To be able to make food and wash dishes with others and for others is something I find joy in. To watch kids play games and smile while they enjoy their Christmas together is something I enjoy. Today I jumped in and ice cold pool with my boys and it was super fun! I’m grateful for being able to be around family in the USA this year. Merry Christmas everyone happy holidays!
to decorate the Christmas tree for the joy of my dad; cooking with friends, with my sister; singing; grateful for the possibility to reply here and to kind messages of friends, loved ones and kindred hearts; to be together today with my family, sharing an evening together and really meeting each other while free of TV running; to allow happiness to be; not simple but fine = to be still 🙏
I find joy in many places, walking amongst the Redwoods, listening to the birds……
Lately I am finding Joy in soaking up all the Christmas Lights in my neighborhood. So many beautiful lights & displays. My heart has been bursting with laughter & joy at witnessing these works of art. ✨
Also feeling Joy that I can sit in the sun today. Going to be 60 here! It has been unusually cold here so this is welcomed. Sorry to all in the super cold, frigid air….Warm Holiday Greetings to All. Blessings ✨🙏🏻🎄🕎✨❤️
It’s always the simple things that bring me joy. And, it really can be anything. It’s more about my perspective and actions. Being engaged with the world is where I start. And making sure that I’m giving love, joy, friendship, assistance, and gratitude. It’s definitely a two way street out there.
Happy holidays folks. And thank you for being here and sharing your thoughts and wisdom with me. 🙏
This is the first day back here since the open heart surgery which has been more difficult than I ever imagined. Trying to recovery brings one to the most basic ways of finding joy.
The food and help provided by neighbors.
Birds outside the window.
The hope that someday I can lay on my bed again without pain.
We have not lost power!
My husband’s help.
A warm shower.
All of you.
Joy, peace, and love from your Rabbit. 🐇🐰
One of the simplest things of all: a hug. Those bring extra joy because they’ve been rare through the pandemic, other than from my husband (and those definitely count!). I only rarely get to see my older daughter, who gives fantastic hugs and lifts me off the ground. Today I’ll be with my younger daughter and my sister-in-law and we’re all huggers. That human warmth and contact–I always appreciated it, but even more so now that the pandemic isolated us from simple human touch.
Simple joyful things for me:
Making and receiving phone calls cards, or texts seeing a new born of a human, animal, plant or idea
Tutoring
Connecting with folks on this site
A yummy dessert
It seems that the simple things are always the best!! My joy this morning comes from my dog….laying next to me on the couch- he is covered with a blanket and is warm and cuddly….my cat keeps my lap warm and my other cat is resting on a heated bed in the bedroom. My husband enjoying his coffee and reading his book…We are warm (as we can be…25 in La. this morning!)…but we are inside a heated motorhome…We have food- and shelter. So many do not. I think of all the people and all the animals that are outside. Dogs and cats that people say “are animals” they are made for this…My heart breaks seeing that. We are in a State Campground…and there are folks in a tent…some seem that they have no choice…this morning, I see someone new came during the night…a car…with an electrical cord hanging out the window..they must have an electric heater in the car. Life is an adventure for some and difficult for others. I am one of those who are Blessed….simple…warmth, food, shelter, and love and companionship. I remain grateful to all of you for your daily wisdom and reflections. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas Eve…or just a Merry Saturday evening- if Christmas is not something you celebrate. Peace.
Actually, one of my favorite memes is “Keep it Simple.” Can’t say that I accomplish that all the time but when I do it results in pure joy. Baking pies today–pecan and lemon meringue. Pecan is my son’s favorite and the lemon is my sister’s choice. Temp is 3 degrees this morning with 20 below wind chill. That’s a big improvement from the last couple of days when an Artic front came through. Thankful and feeling joy that the frozen pipes in the kitchen broke loose last night. It’s not easy to prepare a holiday dinner without water! So many pots and pans to wash!
Wishing all a blessed Christmas and a new year filled with the joy of being alive. I share a poem I wrote in 2017 when we were still in Afghanistan. It still rings true as a power driven war rages in Ukraine, people flee from countries in South America and Central America seeking freedom, Syrians live in tent cities to escape their dictator’s bombs, etc., etc., etc. War and the thirst for power rules. May we all learn to “Keep it Simple” by choosing Love not Fear in every situation that arises bringing joy to the world.
A CHRISTMAS WISH (2017)
ON THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
ALL ‘ROUND THE WORLD,
SOLDIERS LIE DYING
‘NEATH FLAGS THEY’VE UNFURLED
THEY ALL SPEAK OF FREEDOM
BUT THEIR LEADERS CHOOSE WAR
THEY ALL HAVE A CAUSE
BUT THEIR INSIGHT SEEMS POOR
THEY ALL SPEAK OF PEACE
BUT THEIR ACTIONS SCREAM “POWER”
BELIEF IN THEIR CAUSE
IS THEIR IVORY TOWER
THEY OFTEN QUOTE GOD
AS ONE WHO TAKES SIDES
FORGETTING THAT LOVE
IS WHAT SHOULD ABIDE
IF ALL WOULD JUST STOP
AND OWN WHAT’S BEEN DONE
AND SHARE IN THE GUILT
THAT DENIES WE ARE ONE
IF ALL WOULD JUST LOOK
AT EACH OTHER AND SEE
THAT NO ONE CAN THRIVE
WHEN ALL ARE NOT FREE
BE YOU ALLAH, OR YAHWEH,
OR JESUS, THE CHRIST,
GIVE US GRACE FOR THE JOURNEY
THAT LEADS TO INSIGHT
TO A WORLD THAT WILL TREAT
EVERYONE JUST THE SAME
SO THAT NO ONE KILLS OTHERS
WHILE INVOKING YOUR NAME.
SURROUND US AND HOLD US
‘TIL OUR HEARTS BEAT AS ONE.
‘TIL WE LEARN NOT TO FEAR,
SO JUSTICE IS DONE
FOR PEACE IS A SEED
THAT FEAR TRIES TO KILL
A SEED ALL MUST PLANT
DOWN DEEP IN THEIR WILL.
IT SAYS I’LL CHOOSE LOVE
EACH STEP OF THE WAY —
EVERY MOMENT, EVERY MINUTE
THEN BECOMES CHRISTMAS DAY
Thank you, Carol for that beautiful and meaningful poem…if the powers that be…could just stop and listen. Wishing for peace in the Ukraine…and for all. So happy you can do some baking and that you have unfrozen pipes!! Stay warm. May your Holiday be filled with love and peace in your heart.
Spending time with family. We are in the midst of The Storm running rampant around here and far beyond. I am grateful that my Son in law has pulled me out of my residence, where I live alone, to his and my daughter’s home where the rest of the family has gathered. I am grateful that he is a really good driver, and that he and my daughter have hosted and prepared meals for all of us. I am also grateful for light/heat/electricity. Praying for the many without homes, first of all, for heat and sustenance and a great deal of bravery for everyone.
Grateful that you are with family, Pilgrim!! So good to be surrounded by family and love. It is the simple things in life that make us so appreciative and happy to be alive. Take care…and Merry Christmas.
The first cup of hot tea on a cold, dark morning. In the presence of my daughters. A long walk among the trees and birds. The change of seasons. The spent feeling in my body after a day’s hard work.
Just sitting here watching a couple of squirrels eating peanuts that I’ve just tossed out on the deck. I see the wind blowing and snow that fell overnight and feel thankful that I have a heated home compared to the squirrels which in turn makes me think of the homeless.. I am blessed and wish hope and compassion for those who are not as fortunate.
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To be able to make food and wash dishes with others and for others is something I find joy in. To watch kids play games and smile while they enjoy their Christmas together is something I enjoy. Today I jumped in and ice cold pool with my boys and it was super fun! I’m grateful for being able to be around family in the USA this year. Merry Christmas everyone happy holidays!
to decorate the Christmas tree for the joy of my dad; cooking with friends, with my sister; singing; grateful for the possibility to reply here and to kind messages of friends, loved ones and kindred hearts; to be together today with my family, sharing an evening together and really meeting each other while free of TV running; to allow happiness to be; not simple but fine = to be still 🙏
When I slow down, broaden my consciousness and get back into flow.
I find joy in many places, walking amongst the Redwoods, listening to the birds……
Lately I am finding Joy in soaking up all the Christmas Lights in my neighborhood. So many beautiful lights & displays. My heart has been bursting with laughter & joy at witnessing these works of art. ✨
Also feeling Joy that I can sit in the sun today. Going to be 60 here! It has been unusually cold here so this is welcomed. Sorry to all in the super cold, frigid air….Warm Holiday Greetings to All. Blessings ✨🙏🏻🎄🕎✨❤️
It’s always the simple things that bring me joy. And, it really can be anything. It’s more about my perspective and actions. Being engaged with the world is where I start. And making sure that I’m giving love, joy, friendship, assistance, and gratitude. It’s definitely a two way street out there.
Happy holidays folks. And thank you for being here and sharing your thoughts and wisdom with me. 🙏
This is the first day back here since the open heart surgery which has been more difficult than I ever imagined. Trying to recovery brings one to the most basic ways of finding joy.
The food and help provided by neighbors.
Birds outside the window.
The hope that someday I can lay on my bed again without pain.
We have not lost power!
My husband’s help.
A warm shower.
All of you.
Joy, peace, and love from your Rabbit. 🐇🐰
So glad you’re back! Hoping you get the speediest possible recovery.
Welcome Back Rabbit!! Hoping that you will soon be feeling better. Wishing you a Merry Christmas. So happy you are home!
Welcome back Rabbit! Continued healing prayers to you for a speedy recovery:)
Welcome back, dear Rabbit. And have a Merry Christmas 🌟.
Glad you are home Rabbit. May your recovery be smooth and speedy.
So good to see you back here, dear Rabbit! Wishing from my heart that your pain will subside soon. With a soft and tender hug, blessings, dear friend.
Dear Rabbit, welcome back. God bless You & your healing. Merry Christmas 🎄❤️✨🎅🎄
Welcome back Rabbit. I’m glad you’re recovering and I’m sure you will feel better soon.
Rabbit, So good to hear from you. Blessings, Carol
Wherever someone is not trying to make demands, expect work, nor impose their will onto mine.
Please don’t call me lazy for saying that! Lol! I enjoy hard work I understand life isn’t a walk in the park all day long.
One of the simplest things of all: a hug. Those bring extra joy because they’ve been rare through the pandemic, other than from my husband (and those definitely count!). I only rarely get to see my older daughter, who gives fantastic hugs and lifts me off the ground. Today I’ll be with my younger daughter and my sister-in-law and we’re all huggers. That human warmth and contact–I always appreciated it, but even more so now that the pandemic isolated us from simple human touch.
Like Rabbit, a virtual hug to you Barb:) 🤗
A virtual hug Barb.
Simple joyful things for me:
Making and receiving phone calls cards, or texts seeing a new born of a human, animal, plant or idea
Tutoring
Connecting with folks on this site
A yummy dessert
Those all sound wonderful. I am envisioning seeing those newborns with you as our guide. Thank you.
It seems that the simple things are always the best!! My joy this morning comes from my dog….laying next to me on the couch- he is covered with a blanket and is warm and cuddly….my cat keeps my lap warm and my other cat is resting on a heated bed in the bedroom. My husband enjoying his coffee and reading his book…We are warm (as we can be…25 in La. this morning!)…but we are inside a heated motorhome…We have food- and shelter. So many do not. I think of all the people and all the animals that are outside. Dogs and cats that people say “are animals” they are made for this…My heart breaks seeing that. We are in a State Campground…and there are folks in a tent…some seem that they have no choice…this morning, I see someone new came during the night…a car…with an electrical cord hanging out the window..they must have an electric heater in the car. Life is an adventure for some and difficult for others. I am one of those who are Blessed….simple…warmth, food, shelter, and love and companionship. I remain grateful to all of you for your daily wisdom and reflections. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas Eve…or just a Merry Saturday evening- if Christmas is not something you celebrate. Peace.
Beautiful Carol. If only we would —
Nannette, 25 degrees in New Orleans! That is rare. Glad you are safe in your motor home.
Anticipating my 5 year old granddaughter’s Christmas morning experience.
Actually, one of my favorite memes is “Keep it Simple.” Can’t say that I accomplish that all the time but when I do it results in pure joy. Baking pies today–pecan and lemon meringue. Pecan is my son’s favorite and the lemon is my sister’s choice. Temp is 3 degrees this morning with 20 below wind chill. That’s a big improvement from the last couple of days when an Artic front came through. Thankful and feeling joy that the frozen pipes in the kitchen broke loose last night. It’s not easy to prepare a holiday dinner without water! So many pots and pans to wash!
Wishing all a blessed Christmas and a new year filled with the joy of being alive. I share a poem I wrote in 2017 when we were still in Afghanistan. It still rings true as a power driven war rages in Ukraine, people flee from countries in South America and Central America seeking freedom, Syrians live in tent cities to escape their dictator’s bombs, etc., etc., etc. War and the thirst for power rules. May we all learn to “Keep it Simple” by choosing Love not Fear in every situation that arises bringing joy to the world.
A CHRISTMAS WISH (2017)
ON THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
ALL ‘ROUND THE WORLD,
SOLDIERS LIE DYING
‘NEATH FLAGS THEY’VE UNFURLED
THEY ALL SPEAK OF FREEDOM
BUT THEIR LEADERS CHOOSE WAR
THEY ALL HAVE A CAUSE
BUT THEIR INSIGHT SEEMS POOR
THEY ALL SPEAK OF PEACE
BUT THEIR ACTIONS SCREAM “POWER”
BELIEF IN THEIR CAUSE
IS THEIR IVORY TOWER
THEY OFTEN QUOTE GOD
AS ONE WHO TAKES SIDES
FORGETTING THAT LOVE
IS WHAT SHOULD ABIDE
IF ALL WOULD JUST STOP
AND OWN WHAT’S BEEN DONE
AND SHARE IN THE GUILT
THAT DENIES WE ARE ONE
IF ALL WOULD JUST LOOK
AT EACH OTHER AND SEE
THAT NO ONE CAN THRIVE
WHEN ALL ARE NOT FREE
BE YOU ALLAH, OR YAHWEH,
OR JESUS, THE CHRIST,
GIVE US GRACE FOR THE JOURNEY
THAT LEADS TO INSIGHT
TO A WORLD THAT WILL TREAT
EVERYONE JUST THE SAME
SO THAT NO ONE KILLS OTHERS
WHILE INVOKING YOUR NAME.
SURROUND US AND HOLD US
‘TIL OUR HEARTS BEAT AS ONE.
‘TIL WE LEARN NOT TO FEAR,
SO JUSTICE IS DONE
FOR PEACE IS A SEED
THAT FEAR TRIES TO KILL
A SEED ALL MUST PLANT
DOWN DEEP IN THEIR WILL.
IT SAYS I’LL CHOOSE LOVE
EACH STEP OF THE WAY —
EVERY MOMENT, EVERY MINUTE
THEN BECOMES CHRISTMAS DAY
Thank you Carol for that powerful poem. I wish I could try your pecan pie:)
Thank you for sharing your poem Carol. May peace be with you and yours.
Thank you dear Carol, and Merry Christmas to you and everyone who share here, and beyond🙏💫💕✨May you all be blessed; may His Love be.
Thank you Carol for that beautiful Christmas Wish, speaking Truth, brought a tear to my eye.
Merry Christmas & Blessings…🙏🏻🎄❤️
Thank you Carol. I felt that poem in my heart. ❤️
Beautiful Carol. If only we would—–.
Rabbit, I’m so glad you are back. Sending loving energy your way. Carol
Thank you, Carol for that beautiful and meaningful poem…if the powers that be…could just stop and listen. Wishing for peace in the Ukraine…and for all. So happy you can do some baking and that you have unfrozen pipes!! Stay warm. May your Holiday be filled with love and peace in your heart.
Spending time with family. We are in the midst of The Storm running rampant around here and far beyond. I am grateful that my Son in law has pulled me out of my residence, where I live alone, to his and my daughter’s home where the rest of the family has gathered. I am grateful that he is a really good driver, and that he and my daughter have hosted and prepared meals for all of us. I am also grateful for light/heat/electricity. Praying for the many without homes, first of all, for heat and sustenance and a great deal of bravery for everyone.
Grateful that you are with family, Pilgrim!! So good to be surrounded by family and love. It is the simple things in life that make us so appreciative and happy to be alive. Take care…and Merry Christmas.
The first cup of hot tea on a cold, dark morning. In the presence of my daughters. A long walk among the trees and birds. The change of seasons. The spent feeling in my body after a day’s hard work.
Just sitting here watching a couple of squirrels eating peanuts that I’ve just tossed out on the deck. I see the wind blowing and snow that fell overnight and feel thankful that I have a heated home compared to the squirrels which in turn makes me think of the homeless.. I am blessed and wish hope and compassion for those who are not as fortunate.