The Simple Joys in Life

 Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough. ~ Charles Dudley Warner  

Friday the 13ths....…a day doomed with negativity.

II was determined to make it a day full of positive moments....to enjoy the simple joys in life. What did I experience when I allowed myself to look through these lenses?

• The excitement in my 8 year old eyes as she prepared to go outside this morning to shovel snow…this wasn’t a job to her…it was a unique fun opportunity!

• A tradition in my home is to make “snowball” cookies on the first snow…a few of these delights were were a wonderful treat with my coffee this morning.

• It is always a positive start to my day when I get an e-mail from my bank that my paycheck was deposited…not that I ever have any doubt about it…but it does give me a sigh of relief.

•  A wonderful fun conversation on my way to work with one of the most upbeat positive person I know.

•  A note from a friend I haven’t heard from in several months…it is always nice to pick up right where we left off.

•  Big fluffy snow flurries outside my window all day...not that messy stuff but snowflakes that make you want to curl up on the couch under a blanket with hot chocolate and a book.
  
  
  
  

  What are you missing each day that can allow you to enjoy the "simpler joys in life?" 
  
  
  
  

What Does Glitter on My Pants Have to Do With Anything?

Sorry for a second post but I have to share this encounter with my daughter today.

"Do you love daddy more now or more when he was alive?" asked Rachel.

"I love him the same."

"Really?????" asked a surprised Rachel.

"Why really?"  I responded.

"Because you seem sad when you are not around him," Rachel stated.

Hmmm....how do I answer this?  While I was trying to come up with a response an 8 year old would understand.....that somehow encompasses that fact I am sad because I love him and miss him...I hear the following...

"Mom, do you want me to glitter your pants?"

Huh?

Yes, an actual conversation that just took place 10 minutes ago with my mini-me....all over the place.

Honestly, she went from a very serious topic straight into arts and crafts without batting an eye.

Why am I sharing this?

Well, this just goes to show  as serious as life is all around us, living life is still a priority.  I absolutely love how often Rachel thinks about her dad, but also love that it doesn't keep her from being her.

A great reminder that kids are resiliant although they are always thinking....always wondering....and when bad things happen to them, it is always there somewhere.  And as parents, we need to be prepared because who knows when or where they will want to talk about it.

And, no, I do not want my pants glittered....just in case you are wondering.

What Comes After a 7 Year Itch?

And so it begins...

A new year....
 
Filled with endless opportunities.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to 2012.

Thrilled to have made it past another holiday season.  Don't get me wrong.  I love Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

This year just seemed tougher.  Granted, I had my share of ups and downs throughout the year and the holidays have always been difficult with the lose of Brian, but this year just really seemed more difficult.

It got me thinking. 

Brian passed away 7 years ago.  Was this a "7 Year Itch?"

I was curious the true definition of "7 Year Itch."  According to an internet search, it originally was "the inclination to become unfaithful after seven years of marriage."  Further research discovered a more applicable definition - "an urge to move on from any situation."

2011 was the 7th anniversary of Brian's passing.  7 years of missing him....but for some reason this year was more difficult.  I seemed to miss him around every corner I turned.

Perhaps the main reason for these feelings was the falling apart of a relationship that was very important to me....it truly was steps in the direction of finally moving forward.

The falling apart of that relationship caused me to realize how much I really missed Brian....and in retrospect, was it because I was upset about moving on?  And the inability to move on?

Regardless....we are now deadhead into year 8....and it began with a haircut (yes, I know this sounds silly but it was very freeing and brought back a little bounce to my step....sassy Barb was back), signing up for a few 2012 LIVESTRONG events (one being a little bike ride across Iowa - uh oh), setting a few  new goals for a new year (including taking 30 minutes a day devoted to reading a book)....and new traditions this past holiday season (one being ringing bells for Salvation Army).

I rang in 2012 with my 8 year old daughter as my teenage children have very busy social lives these days.  Rachel and I had a blast - definitely the most memorable New Year Eve's since Brian's passing).  We painted 2012 t-shirts, played new games, had a jump on one foot competition, ate chocolate fondue, and eventually after I begged Rachel, went to sleep at 1:30 am.  I also learned that she describes everything as awesome.....but then again, life is pretty awesome, isn't it?

So 7 year itch?  So long!  On to 8 year beginning!