Day 22 - This Past Year

Cliche, I know, but I have had so much joy in this past year. Some sadness, but mostly joy. And today is a wonderful day to recognize that joy. Looking back there have been many changes. Change is sometimes scary. It's sad to let go of what you know. But with change comes adventure and the introduction of new things. We've made new friends. We've reunited with an old friend from high school (back when I lived about 1000 miles away from here) that we discovered was living just 45 minutes away from us for the past 10 years! We've found new restaurants and a wonderful new Christmas tree farm that is sure to be our family tradition. New recipes. New games to play with the kids. 2009 has been a joyful year!

Day 21 - Food Network

I enjoy cooking. But I'm a late bloomer. My grandmother was a wonderful cook. When she was alive I appreciated her cooking but only to eat it. I didn't appreciate the time and talent it took for her creations. Now she's gone. And I have to rely on food television programs to be my teacher. I loved Rachel Ray (although I've grown away from her lately). My current favorites are Ellie Krieger, Nigella Lawson, Barefoot Contessa, Paula Deen (but only in small doses - my waistline can't take her steady diet) and Chopped. Chopped has helped me to be more creative in the kitchen. I watch about one cooking show a day, getting ideas or learning new techniques. A cooking show on Food Network is a little morsel of joy.

Day 20 - Piano

I'm so glad my mother made me keep up with my piano lessons. I'm not that good. But I can read the music. I can plunk out a few songs still. And I love being able to sit at the piano and transport myself for awhile. I wish I still practiced. I wish I could play more challenging music. I wish I had that gift to play by ear. But I can't. What I CAN do is practice what I do know. It is such a beautiful instrument and I love the few classical pieces I can play. So let's start there. I'll begin with my limited skills and be thankful that I can play at all because the piano brings me joy.

Day 19 - Apologies

My daughter and I had a fight. She's a teenager and I'm her mother, so not very surprising. We snapped at each other. I don't know who started it but we both continued it. It wasn't pretty. It was over the phone. We both agreed we needed some time to reflect so we said our good-byes and hung up. And then later, after I had cooled down, I called her back to apologize. I explained why I felt I reacted the way I did but quickly added that didn't excuse my behavior. I should have handled it much better. I apologized. And then she apologized. And then we had a heartfelt, true conversation about the conflict. The apology made our interaction real, productive and genuine. Who knew the awesome power of an apology? Who knew an apology could bring me joy?

Day 18 - Family Dinners

We try (very, very hard) to have family dinners most nights of the week. But some nights it just isn't possible. My husband works late two nights a week. And with sports practices sometimes we're missing someone. To keep costs down we eat out a lot less, too. So when we do - it's a big event. My middle son hit a milestone at school and asked if we could go out to dinner to celebrate. It was so much fun. We laughed. We talked. We shared. His big sister brought him a little gift. He sat at the head of the table so proud. So excited that it was his night. A special dinner out. Or a cozy dinner home. I find joy in our family dinners - staying in or going out.

Day 17 - Popcorn

I love popcorn. Especially movie popcorn. I ignore all of the articles out there telling me that I shouldn't eat movie popcorn. Quite honestly, I can't go to a movie without popcorn. It's my favorite salty snack. It beats potato chips (even Lay's potato chips) every time. But no butter. Not unless I'm making it at home with real butter. That fake stuff they use at the theaters IS evil, slimy stuff that coats my throat and ruins the entire experience for me. Nope. Regular, plain, wonderful movie popcorn. And I'm on my way out the door to have some right now while watching one of the many films released at this time of year. Jumping, joyful popcorn. Yum!

Day 16 - Christmas

I believe "One mountain, many paths." I realize there are other faiths out there besides my own. But during this time of year I find incredible, amazing, indescribable joy during this most holy time of year. Yes, I know that Jesus wasn't actually born today. I've heard the history about why the church not so arbitrarily chose a date around the winter solstice to celebrate a Christian holiday. And I don't care. I celebrate it now with abandon. I don't mind that the decorations seem to go up earlier and earlier. I don't see it as unadulterated greed. I see it as a chance to get into the spirit that much sooner. I love the Christmas spirit of giving and kindness and joy. And I'm sending that to all of you (all two of you) who peek in here at my humble little blog. Merry Christmas! May you experience all the joy the day can bring!