Do you ever go over your gratitude list and realize some of the items are quite small, even insignificant? A sound or scent will float by, and you realize, I love that. Lately, I see how there are plenty of pleasurable mini moments in life. Here are a few of mine…
Our community – I have so many wonderful social stops on my local “cookie route:” The chipper coffee shop baristas who always say hello. The shy Asian man who owns the nail salon. The friendly young guy behind the fish store counter. The stylishly-dressed women tellers at our bank. We don’t talk about much, usually the weather, but for some reason, that’s enough. Familiar faces, especially friendly ones, give comfort.
The weekly return of the garbage truck – Yes, it’s a strange one, but I realized one Thursday morning, I love the rumble of our sanitation vehicle coming up the driveway. Despite all the chaos in the world, order still reigns. The neatnik in me especially loves the act of taking away the trash. Each week we start fresh and clean with empty bins. And although many things have been modernized—no more paperboys or milk trucks come to mind—there’s something steady about the good, old-fashioned garbage truck.
Our backyard plants blooming each spring — Mother Nature is right on time, and she’s not fooling around this year. Is it me or does this season become more beautiful with each trip around the sun? Purple rhododendrons with flowers the size of dinner plates, bright pink azaleas lining the front walkway, purple bearded irises, pale pink peonies. The blue hydrangeas aren’t blooming yet, but the buds are there, and I can’t wait. Ahh… spring. There’s a constancy in nature which is soothing.
The sight of the young – Recently I saw a party of robe-clad graduates celebrating in a restaurant. They were so exuberant, this new, young class and I wish them well. There’s something reassuring about seeing a new generation get ready to take the helm. They’re so enthused, and ready to rumble. They’re inheriting a rough world, but this is a tough, savvy group of kids. They’ve seen a lot in their young lives. I not only believe in them but feel they’re our greatest hope. And that thought sustains me.
The sight of the very, very young –Lately, social media is awash in videos of wild animal babies. Recently, I was fascinated by a mommy fox watching her kits scurrying around an old cemetery. Mommy was so vigilant, and I can’t imagine bringing up babies in that predatory world. I see a mother cat nursing her purring kittens, or a robin bringing food to her open-mouthed chicks in the nest, and I melt. And although this cycle has been playing out since the beginning of time, these lovely maternal images, give a steady, warm beat to life.
Ever notice how as we age, our gratitude lists get longer but the items smaller? So many moments—from the big to the tiny—can lead to great pleasures. What are yours?
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Pennie Nichols
Sometimes, it’s especially the small things that carry my grateful list.
Laurie Stone
Pennie, I find when I have big things scheduled for the week (too many social events, in particular), I find myself yearning for those quiet “nothing is happening” times. Probably comes with being an introvert.
Mona Andrei
That is so true about our gratitude list getting bigger while the things that we’re grateful for seem to get smaller. Profound! Thanks for sharing!
Laurie Stone
Mona, Thank you so much!
Beth Havey
LOVING LIFE is the best thing. And Yes, our garbage truck also pulls up behind the house, so all I have to do is walk through the yard to get there. SMALL THINGS. Like finding you have more paper goods from your last store excursion than you thought. Like waking up with a new idea for a post or other writing. THANKS for this, Laurie. SMALL THINGS ARE THE BEST THINGS.
Laurie Stone
Beth, You and I are so alike in so many ways. Wish we lived closer.
Daryl
Laurie, popping in to say hi and to thank you for this reminder.
Thinking fondly of our days sitting around the table in the (old) WWW library and listening to the quiet hilarity and devastating beauty of the work that became TAIL WAGS AND WHISKERS.
I’m grateful to you for always being yourself and opening your heart to all.
Hope you and Randy and the boys are well!
Laurie Stone
Daryl! So great to hear from you. How are you? How did your book turn out? So nice of you to reach out. I remember those days fondly too.
Arlene
Wait! Your garbage truck comes up your driveway? Now that is service.
Laurie Stone
Arlene, We have a long, hilly driveway and my husband is disabled, so the local company is kind that way.
Lea Sylvestro
Some of the items on your list match mine! The familiarity of community faces – the sense of belonging and feeling so at home- Claudia at Sherwoods, Mary at the Post office, Ryan and Christian at Greisers. And Nature – thank heavens for Her in these troubled times! We have a mama bird nesting right out our screen door above the wood pile, and our movements have changed – slower, more quiet and mindful – to allow her peace and a sense of security. And wow – those rhododendron blossoms! They are astonishing! Gratitude, in and of itself, is a saving grace, in paying attention enough to notice all those miraculous things and feel the gratitude.
Laurie Stone
Lea, Glad we share this wonderful community!