In the Quiet

Life changes as the years tick by.

People we think are going to be part of our lives forever are not.

Situations that we used to tolerate, we no longer do.

We lose spouses and see our children grow up and have kids of their own.

While we love them all dearly, they all have their own lives to live. 

So we adjust to change.

Some evenings are now quieter but quite beautiful.

There are rituals to follow in newly found freedom. 

Everyone's ritual is different and there are no right or wrong ways to do things.

A large plant that now stands in an Indonesian basket has been strung with white lights.

It brings peace each evening as the sun goes down.

Candles, too, flicker on table tops as well as on a buffet.

A large Mother's Day floral bouquet has now been moved to smaller vases and the flowers submerged are the ones that still live.

There's a soft heart-shaped pillow that makes sitting in a lounge chair very comfy.

On chilly evenings, which seem to be stretching throughout May, a heated lap blanket is immensely welcome.

When we let go of expectations, and feel deep gratitude for every good thing we have including people we love, then life is, indeed, very good, even if it has changed.

Here's wishing you a really blessed and peaceful weekend. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY RITUALS YOU FOLLOW FREQUENTLY THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?