Joyology

Archive for November, 2007

During the waning years of the depression in a small southeastern Idaho community,
I used to stop by Jim Miller’s roadside stand for farm-fresh produce as the season made it available. Food and money were still extremely scarce and bartering was used, extensively.

One particular day Jim was bagging some early potatoes for me. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas.

I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas I couldn’t help overhearing the conversation between Jim and the ragged boy next to me.

“Hello Barry, how are you today ?”

“H’lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya.
Jus’ admirin’ them peas — sure look good.”

“They are good, Barry. How’s your Ma ?”

“Fine. Gittin’ stronger all a’time.”

“Good. Anything I can help you with ?”

“No, Sir. Jus’ admirin’ them peas.” Read the rest of this entry »

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains. Read the rest of this entry »

Fold two hands together
and express a dash of sorrow.
Marinate it overnight
and work on it tomorrow

Chop one grudge into tiny pieces.
Add several cups of love.
Dredge with a large sized smile.
Mix with the ingredients above

Dissolve the hate within you
by melting the chip you stored almost to long.
When it is completely dissolved,
add it to the bowl of ingredients above.

Stir in laughter, love, and kindness;
this can only come from the heart
or the ingredients will sour. Read the rest of this entry »

She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live. I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world begins to close in on me. She was building a sand castle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea. “Hello,” she said.

I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child.

“I’m building,” she said.

“I see that. What is it?” I asked, not really caring.

“Oh, I don’t know, I just like the feel of sand.”

That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes. A sandpiper glided by.

“That’s a joy,” the child said. Read the rest of this entry »