It rained last night much to our surprise. I don’t remember when it last did so. It was a gentle type rather than the sudden downpours we usually get around these parts. The sonorous sounds of this unexpected heaven-sent precipitation was quite soothing and it made for a good bed time lullaby. As I lay dying, I held Harper’s paw in mine. We both had good dreams: waterfalls and gummi bears for me and ‘the hunt’ for the hound. This morning there was wet pavement and the air was filled with moisture. I saw rosy-fingered dawn as I sit in my office. The sunshine dried everything up and it will be as it was.
It is a comfort to know I am still thrilled by little things like last night’s rainfall. Yesterday I found a ‘new’ Christmas carol – new for me anyway as it was written sometimes in the 17th century. Its delight is as remarkable as if I had discovered I had won the lottery. Tonight after work I have no plans at all – I can do what I want including nothing at all. This too evokes a quiet satisfaction that might as well been the radiance of a brilliant sunset.
I see these as the consequence of gratitude. Finding Joy in the mundane and the simple makes the mundane seem marvelous. A bowl of hot soup is as good as a banquet. After work I could go to the pub, the gym, or just go home to be with the dog. All three have their charms. These are the same Friday choices really, happening month after month without variation. Some would see this boring as all get out. Urs Truly will be quite content. How many of us can say likewise?
27 comments
November 30, 2018 at 2:50 PM
Jennifer
That sounds like a recipe for a happy life to me!
November 30, 2018 at 7:11 PM
Urspo
One of the definitions of ‘happy’ is being content with who you are and with your lot.
November 30, 2018 at 5:05 PM
anne marie in philly
we went to our mom-n-pop pizza joint for dinner tonight. thin crust, crispy and fresh tasting!
November 30, 2018 at 7:11 PM
Urspo
That sounds quite good – particularly with anchovies.
December 1, 2018 at 6:15 AM
anne marie in philly
NO ANCHOVIES! yuck!
November 30, 2018 at 6:19 PM
Old Lurker
In comparison to this, going to Las Vegas must be terribly boring.
November 30, 2018 at 7:12 PM
Urspo
It could be tedious if the lectures are dull and there is nothing to see and do.
November 30, 2018 at 7:08 PM
Debra She Who Seeks
The simple things in life can bring the greatest joy, it’s true.
November 30, 2018 at 7:12 PM
Urspo
Let us hope so
November 30, 2018 at 11:09 PM
wcs
Good ol’ Larson. Always makes me smile. The other side of this coin is his version of a cave man being served dinner by his wife. He gripes: “Primordial soup again?”
December 1, 2018 at 2:56 AM
Ravager619
I threw a Tombstone pizza in the oven after work, but that wasn’t the fun part. The fun part was eating it while watching the new Titans episode on DC Universe after work. Lately, that’s what I’ll do after work. I’ll either make or pick up dinner, and then stream the latest episode of whatever I recorded or is available the day after broadcast.
December 2, 2018 at 9:22 AM
Urspo
What a lovely evening you portray!
December 2, 2018 at 9:26 AM
Ravager619
And tonight I get to watch the latest Doctor Who episode while eating dinner!
December 1, 2018 at 5:19 AM
David
A life of predictable comfort and security, sounds like a happy life. Enjoy the weekend diversions.
December 2, 2018 at 9:21 AM
Urspo
Yes it is. lovely in fact
December 1, 2018 at 5:41 AM
wcs
James Taylor wrote, “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.” I agree.
December 2, 2018 at 9:20 AM
Urspo
Isn’t life beautiful?
Isn’t life gay?
Isn’t life the perfect thing to pass the time away?
December 1, 2018 at 10:09 AM
Freckles
Dr. Spo … you are a poet. And thank you so much for your poetry today, it has lifted me. Cheers.
December 1, 2018 at 8:45 PM
Old Lurker
Hello Freckles! I have missed you!
December 2, 2018 at 9:19 AM
Urspo
I too am pleased as pun to hear from you!
December 1, 2018 at 11:36 AM
Mike Warren
Well said. You aren’t going to share the name of the newish Christmas carol? My favorite is In The Bleak Midwinter.
December 2, 2018 at 9:19 AM
Urspo
“Kingsbridge” as sung by the Boston Camerta 1993
December 1, 2018 at 6:44 PM
Steven
Usually we do the same old thing because over the years we learn what we enjoy the most. It doesn’t sound exciting to go home and read a good book while having the perfect cup of tea, versus a music festival. However if you enjoy the book and the festival only gives you a headache, the “same old” wins. Wait this wasn’t a metaphor for sex was it because regular “same old” beats the unknown every time!
December 2, 2018 at 9:18 AM
Urspo
Dopamine for the new experience; oxytocin for the familiar.
December 2, 2018 at 1:39 AM
Moving with Mitchell
That Larson cartoon is a perfect complement to this post.
December 2, 2018 at 9:17 AM
Urspo
I thought it spot-on. Harper goes into hysterical joy with every dog walk as if she had never had one before.
December 10, 2018 at 5:40 PM
Ron
I frequently find joy in the mundane, like reading a real book in bed while the rain beats against my bedroom window. See the late afternoon sun through my front door. Hearing the wind whistling by my bedroom window. Slipping onto my bed flannel sheets on a cold winter’s night.