Things I love

In my devotional time this morning I read something by Charles Swindoll. He was quoting a doctor named Sir William Osler. Here is the quote:

"No man is really happy or safe without a hobby, and it makes precious little difference what the outside interest may be--botany beetles or butterflies; roses, tulips irises;; fishing, mountaineering or antiques--anything will do as long as he straddles a hobby and rides it hard."

I think this is very true. I also think that is why many of us blog. It provides an easily accessible social network of sharing hobbies, sharing things held in common. Changing my rooms can be a hobby for me. For some reason, if I am sad, I just have to do a little changing up to provide a break and some satisfying kind of joy---weird as that might be.

On the table above I have a tray with some of my favorite photos from my walks about town. So much pleasure is taken just by looking at these. Shells sooooo speak to me--their softly washed beauty and hues. The warmth of candles--all are touches that make me smile inside.


Flowers in their brilliant contrasting shade to the world about them!


The pleasures of an herb garden (in back ground---) -some herbs have made it through the winter.


The peaking out of bright pansies
Rosemary and toads awaiting at my doorway (below)



AND a softly crumpled lived-in area in the sunshine.

As Swindoll says, "Diversions are as essential to our health and personal developement as schools are to our education, or as food is to our nourishment. And it's funny--you can always tell when it's time to shift gears and change hats. The frown gets deeper...the inner spirit gets irritable...the jaw gets set... the mind gets fatigued--these are God's signals to you that say, 'Don't abort, divert! Don't cave in, get away! Don't crumble, create!' The saddest believers I know--those most bored, most lonely, most miserable, most filled with self-pity--are those who have never developed interests ourside of the realm of their work.
The only vision they possess is tunnel vision, the most significant thing they've ever created is an ulcer, the only thing they can discuss in depth is their old nine-to-five routine."

I think this is true. Our minds, and our bodies need a break at times---a rest. Sometimes it really helps to focus on something creative.


Ps. I am using this post for Tabletop Tuesday at Marty's --check here for more:http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/2010/03/3rd-table-top-tuesday-spring-into.html