delight over despair: a new friday thingy
cece's musings
Life is short and often hard. We worry about money. Illnesses lurk. Relationships can be difficult to navigate. We ruminate about everything, especially these days with an off the rails administration taking away rights, locking people up without due process, threatening everyone, shuttering legitimate government agencies, raising tariffs, and so much more.
I’ve decided to defy chaos with a list of joyful observations encountered throughout the week. Because even though life is short and often hard, it is also fantastically magical and glimmering with breathtaking wonders….so here goes my inaugural “delight over despair: a friday thingy.”
As I was walking out of my favorite breakfast place in Frenchtown, I spotted a baby bird in a windowsill. I did a double take, and there it was, breathing deeply, eyes closed. I glanced to the corner of the overhang and spied the nest with her two siblings. She was the first to make it out of the nest. I snapped a photo, quietly told her how proud I was of her accomplishment, and then went home. Sweet girl.
I finally bought a few flowers yesterday. We have more to get tomorrow, but it’s finally spring at our house. Joy. (I spread creeping thyme seeds in the soil. Hoping it fills out the bare spots in our small yard.)
I’ve had long phone conversations with two dear friends and my sister this week, and also a walk/lunch date with another friend who spends her winters down south. Nourishing and well-needed, these women in my life. Grateful for their stories, laughter, and support.
I watched my son feed our youngest grandson over FaceTime. I love seeing this little boy open his mouth and flap his arms like a bird as he waits for spoonfuls of peaches or carrots. We chatted for a while and then his face lit up when his mama walked through the door. True love.
After a few crazy weeks, I was able to stick to my daily routine. Morning meditation, exercise, healthy food, water, journal writing, reading, afternoon or evening walks, and dinners at our own table. Some may call it boring; I say it’s nirvana.
My younger son has texted me photos throughout the week of his time in Sicily with his girlfriend. I love when he shares his life with me.
My husband and I had one of our galavants last Saturday. After spending most of the morning at the Verizon store getting me a new phone (it was time), we then drove into the city. Had a delicious cheese board at one of our favorite little wine bars and then checked out a newish pizza place at the Hill. I love our adventures.
Music. Always music. Today it was Happy Rock on Sirius Radio. Who can brood with Bon Jovi singing “Living on a Prayer”? Not me. Dancing in the car is one of my greatest silly joys. Aren’t we all just living on a prayer these days?
If you have your own list of delights over despair, I’d love for you to share them. Here’s to the resistance, finding enchantment and glee and bliss in a world that is determined to be cruel and stupid. Delight makes us pay attention to all that is glorious.
“The soul of sweet delight, can never be defiled.” ~William Blake
Yesterday a goldfinch, one of my favorite birds, was perched on the bird bath in my backyard for a little drink. He was such a dainty little thing taking tiny sips of water.