Enlightment

What is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?

This 1957 book introduced us in the west to a different mode of thought.

Carrying water is an expression.

It’s a bit old fashioned and a bit odd. In some iterations it is very Zen.

You may carry your own water or do so for someone else. Valuing who you are, you carry your own water. In service to others, you do so for them.

You find the quality of your life in the carrying.

30 happy thoughts

List 30 things that make you happy.

Don’t let the number throw you! It’s a good thing. The more things to make you happy, the merrier.

30. Toddlers in the park

29. Flower beds

28. Linen napkins

27. Fine dining

26. Papaya King hot dogs

25. Sunny side up eggs

24. Describing the river

23. Creating a poem

22. Dancing

21. Dancing along to my favorite music

20. Singing along (always off key)

19. Exercise classes

18. Aqua exercises

17. Dance performances

16. Theatrical events

15. Symphonic concerts

14. The flute

13. The harp

12. Jazz

11. Rock

10. Bach

9. A good cup of joe

8. Murder mysteries [book]

7. Murder mysteries (tv)

6. Fresh pineapple juice

5. Certain sit-coms

4. Peaches and nectarines

3. A beautiful day

2. A rainy day

1. My husband

Enigma

How would you describe yourself to someone?

It’s hard to be immodest, but sometimes it’s better than hiding your true self. Under a bushel of false modesty.

So I will admit to my best qualities. I am friendly and loyal and sincere.

I lose some of my pride in these when I realize these are qualities that are also common to your golden retriever.

Ah well.

Work it

What do you listen to while you work?

Work is behind me. Retirement ahead. When I did work, there was no hold music to keep me company.

Today’s workplace is different from the one I inhabited. Headsets were not the fashion then.

You worked in relative silence, the tap tap tap of your computer keys broke in; colleagues would stop by your desk with questions; there might be a meeting to interrupt your morning’s quiet.

I tune into 60s rock or my Carole King Pandora feed when I wander about taking pictures or inspiration. I wear a pair of earphones to keep my listening private.

Times change. It’s good to keep up.

Write it down

Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.

There is joy in appreciation and in being able to communicate it. I don’t want to overthink my motivation or undervalue simplicity. Putting pen to paper (even metaphorically via my keyboard) is a much appreciated simple joy.

So much of what I write is random. Thank you for letting me share those serendipitous rambling thoughts with you.