by Kat | Sep 26, 2017 | General, Words
There was much to be joyful about in September from cooler days to the joyful return of summer warmth!
There was lots of walking and lots of knitting (but not at the same time!)
There were extra-long holiday weekends and even just a plain old long weekend, so September weekending was perfect!
The gardens again brought much joy, and while they are looking a bit bedraggled now, they certainly gave lots of wows! And, yes, there are still a few blooms on the Foxglove and the Yarrow.
I found joy in a new haircut and in early morning PIlates.
And, there was lots of joy at Tuesday Knit Nights at the library!
And, after 12+ hours without electricity yesterday, I can truly say that having the power return at 3:30AM is the most joyful thing ever!
Oh, and today I might even find some joy in the simple pleasure of taking a nap!
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by Kat | May 30, 2017 | General, Words
Planning and planting brought much joy this month, as did seeing the fruits of past years labors.
And, now joyful anticipation has settled in.
by Kat | May 2, 2017 | General, Words
Looking back at April there was so much joy!
There were 10 days with Michelle_GD and her Just Five Things. This brief but spectacular (to coin a phrase from PBS Newshour) class has become my favorite “re-focus-er” She manages to cut away the clutter of the day and focus you in on the simplest of things, but in that simplicity – incredible growth happens. Just Five Things continued for me through the remainder of the month. I have incorporated her process into my meditation time. While, I am not doing three check-ins every day – I have found it to be a stunning way to start the day.
The joy from this class was multiplied by having so many friends in ‘class’ with me – and a huge thanks to Mary for the gift of the class. It was so lovely sharing bits of ourselves in class.
There was also the joy of my son really finding his niche at work and finding success (he was #1 in his district in March and April) And, April saw him purchase his first home!
There were some knitting successes, but there were also some knitting failures. Why is this on the joy list? Well, learning through failure is always joyful. It is as important to cheer yourself on through failure as it is when you succeed, perhaps it is even more important!
April brought my gardens back to life – from the rhubarb, to the raspberries, to the strawberries (which are now growing fruit!) There is much joy in seeing things bloom and grow after a long winter’s nap!
There was also Easter, and singing and ringing (in the Bell Choir at church…) I am thankful that these small things bring such joy to my life!
by Kat | Dec 30, 2016 | General, Words
“It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” – David Steindl-Rast, Benedictine Monk
I worked through 2016 with a focus on gratitude – and though it took some effort, I really feel like I am ending the year with a better understanding of gratitude. This includes gratitude in my everyday life. From the simplest things to the most complex – I feel like gratitude is part of my being now.
Which brings me to 2017 – where do I go from here. I have been contemplating several words to focus on in 2017 and my mind kept circling around joy and then when I got an email on Saturday from Churchmouse Yarn and Tea with the above quote – the word seemed to leap out of the email.
It is so true, gratitude does make me joyful.
It is not complicated, nor does it indicate that I am adopting a Pollyanna-like view of life – but really, a simple joy stemming from gratitude in all things – even the difficult things.
In 2017, I hope you will come along with me as I celebrate finding joy in the journey.
Happy New Year to all of you!
by Kat | Dec 23, 2015 | General
Best addition to the holiday decor were these simple letters (thanks Steve for hanging them so nicely!) And, they are a lovely reminder about what should fill the season.
