I delight in beginning a story with "When I was in Paris..." or "As I was helicoptering over the Swiss Alps..." Of course, most of the tales then move toward the amazing PORK CHOP I enjoyed at the restaurant atop the Eiffel Tower or the numerous dark chocolate Toblerone bars I devoured throughout Switzerland...What I LOVE describing is the JOY.
What I am just starting to realize is that MOST moments of my life have been joy-filled and that really some my BEST stories are about the daily joys of living--those that happened in a not-so-foreign country. From being team mom when Zac was in Little League and chaperoning on Allison's high school trip to Disney World, to having a fabulous dinners with my high school friends and dancing with a dear man (and Loft server) yesterday in the cafeteria! (Yep, in front of everyone...) Real JOY.
I gotta say that my own graduation from college and the required 17 years of classes I took are at the TOP of my favorite JOY-filled adventure tales of my lifetime. (And it didn't even involve food!)
And sometimes even a really productive day at work can spark a joyful tale--a day when I have WOWed many a guest or pulled off a little miracle somewhere--or just had a soy decaf latte waiting for a meeting planner--yeah, those are some of my favorite stories too. They make me smile!
Everyday joy.
I even had a great impromptu visit with an old friend at Target last night...as I bought all the gifts and cards I need for June. Add to that the fact that I kept the total under $100 and even came home with three brand new cereals to try for dinner this week--and I have a joyful story to share! (I have lots of different kinds of beers in my fridge at the moment...I can't wait to tell you which ones are best with the cereals! Apple Jacks and Amstel? Cheerios and Corona? Yeah...you get the picture. Future joyful posts.)
Little bits of happiness and joy are everywhere.
I guess really the lesson is that describing JOY is always a good story. You just have to learn to recognize it for what it is.
Whether you're in Paris or Target.
There has indeed, been joy to share throughout my life. And everywhere I am going...it seems to be everywhere I look.
Actually, I don't even really have to look.
I just have to remind myself to see it...
It's always with me.
And that's quite a story.
I gotta say that my own graduation from college and the required 17 years of classes I took are at the TOP of my favorite JOY-filled adventure tales of my lifetime. (And it didn't even involve food!)
And sometimes even a really productive day at work can spark a joyful tale--a day when I have WOWed many a guest or pulled off a little miracle somewhere--or just had a soy decaf latte waiting for a meeting planner--yeah, those are some of my favorite stories too. They make me smile!
Everyday joy.
I even had a great impromptu visit with an old friend at Target last night...as I bought all the gifts and cards I need for June. Add to that the fact that I kept the total under $100 and even came home with three brand new cereals to try for dinner this week--and I have a joyful story to share! (I have lots of different kinds of beers in my fridge at the moment...I can't wait to tell you which ones are best with the cereals! Apple Jacks and Amstel? Cheerios and Corona? Yeah...you get the picture. Future joyful posts.)
Little bits of happiness and joy are everywhere.
I guess really the lesson is that describing JOY is always a good story. You just have to learn to recognize it for what it is.
Whether you're in Paris or Target.
There has indeed, been joy to share throughout my life. And everywhere I am going...it seems to be everywhere I look.
Actually, I don't even really have to look.
I just have to remind myself to see it...
It's always with me.
And that's quite a story.
4 comments:
1. I love that you are so joyful!!
2. I love that you mention switzerland and swiss chocolate.
3. You are Awesome!!
Your name should be JOY and I bet the dictionary has your photo next to the word JOY.
You bring so much joy to my life.
Julie, your joy is contagious! Keep unveiling those beautiful blissful moments that are always awaiting! ...and please, let us know which cereal/beer combos turn out best. Guinness and Golden Grahams?
...Moosehead and Mini Wheats? Bluemoon and Bran Flakes? Stella and Smacks (omg, remember those?!), Heineken and Honey Bunches of Oats? ...just giving you some other options...
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