Finding joy in the everyday

And if you have lots of sunshine yourself, why not try and spread it around to your friends, family and perhaps strangers too!! Have a wonderful day  lots of love and hugs xxxx

I have lost count of the number of blogs I have read that stresses the importances of "simple living".  What does simple living mean? The problem with this phrase is that it means different things to different people. I really like my hairdryer, microwave, washing machine and the electricity that power those things, the fact I can buy ready made bread and not have to make it every day, my car which allows me freedom of movement and earning enough so we don't have to struggle.  Some would say, we don't live simply. Perhaps not by those who are self-sufficient, living in a cottage somewhere and not reliant on power and water and avoid the supermarket. However, compared to those who drive two cars, own 4 TVs, big house. go on lots of holidays and eats out every second night we are living quite simply.  Simple living doesn't mean you have to make your own soap or bake your own bread. I personally think it means not be driven by the ne...

I am big on getting outdoors and exploring (beyond the backyard) — every child should be allowed to go on adventures and make discoveries. So I was pleased to see this list of 51 things a child should do before turning 12 (in an newspaper article ) .  It’s a great list and one that is more than achievable for most children — in fact, many of these things can be done well before a child reaches 12.  It’s all about getting outdoors, with the fresh air and sunshine and enjoying nature. Looking down the list I could tick off  many of these which I did as a child and have encouraged my sons to do likewise.  In fact I would argue that adults should be getting outdoors and doing some of these things themselves, they look like fun at any age.   And , this list isn't just aimed at boys, please allow girls to climb trees and get dirty, I did growing up on a farm and had a ball as a child - these are some of my fondest memories! There is a few of my favourite th...

I think this world has forgotten about the simple pleasures in life. Too many are rushing about to meet deadlines and too busy to stop and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. When they do, they think they need to spend lots of money, dashing about and make a great deal of noise - not true. Simple pleasures can be found without much effort and no money at all. Here are some of my favourite "simple pleasures" that can brighten up any day. *** Sitting quietly in a comfortable chair with a book is a perfect way to spend an hour or two. Having a sleep-in on a rainy day and listening to the rain fall. Sitting and watching the birds sing. Looking through old photos and remembering the past. Having a good laugh with a friend. Reading the bible in a quiet place. Baking a cake and sharing it with someone dear. Going for a walk in the evening when the sun is just setting. Hold hands. Going on a picnic. Making someone smile. Playing in water. Lying on ...