Coming back to happy

Thank you for the kind thoughts  on my last  post.  They helped and continue to do so.   I wrote that very personal post during the weeks  we were in Oregon and  first  thought I was writing  just for  the two of us and maybe family.    (I don't keep a journal and really the blog has become the only writing format that feels comfortable.)  When we returned to our Canal Cottage, I realized I'd never be able to blog again if I didn't share that post first.   I really  had meant to close off comments, but I forgot to click that button and now I am glad  I did.  Good thoughts and especially the empathy really do help.   

 I am working to collect small moments of joy  -- really  always possible to find  and  becoming easier day by day.    I haven't stopped taking pictures and they remind me of those moments.       I've also been reading and collecting wisdom.  Because my attention span is short these days,  it is mostly in the form of appropriate quotations.   Those help too.

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life:  It goes on.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Robert Frost

 

Grief starts to become indulgent, and it doesn't serve anyone, and it's painful. But if you transform it into remembrance, then you're magnifying the person you lost and also giving something of that person to other people, so they can experience something of that person.                                                                                                                                              Patti Smith                                                                                                                                                                                             

                   

Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Joseph Campbell

 

 

We were surprised one morning to see wild turkeys strutting their stuff right in front of our Oregon balcony -- a decidedly non-wild urban area.  They are certainly adaptable birds.  
 

                                    

I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief.  For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.                                                                                                                                                 Wendell Berry

The walls we build around us to keep sadness out also keep out the joy

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Jim Rohn

 

Thank you for visiting and thank you to the hosts of these sharing opportunities:

NATURE NOTES; MOSAIC MONDAY;  MY CORNER OF THE WORLD;  THANKFUL THURSDAY;  SKYWATCH FRIDAY  and SATURDAY CRITTERS;

 

Comments

[Diane]

The wild turkeys are beautiful and i hope their dancing gave you a smile.

[Debbie]

the flowers are so pretty, they relax me, and are just gorgeous in my favorite colors. but those turkeys, wow, what a sighting...they are showing off some really beautiful colors. our children are so precious, so unique to us, how lucky we were chosen to be moms. and while grief is a universal experience, it is a deeply felt emotion & unique to each of us. sending some hugs!!

[DeniseinVA]

Another beautiful post Sallie. Those quotes are inspirational and very poignant. Again, I am so very sorry for your loss my dear friend.

[Alan]

The small moments of joy are the best.
Dealing with grief is really hard. Everybody is different.
Thinking of you.

[Michelle Banks]

Oh my gosh. I am so sorry. I have no words....sending love...Michelle

[Veronica Lee]

Such a heartfelt post. It’s really inspiring how you’re finding little moments of joy and comfort along the way. Those quotes are powerful, and it’s great that your photos help capture those feelings. Wishing you peace and healing, and looking forward to more of your thoughts whenever you’re ready.

[Amy]

I'm not sure why I missed the previous post but now I have read it I am so sorry for your loss Sallie. I don't know how I would feel it it were me, thinking of you here xxx

[Lorrie Orr]

Dear Sally,
You've written beautiful thoughts on this post. Grief comes in waves, I find, and never really goes away. Choosing joy and remembrance as you've done is a way to go forward.

[mae]

Your most recent two posts are tragic, but the way you are handling this terrible grief is noble, and your efforts to cope with such a devastating loss could be an inspiration for others as well. I wish you peace and serenity despite the finality of the loss.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

[Eileen]

Hello Sallie,
I love seeing all those turkeys. What a treat to see! They are rare to see here. Your flower images are just beautiful. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend.

[Soma @ InkTorrents.com]

Beautiful, Sally! It is so hard, and we learn to live with it. It is so important to focus on and find small bits of happiness as we go. I am glad you are here.

-Soma

[Eileen]

Beautiful flowers and lovely post. I hope your time spent in nature brings you comfort. Take care, have a great day!

[Traude "Rostrose"]

Now I'm back to your new post, and I know who your grief is for and see how wisely you handle it. Embracing moments of joy, even when there's cause for sorrow, is a good way to not neglect your own life. As your blog title suggests, you lead a full-time life, and that also means it's made up of experienced and felt highs and lows... People who can embrace the highs can also handle the lows better, and vice versa. I'm glad you shared your thoughts with us—and also your beautiful, poetic nature photos!
All the best, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/05/gunthers-kakaozeremonie-und-ein-paar.html

[magiceye]

Marvelous captures!

[breathtaking]

Dear Sallie :)
I am so pleased that you made another post and the quotes you found say it all really. Being courageous and facing your grief which could not be more painful at this time,and filling your life with nature's beauty and remembrance is better than holding your hurt inside. Thank you for sharing your feelings Sallie.
Love
Sonjia.

[hena]

Blog friends are the kindest people.. I am happy to hear you found comfort in their words and that blogging has given you an outlet for your thoughts and feelings.
As long as you keep writing we will be here reading.

[Lisa]

Such beautiful flowers and the wild turkeys are fun! I am glad you have found some moments of peace. I am thinking of you.

[🌷🌷🌷 Heidrun]

Oh, I have tears in my eyes reading here. Yes, it's a hard way now. And I hope you find moments in the nature which help a little bit...

...greetings by Heidrun

[Beatrice]

It was so nice to find this new post, Sallie, and your grief will disburse as you remember the happier times and those will bring you joy.

[A ShutterBug Explores]

'Grief into remembrance...' Takes time but fills one with love ~ Lots of healing energy hugs to you and your family for the loss of your daughter ~ belatedly as I did not know about it ~

Your recent post is lovely and filled with love and beauty ~ Your daughter is 'watching over you.' Lots of love and hugs, to you ~ xo

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores, clm
aka (A Creative Harbor)

[Shiju Sugunan]

These are beautiful insights.

[ellen b.]

Beautiful captures and encouraging quotes. Those turkeys really put on a show for you. We have three regular turkey visitors here these days. Blessings...