Finding Pleasure in the Simple Things

Fall colors hang off branches,  frost on roof tops melting quickly as the morning sun shines down brightly. Birds darting from limb to feeder, and back again.  Feasting on seed, helping them find the energy to stay warm.   This mornings fire in the stove, sending smoke up the chimney in great plumes, creating a sort of veil over the land.  Sunbeams forcing their way through the smoke, streaks in the morning sky.  Sitting on the floor  by the stove, tending the fire, looking out the window, seeing so much to marvel at.  Natures majesty.  Finding  time to enjoy the simple things in life.  Blessed to have the time to watch smoke curl and dance and see birds eat their morning meal.  People often ask us, "why do you choose to live the way you do, its hard work ?" Ah, yes, it is harder to build a fire each morning then to just set a thermostat, but look what I would have missed this morning !  Same for cooking from scratch a meal that took 12 hours to prepare, "why do it ?"  Simple, for the joy on the faces around the table as we talk about how many generations before us have eaten the same foods.  How I can sit there, watching the family eat, remembering my mother and grandmother sitting around the table with the same feelings I am having.  Knowing that Mei-Ling, Yen, Elizabeth and Victoria are soaking it all in.  Learning, experiencing what family history is all about.    Emery and I smile each evening knowing that someday our grandchildren will look back with fondness the times they came to Grandma and Grandpa's house and fed the chickens, made bread, used home made soap in their bath and helped get kindling or pick fresh vegetables from the garden.   Its about the simple things in life that stay with you, binds your hearts, one to another.  Creates life stories, and gives you so much more than shopping can.  
And, it's about having time to find the pleasure in the simple things.