There is joy in the simple pleasures. That's for sure.
Today I would love to share some of the simple things I love with you....
Books. Old-fashioned, real, physical books. Ones whose pages you can turn. When you can feel the book in your hands, smell the bookish scent (yes!!), and write in it, if you wish. I'm a firm believer in real books, not the electronic, modern variety. I don't have a Kindle, a Nook, or any other electronic reader. I don't want one. At one point, I thought I did, though. But I'm so glad I didn't get one; I love the feel of a book in my hands and to actually turn the page is what I love. I am also addicted to the scent of books, especially old ones. And there are few things more lovely to behold than a stack of books on the bedside table, or bookshelves crammed with more books than they can hold.
A "digital book" can't be infused with smells,
can't press flowers in between its pages.
It can't contain spilt tears or coffee stains.
No, only a real book can do those things.
Teacups. Mugs. Teapots.
These things have my heart. One and all. Over the past several years, I have enjoyed beginning and adding to my collection. I've decided that I like mugs for everyday use. And I like to save teacups for special occasions, as well as use for decoration. Picking up a mug filled with a steaming hot drink is practically perfect in every way. Using a dainty teacup takes me back to the olden days. I love the way it seems to automatically transport you to another era. Teacups are a means of time travel, I'm sure.
Conversation. Real life, in person, face to face conversation. There's nothing like it. We live in a culture in the middle of a communication crisis (read more here). I'm not a big fan of social media and all that has come of the modern technological age that we are consumed by. Yes, there are some things that are good about it, but there's a lot of bad stuff too, and it certainly shouldn't take the place of the real-life connections we were created to need. We need to, daily, enjoy heart to heart, face to face conversation.
Find joy in the ordinary.
Breathing in fresh air and taking in nature. People don't seem to be outdoors as much as they used to be. Maybe it's because I grew up with a mother who is always outside, enjoying the breeze, taking in some sunlight, listening to the creatures that live out there, but I just really don't understand those who just stay cooped up indoors all day by choice. When I was little, my sister and I, along with our friends, practically lived outdoors. We'd make up silly little games to play, have picnics, run through the sprinkler in the summertime and play in the snow in the wintertime. It was just something we did. But I've noticed people don't do that as much anymore, even kids. I need the fresh air and I crave being in nature. It's good for me...physically, mentally and emotionally. I love being in nature, admiring all of earth's beauty and soaking up her goodness. Studies even show that time outdoors each day is overall good for a person. I'd have to agree.
Music. If you know me, you know I'm a sucker for music. I listen to it constantly, and that's not an exaggeration. I'm an old soul, I guess you could say. I love CDs, physical music you can hold. I have an iPod but have never used iTunes or downloaded digital music once. As I've mentioned before, I'm not impressed by all this "progress" our modern, technological culture has made. Some of the old things do just fine.
Find the beauty in everyday.
Cooking and baking. I love having my hands covered in flour, mixing and folding to make a loaf of homemade bread. The scent of onions and garlic sauteing in olive oil is the scent of heaven. Cooking and baking are healthy habits, I think. Much is gained whilst doing them. Peace, happiness, joy, learning skills, a sense of magic, a touch of the old days and of simple living, a bit of bliss, and a contented heart and spirit, just to name a few.
Writing. I love to write. No, I need to write. Writing has been my thing since I was in elementary school. I didn't know how much I loved it, or that I needed it until I began blogging over five years ago. Since then, it's become one of my greatest joys and pleasures. It's been a journey, and I'm so thankful it's led me to here. Writing is an adventure, and it's one worth embarking on.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
·John Keats·
Knitting, sewing and other crafting endeavors. I began knitting about the same time I began blogging. It wasn't until just last year that I realized how much I love it. To see something as simple as yarn get turned into something beautiful is magical. Sewing is something I've found great pleasure in since I was about 7 or 8 years old. I love sitting down with a few pieces of fabric and some thread, only to end up a bit later with something new. A new creation. Again, magical.
There is beauty in simplicity.
So, friends, I hope you see that there is such joy in simple pleasures. I'd love to hear some of the simple things you love, so please share in the comments ♥
May your day be filled with beautiful blessings found in simple pleasures...