Taking Pleasure in Small Things

I waited for the longest time, but the hummingbirds knew I was lurking and just wouldn't come to the feeder.  With these last days of summer, in the days before our annual trip to Ireland, I have been enjoying the simpler things in my life.  It has been fairly hectic, trying to prepare for the trip, check off all the "to do's", and sort out what we need to pack.  This past week I haven't had much time to blog, but I have had some time to step back, take a breath, and enjoy some of the simpler things in my life which give me so much pleasure.

Love this furball.  He is always sitting in my favorite chair when I want to sit down and read my book.

This is what I am reading right now.  Remember The Chilbury Ladies' Choir?  So good.  This is the author's "sophomore effort", and it definitely is not as good.  But still, I am enjoying it.  A curmudgeon of a middle-aged lady goes to London to search for her daughter Betty, who has gone missing during the Blitz of WW2.  She finds her daughter and a whole new outlook on life and what is important.

I pick up this memoir by Ruth Reichl when I have a chance, and so enjoy reading about her life.  The book documents her life after she was fired as the editor of Gourmet magazine, and is so interesting.  She pretty much cooked her favorite dishes for a year while she licked her wounds.

Speaking of licking, I am so in the mood for some fall-inspired food.  Last weekend, I seasoned and browned up some boneless pork chops and covered them with a mushroom cream sauce.

Is there anything more heavenly than perfectly browned and caramelized mushrooms?

Except maybe that first cup of coffee in the morning?  My favorite is Cinnabon coffee pods for the Keurig.

Or maybe sitting on the front porch to watch the sunset with a glass of wine?  Oh.  Except the dog is in my spot.

Whatever they are for you, try to enjoy the simpler things that add the most pleasure to your days.

 

 

 

Comments

[Susan]

I had a cat that used to sit on my chair and wait for me to come. Sometimes she would get on the back and put her paw on my shoulder. She would want to be touching me. She’s gone and I miss her so Much! Such unconditional love!

Have a great trip and give your 4 legged friend an extra hug!

[T Holzer]

My simple pleasure is when the school bus leaves our yard and I get to sit down at my computer with a cup of coffee and cream and read my quilting blogs. It's my favourite time of day! Enjoy your time in Ireland with Ahren!!

[Barbara Anne]

Wise words of advice, Nicole, and we all need to be reminded to cherish the quiet, simple times.

Has Ozzie seen the suitcases yet? Each of our dogs always became mournful when the suitcases came out.

I love sitting in my grandmother's swan neck rocker and having my morning coffee there. The chair fits me perfectly as she and I are of similar stature - short!

Hugs!

[Mary Kastner]

There is definitely a change in the air. Fall is arriving. Have a safe and wonderful trip. Enjoy every minute! Ozzie will survive!

Mary

[Taria]

Thank you. We got to sit outside and watch a thunderstorm while our daughter was visiting last night. Wonderful evening. Wishing you a terrific trip!

[Jan]

Little things come at unexpected times! We had 24 hours' notice that our nephew was evacuating Florida with the oncoming hurricane. He asked if he could come visit us--are you kidding?!?! I was at the grocery store & home fixing favorite dishes so quickly I surprised myself! We're having your Chicken Noodle Casserole tonight! What a great week together but we're feeling sad for the hurricane victims in the Bahamas.

[ina]

my dog acts all indignant when I make her move...it's her world and I am just here to meet her every need. ;p

[jane]

Always enjoy your posts, and thanks for the book reviews!

[Debbie]

Thanks, Nicole, for that reminder to take time for the good and simple things. Time for a nice soothing hot cup of tea,

[Cindy]

Ruth Reichl wrote Delicious! A wonderful, uplifting read!