Ten Mile River

Almost a month  ago my friend Nancy and I took a trip to the coast of Northern California in my cute little Roadtrek. I have chosen to spend this spring and summer close to home, so it was nice to go on a short holiday.

The ranch at Ten mile River

Nancy and I are members of the Nature Conservancy Legacy Club. Once a year they invite us to see and learn about a property, somewhere in California, that is usually closed to the public. This year Nancy and I chose to go to Ten Mile River north of Mendocino, on the northern coast. We learned about the work of several conservancies to restore the endangered Coho Salmon to Northern California. We were the first Nature Conservancy group to see this beautiful ranch that ran from the Pacific Ocean to the coastal range mountains. We spent the greater part of one day hiking and exploring this property and learning what the Nature Conservancy and the ranchers are planning for this beautiful property.

When friends drive distance we talk a lot. Gossip is great and deeper meaningful conversations are the norm. A phrase that entered more than one conversations was “robbing someone of their personal joy”. I have been contemplating this statement since my return. Just this past week I have had a few moments of experiencing joy for the first time since Jim’s death. These are just brief moments (milliseconds) yet I am amazed at each one. Now I have to figure out what to do with this information and these feelings. Noticing these brief moments has made me very aware of how even the smallest moments can mean so much in  life.

                                                   More Photos of My Trip   ←(click here)

MacKerricher State Park

Redwoods in the Morning

Friends

Rather than focusing on what robs me of my joy I choose to look at what brings my joy forward. Either the glass is half empty or it is half full. Below are a few of the things in my life that make me smile and feel more fulfilled.

Elsie

• My cat, Miss Elsie. She is a delight.
• Dancing.
• An unexpected call from a friend from far away.
• Finishing a project that has been a challenge for me.
• Riding my road bike and how I feel after the ride is completed.
• Reading a good book.
• Sharing a funny story or a good memory of Jim with someone that knew us both.
• Any YouTube video that makes me chuckle or laugh out loud.
• Waking up after a good night’s sleep.
• Looking at my watercolors. I am still amazed I can paint like this.
• Feeling at peace with myself when I am alone.
• The ocean, The mountains, wilderness.
• Photography.
• Being cancer free after four year.

Joy makes me feel good inside and outside and gives me a sense of peace and well being. I look at this list and realize I have barely touched the surface.

What gives you a sense of joy in the moment?

Smiling Seals