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| The Daily Cup of Joy |
Today is the first day of Autumn or Fall, at least in the Northern Hemisphere. Here, in Southern California, the first days of autumn still feel like summer, with temperatures in the 90s and even 100+. Today is the coolest day this week, with a high of only 80F; the forecast says highs in the upper 90s by the weekend.
Laura has posted an autumn joy list in her blog, here. It's a list of things to do that will bring joy to her. When I read it, I thought, what a great idea! We can all do with a little more joy in our lives! I should make a joy list, too. There are so many things that bring joy to me that I don't take the time to do. But, on the other hand, I don't want it to be yet another "To Do" list, either! I have enough of those, as well! Still, I would like to make a list of things to do that is intended to bring me joy. I will incorporate it into my goals for a more balanced life.
I already do a few things that bring joy to me on a daily basis. One of them is drink my morning and afternoon cups of tea using a proper cup and saucer, as opposed to a mug, and using my good china to do so. This particular china is special to me. I had always admired the pattern and coveted it. But it was pricey and I didn't feel right about spending so much on myself on something I didn't really need, especially when I had other china, already. But my daughter observed how I'd stop by the china section of the store to admire this particular set, almost every time we went to the store. So, she bought me the set for my 50th birthday! It was a very special birthday, she told me, and deserved a very special gift. The downside to using the good china on a daily basis is...accidents happen. I dropped the sugar canister on the counter, one morning, and it knocked against the cup and broke off the handle. I felt so bad about it, but my lovely daughter bought me a replacement cup and saucer, which is what I use now. The rest of the set is in the china cabinet, to be used very occasionally and very carefully!
Another thing that brings me joy, which I do daily, is video chat with my daughter. And I begin and end each day with prayer, which brings me more than joy. I don't know if I should list these daily occurring joy-bringing activities on my list, but I guess I will.
For my initial list of joys, I shall follow Laura's example and make it a seasonal list, from now until Thanksgiving.
List of Autumn Joys:
1. Continue to begin and end each day with prayer
2. Continue to drink my tea using my special cup and saucer
3. Continue to chat daily with my daughter
4. Decorate my house for fall (in October) and for Thanksgiving (in November)
5. My daughter's visits home (1 planned for in October; 2 in November)
6. Attend up-coming family gathering for cousin's daughter's baby shower
7. Make some cards using items I have on hand
8. Host the October prayer gathering
9. Visit my mother's grave on her birthday (October) - both joyful and sad at the same time
10. Celebrate my birthday (November)
11. Celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family
12. Go to the Sri Lankan grocery store and indulge!
13. Go out to dinner with a friend
14. Go out to lunch with sister
15. Invite cousin and aunt to dinner
16. Spend more time gardening
17. Continue to work on on-going craft projects
18. Visit the library
19. Read a book (or two, or more)
20. Listen to music
21. Play the piano
22. Sing
23. Bake something when it is cooler
24. Visit my neighbors
25. Go out to dinner with an aunt (and maybe a cousin)
So that is my Autumn joy list! Yes, it includes several things to do, but, they are things that will bring joy.
Today, I spent the day doing office work for the most part. I did take a short break to stroll around the garden, to admire the hibiscus flowers and the few roses that are blooming. Later in the evening, I took the car for a drive!
Today, I am grateful for:
- Slightly cooler weather
- Inspiration from other bloggers
- Friends who keep in touch
- The garden continuing to limp along
- Video chatting with my daughter
How was your first day of autumn? Have you made a joy list before? Is it something you might like to do? What are some of the things that bring you joy?
Thanks for the list of seasonal joy. Brilliant idea Laura. I too believe we need to be cognizant of all the pleasures we enjoy each day. I recently had my final appointment with my cardiologist and the tests done confirmed I could cease six of seven RX whose side effects have been so bothersome for the entire post surgical year. I had tears of pure joy as I walked out of the Cardiology Clinic.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the memories, my grandmother and her sisters likewise had Royal Albert, Old Country Rose place settings. I hope you'll use and enjoy your China regularly, possibly each time daughter returns. It good to create joy. Should you wish to add or replace pieces, I suggest checking at the better Goodwill and Thrift store outlets. I see quality crystal and whole sets of English china at our nearby GW as the millennials aren't choosing fine China it seems.
Hon, what wonderful news! I am so happy for you! Definitely something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!
DeleteGood to hear that news, Hon. I have been thinking about you and meaning to ask how you are.
DeleteBushlady
I do like the idea of an Autumn joy list. You have much to enjoy and look forward to. I'm going to write one myself. X
ReplyDeleteI hope you make a list, too, Jules, and post it. I'd love to read it. I like the idea of taking the time to do something that brings more joy into our lives.
DeleteIs that pattern "Old Country Roses" made by Royal Albert? That is a pattern I have admired as well. Very lovely. You have a wonderful caring daughter. I don't have any pieces myself, but I am good with that.
ReplyDeleteWhat are some of your on-going craft projects? Have you shown photos of examples here on your blog? I would love to see some of your card making. Have a great day.
Susan, yes, it is "Old Country Roses" by Royal Albert.
DeleteI have two patchwork quilts I am making. One is called Grandmother's Flower Garden, using English paper piecing method. I stopped sewing it when my fingers got numb from the chemo and I couldn't feel the needle to hold it. My fingers are better now. Here's the link to the last post about it: http://bless2cents.blogspot.com/2016/04/almost-there-grandmothers-flower-garden.html
The other quilt is one known as a "mile a minute" quilt which I am calling my Mountain Climbing quilt, and it is supposed to represent the journey up the mountain that is cancer.
There are several other pictures of my other quilts scattered throughout the blog. Here's the most recently finished one: http://bless2cents.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-finished-irish-chain-quilt.html
Then, I have the rag rug I started crocheting and two sweaters I started knitting (might have to unravel and re-do them both since I've lost 30+ lbs. since starting them!) Here is a link to a post about my works in progress: http://bless2cents.blogspot.com/2016/02/works-in-progress.html
As for my cards, I am no where as good as you are. But I do enjoy making them, using my scrapbooking papers. http://bless2cents.blogspot.com/2015/07/birthday-cards.html
and http://bless2cents.blogspot.com/2015/07/more-birthday-cards.html
I was surprised to see a photo of "Old Country Roses" china because I have a set that my Aunt gave us for our wedding present over 40 years ago. I am glad that your daughter bought you a set, it is really lovely and reminds me in particular of the dark scented roses I used to love in England as a child.
ReplyDeleteBushlady
Bushlady, we need to plan and have a cyber tea party, one of these afternoons, using our "Old Country Roses" china! It is a pattern I fell in love with, for some reason. I have reason to believe that I will be receiving the teapot, sugar bowl, and creamer for my birthday, this year! ;) I shall have to declutter my china cabinet to make room!
DeleteIt would have to be a Skype party, of course!
DeleteBushlady
Yes! :)
DeleteI love the china and I love the idea of the joy list. Sorry I haven't been around for a few days. I'm glad your eyes are okay. x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lyssa, and no need to apologize. You had your own things to worry about. I hope you are feeling better and recovering nicely. Take care.
DeleteTHe china is beautiful.. and what a lovely cup to have your tea in.. A treat indeed.
ReplyDeleteI love your joy list.. Such fun things. I need to make a joy list too. That would be fun. The little things is what I want to take time to do.. To make time for my family and my friends too. Hope you have a wonderful fall.
I hope you make a joy list, Judy. We get so caught up in doing the chores that often, we forget to take a little time out for ourselves, too.
DeleteThe cup is very pretty and reminds me of my own tea cup that I had gifted to my grand mother when she came to visit here and we had high tea at the Grand Floridian Resort, and that my mom kept for me when my grandmother passed. I'm kind of afraid to use it, but I do once in a while :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't made a formal joy list but I have learned from you in posting daily things that I'm grateful for!
My first day of Autumn was good... my honey is on his way home from the airport, I got to cuddle with the kittens and watch a few episodes of Law & Order, and I even was productive this morning and did some chores!
I hope you enJOYed yours as well!
Yours is a very special tea cup, Nathalie. Your grandmother must have treasured it; how nice of your mother to keep it for you.
DeleteThis is the first time I've made a joy list; it'll be a good reminder to incorporate more joy as I go about my days. To really enJOY each day, as you put it! ;)
Happy to hear that he's on his way home! EnJOY the time he's home before he has to leave again. Have fun with those kittens, too.
I love your list and what a wonderful gift that teacup from your daughter was!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie. She saved up her allowance for months to buy me the set - 4 place settings. Then, I bought myself another 4 because my big dining table seats 8.
Delete