When You're Weary, Feeling Small ~ Jacquolyn McMurray

Weary 

Have you ever had a particular song get stuck in your head? Ever had lyrics go into auto rewind and the accompanying music lull you into some form of reverie that cushions you from reality? 

That's where I'm at with Paul Simon's "Bridge Over Troubled Water." 

Do you remember the lines? When you're weary...feeling small?

Feeling Small 

I've experienced plenty of days when I needed a nap and felt like I wasn't big enough/experienced enough/wise enough to tackle the most mundane chores before me.  

And then a little miracle happens and someone calls, or texts, or posts something encouraging on facebook and I'm recharged and ready to tackle my most difficult tasks. 

And during these uncertain times, I'm fortunate to have a husband to keep me company while we self-isolate and lots of friends and family who cheer me on when I'm feeling down. 

Not everyone has what I have. Some live alone. Some struggle with a lack of social contacts. And these folks might not be the ones you think are struggling. 

There's plenty we can we do to bridge the troubled waters --pick up the phone and call or text someone you haven't talked to in a long while, post positive messages on social media, write a letter to someone who would love to hear from you, or post funny signs in your front yard (my husband's specialty).

Lawn Decorations

I'm on your side, Paul Simon sings, when times get rough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-XCmb6t6Zw

We're in this together, so let's practice hopeful, uplifting behaviors. 

Hope. It's the bridge over troubled waters. 

Finding Joy in Nature’s Treasures ~ by Jacquolyn McMurray

Like most serious writers, I spend lots of time in front of my computer writing/revising/editing and attempting to keep up with social media. To give my body a break from the screen, I go outside to walk around a bit. It brings me joy to observe and appreciate the treasures nature offers.

And yes, I am fortunate to live in Hawaiʻi where our climate affords me the opportunity to go outside every day of the year.

Our house on the farm is situated so we cannot see the sun rise or set on the horizon, but we do get to enjoy the vibrant colors that light up the sky.

Our hens provide a few eggs, but more importantly, they are a primary source of entertainment for me.  I love watching them care for their chicks and the way they follow me around in case I might toss them some corn. 

Most every day, a walk around the farm yields something edible—eggs, citrus fruit, avocados, macadamia nuts, limes, papaya or bananas. I am baffled that a hen can lay an egg without breaking the shell and that one tiny seed can produce a tree that bears more fruit than a family of four can eat.

My husband marvels at my ability to find four leaf clovers. On occasion, I’ve found five, six, seven, and eight leaf clovers. Treasures indeed!

Even when I venture beyond the farm, I’m on the lookout for gifts from nature—the  patterns in the hollow of a tree trunk where bees once resided,

the weathered tree stump that resembles a horse’s head, 

or the unfurling of the hāpuʻu fern.

There are countless ways of finding one’s joy. For me, appreciating nature provides a quick fix. What do you do that brings joy into your life?