joybook 22

the instantaneous falling asleep
of a small cat

joybook 21

In the midst of my grief I give thanks that I can cry without restraint or fear or guilt and it isn't about me.

joybook 20

James came home

joybook 19

We smile at each other as we pass in the crowded aisle; this simple conspiracy restores faith and hope.

joybook 18

comfort and joy

joybook 17

New sketch book
Open road
Horizons wait

joybook 16

And even if this isn't work and we are all here because we like to be here, there's still that end of term feeling, that breaking up for the holidays feeling, and all the fun of wishing each other well till next year.

joybook 15

The big box thrill
Plunging into bubblewrapped treasures.

joybook 14

The joy of being able to read words and travel to where they take me. Just that.  

joybook 13

Knowing that I hadn't thrown that €5 note in the trash by mistake was so joyful that I quite forgot to shout at you for picking it up from the table without saying anything.

joybook 12

....this secret joy of not having to do, smudged around the edges with a little dusting of obligatory guilt, but not enough, no not enough to eclipse these smiling eyes...

joybook 11

Inhaling the green scent of artichokes, the precious ritual of their annual joybringing.

joybook 10

To have friends to meet for coffee with, to laugh with, to feel silly with, to rant with, to make a date for next week with.

joybook 9

Monday morning and the air is sparkling washed and clean and I'm alive. Yes, that feeling.

joybook 8

Christmas tree lights
Work their eternal magic
Unwrapping childhood memories
Of mysterious parcels
And lumpy stockings

daybook 7

Perfect leggings
Warm feet

joybook 6

The day ahead unrolls.
A magic carpet.

joybook 5

We sit
Fingers linked
A smile-off

joybook 4

Pouring the ink
Inhaling the aroma of its promise
Five leaves of bamboo

joybook 3

.....biting off great mouthfuls of gloriously blue sky

joybook 2

Tears close the book
Cleansing pleasure
The joy of pain

joybook 1

This month I'm embarking on quite a challenge, 31 days of Joy, reflecting on those small and large moments of pure pleasure  every single day...a challenge because I am by nature a rather mournful and melancholy person who feels things in quite an even, neither up nor down sort of way. So. But I think that finding something every day to be joyful about and making a note of that in some way is just another extension of observation, awareness, mindfulness. It's all about waking up.

Blessings and sincere thanks to Writing Our Way Home for this precious gift.

Joybook 1

Full metal December  

Damp dark earth

Perfume arising