There are some things in my life that make life feel pretty shitty at times. But then there are things that make it quite good. So, as to dwell in the positive, and remember to take joy in the simple things, let me tell you why the days can sometimes feel heavenly, at least for a few moments.
1. Moments I'm alone. And of course when I'm alone, I'm feeling blissful, and doing something I want to do. I never do "chores" or "must-do's" when I'm alone. I'm out enjoying life to its fullest. These moments can sometimes include quiet searches for simple items that make my heart soar....such as this antique photo album.
Beaten and worn to a beautiful pulp. Ahhh. Velvet rubbed away by years of handling. But brass details and clasp still in perfect shape. Deep green...a color I will love to look at in the depth of winter.
I will be altering this big thick beast into a handmade FTB journal that will be heavy with memories and inspiration over the long winter.
Something like this can make me quite happy. As does a big dish of old buttons that I also found while venturing out solo.
2. Nature. Another reason to feel heavenly, if just for a moment. Big bunches of market cuttings, cheap.
The slow ending of summer, slowing creeping and overlapping into fall. Sometimes it's hard to tell what the season is. Flowers on the table, and red leaves on the tree in the backyard. Scorching hot days, and Halloween decorations itching to get out. That inbetween time is often confusing but wonderful too. I suppose I just choose the mood I'm in and go with it. Yesterday was a blissful day at the beach swimming and digging in the sand with Scarlet, and then today was hybernating with A/C, candles and Billie Holiday CDs, cooking fall soup.
3. Loving where I live. There's no place like home. I'm always dying to get away and longing for the moment in life that I can travel more, but I never take home for granted. "Home" as in my house and "home" as in my community. I love my nest, but also love my location. Love that my job connects me with the community and it's progress, and love that I am type of person who explores my surroundings. I'm still shocked at the amount of people who hide out in their houses and don't participate in the life that is going on in their cities and towns. There's so much out there if we just look.
One place that makes my Saturday mornings happy is my local Farmer's Market. I find true joy here! Buying the best-of-the-best produce, flowers and other good things, at a super cheap price, while supporting local farmers makes me happy.
Buying an 8 quart basket of the best-tasting Roma tomatoes for $6.50 makes my heart a little bit lighter.
Getting a bunch of local bee products like honey, candles and beeswax sticks all for a few bucks can really make times a bit more heavenly.
It's simple, and that's good. If I get more complex things get sticky. You know what I mean? What simple things make you happy?