What brings me joy. Watching squirrels steal the blooms off my bird of paradise plant. Watching a crow use the basin of the fountain in my garden as a bird bath. Memories of my late wife and our life together. Writing my high fantasy series. Many things bring me joy, and petty politics cannot bring me down. Joy is much greater than power plays.
Oh, I protested. I rapped on kitchen window and yelled to the squirrel about not eating my flowers. The rascal put his paws on his hips and eyed me as if to say, "You talkin' to me?" Then he flounced off and didn't visit for several weeks. Squirrels have options. Keep your puny blooms! I might have looked more serious if I had not been laughing so hard.
Aww. I bet this gives you all the feels! The Center Manager for a site where I work has a son about your grandson's age, and he LOVES the harmonica -- plays it rather well, I think!
Singing, dancing, daily rituals for the Earth, singing while swimming in the Salish Sea: all of it gets me out of my existential fears, for the fucked-up-ness of humans and our survival (justified) and back into the Far Bigger Picture going on. https://substack.com/@christinecastigliano/note/c-98105839
Oh goodness, Summer! Sharing joy is a big ask today in Aotearoa New Zealand. It's hard to believe, two women leaders (so-called, although many have another name for them: vampires) in our current right-wing coalition government have combined to stop women's equity settlements in a late-night 'urgent' sitting of parliament. It's to save money off the back of some of our worst-paid, e.g. carers and nursing staff. After affording tax cuts for Landlords.
Nevertheless...Joy is: Being retired! My old cat asleep beside me. My grandson's small dog snoring at my feet. My giant NZ Huntaway dog, Duke, has already shared wake-up cuddles before our early morning walk. A day off puppy-sitting for my daughter (wfh today) - adorable - she is full-on for both Duke and me when awake!! It's still reasonably warm for this early winter's day. It isn't raining, so our horses have dry feet. And, episode 32 of 'The Wrong Man' was posted this morning on Substack. ...Eight satisfying things! xx
Lately, rock climbing has been a way to process feelings or forget my problems or the things in the news that scare me. But today, I get to see the joy on my student's faces as we release our butterflies into the wild.
Beautiful, Scott… I, too, took refuge in constant rock climbing all over the SW US. Miss it so much! Joy now, at 69, is still found in the natural world. Connection—real, solid connection with our world.
I’ve been feeling this! Both swampiness AND 80’s movies!!! 🤣 The new Dark Crystal has one very interesting scene added with two dissenters living together in peace.
The birds are bringing me joy this week. I've been in the swamp a bit with a very sick kid, and when I went for a walk the other, a sparrow was calling over and over, almost like it was reminding me to stop and listen.
My sons and I having similar senses of humor, making up stories, painting, reading fiction that I love and motivates me to write better stories, planting, crocheting/knitting/weaving, Conan O Brien podcast, nature amazing me every day, old horror and cult classic movies, giving and receiving kindnesses. This is just a few things that keep me somewhat sane and give me joy.
I just moved into a new home (which in and of itself is a source of joy - along with a ton of work!), but 3 things came to mind as I read this. First, my youngest daughter (age 28) came to spend the last couple nights in my new guest bedroom and is staying until Friday. She hasn't stayed with me in years and it's just so very special. Second, my new next door neighbor is a wonderfully funny French man who's a mad gardener (as am I). I have a masters degree in French and tutor students in French and suddenly, I have someone to chat and laugh with in French. We share garden ideas and he's already handed me a pot of chives over the fence which I planted in my garden yesterday. We've become instant friends and that is just the best way I can think of to start a new chapter of life in a new home. Third, my new home has a western exposure and if I walk 20 minutes down the hill, I can walk along Puget Sound. I've lived most of my life in the eastern part of the city near the lake but there's something very different about the salt water and feeling the wide expanse of the Pacific beyond that feeds my soul.
I recommend the documentary “Yacht Rock”. It’s hilarious and entertaining as hell, with amazing footage and interviews with incredibly talented musicians, and it captures a unique time in the L.A. music scene. Gen X’ers love it because it’s what our parents were probably listening to. Easy listening, soft hits. We could all use a listen!
Like Annie Blackwell (above) anger and dismay at the latest betrayal of their sisters by women in our government is jostling the joy, but a three-day visit from my ‘little’ brother, over from Melbourne, Australia, has salvaged a smidgen, with laughter and solidarity.
Yes, Summer. Still seething. But the unions here are mobilising and protests happening all over. Angry women are a powerful force and this is the country that first gave them the vote. Bastards better beware.
Also, I mentioned 10 years ago on fb that the Nothing was coming…
Totally ignored. How totally Ironic, considering my Name…
😉❤️🇨🇦❤️
Seriously!
😏🦄💫🦋🕊️🇨🇦
What brings me joy. Watching squirrels steal the blooms off my bird of paradise plant. Watching a crow use the basin of the fountain in my garden as a bird bath. Memories of my late wife and our life together. Writing my high fantasy series. Many things bring me joy, and petty politics cannot bring me down. Joy is much greater than power plays.
I love it. Also, how you find joy with squirrel stealing your bird of paradise blooms! That would frustrate me, but you find joy!
Oh, I protested. I rapped on kitchen window and yelled to the squirrel about not eating my flowers. The rascal put his paws on his hips and eyed me as if to say, "You talkin' to me?" Then he flounced off and didn't visit for several weeks. Squirrels have options. Keep your puny blooms! I might have looked more serious if I had not been laughing so hard.
Hahahha
To this day… this scene guts me and I bawl. Every time. ❤️🇨🇦❤️
Omg me too.
And I REALLY wanted a Luck Dragon 😁
I dreamed of flying on my own falcor. 😄
Love it. My dog looks like Falcor! Weirdly. But I guess falcor is just a flying dog...
I loved! This movie as a child. 🥰
As a reader and a geek, I had much alone time with my beloved books…
I have re- watched it many, many times as I love the message. ❤️
I found this fascinating! It breaks down the whole message. https://fee.org/articles/confronting-the-nothing-the-true-moral-of-the-neverending-story/
Yes! Good article. Helps crisp up the fuzzy edges.
LOVE THIS! 😁🙌🥰❤️
I KNEW! There was a reason I have been drawn to it repeatedly over the years…
I actually said the quote about the Nothing on fb about 10 years ago…
Crickets. 😳😔💔🇨🇦
Actually really relevant for our times, too
Joy is dancing, singing, laughing, playing in my garden-breathing in the jasmine, hugging my 94-year old Mom, talking with my son.
Love this!
My 20 month old grandson playing the harmonica.
Aww. I bet this gives you all the feels! The Center Manager for a site where I work has a son about your grandson's age, and he LOVES the harmonica -- plays it rather well, I think!
That's so awesome
Love that!
Singing, dancing, daily rituals for the Earth, singing while swimming in the Salish Sea: all of it gets me out of my existential fears, for the fucked-up-ness of humans and our survival (justified) and back into the Far Bigger Picture going on. https://substack.com/@christinecastigliano/note/c-98105839
Love this so much!
Oh goodness, Summer! Sharing joy is a big ask today in Aotearoa New Zealand. It's hard to believe, two women leaders (so-called, although many have another name for them: vampires) in our current right-wing coalition government have combined to stop women's equity settlements in a late-night 'urgent' sitting of parliament. It's to save money off the back of some of our worst-paid, e.g. carers and nursing staff. After affording tax cuts for Landlords.
Nevertheless...Joy is: Being retired! My old cat asleep beside me. My grandson's small dog snoring at my feet. My giant NZ Huntaway dog, Duke, has already shared wake-up cuddles before our early morning walk. A day off puppy-sitting for my daughter (wfh today) - adorable - she is full-on for both Duke and me when awake!! It's still reasonably warm for this early winter's day. It isn't raining, so our horses have dry feet. And, episode 32 of 'The Wrong Man' was posted this morning on Substack. ...Eight satisfying things! xx
Wow! Those all sound amazing! Except for the politics. Ughhhhhhhhh But thank you for sharing so many good things!
Lately, rock climbing has been a way to process feelings or forget my problems or the things in the news that scare me. But today, I get to see the joy on my student's faces as we release our butterflies into the wild.
Beautiful, Scott… I, too, took refuge in constant rock climbing all over the SW US. Miss it so much! Joy now, at 69, is still found in the natural world. Connection—real, solid connection with our world.
Amazing!
I’ve been feeling this! Both swampiness AND 80’s movies!!! 🤣 The new Dark Crystal has one very interesting scene added with two dissenters living together in peace.
What?!! really?! They added a new scene?!!!!
We're starting to watch the series again so I'll keep an eye out for it. It might be episode 7? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Crystal:_Age_of_Resistance
The birds are bringing me joy this week. I've been in the swamp a bit with a very sick kid, and when I went for a walk the other, a sparrow was calling over and over, almost like it was reminding me to stop and listen.
Love that!!!
My sons and I having similar senses of humor, making up stories, painting, reading fiction that I love and motivates me to write better stories, planting, crocheting/knitting/weaving, Conan O Brien podcast, nature amazing me every day, old horror and cult classic movies, giving and receiving kindnesses. This is just a few things that keep me somewhat sane and give me joy.
Love it! I need to check out the Conan podcast!
I just moved into a new home (which in and of itself is a source of joy - along with a ton of work!), but 3 things came to mind as I read this. First, my youngest daughter (age 28) came to spend the last couple nights in my new guest bedroom and is staying until Friday. She hasn't stayed with me in years and it's just so very special. Second, my new next door neighbor is a wonderfully funny French man who's a mad gardener (as am I). I have a masters degree in French and tutor students in French and suddenly, I have someone to chat and laugh with in French. We share garden ideas and he's already handed me a pot of chives over the fence which I planted in my garden yesterday. We've become instant friends and that is just the best way I can think of to start a new chapter of life in a new home. Third, my new home has a western exposure and if I walk 20 minutes down the hill, I can walk along Puget Sound. I've lived most of my life in the eastern part of the city near the lake but there's something very different about the salt water and feeling the wide expanse of the Pacific beyond that feeds my soul.
That sounds so amazing!!! And becoming instant friends with your gardner neighbor.. the best!
JOY =
seeing the last of the sunshine brilliantly lighting up the tops of trees in the early evening.
watching toddlers learning to walk.
witnessing acts of kindness.
the song MERCY by Max Richter played on the violin by Hilary Hahn.
pasta bolognese.
a hot fudge sundae.
Those all sound so wonderful! especially the food (stomach growling)
I recommend the documentary “Yacht Rock”. It’s hilarious and entertaining as hell, with amazing footage and interviews with incredibly talented musicians, and it captures a unique time in the L.A. music scene. Gen X’ers love it because it’s what our parents were probably listening to. Easy listening, soft hits. We could all use a listen!
Omg YES! Thank you!
Like Annie Blackwell (above) anger and dismay at the latest betrayal of their sisters by women in our government is jostling the joy, but a three-day visit from my ‘little’ brother, over from Melbourne, Australia, has salvaged a smidgen, with laughter and solidarity.
Yeah, I can see why that would pull the plug on the joy bath. But glad you got in a visit with lil Bro!
Yes, Summer. Still seething. But the unions here are mobilising and protests happening all over. Angry women are a powerful force and this is the country that first gave them the vote. Bastards better beware.
I have too many books and sub stacks to read. Can’t keep up, that brings me joy.
I love that!