This post is a mashup of The Little Bliss List and Joy Jam, and as such is meant to celebrate: the little things that brought me hope and happiness this week, the sweet stuff of life, those small gifts that brought me joy this week. By sharing them, I not only make public my gratitude, but maybe also help you notice your own good stuff and send some positive energy out into the world.
1. Amazing women. Judy for her big love, Julia for her broken heart, Jessica for her brilliant wisdom, Sherry for her kindness, Chloe’ for her generosity, Amy for her tireless charity, Tina for her grief, Andrea for her vibrant vision, Susannah for her trailblazing, Erica for her quiet, Rachel for her well-fed wisdom, Hannah for her gentle effort, Susan for her tenderhearted warriorship, Patti for her strong offerings, Stephanie for her noticing…I could go on and on.
2. My aunt’s fabric art. I received two more of her pieces recently, one from her and one from my mom. I absolutely cherish each one, feel as if I am the caretaker of a precious collection, am inspired by them to do my own creative work and feel love radiating from each one, every design, every color, every stitch.
3. Some time alone. Eric took the dogs to Lory State Park this morning, giving me about three hours of unscheduled, unplanned, and oh so spacious time alone. I need this, even more often than I’m able to get it. As a highly sensitive person, an introvert, the constant noise and presence of other beings is sometimes hard for me, to always have a radio on in the background, to sometimes have multiple noises happening at once especially if I am attempting to focus on something else, to have the constant need of another to consider, can be distracting, overwhelming, and irritating…and yet, when I’m alone, the quiet can sometimes be too much.
4. Fall Break. I only had to work one day after all, and even though I’d like a whole year off (forever?) from my current paid work, this time was such a good thing–sleeping in some days, not doing too much, extra time with Dexter, a focus and mindfulness that’s difficult when I am otherwise so busy.
5. Apple pie oatmeal. The recipe is simple, make a normal serving of oatmeal and add a few spoonfuls of apple pie. Yum!
Bonus Joy: another week with Dexter.
big d with his little d
Last night, Dexter and I played with his baby monkey until he fell asleep. Then I sat with him, his front feet pressed against my leg, the heat of his body warming me, the sound of his breath, the sound of our breath together, in and out, in and out. It was the purest of moments, sweet and quiet and joyful. The only reminders of his cancer were his runny eye and my sadness.
Open Space Practice, (AKA: A Thousand Shades of Gray) 