Finding Beauty

The older I get the more I want to find beauty. To see it in people’s faces. To recognize it in their laughter. To find it in their tears. Life is a struggle (for us all), and so many times I find myself weighted down with all the things that are going on in the world, but yet still…I look for ways to list all the ways that people are beautiful. The smooth, sweet smelling skin of my five month old grand daughter, her contagious laughter instantly changing my mood. The older lady in the store parking lot, smiling at me. The UPS delivery man who is always so friendly and kind, even though I know he is tired. My husband who works hard for me and for his family. The neighbors who offered help, and unconditional support when we lost our beloved dog. My friends who know me, and know my heart, and I theirs. There is beauty. I just keep my eyes open for it.

I enjoy being outside. I like to take sky pictures… And field pictures… And animal pictures. And yes, people pictures, in my search for beauty. The other night I walked out on the deck, waiting to call the dogs in for the night. The cold, crisp winter air was still as I peered up. The sky was blacker than ink, with sparkling glitter. I find moments like this to be holy. I am reminded how small I am, and how big God is. The intricate workings of the Milky Way, created by the sound of His voice. Beautiful.

Scented soap homemade from a friend, texted messages and voicemails from family and friends, iced tea, and iced coffee, holding hands and holding hearts, baby laughter, and giggles, good books and timeless stories, friendships that have withstood both time and distance, children who are now adults, but still say, “I love you”, pictures on the refrigerator, and smiles from strangers at the grocery store, dogs that lay their heads in my lap and lick me until I pet them, wedding rings and commitment, love and loyalty and fun. God is so good and He chooses to gift me with beautiful people and beautiful moments and ……..

I am so thankful.

 

 

That’s Hygge

It has been awhile, friends. Life has been extremely busy for me, over the past several months. Teaching, tutoring, working on my masters degree, presenting at a monthly parents (of children with special needs) support group, being involved in church, being a wife, Mom, and Nana is just…well…exhausting! Many nights I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. That all said, I still enjoy blogging and writing, and reading, and taking pictures of my country life (you can follow me at gibsongirl247 on Instagram).

As I type, I find myself looking out the window. It is a cold, gray, January afternoon. There are still remnants of snow on the ground, leftover from a couple of days ago. Yes, I am one of the “weird” people that loves winter. My warm weather friends don’t understand me, and that is just fine. I choose to do my weather complaining from mid-June through early September when the temperatures and humidity are like living in Dante’s seventh circle of hell. Just sayin’.

 

I am a sweater person. I am cozy socks person. I am a colorful mittens type of girl. I think in another life I must have been Scandinavian. I am drawn to the Scandinavian decorating style. I think the Finnish truly understand how education/learning is supposed to work, and my latest infatuation is with hygge (that is pronounced hoo-ga) The Danish people have this extremely cool word (in my opinion) that doesn’t even have an English translation. It sort of means, creating a warmth and intimacy even in the smallest of things. I can see where this would be wonderful year round, but especially during the cold, dark months in this northern country. Think of padding around the house in thick, warm socks and comfy clothes. Think hot chocolate with a big, fluffy marshmallow. Think a crackling fire in the fireplace and a good book or a movie with friends and family. Think flannel sheets and snuggling. Think candle light. Think board games. Think a handwritten note to a friend. Are you feeling it?

That’s hygge.