by Deanna
It’s close to impossible for me to think that spring is on
its way. I read posts by Leigh and Kelly
showing us images of the green growth emerging from the depths of winter and I
have to admit I am downright envious that spring comes so early for them and so
late for me. The photos in this post are what it will look like here a whole 2 months from now. Growing up in Dallas I was accustomed
to spring arriving early. Green grass,
leaves appearing on the trees, warm temperatures, and a new spring outfit to
wear on my birthday, March 10th was the norm.
However, what I sometimes fail to remember is that shortly
after the lovely spring weather, the temperatures begin to soar and by June it is
uncomfortably hot with August competing with oven temps. Oh not to say that it doesn’t get hot here in
Chicagoland, but we have peaks of heat, then valleys of comfortable
warmth.
On my personal blog, Snippets from Springdale, I have been
listing 73 things that make me happy as I countdown to my 73rd
birthday. And writing the words “peaks
and valleys” conjures up times in my life that have been overflowing with
gladness and conversely times of great sorrow.
However most of my life has been like a steady, rippling stream,
pleasant and peaceful and happy. I came
across this great quote by Andy Rooney, oh I do miss those words of wisdom he
always imparted to his 60 Minutes’ audience at the end of each segment….
“For most of life, nothing wonderful happens. If you don’t enjoy getting up and working and
finishing your work and sitting down to a meal with family or friends, then the
chances are that you’re not going to be very happy. If someone bases his
happiness or unhappiness on major events like a great new job, huge amounts of
money, a flawlessly happy marriage or a trip to Paris, that person isn’t going
to be happy much of the time. If on the other hand, happiness depends on a good
breakfast, flowers in the yard, a drink or a nap, then we are more likely to
live with quite a bit of happiness.
I think Mr. Rooney pretty well summed up what true happiness means,
not the peaks or valleys, but the ordinary everyday; meals with friends, flowers in bloom, naps, and
a nice glass of wine. And by doing this
you realize just how blessed you truly are.
11 comments:
Such a wise way to be happy - to enjoy what we have just now: meals with friends, flowers in bloom, naps, and a nice glass of wine... Thank you, Deanna!
Good morning wise and kind, Deanna. That Mr. Rooney imparted a great deal of wisdom every week, indeed. I miss him too. Yes, the small things, oh, the small things. I've always been so moved by your words over the years, yes, that's you I'm talking about Miss Molly. Even though we really only "saw" each other regularly in the Picture series, I saw this strong and extremely grateful woman, grateful for the goodness in the day, quick to laugh, full of goodness and mirth. It both lifted me up to see it and was also a real encouragement to me in my own dark valleys at times. It's 6:12 AM here, too early to be teary? Never! And not sad tears, just the whole realizing that life is really big, vast, huge, and that God is in the details. Yes, indeed. Thank you for being who you are, Deanna. Okay, put the kettle on. I need a tea in Seabright. You're a good woman. I hope you know I appreciate you.
So so true Deanna! It truly is the little things of life that make life special... thank you for your wise words to start my day. XO
What wonderful magnolia. Its blooming will be well worth waiting for! I love Mr. Mooney's commonsense approach to the state of happiness!
Ah, such truths you speak here, Deanna! Yes, it's true. It's the little everyday ordinary things that provide us lasting happiness and contentment. The contentment part is harder earned, but, oh, so sweet. I would add that we can't look to others to make us happy. We have to find the happiness - and contentment - within ourselves. And Andy Rooney. He was a treasure.
well Deanna...this will be my new favorite quote. it's everything I believe to be true. glad I could share a little bit of our early spring with you. wishing your warmer days and spring sightings! xoxo
What a wonderful post! Ah, yes, the little things. Focusing on them is the true secret to happiness. And you, Miss Deanna, are such an inspiration. Your attitude rubs off on all who you touch and makes them see the wonder in the little things. Spring is here so you'll get a dose of it when you're in AZ to tide you over until spring arrives in Chicago. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Beautiful post, Deanna! Its rewarding to know that with age, comes wisdom. Happiness comes and goes depending on life circumstances but when you have Joy in your heart...its for a lifetime! Money, homes, cars and all those material things cannot bring Joy, of course they make you happy but its short lived. Family, love and compassion comes from the heart and the more you give of yourself, the more Joy you will have in your life! Thanks for posting, and that photos are gorgeous!
Lovely post and such a good reminder to not dwell on the big things, but spend our time being grateful for each and every small thing.
I loved Andy Rooney! He hit it right on the head with this message! Wonderful post.
Gorgeous image Deanna! I love your 73 things.
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