Little Thoughts Big Joy

Why does the bird's song make you smile?  Why does the rain make you pause and be still?  Why do the majestic snow covered mountains take your breath away?  Why?

Why do movies about love make you cry?  Why does a baby kitten make you talk in a little kid voice?  Why does the smell of flowers make you close your eyes?  Why?

Why do we get excited to have a letter address to us in the mail?  Why do we tap our toes to the music? Why does seeing a child eat an ice cream cone make us laugh?  Why?

When we add up all the little things that happen in our daily lives, we find meaning.  Are the little things really the big things?  It's something I've been thinking about lately.  Joy comes to us in so many ways and most of them are given to us in tiny gestures by friends, a thoughtful word by a family member or a text from a loved one just when you needed a smile.    

In the little moments of listening to the bird sing his melody, watching the kitten chase the red yarn across the stair, or the breathing in the aromatic smell of roses, it's in these little moments that joy emerges for us.  Embrace that moment for what it is and remember that all the little things eventually add up to a big thing and give us meaning and connect us in so many ways.

Just thinking today about all the little joys that come in and out of my day and how they deserve to be held for a moment and appreciated.   

Pause today during the little things and smile that they are there for you.

I've Been A Little Hesitant...

A few months ago I started a photography site so I would have a place to post and share my photos. The only thing is, I didn't really share it with too many people. Well, today,  I've decided to share.  I hope you will enjoy browsing through some of my photographs as I continue to learn how to use my camera.  Yes, I actually am learning how to use the "M" mode on my camera.  Scary yes, but am slowly learning and enjoying the process of being in "manual". Thanks for stopping by again.  I so appreciate you being here.

You can visit my new photography site by clicking here...

http://onephotoatatime.weebly.com/

Here is a photo I took today of my sweet kitten, Nela.  I took this right before the bluejay flew inches past her nose.  She hasn't left my side since and is currently in my lap as I type this.  I think it was a signal (or a dive bomb attempt) for her to give him his space. Well, Mr. Bluejay, she got the message and is still scared of you.  One point for the bird.

You Are Not Alone.

When the stuff overtakes your morning...

When the right sized socks can't be found for the ten pair that don't fit...

 

When you step on the computer charger...

When the laundry baskets of clean clothes need to be folded...

When the trash is overflowing in the bathroom...

When the cat box needs to be emptied and you just keep forgetting...

When the books you want to read keep piling up...

When the warm breeze is perfect, but the windows are dirty...

Remember...

You are not alone in your day.....

Let the Countdown Begin...

It's May 10th.  It is the 130th day of the year. (Don't you love Google?)  

One hundred thirty days have come and gone this year and summer (if the weather ever decides to make up its mind) is going to be here in all its hot glory before we know it.  I'm not a summer girl, never have been, but do enjoy having a lighter schedule and freedom to head to the movies during the day or to the mountains for a hike before the rain hits in the late afternoon.   

Our summers seem so short, but we have 86 days to fill with some soccer camps, hiking, fishing, baseball, scout camp, camping, friends over, bon fires, sleeping in, and a vacation in there somewhere.  By the time we get into the grove of summer, we'll be off and shopping for new school clothes it seems.

This summer I want to slow down and enjoy each day as it comes and be more open to letting things just unfold throughout the day.  This is hard for a type A personality and control freak, mind you, but it is a goal (and so it gutting the boys' bedroom closets and dressers, but I'll keep that a secret for now).

As the countdown to the end of the school year begins, I hope you have plans for some iced tea or strawberry lemonade on the deck or front porch.  I hope you have plans to read your favorite novel again and plans to breathe in the warm air as the sun sets over your favorite spot, because before you know it, it will be time to put up the holiday decorations and shovel the driveway.  (For those of you wondering, you only have 228 shopping days left.)