Momentary Simple Pleasures

Dunkin and I are sitting on the back porch this afternoon watching the sun stream though the windows. The sun has such brilliance this time of year due to the angle it falls to the earth. It makes the colors sharper and more intense and crisp.

The critters outside are enjoying the day. We hear many different varieties of bird chirps and catch glimpses of several as they flicker about. Dunkin intently listens.

The air has crispness to it. My mind wanders to thoughts of apples and pumpkins.

It is very early fall here in West Michigan. I am no where near ready to let go of summer just yet. I am grateful the sun is still plenty warm. It is peaceful and serene back here on the porch. It feels good to take in the afternoon from this vantage point.

I’ve needed to let myself just sit.

I reflected earlier today on how much these trees in our yard have grown in the 27 years since we built this cottage in the woods I call home. They were planted in the 1930’s and at one time belonged to a neighbor who when we first moved in lived across the street. Her brothers planted them.

I wish I could measure exactly how tall these trees are. My neck has to strain to see their tops. They have seen so much history and change in their long lives!

It’s a lovely day in the neighborhood…even the chipmunks and squirrels agree or perhaps not since they are certainly talking rather loudly about something out there!

It is so easy for me to get all busy with stuff to do. There is always stuff that needs to be done.

I have needed to simply allow myself to sit and take in and enjoy and let my mind be adrift for while. This is an important gift. My deep relaxed breaths tell me so.

The stuff to do will always be there.

This moment however is only this moment long and oh, there it goes…the chatter of the chipmunks and squirrels is gone….Dunkin has wandered in doors…the sun isn’t streaming in that window by that chair any longer.

It is a new moment to savor and enjoy. Gurney has found a sunny spot on the table to bathe. The breeze has picked up a bit and the glass chime hung above the table now makes a tinkling sound. McAllister has joined us and found a sunny spot to bask in it on the floor.

If I had not been sitting here this afternoon I would have missed all these lovely moments! I am grateful for this gift!

When will you pause for a moment to take in the simple pleasures that are going on right in your back yard?