Contentment. Such a sweet word.
How do we achieve it? By focusing on small pleasures and victories, by not having expectations that can crush and disappoint us. By accepting others as they are and not trying to change them. By being ourselves. (You DO KNOW yourself, don't you?)
Lend yourself to your chores. Enjoy the process and don't focus on the outcome. (I wouldn't write and illustrate books or garden if this weren't true!) Take time to stop and really look around you.
See the beauty in the bedraggled. Don't unexpected harvests taste better?
Savor bounty and be grateful.
Take time to absorb the beauty around you. Sometimes it is easier if you choose a few things you love and put them in a place of honor. You'll be more likely to notice displays that are changed frequently.
Share a meal with friends. Love makes the best meals.
Make a special (tiny) bouquet for each guest. Tap into the language of flowers and add rosemary for remembrance and friendship.
A walk, even on the coldest day, will yield the promise and hope of spring. These twigs should burst into a galaxy of blooms in about a month.
A big bunch of herbs for use and for delight. I never take these old "friends" for granted.
Many California natives bloom in winter. Manzanita (white/pink blooms), hummingbird sage (with dark pink blooms), Ceanothus (blue), and native willow.
I send love across the cold miles.
Sharon
P.S. Be the lucky winner of this charming, glass, bird's nest plaque, which measures approximately 7 x 10 inches. Just leave a comment and keep your fingers crossed. I'll draw a winner in about a week.
