Every once in a while, I get out of my rut. My rut is the comfort zone where I am comfortable. It's my rut because I made it doing what I want to do. Mine has veered very little in the 10 years since I retired. Everyone should have a rut of their own. 

This was a Monet exhibit at the oceanfront. Dark, soft music, moving images, and very relaxing. No excitement, rush of adrenaline, or noise. Just the kind of place/thing that makes me smile.

Image from Pinterest

As a retired librarian I finally have time to read for leisure. No more policy statements, computer manuals, or textbooks.  I can spend an afternoon in Maine without leaving my couch.  

But I do leave my couch to shop, go to church, and work in my garden. 

Life is good and I'm very thankful.  It's a small life but small is fine by me.

Happy Flower

When I step out on my deck, I get a big hello from my Gerber daisies.  They are much larger now compared to when I planted them.  I guess they thrive on the same things I do...

Good roots, fresh water, sunshine, and a smile from a passerby.  These flowers don't travel, don't do amazing things, or compete with other flowers.  They are happy with who they are and where they are planted.  Me too.

I probably don't smell as sweet but that's okay.  

Wrinkles

Ah, the wrinkles. A little girl once asked me why I had wrinkles on my neck. I told her it is where I store my wisdom. She thought I was very wise. As I get older, I think of the people I've lost to illness, accidents, and age. I may be wrinkled but "that's okay" because I'm still here and so very thankful for my family and friends. We're all just doing the best we can and that is enough. I guess God's job for me still requires my presence.  Amen. 

Getting Older

Each of these seashells is different. On Earth, no two are exactly the same. Nor are two people exactly the same. Like seashells we are all unique in color, shape, wrinkles, chips, cracks and beauty.

This morning, I woke up and my Achilles tendon didn't hurt (after a year!), my pulled shoulder muscle is 99% better, I've passed what I hope is my last kidney stone, and I have a healthy appetite. My house is cozy, my refrigerator is full, I have reliable transportation. My blessings are too many to count. My older me is thankful to the younger me. 

Happy Accidents

The cooking shows make cake and cookie decorating look easy. This is my attempt to make cookies. They were supposed to be round ornaments. That didn't happen! What a mess. These melted snowmen were a happy accident. 

This year I hope we all have happy accidents that remind us "it will all be okay" in the end.

I still don't like to cook.