Simple Pleasure's When the World Can Suck

      What can any of us say on the state of the world right now that doesn't sound sad? My heart hurts for all those in peril due to  political turmoil, extreme weather, loss of  livelihood, and just struggling to cope. I am fortunate. None of these things directly impact me right now,. I have down days, but I have a loving family  to help pick me up. I gripe about the lack of rain and high temperatures, but I don't rely on the weather to make a living. My girls' are free to pursue education, career, buy  property, all the things denied to women in parts of the world. I don't even need to say more about Covid variants. Yeah, the world sort of sucks now. Or, does it? 

     It's people creating the mess, and people who can help each other get out of it. Even if we all just do small things, I am a firm believer of the cumulative impact that acts of good, kindness, environmentalism, volunteerism, and money directed to where needed, however small, can do. I also think we owe it to ourselves and everyone around us to keep finding the simple pleasures and joys each day. These are the reminders that there is good stuff all around us, and with collective acts of good, more can be found. So this post is dedicated to the people that make my life  good.

1. I spent  a wonderful evening, that I think will be an annual outing, thrift shopping with my daughters. Both daughters will be taking photos of items they purchased so I'll have a separate post. I may have created a thrifting beast though with DD2-she was on fire finding things she just loved. DD1 and I being a bit more veteran in this department, helped her narrow down some of her selection to better quality items, or not to get almost duplicates of what she already has. She went beyond our challenge, but other than socks, shoes, and under garments, she may never shop retail again! 
2. On DH's Thursday off, he, DD2, and I had a nice lunch outing and a wander to another local towns shops and river front. It's nice to get out of your own  back yard at times, even if close. I love this service station that kept it's old pumps, and has a couple classic vehicles alongside it. 
   
   
   
3. We took a mid-shop break and stopped at the Indian grocer/take out shop. I bought DD2 curry for her spice kit, and lovely pitted dates for home. We shared a couple order of samosas and two vegan Indian dishes that I will not remember. We enjoyed outside on picnic tables before continuing our quest. They are the nicest  people who own and run this business. If you are ever in the East Metro of the twin cities, stop by Fresh India Grocery and Eatery. 
4. I shared the wonderful Van Gogh immersive experience. It was twice as nice as it was a gift from and and attended with my daughter. 
5. That same lovely daughter helped her younger sister weed through   stacks of clothes to pack much more judiciously. the real joy was listening to them laugh and joke with each other, and older daughter  trying to be firm about weeding down. Some Saturday, I will do a helicopter mom thing and purge her room-sorting and boxing up all these old clothes, and with hope, she will  donate all or at least most, when she is home in October. She has to-remember my  2-4 things purged for every 1 new item? Well after the thrift haul, she probably needs to purge 100 or more items! 
6. Saturday was coolish for August-no complaints. It was good getting out for a longer walk with pup, and seeing more people out, kids bike riding, and our neighbors grandson riding his  uncles bike. He's a little cutey and it was a flash back to 15 years earlier to his uncle at that age, DD2's good friend as they grew up together. 
7. We have eaten out so much in the last two weeks,  it was a joy making French toast and turkey bacon form my daughter, a request, before she moved back to school. Cooking for others who truly enjoy the effort makes me smile. 
8. It was good to be back to work yesterday, and with no crisis issues! This is the second time in three years that I took two full weeks off in August, and I've determined these will work annually. Now if only we can travel again.
9. I had a Mom's of Teens group meet-up last night. It was an OK showing, with nine, and we had a fun two hours. this one was arranged by one of the younger mom's who's oldest is about to leave for college as emotional support. It was good to hear her say my relaxed attitude made her feel more comfortable about her daughters departure. Well, after three kids, colleges in three different states and two countries, I should be unfazed. I hid that I still get anxious for my kids, even the 32 and 30 year old! 
10. And last, it was pure pleasure to wake up to rain and winds, and a down right good soaking! Yes, it is going to creep back up to 87 and humid, and my flower pots took a beating with the wind, but we have rain! It is still dripping as I type this, so I'm hoping for a really wet morning. 

     Sorry-this was a very rambling  simple pleasure post, but one I needed for myself. If you stuck around to read to the end, please comment what is giving you joy, smiles, or those simple pleasures that make this  world a better place.