Meri's Musings

Writing the title for this post "My Word!" made me smile. That was one of the phrases my Grandmother used to exclaim when she was flabbergasted. Another phrase was "Land's sake." Not sure what it meant, but she said it  every once in a while. It's taken some time, but I've chosen my word for 2015. I definitely can use a boatload of inspiration. What's your word for 2015?

I have, as you might have noticed, been lying low. Everything in my life has revolved around getting settled in, arranging furniture. Putting things away. Getting used to and creating "home" in a new place. It just feels like some doors have closed and others are waiting to be opened. I have felt a longing to reconnect with my art-making, with my writing, because those things bring me a deep and abiding joy. Right now, however, blogging (which sometimes takes me away from "real writing") isn't high on my list of priorities. So though I think it's imperative to cultivate and notice joy (because where we put our focus is critical to what comes into our lives), I have decided to take a break from hosting Share the Joy. I may come back to it when I feel like it's time for company. But right now, it's time to nest and create the space I want to inhabit. . . . beautiful, serene, uncluttered, and cozy...

It's time for festivities and celebration. . . .  the end of one year and the beginning of another. As for me, I'll eschew the crowds and alcohol and curl up to watch episodes of "Call the Midwife" (a BBC series set in London's West End tenements in the late 1950s -- you can find it on Netflix) and drink Snapple. I know, pretty boring, eh? The simplest things bring me joy. What about you?  How are you cultivating joy?  Celebrate it. Share it.   1. do a post that tells and shows what gives you joy.    2. capture the URL of the specific post and paste it into  the Mr. Linky box along with your info. 3. Visit other players and let their joy infect you. Leave them a comment because everyone  enJOYS getting positive feedback.

Christmas is fast approaching. The presents are bought and waiting to be claimed. The weather is crisp and cold, with snow in the mountains. And so, I wish you good tidings of comfort and JOY and to the World, I send a prayer for peace. How are you cultivating joy?  Celebrate it. Share it.   1. do a post that tells and shows what gives you joy.    2. capture the URL of the specific post and paste it into  the Mr. Linky box along with your info. 3. Visit other players and let their joy infect you. Leave them a comment because everyone  enJOYS getting positive feedback.

One of my favorite jaunts anytime of year is a trip to Seattle's Pike Place Market. I took little sightseers with me and while they weren't too keen on having to pose for a picture, they warmed up to cups of hot cider and getting to pick any donut they wanted out of the bakery case. You can just see the urn full of mulled cider in the right lower corner of the photo below. We perused the vendors, looking for interesting things to buy like this very unusual broccoli  (cut off the individual florets and the tips, toss in olive oil, and roast at 400F for 20 minutes). From the same stall, we bought rainbow carrots before meandering by the pepper wreaths. I was moved to capture this image of pomegranates, mostly because I recently reread Traveling with Pomegranates (by Sue Monk Kidd and her daughter Ann Kidd Taylor) but also because it brought back the joy of breakfasts in the dining room on the da...

It's the time of year to enJOY spectacular light displays. . . . . and even a little snow (a very little) Happy December, Everyone! How are you cultivating joy?  Celebrate it. Share it.   1. do a post that tells and shows what gives you joy.    2. capture the URL of the specific post and paste it into  the Mr. Linky box along with your info. 3. Visit other players and let their joy infect you. Leave them a comment because everyone  enJOYS getting positive feedback.

Have a blessed day, especially if you're sharing it with family and friends. Give thanks! How are you cultivating joy?  Celebrate it. Share it.   1. do a post that tells and shows what gives you joy.    2. capture the URL of the specific post and paste it into  the Mr. Linky box along with your info. 3. Visit other players and let their joy infect you. Leave them a comment because everyone  enJOYS getting positive feedback.