Moments of Unexpected Joy

 Sometimes, a totally ordinary day has glimpses of moments of joy.

One recent day, amidst all the pumpkin everything all around, I ordered something never before tried in my entire life.

It was a cold, spicy pumpkin protein latte from Dunkin.  ( I don't think the Donuts is used as part of that establishment's name anymore.)

It was quite tasty and a special treat that brought a  moment of unexpected joy,

A special phone call or an encounter with a particularly kind bank employee or supermarket cashier can make a tiny portion of one's day extremely pleasant.

Those are unexpected momentary joys that make life pleasant and set the tone for the rest of the day.

Seeing the afternoon sun light up a brilliant, red burning bush results in another moment of joy, as well as seeing tiny perfectly cut bushes, in front of a building one is about to enter. 

The only thing we need to do is recognize those special, unexpected  moments of unexpected joy in the ordinary.  

They make us extra happy to be alive.

Look Around and Really See

While driving around, doing chores that need doing becomes a special experience in a New England autumn.

Bringing a book back to the library, picking up a prescription from the pharmacy, and buying a couple more Halloween cards all seem like pretty normal, unexciting things to accomplish.

However, sometimes in October, on the way to do even one of them,  it's impossible to continue until you stop, take another photo, and  then drive away.

At least that's how it is around here.

Intense beauty is everywhere. 

When one takes an extra few minutes to see it, the day gains in importance, in joy, and in sweet gratitude for the ability to see, to hear, to smell, and to touch.

Autumn passes quickly so try not to miss the scenes around you as you drive or walk outside. 

Here's to a fulfilling, happy day for you!

Temptation of Apple Fritters

 A dear cousin is coming for breakfast this morning.

A cardinal rule of not trying to make something new when having company got broken.

It sounded like a good idea to make apple fritters.

Wouldn't they be a perfect fall treat with fresh fruit and coffee on the side?

Ha!  One thing is for sure and that is that making apple fritters is labor intensive.

Personally, they seem too be wayyyyy too sugary and the fact they are fried in oil is not healthy, either. 

But what's done is done.  

As with any special guest, her company will be the best part of breakfast!

The Blessing Barn

This fall display is in front of the entrance to the Blessing Barn.  Good things are sure to be found inside the building!

The Blessing Barn, in Mendon, Massachusetts, is a unique thrift store whose profits go to help agencies dealing with things such as homelessness, families in crisis, and so on.

Isn't that commendable?

Visitors get to look at hundreds upon hundreds of donated goods, many in pristine condition.

When something is bought, the money goes to help others.  That sounds like a win/win situation.

There's even a bargain basement filled with more goodies!

Everything there is nicely arranged and glassware sparkles. 

The staff was very kind and helpful. 

These lovely ceramic figures are delightful to see.

What a joy to see a thrift store like this!

Hopefully, you'll enjoy some of these photos snapped during a recent visit to this mother lode of thrifties.

Happy Sunday

On this beautiful Sunday in autumn,  may you experience deep peace.

The peace of the world is fleeting.  

It's there one minute and gone the next.

The peace of the Heavenly Father, however, has staying power.

When the battles of life hit with hurricane force, His peace can still reign in our hearts, if we just embrace Him.

May the peace of the Creator fill your heart to the brim today, like sunshine at noon.  

Peace.