Thursday, September 22, 2011

Simply Over

For the past year or so, Dayle at the wonderful blog, A Collection of This and That has opened her blog door every Thursday and invited the world to celebrate the simple pleasures. 

It has been grand.

She challenged us to stop and record the moments that stopped our hearts, to note the things that whispered our names above the noise and said, "Enjoy me, Debbie. I'll be gone in a flash."

I remember the inspiration for Dayle's party. Do you know what it was? It was the simple sight of her twin sister's laughter. Simple laughter... something so small and so common that it can far too easily be taken for granted, as if we will always have those moments,
                 and always have the laughter,
                                     and always have the sister.

We won't.

Dayle noticed that. And because she noticed, she invited us to notice too. Week after week, we gathered at her place for our day of virtual show and tell.

 Mine was always a little heavy on the telling part.

In the year following, I was a pretty regular attender, often dragging Sir Lotsa Hair along with me. He is, after all, my perpetual pleasure.  I brought his rainbow, and his love notes, and his rendezvous.



On my own, I brought everything from 
Bible study to the blue hour...

Calls from the daughters...

The contents from an old box...


Simple treasures, really, and I wonder how many of them would have gone unrecorded in this little blog of mine had a woman named Dayle not stopped to noticed her sister's laughter that day.

Unfortunately, my simple pleasure posts have been rather scarce these days. There's a reason for that, and it's more than just the physical giants I have been battling. It's that those giants, coupled with some rolls in the game of Life, have left me holding a cup half empty.

Oh, I've tried to find the pleasures. I've even noticed them. But when I tried to sit down and put wheels to the words, they just wouldn't spin.

I would think, "Maybe next week..."

Then I relearned that age old lesson about opportunity. Just like a simple pleasure, it's prone to fleeting. There won't be a next week this time. In fact, there won't even be a this week. The simple pleasures party has run its course.

Yeah, I know... Parties don't last forever.

Neither do bloggers.  Am I the only one who gets a pang of sadness when a favorite blogger closes shop?  Some do it conspicuously with a farewell post. Others  just do it gradually and quietly and sort of fade away. And then, there are ones who are blogging one day and gone the next, as if they blogged themselves into the Bermuda Triangle.

I always wish that I had said good-bye before they sailed away and thanked them when I had the chance. Opening your heart and home is a big step, after all.

So today,  I thank you Dayle, from the bottom of my heart, for opening your blog home every Thursday for our little game of show and tell.  I have met some of my favorite bloggers at that party, and I mean it very sincerely when I say that your challenge changed my life for the better.

And that's why I'm going to continue to write  try to write about my simple pleasures, even without a party. In this upside down  crazy world I live in, I need to remind myself that, "... it is the sweet, simple things in life that are the real ones after all."

51 comments:

Amy Kinser said...

Please don't stop sharing. I always look so forward to reading what is on your heart. You have become such a blessing to me. I guess that means you are one of my life's simple pleasures.

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

*tears*

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Just when I was thinking about joining the party... I'm glad you wrote this post, and I think we should all write an occasional "simple pleasures" post whenever the urge hits. But whether we write or not, I pray we'll never stop noticing them. What encouragement and inspiration Dayle shared with us by hosting the party! Your posts often do the same for me. I'm praying your cup will be FULL of blessings, Friend -- and that you'll notice them!

Lynn said...

Aw, sorry to hear it's over. I participated a few times myself and it was always a nice party. Sounds like your simple pleasure this week was Dayle's party:@)

FrouFrouBritches said...

I know exactly what you mean. I get very sad about my favorite bloggers closing up shop too! It's sad. I hope you do continue writing about the simple pleasures. I remember all the posts you mentioned. They always remind me to not take the little things for granted. You're right about them being the most important things.

larkswing said...

A lovely post, while a goodbye to one, a challenge to another - me! I have simple pleasures, but maybe writing them down will help with the balance in life. May your Thursday be a wonderful day!

Meg@MegaCrafty said...

What a beautiful post- I'm sorry that this party you loved so much is over but it's nice that you are going to continue noticing and blogging these simple little moments in life. I was just thinking the other day how many blogs I loved and the many bloggers behind them whom I'd gotten to know that have closed up and how sad it was.

But I guess the bright side is that you find new great blogs and bloggers and parties too!

Unknown said...

Oh, so sorry to hear about your friend. What a wonderful tribute to what she has brought to many people's lives.
I do hope you continue on in the simple tradition. I recall all of your photos with great pleasure and your words have brought me peace and reflection many times.
I'm hoping you continue to hold your glass, dear friend, half empty or half full, it's still your glass and we are glad to hear about it's contents.
xo
lynn

Anonymous said...

I'm sure going to miss Dayle's hosting. I told her she was the most gracious host I've encountered in blogland. BUT, going along with the lesson you are learning--not letting opportunity pass you by while it's knocking--why don't you pick it up as host. Dayle did suggest that one of us party guests might want to pick it up and I think, Ms. Debbie, that you would be a wonderful host for Simple Pleasures to continue blessings us. How'bout it?

Much love,
Marcia

Anonymous said...

Psst, do it...do it...do it!

Renée said...

From the Bermuda Triangle, I'm trying to come back. I love your posts, simple or not and hope you will write anything and everything because I enjoy it so much! Thanks Debbie...you are a gem.

Denise said...

I agree. Do it! Do it! You are far too talented to stop!

Maryann said...

Debbie,
I am sorry the party you enjoyed so much is over. I certainly did enjoy your simple pleasure pictures so I am one who is hoping you don't stop sharing

Barbara F. said...

Please continue, Debbie, you share such beautiful, loving, fun things. I also feel terrible when a blog disappears, I experienced that myself recently, no warning from the blogger, and emails get bumped right back. Oh well..... xo

Tanna said...

Debbie, I have never had the pleasure of reading Dayle's blog, but I have enjoyed Simple Pleasure posts from you and some of my other blog friends. Your writing always strikes a chord in my heart. I love it. I am sad that I won't get to know Dayle... because after reading your post, I believe knowing her would have enriched my life. Just like I know visiting here does. You better not disappear! Please. blessings ~ tanna

Anonymous said...

Yes, Deb, sad she's closing up shop, too. Like you, I might have been a bit on the long winded and too many pictures to get my point across side - but - the simple pleasure of just being able to write and share my heart - and that there are others out there happy to share my heart blesses beyond words! Dayle made that place for us on Thursdays. Thanks, Dayle.

You are also right that, party or no party, we ought not lay down our hearts sharing simple pleasures. I'll look forward to yours if you'll look forward to mine . . .

Joy!
Kathy

Jennie said...

Ditto. Except you said it all much better than I could have!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

And I have come HERE to your blog as one of my favorites simple pleasures. Yes... I agree fully, when we lose one of our favorites, it's almost like a sad loss of a good friend who has moved away.

Now that I've said that... don't go getting any such ideas!! You stay right where you are and continue to pour out your own 'simple pleasures'. :)

xo

Christine said...

It is always hard to say good-by to something that is fun. It's like when you have a party and no one leaves, until the wee hours.
I too, enjoyed taking part with Dayle for her Simple Pleasures.
I agree, let's continue posting our Simple Pleasures, party or no party.

Chatty Crone said...

I have seen a lot of people write about Simple Pleasures. I've enjoyed them all. So did she just end the simple pleasures or her whole blog too.

Yes, the blog world and people not staying or leaving makes me a bit sad too.

Love,
sandie

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

So beautiful from beginning to end...once again talented one...you have shared your gift with us all.

Thanks for going over your past simple pleasures and posting a thank you. Her meme has reminded me to enjoy those things, even if I don't post it...like having my windows open after a summer of 70 days of 100 degrees and I could hear the high school band playing...her meme has reminded me to soak it in!

Blessings and I so enjoyed this post...so even with the bumps in your life, thanks for blessings us all and keeping us looking for His blessings of life in all things

Debbie said...

Sandie,

Dayle still has the blog (Thank God). It's the Simple Pleasures party that she has discontinued.

Always Nesting said...

Well, I've got a big ole lump in my throat. This is a wonderful post and a great reminder to us.

Mevely317 said...

OK, my eyes are puddling again. What a wonderful, heartfelt tribute! You've expressed what (I think) most of us are feeling tonight.

PS - Is there anything we can do to help fill up the rest of that cup you're holding? Holding you in my thoughts and prayers!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Debbie, this is the sweetest, most heartfelt post, and it is one of the reasons I love your blog and YOU so much. Thank you for putting in such clear terms. You have the ability to make me cry and laugh in the same post.

I have felt so many of these same emotions, and you are right, we do need to celebrate the little things because they are the really big things in this life.

Love you...

XO,

Sheila

P.S. Tonight, I sat down with Adelaide's granddaughter Addie whom I had the pleasure of babysitting, and I asked her what she thought Adels was doing right now. She said, "Well, I bet she's at the Golden Presbyterian Church right now with Aunt Jackie (another friend gone ahead) and her parents and your parents." I told someone earlier that I didn't have the heart to tell her that there were no denominations in Heaven, but I was so excited over her response and her solid belief in Heaven that I didn't dare squash that! And I bet she is hanging out in the Presbyterian quarter about now, even if they aren't called by that name there. ;-) A child's faith... my simple pleasure and pure delight.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Sweet Debbie, this generous post about my Simple Plesures party brought tears to my eyes. You are an amazing person. I know this, even though we've never met. (I'm kinda smart like that.) Thank YOU for always being one of my favorite bloggers. You add something special in blogland. I'm sorry your glass has been half-empty latey; you have been in my prayers. Just know whatever you're facing, it won't last forever.

I will miss the Simple Pleasures crowd so much, that's for sure, but I'll still be blogging about this and that and the other ... and I'm sure I will sneak in a simple pleasure or two along the way. I'm not going away just yet. :) And I'll be checking in on you, my friend, as always.

Thanks, Debbie, from my heart.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

P.S. You would make a wonderful hostess to your own Simple Pleasures party, and you can bet I would show up and cheer you on! Do it, girlfriend!

Sue said...

Beautifully written Debbie, and Dayle was indeed a wonderful hostess, by reading SP I also learned to stop and take a deep breath to enjoy the simple pleasures given to me each day by my Heavenly Father. I will miss this party, and joined when I wasn't busy with farm work. Dayle just said what a wonderful hostess you would make, I agree wholeheartedly and i would so love to join your party. Just let me know! ~smiling~
Sue

Kelli said...

What a sweet tribute! I pray your door stays wide open cause I love visiting every day!!!

bj said...

I'm sorry your friend decided to not have her meme anymore. I had a blogger friend that had the most FUN meme every week..I just loved it. Then, she got too busy with life, as we all do at times, and decided not to have it anymore. I sure have missed it...so I understand. There's some more really good parties out there so maybe you will find another that you like a lot.

Ms.Daisy said...

Debbie,
I so agree with all our blogger friends who posted today, we HAVE gained so much and grown so much from slowing down and noting all the Simple Pleasures in our lives. I pray that your glass fills to overflowing because I can feel the love you have to share with all of us.
~Jean

Joan Hall said...

Debbie - I am thankful for Dayle and the Simple Pleasures party. I met many wonderful bloggers there - one of them of course was you. You have made me laugh, made me cry, made me rejoice...the list goes on. But most of all, I am thankful for our friendship (although long distance).

I pray for you during this "season".

Blessings,
Joan

Anita Diaz said...

What a lovely post Debbie! I think I am the Bermuda triangle type, because I am forever thinking I'll blog about the next project, or after the kids are in bed. In any case, I love reading what you write because you are always so thought-provoking and interesting. You are a writer, and such a great one. I am hoping that you are feeling better??

You can listen to the song on my side bar, or go to itunes, or amazon.com and download it. Just type in Anita Diaz and it will come up. I hope it lifts your spirits!!

Angel @ Finding The Inspiring said...

Dear Debbie, How do you do it? You always manage to bring me smiles and tears in the same post!

I am saddened to learn that I won't be able to share at the SP party over at Dayle's. Like you I have been missing lately for "life reasons" but hoped to get back soon. Maybe per Dayle's suggestion, I'll be able to do that through your blog...?

Meanwhile, I hope your glass gets full again. Blessings!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

That was a lovely post. I guess I wasn't really aware of that party - there are so many these days. But I often do Simple Pleasures posts because I think we all need to stop and take notice of the small things in life. I would have liked participating in that party. Hopefully someone else will pick it up - maybe you?

Kathleen said...

I so agree with your sentiments here regarding Dayle's Simple Pleasures, like everyone else I will miss it too. Like you though I'm going to continue posting my SPs along the way. I hope that your cup will soon be brimming right over the top and spilling into your saucer!

Babs said...

Debbie, what a sweet and inspiring post.Please continue. I love the story you told sometime back about your hubby and the older lady who waited for him to escort her into church. So sweet. Hugs and have a great weekend,
Babs

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I wonder the same thing. Where do bloggers go but I have not thought of the Bermuda Triangle! You write well!

Decor To Adore said...

She has touched your heart and therefore is truly not gone.

Canadagirl said...

I second Dayle! You would be a AMAZING simple pleasure hostess. I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo thankful the Lord brought you into my life via Dayle. I can't thank the Lord enough for you. (((((((((HUGS))))))))))) I do lift you in prayer and hold you dear and pray that our friendship fades away into the blogland sunset. oh btw... you can always email me j rawick at shaw dot ca. [o=

Sending HUGE blessings and (((HUGS))) your way my SSiC
In Him<><
-Mary

Sharon said...

When I first saw this title, I was terrified that you were pulling the plug on your blog. Of course, I hope that never happens! I'm not sure that I could survive Blog Land without my "Debbie fix" - way too lonely out here without you!

Anyway, we do well to remember to continue looking for the simple pleasures in life. They really are all around us - and every single one speaks of the Lord.

By the way, I think YOU would make a wonderful hostess for Simple Pleasures! Would you at least consider it?? (Pretty please?)

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

A nice post! Simple pleaseures --something to focus on every day -- would do us all good. Perhaps you should take up the torch for awhile.

elizabeth said...

I'm going to miss Simple Pleasures as well. I believe that's how I "met" you. And that has indeed been a pleasure. :)

Anonymous said...

What you said, Debbie, what you said!
Oh, and yes.....I'd continue to join in the Simple Pleasures Party if you hosted it!

no spring chicken said...

What a beautiful tribute. If she hadn't already known what a blessing her challenge was... there would be no doubt now. As usual, when Debbie puts words to wheels, they find their destination! I'm certain these words hit the mark... right in the center of Dayle's generous heart.

Blessings, Debbie

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Your posts make me laugh (Blogged into the Bermuda Triangle) and they make me cry! Now, you can slow down as much as you need too, but you are not ever allowed to close your blog. No one has the gift of writing like you do, I read every word! I would love to hear about your going to auctions with your parents...even if it was just one time

Carol

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Your posts make me laugh (Blogged into the Bermuda Triangle) and they make me cry! Now, you can slow down as much as you need too, but you are not ever allowed to close your blog. No one has the gift of writing like you do, I read every word! I would love to hear about your going to auctions with your parents...even if it was just one time

Carol

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

I'm sorry you're feeling sad, truly I am. I read this post last week, but was having a hard time myself, so I couldn't even think how to respond. Sometimes it is so difficult to really appreciate those special, simple pleasures you speak of, even when, as you said, we do notice them. I do hope you will soon feel better. Like everyone else, I would miss your posts terribly if you stopped blogging. We all have to take a break sometimes, but please don't fade away into the Bermuda Triangle.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm glad you enjoyed reading about Michaelmas. I love anything related to fall (except getting up leaves) :) Take care.

Hugs,

Denise

Savannah Granny said...

Beautiful post. Thank you for sharing your most heartfelt sentiments. Please don't stop. Hugs, Ginger

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

A lot of people are slowing down on blogging, or even quitting. I've slowed down quite a bit, but don't want to quit!

Several people have stopped their meme's and passed them on to someone else. Someone else used to do Tabletops Tuesday, but had to quit and another person (Marty) picked it up and it has been going strong for a long time!

I encourage you to start up another Simple Pleasures. I never joined in on that one (or even read it) but it sounds interesting and I may be a participant if you decide to do it!

Katherine

Patti said...

I participated in Simple Pleasures too, and really liked it. I took a couple months off, as I was blogging a bit less, but I got back into it a few weeks ago. I will definitely miss being a part of such a great party. But I'm trying to keep with the spirit of the part...finding and enjoying the simple pleasures in my life.

Blessings to you,
Patti

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