Following is one of my favorite short children’s poems. It was going through my head again a couple days ago as I was doing chores and looking up at the nearest thorny locust trees just unfurling their ferny fronds in the early sunset. I love those trees… (the leaves, not the thorns). Sometimes they look like something from a picture in Africa—or a South American jungle—and it’s such a pleasure to have them in our own backyard! Anyhow, they inspired me to run in and bring out my camera—and here, too, is the poem:
"I'm glad the sky is painted blue
And the earth is painted green
With such a lot of nice fresh air
All sandwiched in between."
~ Author unknown ~
And some of the Maytime happinesses I'm having…
Driving roads thick with living, early summer green while running errands.
My rosebush blooming, deep pink and fragrant.
Hot pink geraniums in a hanging pot.
Watching the old Buccaneers tv show with my family.
Starting a book I’ve never read before on the recommendation of another friend.
Dreaming of mountains and wide open spaces.
Pictures of turquoise water:
This quote from C.S. Lewis yet again:
“Joy is distinct not only from pleasure in general but even from aesthetic pleasure. It must have the stab, the pang, the inconsolable longing.”
Pondering and clinging to this verse from Zephaniah: “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
Good dark coffee in the mornings and Oolong tea.
Listening to good music while washing dishes:
Listening to good music while washing dishes:
And this just makes me smile...
What are some of your favorite Maytime delights?
I've never read The Robe, but I've seen the movie! Mmm, Richard Burton.
ReplyDeleteThis May, I love that we're done with school for the year and I have time to do a bunch of reading and catch up on various bookish things.
BTW, I've tagged you over on my blog, here. Play if you want to!
Hamlette,
DeleteYes, I LOVE ancient history and The Robe has been quite authentic, so I'm enjoying it. :)
Also, I'm glad you're able to catch up on some things and thanks for the tag! ;)
Have you changed your blog design again? It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a thorny locust tree before, it has some really pretty leaves.
That Buccaneers show looks wonderful, is it good?
Something I love about May is that you can finally go out without a jacket, and of course that summer is right around the corner!
Rose,
DeleteYes, I have! It's actually taken quite a bit of time, etc. ;), but I'm pretty happy with it now and I'm so very glad you like it!!
Yes, The Buccaneers is quite good. I'd say it's a leetle bit "slower" than the Robin Hood series by the same producers (with Richard Green), but after a few episodes the characters kind of hit their stride and it's a lot of fun. :D
And oh, yes, going outdoors without a jacket....and in short sleeves? Very wonderful. :)
Oh, I know how you feel! Spring is just incredible. And that quote from Lewis! That's exactly what I've been realizing lately--that the deepest joys generally have some poignance in them, a longing for Heaven. Do you know from which book is that quote?
ReplyDeleteGreat post!:)
Olivia,
DeleteIsn't it marvelous?!?
And I just looked up the Lewis quote again. It's from Surprised by Joy, which is....yes....still on my TBR list. ;) (Ah, well....one of these days.) He's so amazing.
And thank you -- I'm so glad you enjoyed it! :)
I'm so sorry this comment is late. :( I love random "everything" posts like these!
ReplyDeleteAnd May.....I'm thinking it's my favorite month right now. :) Up here it's been deliciously not-too-cool but not-too-warm....and the GREEN! I never knew things could be so lovely in springtime. I love all the flowers I've been discovering and the small, bright leaves against the jewel-like blue sky...it's all so beautiful. :)
And do tell me what you think of The Robe! I've seen the movie (and love it) and now own the book but have yet to start it. I hope it's as good as the movie! :)
Natalie,
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed it! I haven't done too many of them (in fact, I think this may be a first), but I really enjoyed it so I think I may do it as a more regular thing -- and more often! :)
Oh my..... That blue and green is SO gorgeous, isn't it?? :) And yes, I'll be sure to let you know when I'm finished! And I just recently discovered that there was a movie, so I'll have to get your thoughts on it when I'm done. :)
Heidi,
DeleteOh, fun! I've wanted to do a "lately" post for a long time, yet I still haven't gotten around to it. :)
Yes! I can't wait to hear what you think of the book! I wonder how different the movie is....
Hello dearest Heidi! Oh, I am dreadfully sorry, I've been such a terrible blogger of late... I am enjoying a long overdue visit to your blog this lovely Sunday evening before settling down to watch a show by an orchestra from Vienna which my dad got for us...:)
ReplyDeleteThe month of May is truly gorgeous...here in South Africa we are enjoying cooler days and we need extra blankets every night now!
I loved everything about your post...the sweet poem...the pictures and I can so relate to washing dishes whilst listening to good music! I put my laptop on and play my favourite soundtracks...:)
I hope you've had a wonderfully blessed weekend! Sending you much love!
Kelly-Anne
P.S. And thank you for your kind and gracious comments on my blog! You are such a dear and I love reading your sweet thoughts!
Kelly-Anne,
DeleteHow lovely! Do you generally get really warm summers in South Africa?
And yes, yes indeed!!! I LOVE movie soundtracks, too -- so beautiful and inspiring. :)
And oh, you're welcome -- your comments are such a sweet blessing as well! ;) I'm so glad you enjoyed the post!