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.

 

These two. I love that even though she no longer lives with us, Ariana is a part of our lives and that means that Grace and yes, Jose are too. I love that they only live around the corner from us, and that they don't  mind spending time with us. It means the world to me.  

  

Super Heroes and Cow Girls. Grateful that my daughter shares Halloween pictures and that I can see them. 

 

Cute little pumpkin carvers.  That pumpkin also looks pretty amazing. I think he might have had help.  

  

She looks like she has oodles of personality.  Wish I knew these grandchildren of mine better. She has the Villeneuve bum-chin.  My dad loves that this trait of his is carried on down through the generations. 

 

Speaking of my dad. We got to facetime the other day and it was great.  I don't speak a lot about my dad on here, but I love my dad very much. He means the world to me.  We share a lot of common personalty traits I think.  He has a great sense of humour (so does my mum) and he doesn't let too much bother him. He's pretty easy-going. He loves to laugh and to read. He's kind and intelligent, and a huge part of who I am. 

 

My sisters latest piece.  I don't know what medium she used, possibly acrylic?  I think she is just so very talented.  Love her to bits.  I miss the closeness we used to have.  A part of that is that we just live so far away from each other now.  Our view points may differ in many areas, like our tastes in music for instance . . .  but we also have a lot in common.  Most important of all we love each other and share a history together that we share with no other person on earth.  Its a sister thing  . . . 

  

The opportunity I have to begin each week by partaking of the sacrament at church and renew my Baptismal Covenants to take His name upon me and always remember Him.  Its like being washed clean every week.  Given the opportunity to do and be better.  Yesterday there was also a baby blessing at church. I love baby blessings.  

 

In the Church of Jesus Christ we don't do Christenings or Baptisms of Infants.  Instead we have baby blessings. The father of a child and worthy Priesthood holders in the family bring the child to the front of the congretation and togther hold the baby in their arms while the father gives the child a name and pronounces a blessing upon them.  Its a pretty special occasion.  I love listening to the blessings these fathers give their children.  It is kind of bittersweet for me.  They are beautiful but as I am listening to them, I can't help but think about my own children having missed out on such a beautiful thing.

  

My weekly calls with my mother and hearing those last few words when she says, I love you too.  I miss my mom. 

 

The new discussion based lesson format that we have in Relief Society, where we get to participate as a group and each of us have input into the discussion.  I get a lot out of these discussions.  Its nice to hear other sister's viewpoints on things and to share together.  It can be a bit daunting to lead such a discussion because you need to be able to ask questions that get the sisters thinking and talking.  Yesterday we had a brilliant lesson.  Next Sunday Ariana is teaching and then the Sunday after that it is my turn again.  I love also that we have Sisters of all ages participating in this sharing of ideas. That keeps RS fresh and enjoyable.  

I think for the most part that I have a very good life.  Sure there are things I would change if I could change them, but I try not to dwell on those.  Making the most of what you have been given is the key to a happy life.  Blooming where you are planted.  Its a good thing.

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *People will throw 

stones at you.

Don't throw them back.

Collect them all,

and build an empire.

~Unknown 

•。★★ 。* 。 

 

In the English Kitchen today  . . .  Bacon & Egg McMuffin Casserole.  Deliciously different. Simple, quick and easy also.  We loved this! 

I hope the week ahead for you  is filled with lots of small and simple things!  Don't forget!

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And I do too!