The Shed Notebook: Ten Things That Make Me Feel Happy All The Time

"The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest 

in all the details of daily life." William Morris

This quote really spoke to me today. When I am feeling down or overwhelmed, it is the details of daily life that fill me with happiness. I am not a fan of expensive jewelery, exotic trips, or fancy cars. I don't know what I would do with a closet full of Jimmy Choos and Gucci bags. I don't even have the closet space. Nope, the things that make me feel happy are the things I surround myself with in my daily life. Here is the list:

1. Everett. My husband takes the details of daily life and makes them special any day of the year.

2. My dogs. My dogs bring me pleasure when they jump up to tell me to get out of bed, when they lay at my feet when I am sad, or when they look at me like I am the most important person in the world.

3. My camera. Recently I reviewed over 20,000 pictures I have taken since I had digital cameras. Now that made me happy. So many images, so many memories.
4. Our cats. Each cat is unique in personality and looks, but they make evenings special at our house.

5. Fresh flowers. There is nothing like a pretty bouquet to add happiness to a day.

6. My gardens.  Seeing roses, sunflowers, marigolds, cosmos, and more come to life in the summer is pure happiness.
7. Books. Whether it is my Bible, a new novel from the library, a cookbook, or a how-to book it is happiness.
8. Friends. Childhood friends or recent friends, they all bring me happiness.

9. Family. Each of them adds to the true secret of happiness.
10. My little house. My little green house with the red trim is my ultimate happy place. I view beautiful sunsets from the front porch. I can sit by a warm fire in the winter. I stand in the kitchen and look out at beautiful gardens three seasons out of the year, and I can provide meals to nourish the souls of family and friends.

Daily Peace: Have Patience

"Have patience with all things but first with yourself.
Never confuse your mistakes with your value
as a human being.  "
- St. Francis De Sales

This was my message in my "Daily Peace" book today. It was one I needed to read. Lately I have been so impatient with myself. I have also been hard on myself for silly mistakes I have made. I have been discouraged with myself because I have set too high of goals for myself.  I need to find patience and peace within myself even when I don't reach my goals or even when I make silly mistakes. After all, I am human. Repeat to self, I am human.

The Shed Notebook: Winter Keeping Away Spring

According to the calendar, spring does not officially begin until March 20th.  Around these parts people are ready for spring to begin today. Weather has been quite a topic of conversation because we are still buried in snow and we are waking up to temperatures below 10 degrees. Many days roads have been difficult for travel, and our dogs are tired of being couped up.

Arriving at a grocery store and seeing a display of primroses, a rack of garden seeds, and Easter decor makes that desire for warmer weather even stronger. When I revisisted my Facebook memories I was reminded that two years ago, we had sunshine and green grass and JEJ was building our new raised beds. Today we can't see any grass and the raised beds are buried in the drifts of snow. 

I am taking advantage of this longer hibernation period. I am planning my garden beds, getting caught up on reading, and moving slowing toward creating a studio in the basement for my creative ventures. I am saving money on gas by not traveling as much, but I am missing being able to get out and exercise. Soon enough is will be safe. 

I just love the quote below. I do love all four seasons. It is certainly a process. Yes, I am working on growing in life also. I am getting better. 

"I believe in process. I believe in four seasons. I believe that winter's tough, but spring's coming. I believe that there's a growing season. And I think that you realize that in life, you grow. You get better. "

Steve Southerland