the personal views, thoughts, and musings of donna d'errico

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Juggling Blueberries in the Kitchen


Life these days seems to just keep getting tougher and tougher - the economy is failing and jobs are scarce, people live in fear of losing their homes, our family court system is corrupted beyond repair, suicides and murders are on the rise, religion has become tainted and "uncool", and a myriad of other depressing realities. I used to watch the 6 o'clock news in the evenings with my family as a kid. Now, you can't let your kids ever watch the news because all they talk about is the latest child molestation case, murder, mass killing, etc. "Mommy, what's child molestation?" I can hear it now. Talk about inducing nightmares in innocent children!

In fact, I myself don't ever even watch the news. I don't pick up a newspaper ever, either - unless I am on a long plane flight and feel like doing the NYT crossword puzzle. But I won't read it. What's the point of reading depressing, nightmare-inducing stuff that makes me feel sad, upset, angry, outraged, or helpless? No, thanks. I get through life just fine and dandy without the daily dose of disaster fed to the public through the mass media. I can keep up with important goings-on in our country and the world through independent news sources that are not controlled by the powers-that-be.

These days, more and more, it's the simpler things in life that make me the happiest. I don't need material things to make me happy. I have everything I need. I have my children, my health, and my pets. I have my faith in God. I don't care about designer clothing, jewelry, fancy restaurants, galas, or rubbing elbows. No - for me, watching my organic vegetable garden sprout and grow, hiking in the mountains with my dogs, playing catch with my kids at the park, or just squatting down to watch a trail of ants carrying food into their anthill is what makes me the happiest. It's the simpler things now that give me the most joy. When you get to the point where juggling blueberries in the kitchen makes you feel completely content and serene - as though you have not a care in the world - you'll never want to go back to your former existence.

6 comments:

  1. I am going to go home and juggle blueberries, Donna. :)

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  2. Donna,
    So very true. We should all take time to slow down and enjoy all the great things life has to offer! I only wish I had more room to plant an actual garden this year. I always manage a few tomato plants and also a lot of flowers.

    We met and enjoyed a glass of wine at the Philly show. I was with my husband, Paul and we were with our mutual friend, Larry Thomas. It was great meeting you, we share mutual feelings about the news, especially. I have not looked at a newspaper or watched the news in years! Only the weather and sometimes that is as depressing as the news! Stay well!
    Lynda Schneider

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  3. I totally agree. I don't watch the news or read a newspaper either! Too depressing. I enjoy life, my friends and church. God gives me blessings every day to be thankful for and most of the time it is simple things like you describe.

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  4. ..so true Donna..
    in Italy there is the same situation..the economy is failing and jobs are VERY VERY scarce, many people have already lost their homes, and we listen about suicides and murders everyday....It's so depressing and sad:(....

    I love the last part of your blog:)) ..in particular when you say that the simpler things give you the most joy and makes you happy.
    ..You're a wonderful and true person Donna..very down to earth, very genuine, very nice..and so family oriented!!....I wish you and yours all the Best!!:)
    Love you!!Marta

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  5. That is so very true Donna.
    I think a postive attitude is very healthy, not just mentally but physically and spiritually as well. I try to focus on what makes me the happiest. I don't strive for perfection in any aspect of my life, I just thank God for all the gifts that he has given me. I see the beauty that is HIM all around .
    They say it is the little things in life that mean the most, I have to agree. <3

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  6. We have blueberries for shrubbery around the house. While it may not be as attractive as plants that are normally used, we do enjoy the pies and the children enjoy eating them in the summertime. Typical garden plants such as peanuts, strawberries, turnups, beets etc. can also be used for yard trim and have healthy benefits as well.

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