mary T., gratitude is everything. I’m glad that I so often think of small, happy memories. When a negative one comes up, I give a tiny whimper to acknowledge it and think again, inevitably of something more positive. When I can, I grab my (not always cooperative) Siamese cat, Sammy, and let him purr over my heart for a bit. That’s bliss.
👍(Big thumbs up, in case the emoji doesn’t show up.)
I’m with Mary T., gratitude is everything. I’m glad that I so often think of small, happy memories. When a negative one comes up, I give a tiny whimper to acknowledge it and think again, inevitably of something more positive. When I can, I grab my (not always cooperative) Siamese cat, Sammy, and let him purr over my heart for a bit. That’s bliss.
👍(Big thumbs up, in case the emoji doesn’t show up.)
I’m with Mary T., gratitude is everything. I’m glad that I so often think of small, happy memories. When a negative one comes up, I give a tiny whimper to acknowledge it and think again, inevitably of something more positive. When I can, I grab my (not always cooperative) Siamese cat, Sammy, and let him purr over my heart for a bit. That’s bliss.
Lovely post, Anne, and I agree with so many of your choices! Eating chocolate, not a hardship, that’s for sure, but all the others too. You’re right that we need to stop and appreciate the simple things.
Lovely post, Anne, and I agree with so many of your choices! Eating chocolate, not a hardship, that’s for sure, but all the others too. You’re right that we need to stop and appreciate the simple things.
Lovely post, Anne, and I agree with so many of your choices! Eating chocolate, not a hardship, that’s for sure, but all the others too. You’re right that we need to stop and appreciate the simple things.
Lovely post, Anne, and I agree with so many of your choices! Eating chocolate, not a hardship, that’s for sure, but all the others too. You’re right that we need to stop and appreciate the simple things.
Lovely post, Anne, and I agree with so many of your choices! Eating chocolate, not a hardship, that’s for sure, but all the others too. You’re right that we need to stop and appreciate the simple things.
I just saw the channel, and it’s Tim Janis. I wanted to give you the correct spelling. Thanks, Pat
I just saw the channel, and it’s Tim Janis. I wanted to give you the correct spelling. Thanks, Pat
I just saw the channel, and it’s Tim Janis. I wanted to give you the correct spelling. Thanks, Pat
I just saw the channel, and it’s Tim Janis. I wanted to give you the correct spelling. Thanks, Pat
I just saw the channel, and it’s Tim Janis. I wanted to give you the correct spelling. Thanks, Pat
I love this post and the pictures. You mention things which cheer me. I write a “thank you, God” note every night before I sleep.
I have allergies to everything, so, no open windows for me. But, I do go out on the patio and take care of my plants.
Our doves have returned from Mexico, and their sweet sound adds a great deal to the day.
I have recently discovered a Parisian music station. I do not speak French, I do not recognize most of the artists, and much of the music is unfamiliar. I love it. It is a thing that gives me joy.
My dog is an animal that is nothing like what I ever expected to have. But, he is perfect for me. And who could not love a dog who waddles? Pekes are not like any other dog. But, he is mine and I tell him I love him.
My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.
Hope everyone is happy.
I love this post and the pictures. You mention things which cheer me. I write a “thank you, God” note every night before I sleep.
I have allergies to everything, so, no open windows for me. But, I do go out on the patio and take care of my plants.
Our doves have returned from Mexico, and their sweet sound adds a great deal to the day.
I have recently discovered a Parisian music station. I do not speak French, I do not recognize most of the artists, and much of the music is unfamiliar. I love it. It is a thing that gives me joy.
My dog is an animal that is nothing like what I ever expected to have. But, he is perfect for me. And who could not love a dog who waddles? Pekes are not like any other dog. But, he is mine and I tell him I love him.
My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.
Hope everyone is happy.
I love this post and the pictures. You mention things which cheer me. I write a “thank you, God” note every night before I sleep.
I have allergies to everything, so, no open windows for me. But, I do go out on the patio and take care of my plants.
Our doves have returned from Mexico, and their sweet sound adds a great deal to the day.
I have recently discovered a Parisian music station. I do not speak French, I do not recognize most of the artists, and much of the music is unfamiliar. I love it. It is a thing that gives me joy.
My dog is an animal that is nothing like what I ever expected to have. But, he is perfect for me. And who could not love a dog who waddles? Pekes are not like any other dog. But, he is mine and I tell him I love him.
My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.
Hope everyone is happy.
I love this post and the pictures. You mention things which cheer me. I write a “thank you, God” note every night before I sleep.
I have allergies to everything, so, no open windows for me. But, I do go out on the patio and take care of my plants.
Our doves have returned from Mexico, and their sweet sound adds a great deal to the day.
I have recently discovered a Parisian music station. I do not speak French, I do not recognize most of the artists, and much of the music is unfamiliar. I love it. It is a thing that gives me joy.
My dog is an animal that is nothing like what I ever expected to have. But, he is perfect for me. And who could not love a dog who waddles? Pekes are not like any other dog. But, he is mine and I tell him I love him.
My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.
Hope everyone is happy.
I love this post and the pictures. You mention things which cheer me. I write a “thank you, God” note every night before I sleep.
I have allergies to everything, so, no open windows for me. But, I do go out on the patio and take care of my plants.
Our doves have returned from Mexico, and their sweet sound adds a great deal to the day.
I have recently discovered a Parisian music station. I do not speak French, I do not recognize most of the artists, and much of the music is unfamiliar. I love it. It is a thing that gives me joy.
My dog is an animal that is nothing like what I ever expected to have. But, he is perfect for me. And who could not love a dog who waddles? Pekes are not like any other dog. But, he is mine and I tell him I love him.
My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.
Hope everyone is happy.
Anne, thank you for this post along with the lovely photos. Simple Pleasures are a treat for me now. I am retired and a widow but living alone has not been too hard as I have many little things that bring me joy each day. I like most of the pleasures you mentioned. For me springtime walks in the woods to see the emerging flowers and leaves, hearing the birds chirping and finding nesting sites. I seek out the hidden birds and thrill when I spot the owls watching me. I love sitting outside on a sunny day, to read a good book. I love phone calls, letters from my family and many friends around the world. Music is another joy in my daily life, and I sing or hum along with it.
Wishing everyone many simple pleasures every day.
Anne, thank you for this post along with the lovely photos. Simple Pleasures are a treat for me now. I am retired and a widow but living alone has not been too hard as I have many little things that bring me joy each day. I like most of the pleasures you mentioned. For me springtime walks in the woods to see the emerging flowers and leaves, hearing the birds chirping and finding nesting sites. I seek out the hidden birds and thrill when I spot the owls watching me. I love sitting outside on a sunny day, to read a good book. I love phone calls, letters from my family and many friends around the world. Music is another joy in my daily life, and I sing or hum along with it.
Wishing everyone many simple pleasures every day.
Anne, thank you for this post along with the lovely photos. Simple Pleasures are a treat for me now. I am retired and a widow but living alone has not been too hard as I have many little things that bring me joy each day. I like most of the pleasures you mentioned. For me springtime walks in the woods to see the emerging flowers and leaves, hearing the birds chirping and finding nesting sites. I seek out the hidden birds and thrill when I spot the owls watching me. I love sitting outside on a sunny day, to read a good book. I love phone calls, letters from my family and many friends around the world. Music is another joy in my daily life, and I sing or hum along with it.
Wishing everyone many simple pleasures every day.
Anne, thank you for this post along with the lovely photos. Simple Pleasures are a treat for me now. I am retired and a widow but living alone has not been too hard as I have many little things that bring me joy each day. I like most of the pleasures you mentioned. For me springtime walks in the woods to see the emerging flowers and leaves, hearing the birds chirping and finding nesting sites. I seek out the hidden birds and thrill when I spot the owls watching me. I love sitting outside on a sunny day, to read a good book. I love phone calls, letters from my family and many friends around the world. Music is another joy in my daily life, and I sing or hum along with it.
Wishing everyone many simple pleasures every day.
Anne, thank you for this post along with the lovely photos. Simple Pleasures are a treat for me now. I am retired and a widow but living alone has not been too hard as I have many little things that bring me joy each day. I like most of the pleasures you mentioned. For me springtime walks in the woods to see the emerging flowers and leaves, hearing the birds chirping and finding nesting sites. I seek out the hidden birds and thrill when I spot the owls watching me. I love sitting outside on a sunny day, to read a good book. I love phone calls, letters from my family and many friends around the world. Music is another joy in my daily life, and I sing or hum along with it.
Wishing everyone many simple pleasures every day.
“My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.”
What a great line, Annette!
I’m going to print and frame that, and hang it where I’ll see it every day.
“My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.”
What a great line, Annette!
I’m going to print and frame that, and hang it where I’ll see it every day.
“My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.”
What a great line, Annette!
I’m going to print and frame that, and hang it where I’ll see it every day.
“My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.”
What a great line, Annette!
I’m going to print and frame that, and hang it where I’ll see it every day.
“My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.”
What a great line, Annette!
I’m going to print and frame that, and hang it where I’ll see it every day.
Thanks for that, Pat.
Thanks for that, Pat.
Thanks for that, Pat.
Thanks for that, Pat.
Thanks for that, Pat.
Mary, that’s a lovely way to banish gloomy thoughts. And I’m impressed with your emoiji skills — I have none.
Mary, that’s a lovely way to banish gloomy thoughts. And I’m impressed with your emoiji skills — I have none.
Mary, that’s a lovely way to banish gloomy thoughts. And I’m impressed with your emoiji skills — I have none.
Mary, that’s a lovely way to banish gloomy thoughts. And I’m impressed with your emoiji skills — I have none.
Mary, that’s a lovely way to banish gloomy thoughts. And I’m impressed with your emoiji skills — I have none.
Thanks Christina. It’s remembering to stop and “smell the roses” that’s the tricky part.
Thanks Christina. It’s remembering to stop and “smell the roses” that’s the tricky part.
Thanks Christina. It’s remembering to stop and “smell the roses” that’s the tricky part.
Thanks Christina. It’s remembering to stop and “smell the roses” that’s the tricky part.
Thanks Christina. It’s remembering to stop and “smell the roses” that’s the tricky part.
I also love this, Annette — “My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.”
As for your Parisian music, I think there is something special about listening to music and not understanding the words. Sometimes I write with ancient music playing in the background, and the words are in Latin, so I don’t get distracted. I can’t write to music with words I understand — I always end up singing along. And I have a smattering of schoolgirl French, and I know if I tried listening to your station, I’d try to work out the words.Just like I do with French movies and TV shows.
I also love this, Annette — “My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.”
As for your Parisian music, I think there is something special about listening to music and not understanding the words. Sometimes I write with ancient music playing in the background, and the words are in Latin, so I don’t get distracted. I can’t write to music with words I understand — I always end up singing along. And I have a smattering of schoolgirl French, and I know if I tried listening to your station, I’d try to work out the words.Just like I do with French movies and TV shows.
I also love this, Annette — “My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.”
As for your Parisian music, I think there is something special about listening to music and not understanding the words. Sometimes I write with ancient music playing in the background, and the words are in Latin, so I don’t get distracted. I can’t write to music with words I understand — I always end up singing along. And I have a smattering of schoolgirl French, and I know if I tried listening to your station, I’d try to work out the words.Just like I do with French movies and TV shows.
I also love this, Annette — “My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.”
As for your Parisian music, I think there is something special about listening to music and not understanding the words. Sometimes I write with ancient music playing in the background, and the words are in Latin, so I don’t get distracted. I can’t write to music with words I understand — I always end up singing along. And I have a smattering of schoolgirl French, and I know if I tried listening to your station, I’d try to work out the words.Just like I do with French movies and TV shows.
I also love this, Annette — “My life is not what I expected at all, but it is my very own.”
As for your Parisian music, I think there is something special about listening to music and not understanding the words. Sometimes I write with ancient music playing in the background, and the words are in Latin, so I don’t get distracted. I can’t write to music with words I understand — I always end up singing along. And I have a smattering of schoolgirl French, and I know if I tried listening to your station, I’d try to work out the words.Just like I do with French movies and TV shows.
Glad you enjoyed the post, Margot. I smiled at your owls. I’m not close to any woods, but there are some lovely wild-ish parks not far away. But a block away from my house there’s a street that has been turned into a park, and planted with native trees, and they’re now well grown and filled with birds. I’ve often seen a family of tawny frogmouths sitting in a tree – mother, father and baby in between. They’re not pretty birds, and look like a scruffy clump of bark, but I love them. https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/our-priorities/wildlife/wildlife-stories/our-top-10-favourite-aussie-birds/
Glad you enjoyed the post, Margot. I smiled at your owls. I’m not close to any woods, but there are some lovely wild-ish parks not far away. But a block away from my house there’s a street that has been turned into a park, and planted with native trees, and they’re now well grown and filled with birds. I’ve often seen a family of tawny frogmouths sitting in a tree – mother, father and baby in between. They’re not pretty birds, and look like a scruffy clump of bark, but I love them. https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/our-priorities/wildlife/wildlife-stories/our-top-10-favourite-aussie-birds/
Glad you enjoyed the post, Margot. I smiled at your owls. I’m not close to any woods, but there are some lovely wild-ish parks not far away. But a block away from my house there’s a street that has been turned into a park, and planted with native trees, and they’re now well grown and filled with birds. I’ve often seen a family of tawny frogmouths sitting in a tree – mother, father and baby in between. They’re not pretty birds, and look like a scruffy clump of bark, but I love them. https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/our-priorities/wildlife/wildlife-stories/our-top-10-favourite-aussie-birds/
Glad you enjoyed the post, Margot. I smiled at your owls. I’m not close to any woods, but there are some lovely wild-ish parks not far away. But a block away from my house there’s a street that has been turned into a park, and planted with native trees, and they’re now well grown and filled with birds. I’ve often seen a family of tawny frogmouths sitting in a tree – mother, father and baby in between. They’re not pretty birds, and look like a scruffy clump of bark, but I love them. https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/our-priorities/wildlife/wildlife-stories/our-top-10-favourite-aussie-birds/
Glad you enjoyed the post, Margot. I smiled at your owls. I’m not close to any woods, but there are some lovely wild-ish parks not far away. But a block away from my house there’s a street that has been turned into a park, and planted with native trees, and they’re now well grown and filled with birds. I’ve often seen a family of tawny frogmouths sitting in a tree – mother, father and baby in between. They’re not pretty birds, and look like a scruffy clump of bark, but I love them. https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/our-priorities/wildlife/wildlife-stories/our-top-10-favourite-aussie-birds/
Great idea, Mary. I love the way this blog is a community.
Great idea, Mary. I love the way this blog is a community.
Great idea, Mary. I love the way this blog is a community.
Great idea, Mary. I love the way this blog is a community.
Great idea, Mary. I love the way this blog is a community.