Simple Things

 

        One of the blessings that comes with age is the appreciation of simple things. I've discovered that little things can be really satisfying. Here are a few of them.

        I like pulling weeds in the garden. I know for most people it is a dreaded chore. For me it is instant gratification. I can look at the spots that are cleared of weeds and see the flowers that I planted looking happier and less crowded. When I pull weeds around the carrot plants I have the satisfaction of knowing the carrots will have room to grow. Pulling weeds is also a good way to deal with anger in my opinion. it gives you something to do with your energy which can help to settle you down.

        Doing laundry and washing dishes are also satisfying tasks. You can see your progress. I'm always thankful when I put away clean dishes and clothes. I'm grateful to have them and also grateful to have a place to put them. 

        I have the china set that my Mom bought when she was a young woman. It's a very simple pattern, white with a gold ring around the edge. The simple pattern is lovely, but what makes it more meaningful is that my mother bought it. She paid for it bit by bit when she was working as a secretary. The reason that she wanted it was because growing up everything was worn and faded. She wanted to have a set of nice dishes.

        I like the feel of sand under my feet especially if I'm at the ocean. There's just something about the feel of wet sand that my feet like. Dry sand can be good as long as it isn't too hot. (I burned the bottoms of my feet on hot dry sand once.) Standing on the sand with the waves washing water over my feet is nice too. I love wading on the edges of rives lakes and the ocean.

        There are few sounds more soothing than a purring cat. My heart has been warmed by a cat cuddling with me and purring. I enjoy brushing them too. I like knowing that the hair on the brush is hair I won't have to clean up later. I like knowing that I'm preventing hairballs and helping the cat to have a nice silky coat.

        Another simple pleasure I enjoy is listening to C play his guitar. Sometimes in the evenings he'll play while I knit or read. We spend a lot of time looking at screens and this is a way for both of us to take a break from that. 

        The last simple pleasure I want to mention is well baked bread. Enjoying a piece of bread with good butter on it is something I enjoy. There's nothing quite like that taste especially if it is fresh. Good bread toasted with butter is really good too.

        I hope we can all find time in our busy days and lives to appreciated the simple things that come our way.