Joy pops in occasionally but by and large she seems absent from my life just now. Grief has its way and I try to float rather than fight it.
That said, I seem to hear a furious little bark when I walk on the beach which translates to 'Get out of your head, Mum and look around! See? Joy's walking along the beach toward you!'
I was thinking about you when I wrote this too, Prue. I feel so sad for your JRT loss; you shared him so often with us that he is part of all of us. I can't imagine how hard each day is for you, and I'm glad you find his presence everywhere...No, you are not going bonkers ❤️
Oh, this joyful post has brought ME joy. I'm so glad that your joy has returned, and I'm so sorry about your sense of malaise. Strange times indeed, huh. I followed the election news across the pond and found every moment extraordinary. Hugs!
Thank you Rebecca. I am so filled with joy right now with my family so hopefully that will sustain me for quite some time! And I'm sending some of my energy to you every day so you will hopefully get some of it soon! ❤️
This is a pertinent post. Yesterday, in the gym, I listened to the news. Instead of feeling excited and happy with workout finished and adrenalin and endorphines coursing through my veins, a sadness and somberness took over. It pervaded my whole body as I walked home. I've been moving under a heavy weight these days. I too have to seek and stop at moments of joy because they don't come as frequently any more. Last night I got one! Neighbors in the next building invited us over for drinks and snacks. Other friends of theirs were also there. Being invited to someone's home, sharing the company and conversation felt really good. Oh yeah! This is what it's about. Focus on the small things in front of us that we can control and in which we can be kind, grateful, and giving. That's what brings joy and what I need to practice. And not listen to the news at weak moments.
Oh this is wonderful news-I'm so glad you took the time and energy to connect with your neighbours like that. It is amazing how wonderful joy feels when you have been missing it's presence. I'm loving being away from the news right now. I scan the headlines once or twice a day, maybe, and then get back to family, food and walking. It's heaven. xx
I love your descriptions and I feel as if I’m working/ playing with you in your garden. The rain has finally come with a vemgence, over 6.5 “ in 24 hours. It comes after a folios weekend. I hiked with Ginny Sargent a bc d a mother friend to Phoenix Lake on Saturday and we spoke of fond memories of high school. I feel so blessed to have friends far and near and your site has brought you closer.
I am so grateful for your site and wish you Pete, and your dear ones a wonderful holiday season!
Thanks for letting me know you read and enjoy these weekly posts, Lucy! I really appreciate hearing from you. I had heard from Ginny that you had had a wonderful hike: I miss those Phoenix Lake walks! Maybe next summer...Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving and holidays too!
I’m going to see if I can get back your way next year. I’m busy with a pert in a play! First time on the stage last year since KBS! I’m the Earthworm in James and the Giant Peach! Seems appropriate doesn’t it! I’m involved in Children’s Theatre Assoc of S.F. and we bring live theatre to 6,500 children in the Bay Area for free. It’s really fun! All women of all ages and lots of singing and dancing!!! What a hoot! We make our own costumes, sets, props, produce and act. We have a music director and a stage director we work with, otherwise it’s us a funny and talented group of unprofessionals😄 kids of all ages love it!
It’s been a great way of trying something new after Pete passed away. And, I’m still designing gardens and keeping busy.
I love that you are doing this Theatre Lucy! I bet you are fabulous at it and what a fun activity to share with wonderful women. I'm so happy you are keeping at ALL your creative activities - creating is the best way forward. I'm so excited to see you again too! Hope your Thanksgiving and holidays are special. xx
Loved your post: a desperately needed reminder that we must all continue to look for joy - and that there is still joy to be found - even in these often dark times. However, the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce has asked me to remind you that Asilomar Beach is in Pacific Grove, not Carmel. While they have all the Hollywood stars and chichi artists, Asilomar is still ours.😀
GAH! What a rookie error on my part. Of course it is in Pacific Grove. I should be banned for a year, probably. Thank you for keeping me on the correct path. And also I'm glad you liked the words in the post :).
Sabrina, I loved this post. I, took am still reeling from the election results which beyond the mean-spiritedness of his agenda have shaken my view of humanity to the core. And yet, here we are. So when it comes to nature, California's never-ending summer finally cooled off the first week or November and it's a balm. I'm grateful for it all, the clouds, the bright blue sky with occasional flurries of bright yellow leaves, even the cyclone bomb hovering over us because it's drenching my thirsty drought garden. More than ever, we need to find and appreciate moments of joy, fleeting as they might be. Your writing has confirmed I'm on the right track.
I really was surprised to feel that spark of joy again, and so wanted to share the possibility with others. I'm so glad to hear you too are starting to find your way back to balance. We are in for a marathon...I miss California weather so much sometimes. I ache for the autumn dryness. We are in Seattle now which is much like the UK weather-wise, but then there are the amazing mountains that continue to take my breath away. Enjoy that rain (we had the winds up here), and all the weather from the daily rhythms of the natural world. Its what keeps us all grounded.
Oh how this post resonated.
Joy pops in occasionally but by and large she seems absent from my life just now. Grief has its way and I try to float rather than fight it.
That said, I seem to hear a furious little bark when I walk on the beach which translates to 'Get out of your head, Mum and look around! See? Joy's walking along the beach toward you!'
Maybe I'm going bonkers...
I was thinking about you when I wrote this too, Prue. I feel so sad for your JRT loss; you shared him so often with us that he is part of all of us. I can't imagine how hard each day is for you, and I'm glad you find his presence everywhere...No, you are not going bonkers ❤️
Oh Prue, I love your interpretation of the bark you seem to hear on your beach walks. Not bonkers, but beautiful. x
Oh, this joyful post has brought ME joy. I'm so glad that your joy has returned, and I'm so sorry about your sense of malaise. Strange times indeed, huh. I followed the election news across the pond and found every moment extraordinary. Hugs!
Thank you Rebecca. I am so filled with joy right now with my family so hopefully that will sustain me for quite some time! And I'm sending some of my energy to you every day so you will hopefully get some of it soon! ❤️
😘 Oh, that’s brilliant! And thank you! x
Great to read about simple waves of joy coming back! I hope that your trip to the states goes swimmingly!!
Thank you Tim. I am over the moon with joy to be with my family. x
This is a pertinent post. Yesterday, in the gym, I listened to the news. Instead of feeling excited and happy with workout finished and adrenalin and endorphines coursing through my veins, a sadness and somberness took over. It pervaded my whole body as I walked home. I've been moving under a heavy weight these days. I too have to seek and stop at moments of joy because they don't come as frequently any more. Last night I got one! Neighbors in the next building invited us over for drinks and snacks. Other friends of theirs were also there. Being invited to someone's home, sharing the company and conversation felt really good. Oh yeah! This is what it's about. Focus on the small things in front of us that we can control and in which we can be kind, grateful, and giving. That's what brings joy and what I need to practice. And not listen to the news at weak moments.
Oh this is wonderful news-I'm so glad you took the time and energy to connect with your neighbours like that. It is amazing how wonderful joy feels when you have been missing it's presence. I'm loving being away from the news right now. I scan the headlines once or twice a day, maybe, and then get back to family, food and walking. It's heaven. xx
Beautiful post, Sabrina - it filled my heart with joy and small pleasures too. Enjoy the forthcoming time in family! ❤️
Thank you Jayne! I hope you are well and joyful ❤️
Dear Sabrina
I love your descriptions and I feel as if I’m working/ playing with you in your garden. The rain has finally come with a vemgence, over 6.5 “ in 24 hours. It comes after a folios weekend. I hiked with Ginny Sargent a bc d a mother friend to Phoenix Lake on Saturday and we spoke of fond memories of high school. I feel so blessed to have friends far and near and your site has brought you closer.
I am so grateful for your site and wish you Pete, and your dear ones a wonderful holiday season!
Keep on writing!
Hugs,
Lucy
Thanks for letting me know you read and enjoy these weekly posts, Lucy! I really appreciate hearing from you. I had heard from Ginny that you had had a wonderful hike: I miss those Phoenix Lake walks! Maybe next summer...Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving and holidays too!
Come visit me in Sonoma!
I’m going to see if I can get back your way next year. I’m busy with a pert in a play! First time on the stage last year since KBS! I’m the Earthworm in James and the Giant Peach! Seems appropriate doesn’t it! I’m involved in Children’s Theatre Assoc of S.F. and we bring live theatre to 6,500 children in the Bay Area for free. It’s really fun! All women of all ages and lots of singing and dancing!!! What a hoot! We make our own costumes, sets, props, produce and act. We have a music director and a stage director we work with, otherwise it’s us a funny and talented group of unprofessionals😄 kids of all ages love it!
It’s been a great way of trying something new after Pete passed away. And, I’m still designing gardens and keeping busy.
I can’t wait to see you at the Reunion!
I love that you are doing this Theatre Lucy! I bet you are fabulous at it and what a fun activity to share with wonderful women. I'm so happy you are keeping at ALL your creative activities - creating is the best way forward. I'm so excited to see you again too! Hope your Thanksgiving and holidays are special. xx
Sorry for the typo! I meant to write Fabulous weekend. It was so clear and sunny, the fall colors were out!
Loved your post: a desperately needed reminder that we must all continue to look for joy - and that there is still joy to be found - even in these often dark times. However, the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce has asked me to remind you that Asilomar Beach is in Pacific Grove, not Carmel. While they have all the Hollywood stars and chichi artists, Asilomar is still ours.😀
GAH! What a rookie error on my part. Of course it is in Pacific Grove. I should be banned for a year, probably. Thank you for keeping me on the correct path. And also I'm glad you liked the words in the post :).
Glad you are feeling better, dear Sabrina, and have the courage to find joy in challenging times. Enjoy your travels :)
Thanks Carol. I'm so glad you have your music to keep you grounded. We all need to find the core of our strength to keep us sane!
Sabrina, I loved this post. I, took am still reeling from the election results which beyond the mean-spiritedness of his agenda have shaken my view of humanity to the core. And yet, here we are. So when it comes to nature, California's never-ending summer finally cooled off the first week or November and it's a balm. I'm grateful for it all, the clouds, the bright blue sky with occasional flurries of bright yellow leaves, even the cyclone bomb hovering over us because it's drenching my thirsty drought garden. More than ever, we need to find and appreciate moments of joy, fleeting as they might be. Your writing has confirmed I'm on the right track.
I really was surprised to feel that spark of joy again, and so wanted to share the possibility with others. I'm so glad to hear you too are starting to find your way back to balance. We are in for a marathon...I miss California weather so much sometimes. I ache for the autumn dryness. We are in Seattle now which is much like the UK weather-wise, but then there are the amazing mountains that continue to take my breath away. Enjoy that rain (we had the winds up here), and all the weather from the daily rhythms of the natural world. Its what keeps us all grounded.
Have a safe trip and hope to see you soon x
Thanks so much Vicki! Likewise!