The small things of life were often so much bigger than the great things…the trivial pleasure like cooking, one’s home, little poems especially sad ones, solitary walks, funny things seen and overheard.
Barbara Pym
When the movie, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, came out this summer, it reminded me that I had the original book by Paul Gallico. I picked it up a few years ago at a used book sale. It has a 1957 copyright and is a charming, short story. I went to see the movie with a friend and would recommend it if you want to escape for a couple of hours from all the doom and gloom we’re facing in today’s world.
It is another reminder of happiness found in small things. I’ve written about it before because I believe it’s important to appreciate what can be so easily overlooked. A book, fresh flowers, walking through the park on a cool summer morning, a letter from a friend. These are the things that make life worthwhile.
Every morning I go out to the terrace and open the umbrella, water the planters and remove any dead blooms and leaves from the plants. The morning sun beats down on the back of the condo at this time of day and the umbrella helps provide some shade. Unfortunately, weeks of temperatures in the 90’s have been hard on the flowers. I still enjoy the routine of beginning the day with a few minutes outside. In the late afternoon, when it’s cooler, my husband and I take drinks and something to read outside to sit in the quiet of the fading day. It’s a time to relax and regroup before dinner. One more small, simple pleasure.
Several years ago, I read an article written by a women who lost her life savings in the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme. She was no longer able to live the same lifestyle she had in the past. After her bills were paid, she had to make decisions about what she would do with the money that remained. Two of the little luxuries she wanted to hang on to, fresh flowers and professionally laundered, white blouses, were important to her. This may not be your first choice, however I completely understand it. A few flowers in a vase on the table and a crisp white blouse are simple pleasures. I go the route of buying white blouses from Chico’s. They are no iron and always look great. I don’t think I could deal with taking them to the laundry, but that’s me.
I hope you make room in your life for the small things that make you happy, whatever they may be.
Aging with Grace 
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