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.
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.
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.
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.
Which little things give you the most pleasure?
“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
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.
ReplyDeleteMe too Sue.
DeleteHere's a moment of happiness I'm enjoying today: making bread. The gentle rise of the dough is like magic in slow-motion!
ReplyDeleteI love the smell of the yeast working.
DeleteJust noticed that your link doesn't work - there is an 'l' before the 'http'
ReplyDeletethanks Sue I've seen to it.
DeleteHow 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:)
ReplyDeleteyes to all of the above
DeleteOh what a fabulous post. I do hope that your novel appears in some published form because it is a must read. Wow.
ReplyDeletethanks Ann - still a long way to go yet
DeleteIn recent days we've seen several male Pheasants (released for shooting), and a very mangy Fox. It must be the cold weather!
ReplyDeletethere are always lots of pheasants hanging about around here - I have a picture of one peering in through our french windows
DeleteA 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
ReplyDeleteyes, I think I could add these to the list as well
DeleteAbout 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.
ReplyDeletePatricia.
Sounds idyllic Patricia
DeleteA 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.
ReplyDeleteI can tell that from your blog posts.
DeleteA 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.
ReplyDeleteWhat more could a girl want
DeleteOh I loved this post. You are spot on, we don't need trumpets and fireworks, the small stuff is so often the best.
ReplyDeleteWow, 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
If I ever get published I reckon I will be on my knees as well.
DeleteA 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
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.
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThanks Janneke, I think Snarf enjoys these things just as much as you do.
DeleteWhat 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
ReplyDeleteI think you are right - sometimes we are so busy the little things pass us by.
DeleteWhat lovely Autumn photos. I have been sweeping leaves for a month and still more to come!
ReplyDeleteIt'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.
ReplyDeleteSarah x