May 31--A Good Today

Yesterday is but a dream, tomorrow but a vision. But today well-lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day.  --Sanskrit Proverb

    We end the month of May with the theme of happiness. My husband finished off the month with a long weekend of bicycle riding, and I did a lot of work (play!) to spiff up the garden. He is replacing our old deck, so I want the garden to look extra-lovely when we get to relax on the new deck. Such are life's simple pleasures and good days. 

    Leta

The new hydrangea shrub--GROW, damn it! 😉

May 30--Favorites

Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.  --Marcel Proust

    There is a group of women in my life who began monthly get-togethers back in 1999. The group has expanded and changed some members over time to reach its current number of 23 Sisters. Ages range from 30s to 90s. We take turns organizing a dining venue or activity each month. Well, Covid stopped that in a big way. One of our annual events prior to the pandemic was the May porch party at the country home of one of our members. What a treat it was this past Thursday, after a three-year break, to get back to the porch! Lots of hugs, catching up, good food and drink--simple joy at being back together in this familiar and loved place! In support of all this happiness, three days of huge rain and strong winds cleared off, and we had a lovely, warm, calm evening to enjoy our outdoor time together. 

    Grateful for my Sisters,

        Leta

May 29--The Big Three

The three grand essentials to happiness in life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.  --Joseph Addison

    Well, I have plenty to do. Oh, wait, I'll bet Addison is not talking about a to-do list. I'm thinking more along the lines of work or hobbies that are enjoyable, that one wants to get into regularly. I have both--part-time assorted "jobs" which keep my schedule flexible, and hobbies such as gardening, golfing and travel that keep me moving. 

    Something to love--I could go on forever. Family, friends, pets, home, you get the picture. 

    Something to hope for... the August grandbaby!!!! I can hardly wait to hold that new little one in my arms, feel that silken skin, hold that tiny hand, look into those "fresh from heaven" eyes!

    Essentially happy,

        Leta

Plus it's back to Jamaica in December, WOOHOO!

May 28--Small Treats

One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats.  --Iris Murdoch

    While "too much of a good thing can be wonderful" (Mae West), I've learned that any sort of bingeing isn't such a great idea for me. Small treats or pleasures keep me in a content state. A key is paying attention to recognize and appreciate life's continuous flow of "small treats":

• Sunshine
• Rain
• Flowers blooming in my garden
• Barney's belly-up ecstasy over a belly rub
• Hugs
• Breath
• Writing
• Healthy meals
• Comfortable bed
• Good night's sleep
• Reading
• Trying something new
• Travel
• Prayer
• Baseball
• Walking in my neighborhood
• Talking with a friend
• Being heard
• Playing golf
• Swimming 
• Massage
• Pedicure
• Naps
• And many more...

    These are all "small treats" in my fairly regular life. Seeing them as treats makes for a much happier life.

        Leta

Belly rub heaven 😉😉

May 27--Perception

Happiness is not the means to any end. It is the end. It is its own goal. It is its own purpose.  --Ayn Rand

    Today I offer this additional quote from Mike Dooley. This is the May 25th "Notes from the Universe":

    Courageous is the soul who adventures into time and space to learn of their divinity. For while they cannot lose, they can think they have, and the loss will seem intolerable. And while they cannot fail, they can think they have, and the pain will seem unbearable. And while they cannot ever be less than they truly are—powerful, eternal, and loved—they can think they are, and all hope will seem lost.
    And therein lies their test. A test of perceptions: of what to focus on, of what to believe in, in spite of appearances.

    Appearances these days can be especially dreadful, making happiness seem so far out of reach. It's "a test of perceptions."

    Working on my focus,

            Leta

Nature and beauty--excellent focal points
Japanese Friendship Garden, Phoenix

May 26--Joy Here, Joy There

The soul is here for its own joy.  --Rumi

    Abraham, via Esther Hicks, tells us we are here for joy, expansion and freedom. Jesus healed so many, each a joyful event. We are on planet Earth, a playground of infinite beauty to explore. Mother Earth sustains us, and we have folks to love and to love us. We have all the makings for a joyful soul. 

    I do not believe we are here to suffer. That certainly may happen, because of the extraordinary blessing of free will. But suffering, a "dark night of the soul," can lead to even more joy if we choose to use it that way. It is possible to come through difficulties with an even greater appreciation for one's life, strength, and yes, joy. 

    I have also witnessed when earthly joy has run out--when a person's quality of life is such that they are ready to transition. I get that. I believe that we move on to infinite and eternal bliss, so that our souls continue forever in joy. 

    There is no shortage of joy anywhere, ever,

        Leta

Jamaican sunset

May 25--A Reason Why

Be happy, and a reason will come along.  --Robert Brault

    Here are a few of my reasons to be happy:

My sweet bud, Barney

A brilliant Colorado sunset

Cubs baseball

Nature's beauty at the 
Japanese Friendship Garden, Phoenix

Creativity--a flower I sewed

Simple pleasures. Life is good. 

        Leta