Thoughts...

I was reading a note on Facebook posted by Marion Chesney aka M. C. Beaton this morning. She talked of the dog days of summer, people gone on holiday and the kind of holiday she dreams of, the "good old days" versus today's world.

"I never dream of beach holidays... I like holidays in cities with theatres and opera houses and old buildings. I like sitting on boulevards and watching the world go by... The cafes are no longer smart and not even cheap to make up for it. The shops are chain shops. But otherwise I do not long for the so-called good old days... So many bad things have been eased out. And so many bad things are now with us. I have friends who find the present world situation frightening. All one can do, I suppose, is to make life as pleasant as possible for as many in ones immediate environment and hope some of the ripples spread out across the murky pond." ~ Marion Chesney

I left this comment:

"This piece stuck a chord with me. I don't dream of beaches, other than to walk one in the cool morning, when not many are around. I love people, but love solitude perhaps even more. I have fond memories of earlier days, but no desire to go back. My dreams now are much the same as they've always been. Wishes for a peaceful world, a stable income, good health, a place to call home, surrounded by people I love... those are the things I wish for everyone."

Looking back and treasuring happy memories is good therapy for the soul, as long as we don't forget to live in the present. That said, this day is especially poignant for me. It's the 16th anniversary of my brother's passing. There's sorrow in this memory, and I relive it every year on this date.

We can't go back, and most of the time we wouldn't want to. The moments I love to remember, and might wish to revisit, are the happy times. Days of laughter, singing together, Christmases, birthdays, trips to Lucky Peak or Robie Creek for picnics and swimming, perusing second hand and antique stores, sitting in the back yard with a Coke and the radio playing some tunes, the smiles, the hugs.

The lesson is to treasure the moments as they come. The magic of my everyday life. The simple joys and pleasures. There is no guarantee of anything other than this very moment. When I look back at my life, the sad and the beautiful moments, it's the beauty which stands out the strongest. I write about the pain, because it helps to dilute it. In reflecting on my memories, it's the beauty which overrides the pain, and there has been so much beauty! So much joy! So many things to smile about and to be thankful for!

Wishing you days filled with Joy!

© 08Aug2016 ajj

While I Wasn't Looking...

August arrived! What happened to July? I've been busy with this and that, and suddenly summer is more than halfway over. The month was filled with reading, visiting with my sons, trying to follow the insanity of politics, too much Facebook time, a couple "real time" visits with friends, long conversations over the telephone with people I love...

The best thing about it, I've been enjoying this summer! As usual, I've avoided getting out on the really hot days, but we've had some mild weather. Tomorrow it will be back down in the 80's again! Love that!

I decided to start selling some bits and pieces on eBay. So far, not so profitable. The shipping costs are so high, and there are multiples of the kind of items I'm selling. Years ago, I could make some pretty nice spending money this way, but that has changed. I'm going to need to reevaluate and see if there's a better way to sell.

The one thing I haven't done much of is writing, other than a few blog posts. I still have stories swirling in my head, but I just can't seem to get them written down. I guess they're not done percolating yet.

Speaking of percolating, it's time for a cup of coffee and the news... or maybe a fun Netflix program instead, but coffee for sure!

© 02Aug2016 ajj