What does it for you, what brings you either or both of these gifts? It's the small stuff for me. Never the large.
I watch my African violets carefully for signs of buds. I get an unbelievable amount of joy from these tiny pleasures.
I don't think of the vast gardens of my past, I concentrate on the now of my life. What is one thing I can do today that will bring me joy?
Often I look through old knitting designs I created and work out something new, something to give away, something someone would like.
Othertimes, my energy is depleted. I never take a good energy day for granted as it fluctuates, as does the pain. Poor energy and I roll with it.
I take joy from a good coffee bean like this one, which is locally roasted and just how I like it.
I read, I learn. I write. I ponder the news, which isn't that great lately is it? I honestly feel that the planet, or Gaia, is on its last legs, howling in pain as us humans destroy it.
I stare at the dichotomy of all those unfortunate emigrants, leaving desperation, at the mercy of traffickers, drowning off an overloaded wreck of a boat, 750 crammed on board, women and children abandoned to the harsh sea and dying and those millionaires in their submersible getting all the news coverage. Was it ever thus?
I look to what inspires me. The diligent crows outside my window feeding their young. Sensing when I arrive with little tidbits for them. Just about tame as they land not too far from my feet. They know me.
I look at the bravery of some in my building, who are challenged in many ways but still get out of bed and get their exercise every day in the gyms we are blessed with or walk the halls like I do. I appreciate this building I live in for many reasons, not least of it in that I can see the ocean and the nearby lake and so many trees outside. And it's so quiet it's easy to climb into my thoughts and jot them down as I roll through my day.
Staying where my hands are, knowing how safe we are here on this island off the edge of Canada surrounded by breathtaking seascapes which inspire me every single day.
Sounds good. I am looking. Do you have to pay extra for "amenities" such as the gym? I have to confess I don't know why you have gone into such a place. I resist. You are independent. You still cook (a bit?) you still drive. You have family help, occasionally. I'm probably lucky that I cannot afford those places. My whole pre tax income is under what they charge. As I said, I am looking. Shocked to find one well known brand charges the same in Regina, Calgary Toronto as Nfld. It seems to me unfair. Shouldn't it be lower for lower cost of living in other places?
ReplyDeleteI realize the house couldn't come with you. :/. What do you hear about that? Does it have new happy owners. Emma
Where I live is income based Emma and sprawls over a large expanse of ground. Just two floors, laundry included, a gym on each floor and two libraries, vast beautiful gardens, even vegetables. I was on a waiting list for years after I had my bad fall and was lucky enough to know a tenant living there who recommended me. I cook all my meals and freeze several at a time. And I still work on line which supplements my fixed pension. The rent is laughably low. I feel extremely fortunate.
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Sounds much nicer than income based here. Anyway, in answer to your question: running through the bush.
DeleteThe little things are huge in my world. And serve as a kind of antidote to the big things which I cannot change.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love your views.
Thank you EC,I know we share the same philosophies of life. And it's always the tiny things. And noticing them.
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It's easy to take our safety for granted when we live in a stable and peaceful country. Unfortunately as you say there are many people around the world fleeing violent and chaotic countries and risking their lives to get somewhere safer.
ReplyDelete(I left a comment on your previous post but it seems to have disappeared)
I'll check it out Nick, Your comments are always appreciated. The emigrants on the move break my heart, the clothes on their backs and their last pennies used to pay these traffickers (who are desperate themselves, no doubt). I see the EU has asked the billionaires of the world to start shelling out for those less advantaged. Billionaires are an obscenity on the face of this earth.
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"Hey, you lot. You can swim can't you? You'll be fine." Never mind the massive expenditure on finding this submarine by your country and that one below you.
ReplyDeleteWatching birds doing what birds do is very therapeutic in my view, unless it is a butcher bird.
I like to think even if humans are wiped out, other animal life will go on.
Also noted was that not one single woman or child survived. But many men did. Heartbreaking. I wonder what the final tally will be on the billionaire air, land and ship attempted rescue? Millions and millions. While the Greek coast guards are complicit in steaming off into the sunset without a backward glance.
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I agree. I can't end the war in Ukraine, or end world hunger but I can feed the birds that come into our garden. I can be happy trimming flowers, pulling weeds and ridiculously excited to see the tiny tomato plants we planted a few months ago, climbing skywards, and generously showering us with delicious ';jewels' for our salads and for sharing with neighbors. I'm grateful for the trees all around us, for the writers who write the books that expand my horizons and take me to places I'll never physically visit. There's so much discontent in the world that we forget how much there is to be thankful for - and, mostly, it's the little things. Sounds like you're in a lovely place, not least because you can see the sea!
ReplyDeleteYes, Books Molly, I don't know what I would do without them even though my sight is not great, I am so grateful I can still see and got my DL renewed. the growth of the tiny things and the birds excite me beyond measure and now Daughter has whales in front of her house.
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The "little" things in my life right now are the twins and I visited them again today, but had to say I won't be going too often in the coming couple of months, it is far too cold for me to be waiting at bus stops and train stations, but I will go if the day is set to be sunny. I love your views. I'm maybe being a bit unkind, but I'm of the opinion that little craft should NOT have gone down to the Titanic, they had no spare oxygen tanks, barely enough room for the passengers and they must have known that rescue would be extremely difficult.
ReplyDeleteAh yes your glorious twins River, what a gift in your life. These life-riskers don't think of the risks involved, it's all about the thrills and contrasting them (in my mind) with what happened in Greece is obscene in our management of people's lives. Especially of the poorest and most disadvantaged of us. No rescue for them. I can't bear thinking about those frightened wee children.
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River take a cab: isn't it worth it? I do to visit my "twins". Never thought I'd have to and they aren't perfect (a long multicultural story) but it's manageable. Give up whatever you must in order to reach your twins. Emma
DeleteA new finding: a pregnant woman dead and alone in a small boat. Also, over a dozen women died when they took a trip to a casino??? (this is called an outing in Canada) and their lightly trained bus driver in his substandard bus drove head on into a semi who had the right of way. But hey! The seniors were getting out, arranged by a highly funded seniors centre to spend their tiny pensions at a place owned by other billionaires: women and children.Both stories taking back seat to the really important news of the day: the billionaires. Males. Emma
DeleteEmma, others make their own choices and spend their money as they desire or need or want.
DeleteI was devastated about the busload of seniors as this these little outings happen everywhere and casinos can be a huge part of seniors' lives along with darts and bingo and cards. Excitement where they can get it. I view myself as fortunate fort having bypassed that particular gene.
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Awww. I still have to learn. I still need big, big vistas, big flowers, my whole garden ... I have to learn ro find satisfaction, then maybe happiness in small things. This is a gift.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a while Charlotte, it was all about the "Big" for years. Space. I craved it. Now I so believe in the word "adapt" as I age and wonder why "Big" took such huge importance in my life for so long.
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Sadly, there is hardly any reasonable conclusion other than that we are destroying Gaia, all its beauty, all its diversity, all its life-giving forces. As humans we seem incapable of coming to the simple realization that we are the agents of our own demise, and seem unwilling to change our ways. I am glad that you still find happiness and purpose in life. I do too - there is much beauty, but my heart aches for what lies ahead for my grandchildren.
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