Monday, August 27, 2007

At My Fingertips, Under My Nose

This morning I decided to put my vanilla yogurt in a lovely cut glass dish and top it with granola and fresh blueberries. Normally, I eat it out of the container, but not today. I thought, I have these beautiful dishes that my stepmother gave me, why not use them and enjoy them. And thus, I had a breakfast that was definitely more elegant and pleasant than my normal fare.

I find I overlook many things that are easily accessible to me—things that are at my fingertips and under my nose. Ever since my last blog entry, I have continued to think in this vain. (I talked about having the gorgeous Rocky Mountains so close and deciding I needed to enjoy them more often.) I asked myself what I might be missing. What little blessings and opportunities are waiting for me to notice and take advantage of them?

Often we think we don’t have the time or money to go here or do this and that. So we wait for the planets to align. Yet in reality, there are multitudes of ways we can enrich our lives, many of which cost nothing (or very little) and take very little time.

I came up with several things that I will chronicle in photos below. Some I have already enjoyed, while others are on the horizon. I have some wonderful experiences to look forward to. So read below and be inspired to open your eyes and come up with your own list of opportunities that you can’t wait to take advantage of. Don’t miss out on a thing. Seize every opportunity.





There are only three public rose gardens in the state. Longmont has one of them. Even though it's five minutes from my house, I hadn't been there in several years. So on my birthday, my younest daughter, granddaughter, and I went to enjoy the fabulous blooms and sweet fragance of dozens and dozens of roses.


In the course of my busy days, I fail to enjoy my upstairs deck. Late one afternoon, I decided it was time to take advantage of my shady deck and enjoy the view. So I made a glass of iced peppermint tea (see below) and had a 20 minute vacation without ever leaving home!




This is the view from my deck. Isn't it great? I think I should enjoy it more often.




This is my peppermint patch in my garden. Rarely do I ever use the peppermint even though I'm a fan of peppermint. I decided to change that. See next photo.




I picked some fresh peppermint and made iced peppermint tea. Delicious and refreshing on a hot summer afternoon!


I walk by my bicycle everytime I go in and out of the garage. Yet it's been years since I've gotten on it and taken a spin. So in the next few days, I plan to go for a ride.




I have lived here for 0ver 18 years and have never taken the time to visit our local musuem. I intend to remedy that very soon.



I haven't been to the public library in ages. I have plans for a book of fun fiction very soon. And it won't cost me anything!






3 comments:

Alice said...

How often do we wait to have visitors to enjoy the attractions right on our doorstep? Far too often. I'm sure we all do it.

You have some lovely times ahead of you, Marlene, and as you say, they won't cost you anything.

Such a lovely view from your deck - your really should enjoy it more often. Please could we have some winter photos of that view too?

Gayle Gresham said...

Have fun on your mini-get-aways! It's amazing what we overlook because its nearby.

And, make sure you visit your library. Many motley friends are waiting for you! (I have your poem up on the wall at the library where I work.)

Kerri said...

I'm feeling inspired after reading all your latest posts. I wish I'd stopped by sooner! Busy here lately and not finding much time to visit my favorite blog friends.
Your Sunday drive sounded wonderful and those hills are magnificent. What a glorious place you live in. Glad you took a little time to enjoy the beautiful countryside.
Yes...I must go to the library and borrow a good novel! Haven't done that in ages.