Simple Luxuries

Having a bunch of garden grown squash all winter feels very luxurious.

“The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.”

— Henry Ward Beecher

It sounds like an oxymoron, but there is such a thing as simple luxuries. And in the gentle rhythm of my days, I like to treat myself to these small, accessible special moments. 

It is not because I “deserve” them, but because they speak the truth to me about the bountiful universe: there is enough, and more than enough.

A steaming mug of tea by the window as the warm morning light spills in, spreading beams on my face, and filling my heart.

The perfect bite of a red-ripened apple, its sweet juice running down my throat like liquid joy.

A nap in an afternoon sunbeam just because.

Fresh towels that smell of sunshine, or giving yourself the permission to take five unrushed minutes to doodle without an agenda.

These aren’t grand gestures. They’re tiny, truthful moments that proclaim: 

“Scarcity is just a story we tell ourselves. Abundance is what’s here, just waiting for us to notice.”

And in those sweet moments of savouring, something magical happens, and I feel reconnected. 

Not just to plenty, but to the very source of creativity, playfulness, and deep, bubbling joy. 

It’s like the universe nods and says, “I’ve got your back, always have, and always will.”

So today, I invite you: choose one small, luxury that works for you. Let it be ridiculously simple, and endlessly joyous.

Let these moments remind you that you are supported by a generous world, and that you only need to notice, make a request, then graciously receive its gifts.

Let the moment spark that delighted “yes” inside. Because when we recognize and receive the bounty with open hands and open hearts, joy doesn’t just visit — it comes to stay. 

What’s your favorite little reminder of abundance in your life right now? As usual, we’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Burn Wood, Bank the House With Snow

Full moon outside my window.

It is a frosty winter wanderland out there. Instead of chop wood, carry water, it is more like burn wood, bank the house with snow. 

Also, mend wool socks, go snowshoeing. 

Or stay warm, eat comfort foods. 

House banked with snow for extra insulation against the cold.

It has been so cold that I had to bring in the apples, potatoes, onions, and garlic I had stored in our attached garage because it had uncharacteristically gone below zero during our prolonged cold spell.

The brook is high and flowing fast now, but was frozen over not long ago.

With all the snow that has fallen over the past week or two, I have been able to log my first, second, and third snowshoe hikes to wander down into the valley to the brook back behind our home. 

The deep snow reveals tracks and signs of all kinds of critters, and you get some idea of what they are up to when you are not around. Looks to me like they are having some fun snorkelling through the deep powdery white stuff.

Old growth trees cloaked in a coating of puffy snow.

I got out to enjoy the snow just in time, too, because the cold snap is about to relent, and rain is on the way. The forecast is for plus temperature highs during the day, meaning the snow will vanish over the next two weeks of warmer weather.

Until that happens, a nice bowl of hot pea soup sounds like just the thing as the light fades on another wonderful frosty winter day.

How about you - are you chopping wood, carrying water, or burning wood, breaking ice? 

Let us know how your winter is going in a comment below. Or conversely, tell us about how it is summer where you live, and make us warm and snuggly.