simple moments

Take Joy!…and Squeal with Delight!

Posted by Barbara Techel

Take Joy!...and Squeal with Delight!

The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. Take Joy! ~Fra Giovanni

I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but feel exuberant joy watching everything come to life with spring upon us.

Walking out my writing cottage door at lunch today, just after we had a soft rain, I squealed out loud, and said to Gidget who was tucked under my arm, “Oh look, Gidget!  The Willow Cherry tree has begun to blossom! I must get a picture.” 

In that moment I felt my love for Tasha Tudor bubble up again to the surface, imagining her delight in her exquisite garden that she too felt every spring.

This week in my newsletter which comes out on Sunday I wrote about the Wild Woman within each of us — Tasha was definitely the epitome of that!  She is one of my mentors because it is what I strive to continue to embrace more and more everyday…to walk to the beat of my own drum…

and to Take Joy! in all the simple pleasures life has to offer.

—

I recently learned of a Wisconsin Chapter for the Tasha Tudor Society. I was so excited to receive a response from the woman who organizes events in WI to celebrate Tasha Tudor letting me know I’m now added to her email list. I hope to attend an event in the near future!

Thank you for sharing and subscribing to my blog updates.

My Joyful Pause Moments. Weekly Recap.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Sorry for the delay in getting this to you as I normally do on Sunday’s. But alas, here it is. As always, I hope it inspires and encourages you to look for those little moments in life that bring you joy – breathe them in and let them light you from the inside out.

10379022_10203099520462125_3067699814573115229_nI enjoyed working on painting this bird house as part of our local Chamber of Commerce initiative that will help raise money for the Chamber with 25 bird houses being painted by local business members. They will be auctioned off at our annual Downtown Night in August. For the month of July they will be displayed around downtown.

10502336_10203108111036884_6933446716161511135_nMy first rose bloom on the bush that my dear friend, Cassy gave to me last summer.

20140625_162218 12Dabbling in some art from the heart. Working on something for you, but it’s a secret. I hope to reveal soon!

20140624_155503 12One of the sweet ladies in our True Self class brought a variety of beautiful butterfly planter pics. We each got to pick one to bring home.

marie and me 12Had tea with my artist friend, Marie who I met two years ago, and getting to know her better. I love being in her company! She was mysterious to me for many years until I met her in a workshop. I wrote about her in a recent blog post here.

g in comforter 12While cleaning my house on Friday with a negative attitude about it, Gidget had burrowed unbeknownst to me into the comforter I had on the floor, ready for taking to the laundromat. When I discovered her inside, it made me smile and changed my whole attitude around to joyful…. even when cleaning.

marie studiio 12My artist friend, Maria’s art studio.

Annoyed at the “Heavy” Comforter & then it Turned into My Joyful Pause Moment.

Posted by Barbara Techel

g in comforter 12Cleaning the house isn’t my favorite thing to do. Well, maybe I should say this differently. I don’t mind cleaning, but often times there are other things I’d rather be doing. I think most of us can relate to this.

On the positive side of it though, my house is only 1,000 square feet, so it’s really not all that time consuming. But I could feel myself rushing it today, wanting to get it over and done with. Gidget was hot on my heels as she normally is when I clean. She’s so used to being able to sleep in her little bed at my feet when I am in my writing cottage working, so on cleaning day she does not quite know what to do with herself.

I was busy scurrying around in the bedroom, taking off the bedding so I could get it in the washer and then hang it on the line. The comforter being a king size I have to take to the local laundromat, which was in the plan for today.

My attitude wasn’t the best as I continued to “hurry” and get everything done so I could get on with what makes me happy. As I went to pick up the comforter it felt heavy and I couldn’t lift it into the wicker basket.

I tugged some more, wondering what the heck it might be stuck on. And then I saw the sweetest little face peeking out at me. I didn’t even realize Gidget was no longer behind me, but had quietly burrowed into the comforter for a quick “cat” nap.

“Awe, you little stinker,” I said. “You are just too dang cute!”

I knelt down by her and held her little face in my hands and then pet her soft body. “” I know. You are right. Mama needs to slow down and not be in a hurry.”

The comforter could wait to go to the laundromat a bit longer. It was time to take a “joyful pause” moment and remember the important things and moments in life.

And I’m happy to say the bedding is all clean, back on the bed, house is sparkling clean, Gidget is napping next to me, and an impromptu dinner on our deck with my dear friend, Victoria will be in order for this evening. Life is good.