Everyday Joy YYC

With the summer heat this week, I have been taking advantage of our outdoor oasis. Welcome to Le Maison  É té. The pandemic has halted our usual travel plans and we are having a staycation in our backyard. We have had a few friends over with social and physical distancing measures. As well, each family brought their own picnic basket. We have had hours of conversations trying to solve global problems and yet focussing on our needs through this time of isolation. We are building joyful memories in our own backyard oasis. When is the last time you had a joy-filled conversation?  Grab a notebook and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy ! Thursday

Growing avocado plants brings me joy! I only need a seed from a ripe avocado and water. The process is molasses-slow but it is so wonderful when the root appears on a random day! In the first picture, you can see the seed starter. In the last picture, the avocado plant is over a year old. I love naming the avocado seeds to personalize the connection. Meet Grey, Mona, and Avogadro. Avogadro has been my most successful plant thus far! When was the last time you had a green thumb and it brought you joy? Grab a notebook and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy ! Tuesday   

My favorite thing to do which brings me the most joy is naps! I can nap on the couch, in the chair, on the sectional, or in my bed. Naps are refreshing and give you the opportunity to wake up (again) to tackle the never-ending to-do list. The best naps are spontaneous and the sun is shining through the window! When was the last time you napped to reconnect with yourself? Grab a notebook and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy ! Sunday

Once in a while, we come across a book where we cheer on a character and for me, it was "Thursday". She was resilient and strong! She followed her heart and gut until the last word in the book. I was unsure of reading another thriller after "Then She was Gone" another book filled with memorable characters and wanting the best ending for "Ellie". You are one with a story when the words flow off the page and into your heart! Reading brings me joy!  When was the last time you finished reading a book and had the feeling I wish I could see the character again tomorrow? Grab a notebook and please join me on this journey to discover what brings you  everyday joy ! Thursday    

Let me start by saying happiness is overrated. I think society and our personal communities put too much pressure to be happy. When we are asked, "Are you happy?" it puts us in a corner to sometimes have to say YES when we really want to be honest and say No! In my search for happiness, I have found that it is challenging to be "happy" daily when we are struggling to find our "balance" in our day to day life! Over the past couple of months, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I have had to find my "new normal". It hasn't been easy to adjust to the new health protocols of following arrows, wearing a mask, standing behind a see-through barrier, and sanitizing hands before and after leaving a setting. However, during this time I am learning that it is important to find the "joy" in EVERY DAY! Yes, we are in unprecedented times. Yes, we are not able to visit with our loved ones over potluck suppers. Yes, we are hesitant to book our next vacat