May 19, 2019: Simple Gifts
When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things – not the great occasions – that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness. – Bob Hope
After weeks of cloudy, cool days, yesterday we had the gift of a beautiful, sunny day. We began it by going on an early morning hike to one of our favorite places, a nature preserve by Squam Lake. Gathering up our binoculars, my camera, and bird book, we were hopeful to spot early blooming wildflowers, returning warblers, and other feathered inhabitants.
An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” — Henry David Thoreau
Spring has arrived late this year in New Hampshire and the first thing we noticed was how few of the native wildflowers were blooming. Scanning the landscape for our early favorites, we spotted fiddleheads and wildflowers in the early stages of sprouting leaves, but no blossoms.
On the 1 1/2 mile hike in, we found only two, a 1/4 mile apart. Tiny, white flowers, Goldthread, were like miniature beacons of light against the brown and green carpet of pine needles and ferns.
The treetops were swaying in a brisk breeze, and although we could hear a variety of songs, it was a challenge to spot the birds hidden high in the branches. We eventually arrived at a catwalk that leads us though a swamp by the side of the lake. More open to the sunlight, we found blossoming shrubs and trees and sighted a few more familiar favorites: a flicker, redwings blackbirds, goldfinches, catbirds, and a soaring eagle.
But rather than being disappointed by our warbler-free quest, we savored this quiet time in the midst of a beautiful setting and marveled how fortunate we are to have this free wild place to explore in our area.
Once home, we decided to savor the day and bring our jewelry work out on our deck, where an ongoing array of vibrant color made it a challenge to focus. From the brilliant orange of Baltimore Orioles to iridescent tree swallows, our deck with its sixteen feeders is a hub of avian activity.
At one point in the afternoon, I looked over to see Ron leaning back with a smile on his face. When I asked him what he was thinking about, he replied, “The fact that some of the best things in life are free……a walk in the woods, a serenade of bird songs, a sunny day. In fact, you should write your blog this week and title it “Simple Gifts”.”
I thought that title seemed familiar, and in looking back, found I wrote one with that title a year ago on our old website and started it with the same quote which inspired this one:https://dev.dreamscapejewelry.com/2018/05/13/simple-gifts
In rereading it, I was once again reminded to reflect each day on the gifts in our life which are freely available to us, if only we take the time to look, listen and have gratitude for their presence. The buzz of a hummingbird, the warmth of the sun on our skin, the company of a kindred spirit and so many more, are simple gifts which provide a “glow of happiness” to our lives.
What simple gifts add a “glow of happiness” to your life?