Simple Pleasures

Some people spend their lives wishing they were rich.  Some people crave power.  Others wish for fame.  As for me, it doesn't take much to make me happy.  Sure, a little more money would always be nice, but I find that joy usually comes from simple things.  A few hours spent with good friends, talking and laughing.  A grandchild suddenly saying, "I love you, Grandma."  These are the moments that make me feel happier than any millionaire. 

And when I'm feeling a bit blue or bored, I can just walk out the door.  Here are some simple pleasures that bring a lift to my spirits:

Seeing the first coneflowers beginning to bloom.

 

Finding a new daylily blooming each day.  This one is 'Lavender Dew.'

Finally having success in scattering poppy seeds  in my garden.

Another success--my first ever delphinium.  And finding it to be just as blue as the catalog pictured it to be.

Even better with a friendly visitor.

This visitor, however, doesn't make me so happy.   But otherwise, the cheery faces of Susans always bring a smile to my face.

When I see 'Canterbury Tales' next to 'Moonlit Masquerade,' I'm glad I let the daylily grower talk me into buying 'Moonlit,' too.  I think these two were meant for each other.

I'm happy, too, I didn't pull what I (and Beckie, too) thought was a weed.  When your memory plays tricks on you, like forgetting all about planting this phlox last year, it's nice to have a pleasant surprise.

My memory recall can be strange at times--for example, while playing a trivia game I can recall the capital of Bulgaria learned long ago in fourth grade geography (it's Sofia, by the way), but not where I laid my reading glasses two minutes ago.  A sudden flash of recognition last week reminded me that this mystery plant was the balloon flower I planted last year.  I'm happy that it's going to bloom soon even in the shadow of the ever-growing Amsonia towering over it.

And if all else fails, I can always count on a wagging tail and big brown eyes to lift my spirits. 

Sophie makes everybody, even Marmalade, happy:)

"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance;

the wise grows it under his feet."  ~James Openheim