Good Medicine

Yesterday we got together at our house with our children and grandchildren for family game day. It was

for the soul.

We had sandwiches and salad for lunch (easy-peasy, almost no preparation needed). Before, during and after lunch we caught up on what everyone was doing. I got to hear about the project in engineering class that my grandson has been working on. And I caught up on what my granddaughter’s favorite recent activities. We played board games and card games.

But most of all we laughed and laughed and laughed together. And hugged and hugged. I got to admire my grandson’s mustache and small beard which had grown and darkened just since Christmas. He is now taller than me! Watching our grandchildren grow up so quickly has been an amazing experience.

I feel so blessed to have both of our kids living so close to us now. And it delights me that they still enjoy coming to visit and love playing games and laughing together as much as we love it.

Simple Things

It reminds me that we are learning more and more that a having good life consists of simple things like having our basic physical needs met, having connection with others, and experiencing awe, wonder, and gratitude. I would add doing what I love, photography, as another necessary item in my good life list. And finally I would suggest that doing something to help others or the earth is also a life enhancing practice.

For me, these are the key ingredients of a joyful life.

What are your key ingredients for a joyful life?

May you walk in beauty.

Note: today’s photos are from the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum spring flower show.