Dear friends,
I am taking a lovely break from blogging and — indeed — from my computer. My days are still filled with delight: substitute teaching, classic films (how many Screwball Comedies is too many?), museums, books, and friends. My heart is still finding delights large and small. In a few weeks (or months) I’ll start sharing them again.
In the meantime, each week I hope you find and savor your own delights. A sack of jelly beans has many colors. May your delights likewise bless you with insight, joy, kindness and memory.
As the poet Mary Oliver wrote,
“The multiplicity of forms! The hummingbird,
the fox, the raven, the sparrow hawk, the
otter, the dragon fly, the water lily! And
on and on. It must be a great disappointment
to God if we are not dazzled at least ten
times a day.”
Stanza 5 from “Good Morning,” in Blue Horses, by Mary Oliver
This glorious sunset photograph was taken by my dear friend Patricia Miller in Lawrence, Kansas. A few weeks ago, I mistakenly claimed proud credit for this image, believing it to be my own Four Mile Run at sunrise. Of course, its special beauty emerged from my friend’s talented eye.
Fashioned For Joy 
Let’s keep it delightful and joyful. Much love to you, always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Manja — I am so happy (months later) to write to you. I think of you often. You inspired in me a fresh way of looking at the world, and especially at the beauty, mystery and whimsey of “simple” doors. I hope you and Amore and your darling dog are well. I’ll be back online eventually. But in the meantime, I send you hugs & kisses!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooo, Carol Ann! I’ve been thinking about you more and more recently, no wonder that you popped up! 🙂 So happy to hear that I inspired you and that you’ll be back. Here is all calm, the heat is rolling in, and I’m counting days to go to Slovenia in a month for almost two months. See you on here! Hugggs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Manja — I’m so glad to hear your news (and sweet anticipation of your trip to Slovenia). I’m very much looking forward to keeping in touch via our blogs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you Carol Ann taking a hiatus especially from the computer to revel in your other activities! This is a chance to renew and transform. Carry on to that new land. See you back here when you’re ready.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jini — You see that I took your blessing very much to heart! I love your image of carrying on “to that new land.” And so I proceed!
LikeLike
Have a wonderful break! Most of us need them from time to time. I know I sure do. Have fun watching those screwball comedies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Laurie. Thank you for your encouragement — and the shared joy in screwball comedies! I’m taking your Great Library series to the beach in a few weeks. I can’t wait to savor the world you’ve created!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So wonderful to hear from you. And what timing! Yesterday, I mentioned you to the family as we were playing The Big Book of Madness. Because of course that game recommendation came from you. So glad you did as the game is a big hit with the family. Have a wonderful time at the beach! Hope you enjoy The Great Library Series.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Laurie. I’m thrilled you and your family are enjoying The Big Book of Madness! So nice to be in touch with you again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sure is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy your break from the computer! May you have more delights in the new year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nes, for your well-wishes — and for all the delights you share in your photography!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to hear from you and looking forward to more when you’re ready, Carol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll miss your weekly blog! Laurna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Laurna. Thank you for your sweet note. It means a lot to me. (Just the other day, Kevin said the same thing.) Maybe I’ll get started again soon? In the meantime, XOXO
LikeLike
I’ll miss your blog on NZ Friday mornings. Hope to see you again soon after a break. Enjoy many delights and small pleasures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Barbara — Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I do love the idea of you being one of my first readers — across the world! Of course, the world of “seeing and savoring” delights is in good hands with you, my friend. Keep up your own ministry of joy. I’ll be back with you soon.
LikeLike
Thank you and look forward to reading about your life again soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I’m very eager to resume reading about your small pleasures, delightful outings and amazing food!
LikeLike
I will miss your uplifting and informative weekly delivery of delights direct to my inbox (without you, Alma Thomas would still be unknown to me!), as well as your sustained encouragement of my own blogging efforts. I hope your break will be both peaceful and joyful, and that our paths will cross again before too long.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Mr. P. — Thank you for your very kind words and weekly encouragement. I confess I’m thinking about getting back in the arena mostly because I’ve missed my blogging friends (most definitely including you!).
By the way, I listened to an audio book recently (“The Little Shop of Found Things,” by Paula Brackston) that prominently features a circular “lock-up”, circa 1605, in (maybe?) Wilshire. Didn’t you post a fascinating blog about those structures? If so, could you send me a link — I want to read it again!
LikeLike
Hi Carol Ann, it’s lovely to hear from you, but also a little spooky as I’d only been thinking about you yesterday and wondering how you’re getting on! I do hope that you will soon feel ready to revive your blog; I know that there will be many bloggers scattered across the globe who will welcome your return.
Yes, I did write about lock-ups, mostly in my neighbouring county of Leicestershire. Here’s a link to the post: http://64reflections.home.blog/2022/06/08/locked-up-in-leicestershire-and-derbyshire-too/
I’ve not come across Paula Brackston. Although I read a fair number of crime books, I have never delved into the worlds of fantasy crime / historical fantasy which she appears to inhabit. I must check her out.
Best wishes to you, my dear blogging buddy!
LikeLike
Dear Mr. P. I do believe the universe moves us in the direction of good. Your kind thoughts must have blown like a spirit wind through me in the nicest possible way! It’s nice to be with you again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I look forward to reading all about your latest delights and sundry other adventures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy your well-deserved break Carol Ann. I’ll be here when you get back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Donna. I look forward to “seeing” you again very soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
For everything there is a season. Enjoy your space, air, and lightness!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Cindy, I love that idea of enjoying “space, air, and lightness.” A benediction (and invocation?), indeed!
LikeLike
Dearest Carol Ann
Popped in to visit after my haphazard blogging break to find you on yours. Hope it has been a dazzling time!
See you when you return! Big Hug!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello, Ju-Lyn! My break has indeed been restorative; I hope yours was (is) restorative as well. Every now and then I smile to see your wonderful family on Instagram. I still feel close to you. Big Hug to you too!
LikeLike
I am so happy you are back in this space! As you know, many of us think of you often and miss you very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you are enjoying your delightful break. Think passing by to say hello as I thought of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Denise — How wonderful that you stopped by AND left me a note. My break (ah, retirement x3!) has been lovely. I’m so glad to hear from you. I send you many warm wishes!
LikeLike