30 Days of Joy: Day 7-Books

Have you ever had a book that you couldn't wait to finish and then was sad that it was over?  Worse yet, a series of books that you've read over many years that is now ended?  This is a common occurrence for me as I love to read!  I have so many books in my home that have brought hours of enjoyment.  I also now have a Kindle which has another collection of books as well.

Switching to e-reading was something that I thought about a lot before actually doing it.  I loved sitting down with a cup of coffee and reading a book.  The feel of the book in my hands, the smell of the paper, and the bookmark I used to keep the book in pristine shape created a unique experience that calmed the stress in my life.  It was a love affair that I wasn't sure that I wanted to give up, but I finally made the switch.  I still buy actual books by the authors I have been following and collecting, but as I add new authors, I am buying them on the Kindle.

One of my favorite ways to while away the hours is to visit Barnes and Noble bookstore.  I love to roam the shelves picking up new books by my favorite authors or books by new authors that catch my eye.  I usually take them to the coffee shop area, get a cup of Starbucks coffee, and sit down to enjoy my finds.

What's new now is that when I find a book by a new author, I start up my Kindle and buy the book from Amazon.  Books by my current authors are purchased with my discount at the store.  I know many people who have gone the way of the Nook.  That's wonderful!  I chose the Kindle because I can read it on my deck in the sunshine with ease.  I think that any way that people are reading more is great whether the book is a physical copy, on a Nook, or on a Kindle!

I have a very wide interest in books.  I love science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and romance.  I read young adult as well as adult books.  I like books about other worlds, vampires, technology, fantastical characters.  I have a book with me at all times (Kindle or physical).  There are many times when I am reading two books at a time: one on my Kindle and another physical copy.  In fact, that just happened.  I have been reading a physical copy of the book  Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith while reading City of Lost Souls (Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare on my Kindle.  I also just finished an autobiography by Cheryl Burke called Dancing Lessons that I bought at Barnes and Noble. Since I retired last July, I have read over 60 books!

Some of my favorite authors are J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts, Nevada Barr, Anne McCaffrey, Laurell K. Hamilton, Kim Harrison, Patricia Cornwell, Lara Adrian, Richelle Mead, Jim Butcher, Patrick Rothfuss, and Brent Weeks.  I did read and enjoy the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy by E. L. James, The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, and, of course, the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling.  I still love the Dune books by Frank Herbert and The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien.

I wish to thank all of the wonderful writers out there who have brought me such joy throughout my life.  I would also like to take a moment to remember Ray Bradbury who sadly passed away Tuesday evening.  He opened my eyes to a fantastic world of books.  Thank you, Mr. Bradbury, for you truly knew the trick to letting "the beautiful stuff out"!

“We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” 
― Ray Bradbury

Obviously, reading is a very important part of my life!  It brings me great joy.  I hope that you share the love of books that I have and that you will share some suggestions for new books to read.  I am always looking for new authors!  Whether you go to your public library, borrow books from friends, buy books at the bookstore, or read books on an e-reader, keep reading!

Have you found your joy today?

30 Days of Joy: Day 6-Celebration

When I sat down to select my topic for today, I wasn't sure which one I would choose.  I have a lot of joy in my life right now; so I usually pick a topic that relates to something that is currently going on.  Last night I had the pleasure of taking care of my granddaughter while my daughter-in-law (and son) attended her twin brothers' high school graduation.  I am glad that they were able to be there.  We have been wondering if she would make it since her baby is due any day now.  While it is usually a long ceremony, it is truly a time to celebrate!

Celebrations are important.  They commemorate the milestones in our lives.  We celebrate birthdays and holidays.  We celebrate retirements and accomplishments like graduations.  It has been so many years since I graduated from high school that I don't remember much about it.  However, I have stronger memories of when I graduated from college, and I have vivid memories of when I graduated from graduate school with my master's degree.  Occasions to celebrate are important to all of us, and I believe that they are memorable celebrations when they are shared with friends and family.

The graduations that are really the most memorable for me are when my sons graduated from high school.  It is such an emotional experience when your child accomplishes this rite of passage into adulthood. The other one was when I graduated from graduate school because my children were there.  I thought that it was important for them to see me graduate.  It is June, and many people are celebrating graduations by holding parties where they invite their school friends, their parent's friends, and family.  I hope that you are looking forward to seeing these young men and women in these celebrations of their accomplishments.

 June is also a month for weddings.  I have a friend who is getting married next weekend.  She has been planning and working on this for a very long time.  Marriage is a wonderful event in our lives, and I love going to weddings.  The celebration of two people joining their lives before friends and family is so joyful and exciting!  It is truly a beginning of a new life for them.  Anniversaries are times when couples celebrate their commitment to each other.  In July, I have been invited to a 50th Wedding Anniversary.  This event to commemorate a lengthy, successful marriage is a wonderful milestone to celebrate.  I can't wait!

As you have read in my blogs, my daughter-in-law is expecting a baby any day now.  This is truly something to celebrate-a new life!  We are so excited to meet this little guy.  Today I received an invitation to a baby shower for some friends.  This is the second baby shower I will have attended for friends recently.  What a hopeful, exciting experience this is with good food, great gifts, and loving friends and family.  

We should always look for occasions to celebrate like when someone gets a new job, finishes a big assignment, completes a semester of classes or teaching.  It is important for them to share these accomplishments with friends and family.  All of these celebrations are important times in our lives, but they become a true celebration in the sharing with people who love and care about the celebrant!  They can be moments of great joy for all involved.  So, I hope that you will be celebrating something wonderful in the near future.   And as always...

Have you found your joy today?

30 Days of Joy: Day 5-Encouragement

As I look back on my life thus far, I am struck by all of the help I have had.  Obviously, it started when I was very young when my parents were helping me navigate this wonderful journey called life.  As I moved from Miami to Wisconsin to Minnesota, I encountered some wonderful people who helped me figure out the new culture of each new school I attended.  Then I made the great journey to college.

During the first week of my freshman year, I met someone who ultimately changed my life-my husband.  While I didn't particularly like him at first, I later found that he was my very best friend and my love.  I was very unsure of myself at that time, but he has always believed in me and my ability to accomplish anything I set my mind to.  His encouragement has been an important component in making me who I am today.

While I moved in my career from teacher to mentor to administrator to director, I always had people who helped me along the way.  Without their support and encouragement, I'm not sure that I would have been able to grow and accomplish all that I've done.  Keeping that in mind, I have made sure to encourage others along the way.  I had many student teachers whom I encouraged.  Then when I was an adjunct professor at St. Thomas, I encouraged the teachers I was helping to prepare.  Once I entered Human Resources, a lot of my time was spent in career counseling and encouraging others in seeking their dreams.  In fact, here is my philosophy statement from my professional portfolio taken from a song called 

Encouragement:

Life is beautiful,

And life is good,

But life will never, never be easy

Like we sometimes wish it could.

I believe we were all meant to succeed.

I believe we were all born to win.

You might stand alone at the top of the victory stand

But you get there with the love and support of your friends.

It takes a pat on the back,

It takes a hand to hold,

It takes some words of hope that touch your heart and soul.

It takes encouragement, encouragement.

That fragile bridge between your dreams and accomplishment.

Surround yourself in this human experiment

With those who proudly wear the badge of encouragement.

By Don Wharton

At this time, I know several people who are starting new endeavors or encountering challenges with work or struggling with the day-to-day challenges of life.  I believe that Facebook has been a wonderful tool for many of them to keep them going.  I also believe that it has been a wonderful means to communicate our encouragement and support.  As I have mentioned before, many of the people connecting have never actually met each other.  Many live in different cities or even different countries, but they still show great compassion and encourage one another in life's daily struggles.  This is so powerful!

As you go through your day today, think of those who might need a little encouragement and see if you can bring them a little joy to make their way a bit easier.  You never know!  Your message or picture or response to their need may be just what they need to get through this trial or work through this block to their success.  You may be able to bring some joy to someone else, and you never know!  It may come back to you.

Have you found your joy today?

30 Days of Joy: Day 4-Laugh

Have you ever had the giggles?  It doesn't happen very often to us when we are adults.  I think you find giggling most often in young girls.  I know that there have been times when I had a fit of giggles when I was younger.  There is something about being young that goes hand-in-hand with laughter.

Parents record their baby's first laugh, and they tickle them to get them to laugh.
In fact, the toy, Tickle Me Elmo, was very popular at one time to the point of inciting riots where normally sane adults were grabbing the toys from one another.  Why was it such a big deal?  Children's laughter?

They say that laughter is contagious; so why don't we laugh very much once we become adults?  Is it because we have forgotten how to laugh?  Are we too cool or self-conscious to laugh?  Much too serious as adults?

 I think it's just that we don't take the time to laugh anymore.  My husband loves to impart puns as we go through our day.  Our sons will tell you that we usually call them groaners.  They really are clever, but we've heard them all before.  As a result, we don't really laugh-we smirk or groan.  That's sad.  One of the things that attracted me to him was that he made me laugh.

My husband is thrilled when he has new people to share his jokes with.  Our daughter-in-law has a greater appreciation for his sense of humor.  I'm sure that our granddaughter will happily enjoy laughing with her grandpa as she becomes old enough to understand his humor.

I think most of us like to laugh.  The fact that there are so many sitcoms on television certainly speaks to that form of entertainment.  Comedy clubs are still around, cartoons still exist, blooper reels are a success, and the comics in the newspaper are still favorites.  I know that in our house we usually like action/ fantasy movies, but there are times when we seek out a comedy just because we want to laugh.  I happen to like intelligent comedy; I think that's why I don't watch sitcoms anymore.  However, I used to love MASH and Cheers when I was younger.  Maybe my tastes have changed, or maybe the writing is just different than it used to be.

A Day Without Laughter Is a Day Wasted.-Charlie Chaplin

No matter what form of comedy you like, it's time for us to take back laughter. If you are looking for something to start with, I wholeheartedly recommend watching the Ellen DeGeneres show.  Any day is fun, but today is Classic Joke Monday!  The jokes may be old, but it will still get a chuckle. Ellen makes me laugh every time I watch her show, and I leave feeling happy.   When I was working, I used to tape her show and watch it at night.  Now that I am retired, I have the benefit of watching it during the day.  My granddaughter also likes to watch Ellen.  She dances with Ellen and smiles a lot while it's on television.  It's just feel-good programming!

Did you know that January 24th is Global Belly Laugh Day?  Or that there are health benefits to laughter?  Psychology Today actually has an article that you might want to read on The Science of Laughter.  I was amazed that females laugh more than males, and that males are more likely to be comedians than females.  I guess that makes sense.  When I think about my family, both my grandfather and my dad were great joke tellers.  I, on the other hand, am terrible at telling a joke.  The article also talks about the social nature of laughter.  We laugh more easily when we are with others.  What would be a better way to start a Circle of Joy?   Here's one to share with you to get you started:

That's the hard-drive; not the mouse!

It doesn't really matter what you find funny, just don't forget to laugh and experience the joy!  So, where's your laugh opportunity?

Have you found your joy today?

30 Days of Joy: Day 3-Our Feathered Friends

Have you stopped recently to listen to the birdsong?  It is truly a joyful sound!  When my granddaughter was outside with me the other day, I asked her if she could hear the birds singing.  She stopped and listened intently-then smiled as she looked up into the trees.  So smart!  I hope to teach her to appreciate our feathered friends and to identify them as they come to eat at the feeders. 

Today I need to fill my bird feeders.  I have several on my deck just outside our patio doors.  It is one of my simple pleasures to sit at the kitchen table and watch all of the birds that visit the feeders.  We have a wide variety of finches including goldfinches.

We have several cardinal families that visit daily along with the chickadees and nuthatches.  Sometimes we see  bluejays, cowbirds, or doves.  Once in a while, a bird visits that sends me running for our bird books to try to identify the new species-at least one that I don't recognize!

One of my favorites is the woodpecker who eats the suet we put out.  I have found that if I don't provide the suet, the house is the next target.  So I try to make sure that there is always suet.  We have an understanding.

After I had my cataract surgery, I was amazed at how brightly colored the cardinals were.  Before that time, my vision had dimmed the vibrancy of the colors in the world around me.  I spent a lot of one day just marveling at the beauty of the male cardinals who were eating at our feeders.  

It is fun to watch the bird families that visit as a group.  We also have some birds that are messy as they dig for the specific seeds they like.  The squirrels like it when they visit because they can eat the seeds on the ground.  Others will grab a seed, hold it between their feet, and peck at it to get to the inner section.  Once in a while, we have a bit of drama as birds fight for prime feeding areas.  I now know where the saying "pecking order" comes from.  We see it in action at times.

Once in a while, the squirrels find their ways to the feeders.  They come across the roof of the house or climb the screen door.  Don will scare them off most of the time.  I do occasionally but usually choose to provide food at their level so that they don't feel the need to climb.  The chipmunks and raccoons benefit from that as well.

It's also time to put out my hummingbird feeder.  I saw one yesterday outside our front window which is where I usually hang the feeder.  You have to be quick to see them.  They flit quickly as they seek nectar.  I have planted some cosmos in that area to attract them.  They are fascinating to watch-all of that energy in those quick-moving wings.  Amazing!

I love the slice of nature that the birds and animals in my yard provide.  If you can, take a moment to listen to the birds, watch them in flight, or put out a feeder for them so you can watch them interact with each other.  I find joy daily as the birds and I share our world.  What about you?

Have you found your joy today?

30 Days of Joy: Day 2-Flowers

I spent a lovely hour at Bachman's on Friday.  Whether I buy or just browse, it is a joy-filled hour for me.  One of my earliest memories of childhood was wandering through my grandmother's flower garden in Mississippi when we would visit each summer.  She didn't have much money, but she would harvest the seeds of her flowers each year so she could plant again the next year.

 I was particularly intrigued by her passion flowers, because they were so unusual.  I also loved her Cosmos.  I now plant them in my garden every year, and they bring back such wonderful memories of an innocent time in my life.

Another early memory is living in Miami Shores, Florida when I was very little and having Lantana in the yard of our duplex.  The individual little blooms in such vibrant colors were fascinating to a young toddler. They have such an unusual odor when you touch them.  I also plant them in my yard.  The aroma instantly brings me back to another time.

Obviously, my love for flowers began very early.  I know that I owe this to my mother.  She loved flowers, too, and shared this love with me.  In my stressful years as an HR Director, I would often take a little break by losing myself in the flowers I would encounter during my day.  My lovely husband often brought me flowers for my desk as he knew how much I loved them and needed them to get through my work day.

Today I will get to spend a few hours planting the flowers I bought yesterday.  I will then be able to enjoy them as they grow, expand, and flourish throughout the summer.  The weather is supposed to be beautiful here in Minnesota.  I hope that you will take a moment to really look at the beauty of the flowers surrounding you during the day.  It doesn't have to be in your yard or home.  Everywhere you go, there are flowers decorating the landscape.  It will also be a great day to visit the Rose Garden, the Arboretum, or a nursery near you.

If you get a chance, take a few pictures of the ones that you like. I have many flower pictures  that I use as backgrounds to bring me a little joy each time I look at my phone.  You will notice that this blog even has flowers as a background!  It really doesn't matter; just take a moment to find joy in the flowers around you.  Even better-share them with someone else as you create your Circle of Joy!

I am beginning to share flowers with my granddaughter.  When she was visiting last weekend, I showed her my roses by the front walk.  She pointed to them and said, "Oooh!".  And so it goes on to another generation: a love of flowers.  Take a flower break and pass it on...

Have you found your joy today?

30 Days of Joy: Day 1-Smile

Have you ever noticed how great you feel when someone really smiles at you?  I'm not talking about a fake smile.  I'm talking about a genuine smile.  They make eye contact with you, and you can see it in their eyes.  It is a moment when you have made a connection with another human being.  It's a pretty magical moment.

If you are a parent, that moment when your baby first smiles at you is so powerful.  You can feel the impact of the parent-child bond from this one interaction.  It effects you emotionally and physically.  Your emotions well up, and you smile back.  It is as if you are saying, "Hey, you!  I know you."  The joy that the parent and child feel at this moment is unmistakable.

 I still feel that way as a parent.  My children are grown, but nothing touches me more than when my sons smile at me.  Now that I am a grandmother, I also experience joy when I see my granddaughter.  When she first sees me, she smiles and waves.  Her smile is so precious-it melts my heart!

I make it a point to smile when I interact with people I meet in public-especially with store clerks.  I always ask how they are.  It amazes me how often I take them by surprise.  Sometimes they appear so grumpy when I first approach them, but they light up when they smile and realize that I do see them as a human being.

 I'll never forget when I asked a clerk at ToysRUs how she was doing as I smiled at her.  She looked like she could rip my head off when I first put my purchases on the conveyor belt.  However, when I asked about her day, she started to tell me that she had been working for over 8 hours and that she had been up at night with her baby who was sick.  The more we talked, the more she relaxed.  By the end of that brief encounter, she was smiling again.  I like to think that I made an impact on her for that short amount of time.  I also think that those coming after me encountered a human being who was more relaxed and congenial.

I have a friend who always smiles.  She has a smile that would light up a room.  Since I have known her, she has encountered financial problems and the loss of a loved one.  She has struggled through the trials of raising her children and supporting her husband during unemployment.  She has worked endless hours even when sick.  Yet through it all, she always smiles.  She is truly an inspiration for me.  I believe that she is also an inspiration for many other people.  I know that she is loved by all of us.  If I ever need a pick-me-up, she is the one I would like to see.  I am truly blessed by her loving smile.

Don't forget the power of a smile.  As you find your joy today, take the time to reflect and smile about it.  See if you can start a Circle of Joy today.  If you are meeting other people, be sure to acknowledge them with a smile.  I hope that you will find someone who will return the favor so that you can bask in their smile and feed your joy.  Keep giving and searching...

Have you found your joy today?