The sweetest and best things in life, are often nearest

     

      

     “The best things in life are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. 

     Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life’s plain common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.”

— Robert Louis Stevenson     

     

     The above quote from one of my favourite authors, quite aptly describes my rendezvous with summer as I enjoyed my “stay-at-home” vacation. 

     I feel I have been on a “sabbatical,” though I’ve not been engaged in either study or travel. 

     To my blog followers, I have missed connecting with you and am pleased to be back. Two months is long enough for my aging brain to rest, so I now feel I must continue on, releasing some of my pent-up thoughts and points-of-view, as I watch life continue to unfold. 

Photo credit: CBC.ca

     Our unusual summer with the fearful fires, saw many with bated breath, awaiting the end of the fire story which seems long in coming. 

     In spite of the many unbearably hot days and smoke-filled skies that hampered outdoor activities and patio parties, it still was one of my best summers. 

     Yes, truly a reminder that “the best things in life ‘are’ nearest.” 

     As I have often remarked to family that I am not a gardener at heart as their dad was, yet out of necessity I found “flowers at my feet” begging my attention. I found my daily watering exercise became less a chore as I bonded with my colourful geraniums, asiatic lily, and orange carnations. 

     Yes,…engaging in duties at hand, doing life’s plain, common work as it comes, can be the sweetest things in life — quite rewarding I have found. 

     With Karen’s help and efficiency, we managed to clear out unused musical tapes, CD’s, DVD’s and books from my library, ready to send off to our local thrift store. Such chores are often long overdue. 

     On-going weeks, waiting for the completion of my kitchen renovations, I at times wondered, “where is that important ‘fruit of the Spirit’…PATIENCE?" 

     The end result, now so pleasing, was well worth the waiting. It served me well as I had the privilege of entertaining out-of-town family and friends. 

     

     What a joy to have son Roger and grandson Brayden spend the occasional day with me, interspersed with their coming and going fishing adventures. 

     My Kamloops family coming for a very special wedding here in our city, blessed me by choosing “Beulah’s B&B” for their overnight stays. 

     

Marian (left), Sarah and Carolyn. 

     Having Marian Owens, Dave’s mother-in-law, stay with me, was an added delight. 

     Sunday noon, before everyone’s departure, 14 family members gathered here for a luncheon. 

     It was the “icing on the cake” using Marian’s quote, as many hadn’t seen each other in awhile. 

     Then, to have my three men, Dave, Roger and Brayden all to myself for a couple of days was truly unique and wonderful. 

     
Our late night conversations on the patio, seeing Brayden making breakfast in my new kitchen, sharing Psalm 91 together, and our White Spot dinner, will be some of my forever memories. 

    

     Roger’s unique talent and savvy in designing and constructing a place for his boat in my garage, while still providing winter storage for my patio furniture astounded me! 

Roger and Brayden worked until just before midnight to complete the storage shelf in Beulah's garage.

          
     I must mention another guest that added to the excitement and specialness of the weekend with the Kamloops visitors. 

     I finally got to see and make friends with Dave and Carolyn’s very unusual and beautiful Siberian cat, Ava. 

     

     Firstly, checking out every room in the house, then looking me over, she settled in and decided I could be her guardian while her family came and went to the various wedding activities. 

     I truly enjoyed her inquisitive and friendly company, even when she claimed her right to sprawl atop my dining room table, my bed, or beside my lamp on my reading table, for a closer view of the outdoors.  

     The camaraderie I enjoyed earlier in July with Sis Merle and Calgary friend, Norma, causes me to yearn for more. Another Norma visit pending? I hope so. 

     Nels and I often agreed we were never happier than when our home was overflowing with love and laughter with family and friends. 

     

     They were and still are, “the sweetest things in life,” and yes, also — “the best things in life ARE nearest!” 

     We just need to: breath in our nostrils, open our eyes, give thanks for our daily duties and daily bread, knowing the path of right and blessing is always before us! 

     Thanks, Robert Louis Stevenson, for reminding us.

— beulah