Monday, May 31, 2010

May 31 Joy

Today is the final day of my May joy postings.  During the month of June I'll post weekly, though I'll be looking for joy every single day, as usual.
Today I found joy at Mission Beach.  Hadn't been there in quite some time and even with the hordes of people it was relaxing.  The sound of the waves, the amazing sunshine, and the delicious philly cheese steak sandwiches, were nothing short of joy.  I won't wait so long to return to Mission Beach.  It's time to ride the coaster at Belmont Park again!
Where did you find joy today?

Sunday, May 30, 2010

May 30 Joy

Today I found joy in being with my congregation as we celebrated the 200th birthday of Margaret Fuller.  An amazing woman whose actual birthday was May 23.   Margaret Fuller is one of my sheroes!
Where did you find joy today?

May 29 Joy

Today I found joy in conversation with a soon-to-be-wed couple.  Seeing the love, excitement, and commitment in the faces of this young couple was joy, joy!  Ah-h-h-h-h-h, young love  - nothing quite like it.
Where did you find joy today?

Saturday, May 29, 2010

May 28 Joy

Today I found joy in the few minutes of complete quiet and relaxation at the opening and closing of my yoga class.  Those  four or five minutes are a real gift.   My yoga practice itself is a gift, but the opening and closing pose,......ah-h-h-h-h!
Where did you find joy today?

Friday, May 28, 2010

May 27

Today, after riding an emotional roller coaster and feeling quite confused, I found joy!  I found joy in the smile and confidence of my son who was named winner of the Louis Armstrong award at his high school last night.  This award is given to the jazz musician whose talent and love for jazz excels.  His name will be added to a permanent plaque that is kept in the music department for all to see.  You know I'm one proud Momma right now! 
But it's not the pride that brings me joy.  It's the confidence this award and its recognition gives my son that brings me joy.  The young men and women that will have a hand in shaping the future for all of us need to hear that their talents and passions are recognized, appreciated, and valued.  "Clean up your room" and "Stop that texting." are not to be completely abandoned.  But "You are an amazing person" is so much more important.
Where did you find joy today? 

Thursday, May 27, 2010

May 26 Joy

Today I found joy in planning a trip to Chicago.  What a great city!  Had I not attended seminary there I might never have known all that Chicago has to offer and I wouldn't have met the amazing people who live, work,and play there.  No doubt I'll find some joy in the Windy City this summer.
Where did you find joy today?

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

May 25 Joy


Today I found joy in the gift that was given to me at 7:47am twenty-three years ago today.  My beautiful daughter, Brooke Elisabeth, was born.  She is a gift of joy to me, her family & friends, and to the world!
Where did you find joy today?

Monday, May 24, 2010

May 24 Joy

Today I found joy in cooking with my teen son.  Baked ziti is a favorite comfort food in our house and preparing it alongside my son brings me joy!
Where did you find joy today?

Sunday, May 23, 2010

May 23 Joy

Today I found joy in the hug of a little blondie named Gracie!  The affirmation a child gives with their hug is priceless.
Where did you find joy today?

Saturday, May 22, 2010

May 22 Joy

 Today was a day that has exhausted me to the bone.  I woke up to a story in the newspaper that a musically gifted young man my husband had recently begun working with was shot and killed by police.  Nate had been in my home just a week ago and several occasions before that, playing his guitar and sharing the original compositions he was working on.  My heart is heavy with this loss.  Rest in peace, Nate.

The exhaustion comes from the roller coaster of emtions that have taken me on quite a ride with the news of Nate's death and then the pure joy of my son's high school music concert this afternoon.  Hearing my 15-year-old solo on "Pure Imagination" (from the Willy Wonka movie) was sweet enough to bring tears to my eyes for the second time today!  Today I found joy in music played by talented young men and women at Helix Charter High School.

Where did you find joy today?

May 21 Joy

Today I found joy watching this adorable video about baby sloths. http://vimeo.com/11712103 
Who knew that a sloth coul be so adorable?!  Babies and animals - Joy.  Baby animals - Joy, joy!
Where did you find joy today?

Friday, May 21, 2010

May 20 Joy

Today I found joy in the company of an amazing group of elders from my congregation.  These elders humble and inspire me.  I truly love them and being with them brings me joy, joy!
Where did you find joy today?

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

May 19 Joy

Today I found joy in the smile of a cherub-faced toddler waiting in line at the grocery store, with her mother.  That wee one had no idea just how much her smile was needed today.  I would bet that I'm not the only one that was touched by that smile.  Joy, joy!
Where did you find joy today?

May 18 Joy

Today I searched and searched and searched.  I did find joy in the following quote shared at a meeting with some good people that I admire and care deeply for:  I slept and dreamt that life wasy joy.  I awoke and saw that life was service.  I acted and behold, service was joy.      (Rabindranath Tagore)
Where did you find joy today?

Monday, May 17, 2010

May 17 Joy

Today I found joy in playing every song in both my Chopin and Beethoven piano books.  I don't do it often enough because I forget just how much joy it brings me, occasional sour note and all. Joy, joy!
Where did you find joy today?

May 16 Joy

Today I found joy in red velvet frozen yogurt.  Yes, I said "red velvet frozen yogurt"!  Comfort food....yum.  New discovery:  Comfort can be a source of joy.
Where did you find joy today?

Saturday, May 15, 2010

May 15 Joy

Today I found joy in officiating the beauitfully simple & classic wedding ceremony of Valerie and Khris.  What a privilege to share in such a sacred moment in people's lives.  Joy, joy!
Where did you find joy today?

Friday, May 14, 2010

May 14 Joy

Today I found joy in the half hour that I sat scrunched on the couch with my husband, son, and fluffy pup, watching reality tv that made all of us laugh out loud.  We needed that laughter.  Joy, joy!
Where did you find joy today?

Thursday, May 13, 2010

May 13 Joy

Well, today was a test.  Finding joy when you feel as though you've been punched in the stomach is no easy task, take it from me!  But, of course, joy can be found,.....eventually.  Today I found joy in hearing the voice of my loving husband - caring, consoling, unconditional love and appreciation.  Joy, joy!
Where did you find joy today?

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

May 12 Joy

Today I found joy in an unexpected phone call from my baby bro.  He makes me laugh until my face hurts!
Where did you find joy today?

May 11 Joy

Today I found joy in snuggling in bed with a good book and my fluffy pup.  The book is good but the fluffy pup is pure joy!
Lucy - 8 weeks old.                                        Lucy - 4 years old.

Where did you find joy today?

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

May 10 Joy

Today I found joy in knitting outside with just the sound of the clicking needles and singing birds.  The bright mango-colored, soft-as-silk yarn added to my joy.  I am learning to be aware of and love the little things in life!  Joy, joy!
Where did you find joy today?

Monday, May 10, 2010

May 9 Joy

Today I found joy,.......well, I'm a granddaughter blessed with a funny firecracker-dancing grandma; a daughter blessed with a loving Mary Poppins-meets-Scarlett O'Hara mother; a mom blessed with beautiful and precious, quirky-in-the-best-way, children!  What more can I say?  Today I cried tears of joy.
Where did you find joy today?

Sunday, May 9, 2010

May 8 Joy

Today I found joy in watching a plucky little hummingbird cavorting in our courtyard.  He may not be the prettiest of hummingbirds but he's persistent, enthusiastic, and full of what looks like joy!  Where did you find joy today?

Saturday, May 8, 2010

May 7 Joy

Today I found joy in reading a book written by a new, and already dear, friend.  Nothing Like Sunshine by Rabbi Ben Kamin was for me a profound book laced with levity and a contagious love for life.
                                     Joy, joy!  Where did you find joy today?

Thursday, May 6, 2010

May 6 Joy

Today, or more specifically tonight, I found joy in the decision of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) to stand on the side of love and boycott our 2012 assembly gathering scheduled to meet in Arizona. 
This is the resolution passed by the UUA Board at this evening's special meeting: 

Whereas the state of Arizona has recently enacted a law—SB 1070—
that runs counter to our first principle, affirming the worth and dignity of every person; 
Whereas the Association stands in solidarity with allies using a widespread economic boycott of Arizona as leverage for Love against this hateful legislation;
Be it resolved: we will not meet in a state of fear.
Accordingly, the Assembly hereby:

• Directs the UUA General Assembly Planning Committee to recommend to the Board of Trustees an alternate location for General Assembly 2012 at a location outside the state of Arizona;
• Pledges to generate from Member Congregations the amount sufficient to cancel arrangements in Phoenix for GA 2012;
• Pledges further to generate an equal or greater amount to fund ongoing efforts to Stand on the Side of Love in Arizona.
• Pledges to renew and redouble our efforts to become a multicultural, anti-racist Association; to live as a people standing faithfully in opposition to systemic racism in our congregations, local communities, and in our own lives.
 
I am proud to be a Unitarian Universalist minister.  Joy, joy!
Where did you find joy today?

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

May 5 Joy

Today I found joy in 35 uninterrupted minutes of sitting in the sunshine, listening to the gurgling of the fountain in our tiny fish pond.  Vitamin D - joy, joy!
Where did you find joy today?

May 4 Joy

Today I found joy in the alto sax scales heard drifting from my teenage son's bedroom.  I hadn't even asked him to practice! Joy, joy!
Where did you find joy today?

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

May 3 Joy

Today I found joy in a potato ricer!  Yes, that's right, a potato ricer!  It's not profound and not bound to make any remarkable difference in the wider world, but the mashed potatoes I served my family for dinner were delicately delicious in large part because of my potato ricer.  Sometimes it's the little things like mashed potatoes, or kitchen gadgets, that bring me joy.
Where did you find joy today?

Sunday, May 2, 2010

May 2 Joy

Today I found joy in the inspiring smiles of the new members of my congregation.  I just love how someone's smile can touch me.  A smile is a gift that so many of us need to give and receive.  Joy, joy!
Where did you find joy today?

May 1 Joy

Today I found joy in the beautiful and delicious food prepared by an incredibly generous and creative couple.  There really is nothing like breaking bread with four dozen people you care for deeply.  It's especially nice when someone else does the preparing, cooking, and cleaning! Joy, Joy!
And where did you find joy today?