What kind of simple pleasures do you enjoy?
@Perspectives (7131)
Canada
May 29, 2008 10:08pm CST
This discussion was inspired after a walk a friend and I took at dusk last evening. In our little town in Southwestern Manitoba it only takes about 5 minutes to walk in any of the four directions and connect with nature...and that we did. Our walk provided a variety of 'simple pleasures.'
I am a shutterbug...both in my work as a photojournalist...and in everyday life. With camera in hand we strolled along. Then my friend suggested taking a macro image of fresh green little leaves sprouting from the trunk of a tree. As we walked and savored the sweet smell of Spring we'd periodically stop and investigate 'simple' pleasures along the way. We stopped to take a closer look and discovered ants scurrying up and down the tree busy as they usually are.
It wasn't long before we were were on the outskirts of town. We paused long enough ti photograph some horses and baby calves that were born in the Spring. The sun was setting in the west and the sky was ablaze of color. There was a slight breeze that created thermals for the red tailed blackbirds to take flight as we passed them by.
There is a lagoon nearby where waterfowl gather and they flew skyward as we stopped to take in the beauty of the sun reflecting on the water. By the time we got back home the setting sun had turned bright orange and I snapped an image with it behind the pine trees. The image in included here and it was a picture perfect ending to a lovely day full of simple pleasures.
So my friends...what kind of simple pleasures do you enjoy? Other ones for me are listening to music, gardening, chatting with friends around an open campfire, hiking and collecting stones and treasures from nature, taking pictures and sharing them, singing, meditating, drumming and the best part of all is that these simple, pleasures are all free. Life is full of simple abundance and my walk with a friend last night reminded me of that once again.
I always look forward to hearing from those who offer their input here. So, what simple pleasures do you enjoy? Who knows we could provide inspiration for each other with things we have yet to discover!
We will be running errands tomorrow so may not respond to everyone until the weekend. However I am doing my best to get back to responding to every response...and then I'll visit you on your sites as time permits.
Weekend coming...hope yours is full...pleasure...whatever that is for you!
Cheers,
Raia
5 people like this
13 responses
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
30 May 08
My biggest simple pleasure is to be at home.
Alone, no neighbours, no noise of any kind exept for a few birds flying around.
Being in the middle of the bush is perfect for me... from that point of view.
I could never understand those people who derive their pleasure by going to mix themselve with a huge crowd. Like the one million people who head for the Sydney Harbour Bridge on New Year Eve to watch the fire work. Does not make any sense to me. Then it takes them two hours to get back home... packed like sardines on trains and buses. And they wonder why they are stressed...
2 people like this
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
30 May 08
I don't know from what rock you did crawl under... as I have never heard of you before.
But what's wrong with blowing up psycho bikies if they disturb my peace?
I would not mind blowing you up if I had a chance. Just for the fun of it.
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
3 Jun 08
Woe...what the heck is going on here? Dodo guy are you serious...or just trying to stir up something here?
Whatever the dynamic is...seems odd.
Anyway, in my view we do agree on the Aussies' everyday wisdom on this one. My hubs and I moved from Winnipeg with a population of over 750,000 people to a small rural community with under 1,000 residents for similar reasons to Aussie. Being close to the natural world without the noise and pollution of big city life suits me just fine.
Like you my Australian friend...rural life is the life for me!
Raia
@zigzagbuddha (4601)
• United States
30 May 08
Every thing I do in my life is a simple pleasure. If it doesn't give me pleasure I don't do it.
2 people like this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
3 Jun 08
Interesting perspective as always. With your awareness about the importance of being present to life I can appreciate how you find pleasures in who you are, what you do...and how you live.
Always good to hear from you...and how are your raised beds and planting coming along. Any photo updates would be fun to see.
We planted our annuals but it was cold last night and might frost this evening. Makes me wonder if the warm weather truly is coming our way this year. Still beautiful...even though a little chilly.
Cheers,
Raia
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
31 May 08
Simple Pleasures....Ah. The beauty of nature, the beauty and scent of flowers, the sky, the moon, sun, watching the garden grow. Watching the little critters go about their daily lives. Loving my grandchildren. Getting a hug and a kiss and an "I love you gramma" for no reason. Watching the kids play. Something special happened today. My 18 yr. old granddaughter came over today, she hugged me and got teary eyed and said she loved me and missed me so much. She is all grown up now, she has a life, a boyfriend. She used to be able to come over and just stay a few days and hang out. I do have lots of love from my grandchildren, thats one of my greatest life pleasures. I have a special friend that has been out of town for a long time, I miss her so much. We do talk on the phone, thats always special. I have lots of special moments with some of my friends here on mylot. I can continue, I do have many simple lifes pleasures that are special to me.
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
3 Jun 08
Hello again...
Thank you for sharing such uplifting examples of simple pleasures. After participating in the one about the depth of your loss and the ache in your heart it is very meaningful to know that you have opened yourself to receive the outpouring of love from others that you so deserve.
The tenderness of love and shared experiences with friends and special people in our lives is one of life's greatest pleasures. I know what you mean about the pleasure exchanges on Mylot provide for all of us. This is a wonderful community of caring, compassionate people reaching out and touching each other's lives.
So yes, there are many....and I know your garden is among one of many shared pleasures we have. Your expression of watching the little critters going about their daily lives...yes they do provide so much when people stop and enjoy what they offer.
I have included a photo of a Raven who stopped by for a visit in our yard. Love that connection to the natural world alright!
Raia
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
31 May 08
Hi Raia
Mine is taking little Gissi to the Field when it is nice Weather and just take a slow walk across it while Gissi is running round on it lol
I also enjoy driving specially round the Country Side as a Child I used to love walking through the woods, now it is to dangerous to do that, I enjoy sitting outside in the evening when it is lovely warm, quiet and peaceful and I love reading I always have as it relaxes me and takes me away from the real world for a while
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
10 Jun 08
I would love to go for walks with you in your favorite places...and mine. Maybe someday you, Lakota, Darwing and I could do just that. What a gal-pal gab-best (no pun intended gabs) that would be.
Hugs to you...so long for now. Have a lot of catching up to do because I've been away with writing assignments for our local newspaper.
Raia
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
3 Jun 08
Hello again Gabs...great to hear from you and read about your simple, abundant pleasures in life.
We have a few in common...being a dog owner as well. Too bad you cannot walk through the woods anymore. Thankfully where we are safety is not an issue and there are many wooded areas where I love to walk with camera in hand...either with David, a friend...or alone.
Another common interest we share is driving around the country side...I like that too. I have included a photo I took yesterday while my friend who moved down the road and I were out sight seeing. It would be fun to enjoy another simple pleasure together...sitting outside on a warm evening.
Raia
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
3 Jun 08
Hello again, Raia. First, I received your 2nd email. And yet to answer back. Just checking up things here at MyLot. Been absent for a couple of days.
My simple pleasures are the following:
1. Lying down comfortably and a romance book in my hand
2. A cup of coffee while MyLotting
3. Tending to the garden, pulling out the weeds, and yes, mowing!
4. Singing, too. That is if I have the time to do it and if my son doesn't get the microphone from me.
5. Sometimes cooking a certain dish for my husband
6. Updating our family album
7. playing "tickle time" with my son
I try to find every reason to have those simple pleasures in life. That way, life will be much easier to live everyday. And not to mention, always have the chance to find joy in everything we see and do.
Oh, and before I forget, I am a nature lover, too. My college classmates even laughed at me when I took a picture of a carabao!Being a city girl almost my adult life, that's one of my simple pleasures. Having the chance to experience firsthand what Mother Nature has to offer.
A couple of days ago, while I was travelling in a bus, worrying about robbers and road accidents, I suddenly looked up at the clear blue sky. And I just can't help but smile.
The blue, clear sky was so beautiful and I felt as if I can reach up and touch it. When I had my "simple pleasure" moment, I felt a lot whole better and enjoyed the rest of my trip.
3. Tending to the garden, pulling out the weeds, and yes, mowing!
4. Singing, too. That is if I have the time to do it and if my son doesn't get the microphone from me.
5. Sometimes cooking a certain dish for my husband
6. Updating our family album
7. playing "tickle time" with my son
I try to find every reason to have those simple pleasures in life. That way, life will be much easier to live everyday. And not to mention, always have the chance to find joy in everything we see and do.
Oh, and before I forget, I am a nature lover, too. My college classmates even laughed at me when I took a picture of a carabao!Being a city girl almost my adult life, that's one of my simple pleasures. Having the chance to experience firsthand what Mother Nature has to offer.
A couple of days ago, while I was travelling in a bus, worrying about robbers and road accidents, I suddenly looked up at the clear blue sky. And I just can't help but smile.The blue, clear sky was so beautiful and I felt as if I can reach up and touch it. When I had my "simple pleasure" moment, I felt a lot whole better and enjoyed the rest of my trip.@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
10 Jun 08
Ah...a week later and here I am. Hope your legs are no longer aching...and that you are caught up. I have been away because our local paper gave me three reporting assignments. We went to a rodeo and got some amazing shots and I included one for you to see...being that you appreciate my photography skills. Thanks for the kudos...I appreciate it. However, this photo is one David took...and it is so kewl I just had to share it with you. Gives you a feel for the cowboys that live on in rodeos all over North America. Lots of testosterone at these events!
Now that I will have a little more free time I'll keep in touch by e-mail. Glad you got those photos as well. The garden is looking great...lush and green after all the rain and cooler temperatures we had all last week.
Sunny today...and I am looking forward to heading out there after I make some inroads on responding to responses here.
Haven't been over to visit you on your site in awhile. Sorry about that...but there is only so much time! I will get there eventually...and thanks for always understanding!Hugs to you...and all the best to your hubs and son from both David and me!
Raia
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
4 Jun 08
Yes, I received all the photos and thanks again.
I had a very busy cleaning schedule almost the whole day. And as of this moment, I'm enjoying one of life's simple pleasures. Sitting comfortably, with my aching legs and feet propped up. And of course, Mylotting.hehehe.
And you're good with the camera, Raia.
I had a very busy cleaning schedule almost the whole day. And as of this moment, I'm enjoying one of life's simple pleasures. Sitting comfortably, with my aching legs and feet propped up. And of course, Mylotting.hehehe.
And you're good with the camera, Raia.1 person likes this
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
31 May 08
My simple pleasure is probably just playing with my kids at the park on a nice sunny day. We haven't had too many of those but hopefully they will come back soon. XOXOXOXOXOXO
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
3 Jun 08
Ah yes...kids. They say we are only young once...but we can be kids forever. Sounds like yours help you with that.
Hope you and your kids have many, many bright, beautiful sunny days! The sweetness within bonded, loving relationships is something we both cherish. Simple, abundant living at its finest!
Big huggers to you!
Raia
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
31 May 08
I found a baby bird in front yard and we have been watching it and then there were 2.
When I fisrt found the bird I went into the house and got my grand daughter and brought her out to see it and told her she would have to watch were she walked so she wouldnt step on it.
Later she had got out side and come running in Gandma ganma come see . she wtook me by the hand took me to where the little bird was sleep ing she walked real careful then when swe got close she put her finer to her lips and said be will quite gandma shhhhhhhhh birdy is sleeping. Now this one we could walk up to real close and watch him /her as it seemed to be crippled. as when it tried to hop it would dump over and have a time straighting up then it would just lay there.
and each time we go out she looked for it to make sure she wouldnt step on it.
went away one day then came back we spend alot of time watching it and gaurding it so the men wouldnt step on it they wanted to kil it they said . I gave them and evil look.
Well that day another one showed up this one could hop and fly some from bench to bench to tree and while on the tree a bigger one came and talkred to it and as they talked the baby would shutter its feathers and the other one looked like he pecked it then flew away.
well we watched it for along time I got a couple of pics but none while it was moving I will try to get the downloaded and put in my photos here.
Havent been out side today tosee if it is still around, the otherr one isnt here couldnt find it yesterday at all .
And I was wondering i it was crippled as it did seem like the feet were turned inwards did the momma bird kick it out of the nest and we cant find the nest.
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
3 Jun 08
Ah...what a special child Chey is...but then she has the benefit of a great role model and mentor in you so her approach to the natural world is not surprising.
What you describe is a wonderful example of simple abundance...and pleasure. Thankfully you were there to stand up for the rights of the little bird. Being able to watch the little one struggle to live and how the other bird interacted.
Whatever its fate it is joy to hear about your experiences with it...and we all know that Mother Nature has a way of looking after her own in the natural cycles of life.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Let me know if the photos are available I'd love to see them. I have included a photo of one of the first robins that we saw this Spring...a sure sign that Spring has arrived on the prairies. Big and little birds in your yard and ours...gotta luv them!
Take care...and we will keep chatting. I see you are pushing your way upward to your 9,000th post. Yahooo...good for you!
Raia
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
10 Jun 08
Please do...love to share photos and stories about them!
Raia
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
31 May 08
Having a cup of coffee, is one of the simple pleasures I enjoy my friend.
To have someone by your side for you to love and love you, is all a pleasurable and easy thing to do. Listening to music, to nature, watching kids play and seeing them laugh makes you feel lighter. Friends we have, to accompany us and share their life with us is a wonderful gift to.
It always remind me to take life easy, we don't have to be serious and worry about it. Let life worry us, and not the other way around.
To have someone by your side for you to love and love you, is all a pleasurable and easy thing to do. Listening to music, to nature, watching kids play and seeing them laugh makes you feel lighter. Friends we have, to accompany us and share their life with us is a wonderful gift to.
It always remind me to take life easy, we don't have to be serious and worry about it. Let life worry us, and not the other way around.@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
3 Jun 08
Hello my friend...good to hear from you again after being away for awhile. I miss chatting with friends here and am glad that I have some breathing space so I can connect with you again.
I noticed you commented on the garden photo on my profile page...thanks. You would be most welcome to drop by for a visit...and to share the simple pleasures you describe.
Glad you mentioned the coffee...oh yes...I love my morning cup of coffee too! I also love making a big pot of green tea and taking it out on the deck and chatting with friends too.
Yes...when we focus on the simple, abundant pleasures life has to offer it makes it sooooo much easier not to worry...and be happy!
Wishing you more of all the pleasures you wish for yourself.
Take care..
Raia
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
30 May 08
The one that comes to mind is sunset. I love early evening, especially after a sunny day.The sky is such a deep blue.I love it. another is a good thunderstorm.
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
10 Jun 08
You are welcome...I love the beauty of the sky...and all the changes within it...especially sunrises an sunsets!
Raia
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
3 Jun 08
So you are a sky person too. I love taking photos of sunsets...and sunrises. I also love a good thunderstorm and the way the air feels during and afterwards. Yes, the grandeur of nature always provides many simple pleasures for those who have the eyes to see...and enjoy.
I have included another sunset photo for you that I took last evening on a walk I took at dusk. The sky is more orange and yellow than blue...but still magnificent. At least I think so...hope you like it too.
Raia
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
3 Jun 08
Hi again...
Your simple pleasures are among some of my favorites as well. I also love to grab my camera and walk around our neighborhood or drive around old country roads to see what simple things there are to capture with my 'lens of life.'
I always enjoy hearing from you Pose...and thank you for your faithful support of all my discussions. It means a lot to me.
May you and your wife have many more simple...and abundant pleasures. From what you've been through of late...you sure deserve them.
Raia
@vermillion (887)
• Philippines
30 May 08
Waking up every morning.
Because i was still given another day to live!(^^,)
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
3 Jun 08
Yes...that is one of the most profound of all simple pleasures alright!
Raia
@isegor (117)
• Portugal
4 Jun 08
The afternoon is always the best time for me, during the morning seems everything is still adapting to a new day but during the afternoon things are more calm and you can enjoy things better.
Currently living in a 2 million inhabitants city that is Budapest I can't enjoy the nature as much as I love to, still I can take my afternoon walks around the city and end up at some park just walking around, listening to the birds, the wind on the trees, even if the background has the engine noises.
My favorite hobby has to be walking around a mountain landscape with a small stream in the valley, with little or no human intervention on the landscape. I am lucky enough to know several places like those close to where I live in Portugal and from time to time I just have to get myself there and enjoy doing nothing for a couple of hours besides refreshing my mind with the cool wind in my face. :)
Cheers
isegor
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
10 Jun 08
Hi again...and thank you for your contribution! I also appreciate your descriptive way of sharing your favorite places that provide simple pleasures for you.
Wow...I felt crowded in the city we left behind for rural life. The population of Winnipeg is 750,000...cannot fathom what it would be like to be somewhere with 2,000,000 people rushing about. Not for me!
Good that you have some respites and that you can go for walks and be within it...but not 'of it' in city life.
I have included a photo of a quiet place...and there are a multitude of them where we life. Maybe you can envision yourself climbing inside the picture and resting there for awhile.
Hope you enjoy it...good that we keep in touch.
Raia
@keejeerae (33)
• United States
30 May 08
I enjoy being awake for that magical pre-dawn time. I love going outside about an hour before dawn and enjoying the feel of the morning air, the sounds of the animals getting ready for the new day, and the beautiful shade of color that the earth takes before the sun comes up and makes the world a harsh place again. I also enjoy my daily scrapbooking. It's the memory marker of my life.
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
3 Jun 08
Hello and welcome to Mylot.
Great to have a thoughtful person who is connected to the natural world in such appreciative ways. Like you I love to hear that first bird welcoming the dawn. When we are near rivers and lakes the beavers start the day by diving in the water and slapping their tails as they do.
I love scrap-booking too...and the many books I have created also mark many life passages.
Great addition...thanks!
Raia
