It's Sunday and I'm not planning to post this today. Granddaughter is coming over to spend the night tonight and I've got a few things to get done before she arrives. I have a roast in the oven and although at 10, that isn't her favorite supper (probably pizza is), it is what it is.
 |
| eye of round roast with garlic, onions, carrots, and potatoes! |
No, this is something that came to me after reading DJan's post Sunday morning. It's about trying to stay optimistic in a world that seems to be going downhill (and is it really? - or is it that we 'know' too much these days?) Knowing the possible state of things and realizing that there's little one can personally do to change the situation is frustrating... which is stressful. Add our own age related problems and... boom! sleepless nights and anxiety are the result.
How to overcome this? Not sure, but as cliche as it sounds, taking it one day at a time seems to help me. I think, what can I do today that will make the day more pleasant for someone (or myself)? Even something as simple as a phone call, a text, a batch of brownies could help. In my own case, if I can simply clear out an area that needs clearing, I've made my day. It's a small thing, but it works.
I know that at 77, life could end at any time and no one would be surprised (well, your family and close friends might be, but not the general public)... and it's something that until you get to a certain age, no one thinks about seriously. But once you're there, the thought affects all your choices. In some ways, it's like the song, "Live like you were dying" by Tim McGraw.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that we may all want to 'contribute' in some way to making it a better world, but we aren't all capable of doing the big things. So maybe, just maybe, Mother Teresa's words,
"Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love" is something we are all capable of doing.
That's it... my thoughts on Sunday morning.
It's already Tuesday and I'm finally posting this. We spent Sunday evening playing games and watching movies with Granddaughter. She's teaching me how to 'trade' on the game Roblox... and then we watched Narnia on TV, went to bed, and both of us read until sleepy. Monday morning meant chocolate chip pancakes and more 'trading' instructions, then my son came by to pick her up.
DH and I had plans for Monday afternoon to take lunch and visit with my friend who had surgery about 2 months ago. She lives about 45 minutes away. And luckily it turned out to be a beautiful day... sunny and fairly warm. We ended up eating, talking, and touring the little town where she lives... very enjoyable day for all of us. Here's a pic of the old train that is by the Historical Center in that little town.
.jpg)
My friend is the one who helps me edit and proof my books and she is also part of the Historical Society for this town. They just published a book about this little Texas town and are now doing research on some of the surrounding areas.
And...
today is Mardi Gras
back home in New Orleans!
Hopefully my cousins will send me pictures of the parades and any family participation... which I will share with you if applicable.
Hugs (yes, still virtual),
Rian
I don't think most of the humans on this planet make a grand contribution to the world. I think most of us do our best, and yes, we can do small things with love. Even simply being kind and compassionate in our dealings with other Beings (human and non-human) helps, IMO.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your roast was tasty! Just seeing the pic is making me hungry (it's getting close to lunch time -- lol).
Take care.
The roast was very good. It's one of my grandson's favorite meals... not that he isn't a pizza fan too - like my granddaughter.
DeleteI cleaned out my plastic container drawer today and through away a trash bag of mismatched parts. I am feeling pretty good about the world! It's the little things :) Enjoy that granddaughter!
ReplyDeleteYes, Miss Merry... the little things can bring us joy
DeleteYour Sunday dinner looked terrific Rian, that's my No.1 favorite meal--your Monday sounded like a real lovely day too... I can well understand your feelings about the state of the world right now, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Maybe I'm fooling myself, but I continue to think "as with all things, this too shall pass".
ReplyDeleteDug, I laughed at my first thought when I read your quote. It was... 'well, it will or we will..' either way the problem is solved (sort of). But joking aside, I do agree with you that things tend to work themselves out - maybe not always in the way we would like, but still.
DeleteAnd yes, the roast and potatoes meal is a favorite around here too.
Thanks for the comment on my post. I was really feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders, but today is better, although I cannot seem to shake it off completely. I wish that loving kindness and compassion fills your day, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, DJan, just visiting with my friend yesterday and enjoying a pretty day together makes a ton of difference. And sharing our feelings about it all helps too.
DeleteI bet roast is a favorite in most meat eating houses. Not much can beat it, with potatoes and carrots and lots of onions snuggled up closel
ReplyDeleteYou may be right, Joanne. I don't make a roast often, but when I do, we generally enjoy it.
DeleteWe can easily become overwhelmed when thinking of all of the horrors in today's world. I agree that as individuals are miniscule actions when added to the actions of others can mean a lot. Recently there was a national telethon for donations to provide neonatal equipment to hospitals in honor of a woman who died far too young of cancer. I made my annual small donation, and it contributed to the $850,000 that was raised. Together we can do great things.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a lovely weekend with your granddaughter and a special day with your friend. Moments to remember and to treasure.
Thanks, Mae. It's true that by ourselves we may not contribute much, but together we can make a difference.
DeleteOur granddaughter Samantha Loved pot roast when she was little...still does!
ReplyDeletehugs
Donna
Hi Donna! I stole your rice pudding recipe from your blog... I love rice pudding!
Deleteyou did a great thing sharon, visiting your friend...i'm sure it made her happy and i know it made you happy!! having your granddaughter visit, great thing number 2. i think these are the things that make us happiest and are the things we can control, continue to do those things and you will be optimistic for sure. i think writing here is a wonderful, rewarding thing to. i like to listen to music, it always lifts my spirits!!
ReplyDeleteon my blog, the superimposed reflection is me. that picture on the boat worked like a mirror and reflected me. you have a good eye!!!
Debbie, your superimposed reflection makes for a strange picture... gives it a whole different effect!
Deleteyes i know...it was the only way to do it!! i loved the picture of the train here, i forgot to say that!!
DeleteI ❤️ mardi gras festivities!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a wonderful time with your G-daughter!!
And a great day trip excursion...the historical train (what area in Texas?)
Anni, it was Anna, Texas.
DeleteWe have been to New Orleans but never Mardi Gras. I think it would be fun to experience once.
ReplyDeleteMardi Gras was fun growing up... with the parades and the balls, King Cake parties, etc. Now it's still fun I would imagine, just need to know where to go and where not to go...
DeleteMy husband is constantly hooked up to the news which goes right into his hearing aids from his cellphone. There's so much bad news that I have to tune it out at times. How wonderful that you could have time with your granddaughter. I'm so happy for you.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I'm sorry about the post that went up about Trusted Contacts with nothing there. I was moving posts around and posted that by mistake. So then I had to erase it because it's my post for Monday. Sigh...
Don't worry about the Trusted Contacts post, Kay. I just thought Blogger was having some glitches again...
Delete