Sometimes I try the subtle approach when writing this weekly post, a personal favorite. On the surface it appears to be a weekly journal of the favorite parts of my week with my family. And it is. But it is truly so much more.
Simple Joys is a weekly reminder of how far I’ve come.
A beacon for me to rally when things aren’t going so well (yeah, that still happens for me), and a safe haven to remind me that tough times shall, too, pass.
Simple Joys are the moments that glue my life together when it is coming apart at the seams. They are the reasons for me to keep going, continue to smile, and cling to optimism.
Internet jokes, texts from friends, a surprise hug and kiss from my children, a favorite song not heard in far too long, and endless other pleasures – unmentionable things with my husband tops the list most times.
And now, without further ado, is this week’s Simple Joys.
Joking. I like to be funny. I love to make people laugh – disarm them and make them laugh, doubled-over, face beet red, and tears streaming down their face. Last week, during the last home swim meet, I had opportunity to tease, good-naturedly, our team president. He’s been going through a tough time in addition to having to deal with presidential issues that are usually annoying or, at the very least, uncomfortable yet necessary. Once I set the joke, we engaged in good-natured ribbing that led to BOTH of us laughing.
Having the occasion to joke around and make a friend of mine laugh heartily was a Simple Joy I strive to experience as often as possible.
Firsts. At nearly 40 years old – remember, I reach this milestone in August and am planning, somehow, to do a huge virtual birthday party – there are few firsts I have yet to experience. I am fortunate to have bought a first car, a first house, and been blessed with a first child. In fact, I am on to a second house, three children, and more cars than I can keep track. So, to experience a first is heady. I am flying high on the fact that I will be heading to Pocono Raceway this Friday, not as just a fan of NASCAR racing, but as a member of the media with credentials. There are few words that I can choose that amply and satisfactorily express my extreme excitement for the experiences coming my way.
Anticipating anxiously a first any time but especially at my age is truly a wondrous Simple Joy.
Date Night. Any time one of these special nights occurs it makes it into my Simple Joys. I love Date Night. Securing a babysitter to entertain and keep my children safe allows my husband and me the luxury of concentrating on us, something vital to keeping our marriage passionate and the “couple” a priority. We had dinner and then went to a concert. No matter what we do, Date Night is sacred and a constant source of Simple Joys.
Having this song herald in the new month has always been and continues to be a Simple Joy.
Spyro Gyra. In the local paper I saw an ad to see Spyro Gyra in concert at a new venue in a neighboring town. I was familiar with the name of the band and knew my husband, since I met him in high school, was a huge fan of the band. I called my sitter, secured the date, and bought tickets.
The concert was easily the best live music I had ever witnessed. These musicians were at the top of their form. Enthusiastic, generous, unbelievably talented, and in awe and appreciation of their bandmates’ performances, this was truly a magical night of music.
Carole King. No, I don’t know her, but for as long as I can remember I have loved her music. There isn’t a July 31st that goes by in my life when I don’t think of her song "The First Day in August". The lyrics
On the first day in August
I want to wake up by your side
After sleeping with you
On the last night in July
http://www.lyricsmania.com/the_first_day_in_august_lyrics_carole_king.html
All about Carole King: http://www.musictory.com/music/Carole+King).
There are times my Simple Joys are relegated to a nap on the couch on a Saturday afternoon hearing my husband constantly shushing the children, stolen moments with my husband behind a locked door, or an unexpected IM on Facebook.
Every moment that brings a smile, a laugh, a feeling of contentedness or excitement, love or peace is another moment when Simple Joys enhances my life.
Wishing you a week filled with Simple Joys and the quiet moments to reflect on them.
Please join me tomorrow as I wax poetic on yet another topic on Freestyle Wednesday on Chief 187™Chatter.
Have yet to see Carole King live. She does perform in the NY area...maybe that could be a first for you in August?
ReplyDeleteLove it ! ;)
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