THE SIMPLE THINGS

I read the Newspaper about once a month, if that, because it unsettles me to read about the turmoil in my country every day. We have unacceptable crime levels. Rape and murder are so commonplace they don't even elicit a shocked reaction anymore. I'm tired of reading about fraud, bribes, greed, corruption, theft, burglaries, violence. We have regular strikes, demonstrations and electricity load shedding which is crippling business and as if the electricity blackouts aren't enough we can now look forward to water shortages too......And lets not even talk about the goings on in Zimbabwe.

As far as I'm concerned, "if it happens it happens" but I would rather not dwell on it by reading about it in the newspaper everyday. I certainly feel a lot more content since I've been avoiding the news.

Today I count my blessings and focus on the simple things in life.

Working quietly in the courtyard, the sound of the stream gurgling in the backround and the loeries calling overhead. My work is my meditation.

Sitting on the lawn with the dogs, gazing up at an amazing sky. Clouds with silver linings.

Breathing in the fragrance of crushed rose geranium leaves.

Orchids flowering on the meditation tree.

The scent of camphor as I remove clean sheets from mom's old camphor chest.

Gathering metal bits and pieces to use in my art ....or just gathering for the sake of gathering.

Listening to my daughter's unbridled laughter. Appreciating my husband's quirky sense of humour.

.........And while I am tapping away at the keys, loving being part of this blogging community, the phone rings. Someone has just purchased two of my carved doors at the gallery..."please send more." It's such a great day!