Friday 29 November 2013

gentle pursuits that bring a little happiness …

 

I have been acutely aware this week that it is the little things that bring happiness.   Seeing a buzzard on the roadside eating its kill as I passed by in my car, after only seeing them through binoculars before.  So  much larger than I imagined, the colour of its feathers, more grey than brown, the huge golden eyes and the large, bloodied, hooked beak.  I felt a thrill, as always, when I see something wild, close at hand.  I have also seen a partridge, pheasant, tree-creeper and a multitude of magpies one for sorrow two for joy etc.

SDC19193-001

Joining a friend’s  milestone birthday celebration with,a meal of hearty, home-cooked food – steak and kidney pie followed by treacle sponge and custard – put five very different women together and you get diverse conversation but always manage to find common ground.  One of these ladies had read my blog post which included the last few paragraphs of my draft novel – she related  it almost word-for-word to the others, who were rapt in their attention, I looked at their faces as she was speaking, and realised that it had given me pleasure to hear my words spoken out loud.   It has also given me the impetus to carry on writing and honing the novel till it is something I can be proud of  -  see here if you missed it.

SDC19186-001

Little things like sweeping the leaves into golden mounds and wrapping up in warm towels after a long soak in the bath also bring a gentle kind of happiness – as does buying myself a special Christmas present, from me to me – wrapping it beautifully and putting it away till Christmas morning – when it will give me a second helping of pleasure. 

SDC19187-001

I have begun reading ‘The Happiness Project’ by Gretchen Rubin here which I picked up from a charity bookshop, maybe it will give me a little insight into a few more gentle pursuits which bring happiness.

SDC19185

Which little things give you the most pleasure?

 

SDC19119-001

SDC19123-001

SDC19125-001

 SDC19127-001

 

Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp,

but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”

Nathaniel Hawthorne

30 comments:

  1. I change my mind about what gives me pleasure depending on the time of year and my mood but lots of the things that give me pleasure are nature centred.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Here's a moment of happiness I'm enjoying today: making bread. The gentle rise of the dough is like magic in slow-motion!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just noticed that your link doesn't work - there is an 'l' before the 'http'

    ReplyDelete
  4. How wonderful to have someone speak your words and for others to listen and enjoy them - a good incentive for your writing. Simple pleasures - like you a warm bath, morning coffee in my special mug, opening a new book to read, clean bed linen to snuggle into, woodland walks especially at this time of year - to name just a few:)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh what a fabulous post. I do hope that your novel appears in some published form because it is a must read. Wow.

    ReplyDelete
  6. In recent days we've seen several male Pheasants (released for shooting), and a very mangy Fox. It must be the cold weather!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. there are always lots of pheasants hanging about around here - I have a picture of one peering in through our french windows

      Delete
  7. A lovely post, and wonderful pictures. I enjoy life's simple pleasures such as reading a good book and spending time on the plot. Flighty xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes, I think I could add these to the list as well

      Delete
  8. About 3 o'clock most afternoons I make myself a pot of Earl Grey tea and sit by my French windows overlooking the garden and indulge in a good book for half an hour. Perfect - and it refreshes me to do whatever is next on the agenda. Love the end of your book Elaine. How lovely that you had some positive feedback from friends.
    Patricia.

    ReplyDelete
  9. A lovely post, Elaine. Certainly all of the beautiful scenes in your last photos give me pleasure. Anything to do with the beauty of the seasons, and the wonders of nature, make me happy.

    ReplyDelete
  10. A cup of coffee and a biscuit after a hard day at work in the garden. And all the pleasures to be seen whilst working out there. Birds, buds and the changing colour of the leaves.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh I loved this post. You are spot on, we don't need trumpets and fireworks, the small stuff is so often the best.

    Wow, some thrills for you here, the buzzard....oh I get that completely, even the thrill seeing it eating it's kill, there is something so primal about it.

    I can just imagine hearing someone reading my words back to me and enjoying it. I look forward to you being published....I shall have to kneel then! Lol xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If I ever get published I reckon I will be on my knees as well.

      Delete
  12. A lovely gentle post ~ just the mention of gentle pursuits and simple pleasures spreads a warm comforting feeling. Since I have retired, my busy world has changed, and I now enjoy the freedom to basically do as I please, which mostly consists of gentle pursuits ~ breathing in nature and just generally enjoying life.
    I liked your choices all the commenters as well ~ gentle reminders of comfort.

    I loved reading the ending of your novel, and really wanted to start at the beginning. Intriguing is the word!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Glo - sometimes we just need to sit back and appreciate what we have don't we - I am definitely mellowing in my old age.

      Delete
  13. I enjoyed this post very much, I like the simple pleasures of the early morning walks, the rising sun, the fog, the rain, making a stroll in the garden together with my dog, reading a book in front of the fire on dark evenings and just looking at my dog when he is sleeping on the couch at night. How happy we can be!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Janneke, I think Snarf enjoys these things just as much as you do.

      Delete
  14. What a beautiful post Elaine. In the hustle and bustle of life it is so lovely to sit back and see the simple and little things for the importance they really are. My simple pleasure today was after finishing all the housework, noticing it was dark and lighting a candle just for the calmness of it. Simple but happy xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you are right - sometimes we are so busy the little things pass us by.

      Delete
  15. What lovely Autumn photos. I have been sweeping leaves for a month and still more to come!

    ReplyDelete
  16. It's the simple things that are free that give me pleasure. The highlights of today was watching the waves crashing on the beach and seeing lambs in the field. Your golden pictures are super.
    Sarah x

    ReplyDelete