Small and Wonderful things . . .

  

"The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside from a generous hand. But who gets excited by a mere penny?...It is dire poverty indeed when a man is so malnourished and fatigued that he won't stoop to pick up a penny. But if you cultivate a healthy poverty and simplicity, so that finding a penny will literally make your day, then, since the world is in fact planted with pennies, you have with your poverty bought a lifetime of days. It is that simple. what you see is what you get." ~Anne Dillard

A few of the small and wonderful things which bring untold joy into my life. It's the small things in life which truly mean the most. Simple abundance . . . it's the best.

Impromptu visits and getting together with friends.   We had several impromptu visits last week that really cheered us up and spending time with friends always cheer our hearts.  Although none of it was planned, that didn't matter.   I welcomed the breaks and the company.  Time spent with people you love is never wasted.  No matter what you get up to.

“We need to build and strengthen one another. 

We must never lose sight of the fact that we are to 

"succor the weak, 

lift up the hands which hang down, 

and strengthen the feeble knees." 

~Gordon B Hinckley

Getting stuck into a good book.  After having gone through a barren desert as far as my reading goes, I suddenly find myself getting stuck into not one, not two . . .  but three good books.   I am reading Susan Branch's "Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams" again for the third time (always a charmer), The Continuous Atonement by Brad Wilcox (I cry on every page), and Abide With Me, by Elizabeth Stout.  You cannot beat the company of a good book.

“Good books are as friends, 

willing to give to us if we are willing to make a little effort.” 

~Gordon B Hinckley

Loving and being loved.  It is nice to be with someone who really loves me and who I really love.  Elderly love is not the same as young love.  Well, I guess it is in some ways, but then it is completely different and better in others.  Love is great full stop.  Everyone needs to feel loved and to love back. 

“Love is the very essence of life. It is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Yet it is not found only at the end of the rainbow. Love is at the beginning also, and from it springs the beauty that arched across the sky on a stormy day. Love is the security for which children weep, the yearning of youth, the adhesive that binds marriage, and the lubricant that prevents devastating friction in the home; it is the peace of old age, the sunlight of hope shining through death. How rich are those who enjoy it in their associations with family, friends, and neighbors! Love, like faith, is a gift of God. It is also the most enduring and most powerful virtue.” 

~Gordon B Hinckley

 

Being able to let your hair down and just let go every now and then.  Dance like nobody is watching.  Sing like nobody is listening.  Laugh, cry and everything in between.  Having space and time to just be . . .  whatever it is you feel like being, and do whatever it is you feel like doing, with abandon!

"Through all of living,

have much joy and laughter.

Life is to be enjoyed,

not just endured."

~Gordon B Hinckley

Having someone in your life who makes you feel beautiful, inside and out.

“There are four pillars to a happy marriage: 

respect one another as individuals;

 (give) soft answers; (practice)financial honesty; 

(conduct) family prayer.” 

~Gordon B Hinckley

Gentle exercise.   Yoga.  Tai Chi.  Stretching what needs to be stretched and limbering up what needs to be limbered up.  Its a good thing.

"You cannot plough a field

simply by turning it over in your mind."

~Gordon B Hinckley

Inspiring others and being inspired by others.   Having a "Can Do" attitude.  (Or should I have said "Cattitude?")  Sorry, couldn't resist.

“Being humble means recognizing 

that we are not on earth to see how important we can become, 

but to see how much difference 

we can make in the lives of others” 

~Gordon B Hinckley

Having a smile on your face and a song in your heart.  Being able to smile and help others to smile.  Just being happy.  I love all of these things.   It has always made me happy to be able to help make others feel happy, to bring joy to others.

“Go forward in life with 
a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, 
but with great purpose in heart.”
 ~Gordon B Hinkley

Getting a good night's sleep.  Oh, it feels so good.  And . . .  pink.   I love pink paws, noses, etc.  Sigh . . .

"Look for sunlight

through the clouds."

~Gordon B Hinckley 

Knowing I am not alone and will never be alone.  That knowledge can never be under-estimated.

“Let us never forget to pray. God lives. He is near.

 He is real. He is not only aware of us but cares for us. 

He is our Father. He is accessible to all who will seek Him.”

 ~Gordon B Hinckley 

 And Finally

“Let us be happy people.

 The Lord's plan is a plan of happiness. 

The way will be lighter, the worries will be fewer, 

the confrontations will be less difficult

 if we cultivate a spirit of happiness.” 

~Gordon B Hinckley  

 

Cooking in The English Kitchen today  . . .  Turkey Hash.  It's quite simply divine.

Have a wonderful Monday.  I hope your week ahead is filled with a multitude of small and wonderful things.  Along the way never forget . . .


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And I do too!