Welcome friends...thanks for coming by. We're seeking beauty in all of creation... in our faith and our families; our art and our music; our crafts and kitchens, and even in our own backyard. We'll share a poem or a recipe, a picture or a memory; maybe a dream of how we wish our life could be. And though we acknowledge that the world can be harsh, we're keeping it pleasant in our little corner; endeavoring to keep the words from the Book of all Books: ...Whatsoever things are lovely; think on these things.

I so enjoy hearing from you...so leave me a comment; it'll make my day!

Photo: Bee and thistle: Taken high in the Cascade Mountains where there is a bee buzzing on every thistle. by Debora Rorvig

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

The Best Things in Life...What are some things that you enjoy freely?

Bird on a tree

My wise blogger-friend Rebecca, after reading my post "Sunflowers, Spinach, and Community", commented that ''...you don't have to own something to enjoy it."

My dear Rebecca, I can't get your comment out of my mind! Lately I've been noticing so many wonderful things that I enjoy...gratis!

I thought I'd start a list; and I'm hoping that you'll send a little note with a few of your favorite undeserved pleasures.

Here are a few things that I've enjoyed this week...

Cookies and goodies! Paraeducators were honored at my school last week. Every day people brought us the loveliest goodies!  Food is so plentiful here in the U.S. that I fear we are often ungrateful when someone shares a plate of yummy cookies or a nice casserole. And yet, just think of how that same food might be received by a hungry child in the third world. Should I be any less grateful when someone takes the time to cook something for me?

Music. I love listening to all kinds of music while driving my car. It's free, and so uplifting!

Encouraging words. Last Sunday our pastor talked about taking risks. Just the thing this aspiring author needed to hear.

Birds Singing. Baron and I (yes I think I can speak for Baron in this case) have been so enjoying the songs of birds on our morning walks. There's one  in particular that sounds something like "Seee-sawww, seeee-sawww". It's hauntingly beautiful. Baron and I keep gazing up into the branches of the giant firs, but we have yet to see who's singing to us! 

Family. I so appreciate my husband, children, and grandchildren. Their love for me is unmerited and worth more than words can express. I cannot imagine my life without them.

There are so many other things I could list; but I'd like to hear from you. What have you enjoyed freely recently?

Note: Legalists need not respond. In other words, if you want to split hairs and insist that you deserve such things as libraries, roads, etc because you pay taxes, you are missing the point... and you will rob yourself of the pure joy that comes from true gratitude.

8 comments:

ellen b. said...

I love that...you don't have to own something to enjoy it! There are so many things I don't own that I enjoy. I'm traveling North to the Blaine Library on Saturday to join some of the other MGCC gals for a little presentation at the library. Have a great rest of the week!

Rebecca said...

I actually might work more seriously on a list of my own - but I'd have to include a few you listed, too. Right off the top of my head I'm thinking of a starlit night with Jupiter and Mars shining big and bright...

We own our home right now, but for awhile lived in one we didn't own. I enjoyed living there...with a "free" view of a quiet lake...

Oh, I'm so excited to list more - like a good night of sleep, refreshment of a walk on the first day of spring, friendships...

BECKY said...

Music. Being outside in beautiful weather. Hearing birds chirping. Going for walks. Being with family and friends. Gazing at clouds. Singing loud and awful. :D
If I think of anymore, I'll let ya know!

farmlady said...

Good thoughts for a blog post.
I think that my list would include:
The birds that come to the feeder... I could watch them for hours.
The way my dogs look at me when I play with them and when they greet me in the morning.
The smell of something baking or cooking in the kitchen.
Walking to the top of the hill behind our house.
Goat kisses.
Hugs from my husband, my sons and grandsons... and anyone I love.
I could go on, and on, and on...
This is a good habit.
It makes you grateful.
It makes you aware of all the wonderful things in your life.

Jack McCallum said...

Love this post. It's inspired me to create a post of my own... In the next few days I'll post something. :)

Anneliese said...

The first thing that came to mind right now is the air I breathe... thankful for every breath given to me ... freely.
Day to day encouragement from friends ... who understand.

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Birds thinking spring thoughts

Two robins who popped in yesterday (our first sighting of the season)

Hugs - given and received

Kisses -- given and received

Melodies that come up from somewhere inside just when you need it, or just for fun

Smelling the earthy smell of Spring

Just to name a few........

Melissa Ann Goodwin said...

This resonates so much for me - there is so much abundance that is available to us for free. For me, it's nature - trees, fresh air, ocean. Birds chirping. Sitting in a park watching the world go by. Poetry. Laughing with a friend.

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