The news is so heavy right now. Words and actions by the President and his people, and decisions being made by our Supreme Court are disturbing and disheartening. Most of them the complete opposite of love.
Becky sent me this quote.....and it's just the reminder I need right now! I have to remain hopeful...but so much of what is going on is painful as we wallow through it. I'm keeping joy in my pocket to give me strength.
Another Another friend posted an article on Facebook that offers up the word "brutiful"...a world that is both brutal and beautiful at the same time. The article celebrates Pride Month and and a new book about activist Marsha Johnson, who was both joyful and defiant.
May we live in ways that that undermine brutality, and cultivate beauty.
Let's let the joy and beauty in.
Because of a couple of disturbing comments, several months ago I changed the blog so I have the opportunity to "approve" comments before they are published. I get an email where I can see the comment and quickly publish it, then I respond when I can. If several comments are made on one one post they are in the same email chain and sometimes it can get confusing making sure I see and publish each one. Then I get an email saying it was published. So the emails pile up and there is always a chance that a comment might get lost in the shuffle here and there.
Last evening I was cleaning up my Joyful Puttering emails and I came across a few comments I didn't see so didn't publish. I think I found and read them ALL....and tried to publish and respond to what I could. And it seems like a few emails alerting me to a comment actually went to spam...and I read those too.
Clearly it's not a perfect system...and I am far from a perfect tech person/blog administrator and I wish that I didn't have to do it this way. But I have a better idea now of where and how to look for comments as I go along. I don't want to miss even one.
If you are still reading...THANK YOU for hanging in there and making it to the end.
Hope is a practice, and I am practicing and practicing and practicing this year. Thank you for your heartening post, MaryAnn.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is! And we're getting a lot of it this year. Looking for...and creating joy and beauty is how we will survive.
DeleteI’m enamored by the eyelashes in the clouds! Your posts help me cope with all the ugliness right now….thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe eyelashes are the best!!! Creating these posts help me cope too! Thanks Cherie!
DeleteHi MaryAnn! I'm thinking of making a little "JOY" ornament for my car and one to carry in my handbag, to remind me to look around and notice it. I do have a "glimmer jar" into which I pop little folded up pieces of paper with jotted down happy moments. You are right - the news is so heavy right now we have to find ways to counteract it, and reading your blog is one of mine. Just love Eli's rainbow!! 🌈❤️ Judy
ReplyDeleteOh that sounds like a perfect place for a little joy! And the glimmer jar is a brilliant idea. I love the notion of glimmers! Thank you for your kinds words. I really enjoy having you follow along! Enjoy your Sunday!
DeleteThank you, MaryAnn for the joy you bring to me daily! These are really tough times and your posts light the light in.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you Kristin! Thank you so much....we have to stick together and lift each other up during these tough times.
DeleteHi MaryAnn,
ReplyDeleteLong time no hear from me, sorry.
The rainbow is adorable, love the lashes. I’ve been having a hard time this year with joy. The country (sigh) only part of it. My first niece took her life 3 days before Christmas, family has been rocked by that. I’m trying to find some joy this year. My cousin was running for cancer and in return for a donation she made us little bracelets, mine is turquoise with JOY in beads, I’m trying! I wanted to post a picture of it but cannot figure out how. I also started a watercolor course 3 weeks ago, I’m really enjoying it. Thank's for the happy posts, I always read! Dale in Vermont
Oh my....hello again Dale. So nice to hear from you...and no need to apologize at all. It sounds like you've had quite a year! I am so sorry about your niece....that is tough for any family. It IS harder to find joy in the face of tragedy and chaos in the country. But I have found it's more important than ever to look for it during the tough times. Wear your bracelet as a reminder.
DeleteI don't think you can post a photo in comments...but you could email it to me: joyfulputtering@gmail.com Thank you so much for being in touch!