And 20+ years later....we're 20 again

This past weekend in Ottawa, Canada was the National Capital Marathon weekend.     People come from all over the world to run either the Marathon, the 1/2 Marathon, the 10K, 5K or 2K.    We get the Kenyan's, the Ethiopian's and all the elite runner's from around the world.     Pretty facinating to watch these amazing athletes.    The time they run a marathon in, I'd be lucky to get a 10K done :-p (OK I did do a sub-60min 10K once but that was a year ago - and I'm sick right now, so I feel like I'm draggin' my ass around).

The best part of the weekend was that and old and dear friend of mine who I used to live with when we were around 21 came to Ottawa to run the 10K on Saturday night.     I had a chance to cheer her on at the start line and congratulate her at the finish line.    And better yet, we had the chance to have dinner, drink wine, reminice, and just "be" like old times with another one of our friends who I've mentioned here before, Lou Lou (aka Louise).     Only we drank a whole lot less, and went to bed a whole lot earlier :)   

I realized in spending time with them, that old friends stay with you forever, and that even after decades, the time spent together feels like "home".     So easy, so comfortable, full of joy and laughter - just all good for the soul.

So, you two, if you are reading this - I love you both- and cherish our past, current and future times together.    Please let's make it sooner than later.    Because if we wait another 20 years we'll be..........................49!   (ha. ha.)

Joy, part 2 - "A Good Day"

I saw this clip on Facebook tonight, and thought it was just so beautiful.    It felt like meditation as I was watched it.    I've never meditated, but it just felt so peaceful.     And like I said yesterday, a peaceful soul brings me joy.
I had to share it here, as part 2, to yesterday's post.   Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

So, what brings on Joy?

For those readers who knew me way back, I've gone through phases in my life where I've asked this question to myself, to my friends, family, and even to crazy beer drinking swillers in bars (my friend Louise would remember this). Good times! :) :)     

But seriously, if you can't asnwer this question for yourself, how will you ever know if you have joy, or how to get joy, or even what to attract to bring you joy?     Or maybe......the things that bring you joy, are already in your life, but you aren't "seeing" them.  

Well you guessed it - it's that time again, where thankfully, I, with full gratitude, am not "asking" what brings me joy, but rather am grateful for all that does.     Maybe it's this 40's decade that Oprah says is so awesome.     Or maybe it's the grain of sand and the pearl scenerio:

"An oyster creates a pearl out of a grain of sand.   The grain of sand is an irritant to the oyster.  In reponse to the discomfort, the oyster creates a smooth, protective coaching that encases the sand and provides relief.  The result is a beautiful pearl."

So, in all my gratitude, I thought I would list some of the things that come to mind (you gotta know, I'm going to ask you what brings you joy at the end of this post):

1.    2 extra degrees on the thermostat on a cold rainy day
2.    a cozy blanket easily reached on the couch
3.    a big bold, jammy glass of red wine (or two)
4.    a great nights sleep, so that when you wake up in the morning you feel amazing
5.    coffee made perfectly
6.    an empty agenda on the weekend
7.    freshly painted nails and toes
8.    a great deal
9.    unconditional love from your pet
10.  a full fridge of yummy and healthy groceries
11.  icecream in the freezer
12.  hot brownies fresh out of the oven
13.  detachment
13.  genuine people
14.  spring
15.  cozy socks
16.  pants with elastic waist bands
17.  great scents
18.  zit free skin
19.  a wonderul long hot shower
20.  a pretty new outfit
21.  sisters
22.  people you can trust
23.  good food
24.  good food shared with good people
25.  unconditional love
26.  knowing you've helped someone
27.  knowing you've make a difference
28.  loving back
29.  friendship
30.  did I say wine yet?
31.  backyard time
32.  gardens in the spring, when you don't have a clue what you're doing and they rise up anyway
33.  pretty front doors
34. a healthy mind
35. a healthy body
36.  a peaceful soul
37.  sharing
38.  being excited
39.  a good book
40.  being passionate about something or someone
41.  walking barefoot on a  beach
42.  sunsets - especially on a beach
42.  afternoon naps (and you can still sleep at night)
43.  smelly bath balms
44.  beautiful perfume
45.  freshly washed hair that smells so fresh
46.  brushing your teeth
47.  eating your favourite food
48.  being hungry
49.  being full and satisfied
50.  tulips
and one for good luck
51.  the first swim of the summer

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sisters



So, now I turn it to you.    What brings you joy?    Hopefully I've sparked your thoughts.    Know what brings you joy - otherwise, how will you know you have it?

Happy Sunday.