What's your pleasure?
This is my first post! This year has been very hard for me. I moved in with my parents in February, got them well enough to move to AL in April. My mom never fully recovered from the shock of moving and she died in June. My dad will go into MC next week.
Along the way, I've tried to find a few moments, a few things to fully enjoy and be grateful for. For example: A quiet morning, where my clementine is perfectly sweet. There are some cozy YouTube channels that delight me. And I just set up my biggest little pleasure of the year. It's my hot cocoa station.
The only christmas decorations I took from my parents home are the wooden blocks on top of my shelf. It is a sweet memento. Just looking at the mugs makes me happy.
So what about you? What's your pleasure?
Comments
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This year has been tough for a lot of us. That is neat that sometimes even little things can bring a smile and even a bit of cozy and some comfort.
I have my handcrafts. I like it when I make something for someone and it turns out just right.
I can work on things and get my mind off MIL issues while still watching out for her at the same time.
You have a lovely hot choco station.
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sewing quilt tops and reading
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Your little display is so cute.
I get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from making baby quilts for charity. I also enjoy reading and exchanging daily emails with a dear friend who lives a couple of hours away. In better weather walking a local trail brings me peace and joy in the beautiful surroundings.
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My fireplace is my Christmas pleasure. Absolutely love your hot chocolate station!
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IMG_1544.jpeg Thank you for asking this question. I enjoy cooking wonderful, healthy meals. When my toddler grandson sees me, he erupts into the most glorious smile! And I cherish the phone calls with old friends. Thanks for reminding us to look for what really makes us smile.
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Anything outdoors. It doesn't have to be dramatic or wild, it can be a hawk flying over the ballfield near our house or putting up a couple strings of Christmas lights. I also like to ride my bike, weather permitting, and do YouTube Yoga with Adriene.
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Looking at this picture from a long time ago - mid to late 50s
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Can I forgo the hot chocolate and join the ice skaters in the cloth? They would be extremely pleasurable for me!
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Thanks, everyone, for reading my post. I've enjoyed reading your little pleasures.
It was in the 60s today, and I took the dogs out for a walk. I caught up with a neighbor I hadn't seen for a long time. Small acts that add up to the wonderful fabric of our lives.
I can't seem to keep my focus while crafting, this year. I can't finish my knitting or quilting pursuits. Even my chihuahua sweater is a stalled project.
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I LOVE THIS PHOTO! It looks like one I might find in my family album! Reminds us that life is not just about now. Memories bring joy!
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I sent Xmas cards in earnest for the first time in many years. I went back to church! I love going to mass—-alone—on Sundays & I listen to the daily mass podcast every morning (brings me so much happiness). I participated for the first time ever in a giving tree…bought gifts for an anonymous 10 year old girl & an 8 year old boy.
I made a list of hobbies to pursue to replace my obsession with thinking about potential eventual jobs & career changes!
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You described some of the same activities I have begun doing since DH is now in a care home. I returned to the Catholic church after 24 years away and attend Mass almost daily. Like you, it brings me much happiness and consolation. I also participated in a giving tree, making a baby quilt for a newborn baby boy and including a rattle.
Having these small pleasures is an essential part of caregiver self-care.
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How lovely that you made a quilt!
I wish I could knit, sew, or crochet! I can try, but I’m not a very crafty person…I’ve tried before.
It’s been 38 years for me but I’ve been wanting to go back for a while! I’m so glad you’re enjoying church. They’ve changed things a bit: “and with your spirit” is OK I guess 😂 I liked “and also with you better.”
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I love the picture of your doggy , he just needs shades and he's ready for the rope line
https://www.instagram.com/wintourworld/p/C4LnvNytUxQ/?img_index=1
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Thanks, Victoriaredux! He's ready for the runway, or the boxing ring. He's a scamp.
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My covid lockdown project was teaching myself how to weave chainmail. I really like the Byzantine and half Persian weaves. It's relaxing to do, and I end up with all sorts of colorful bracelets, chains, necklaces, etc. Listening to some of my favorite goth/industrial bands while I'm weaving, and I'm a happy girl.
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That's awesome! I used to buy chainmail armour. It took months for a chest or pants to be made. 100% worth it. Keep up the good work, hopefully you'll work up to full sets soon.
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This is a wonderful thread, let's keep it going.
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Walking under trees feels good to me. I think the Japanese call it "forest bathing." It actually lowers blood pressure, eases depression, and feels good generally. There is a cemetery at the top of the hill above my home that is full of trees, mostly red maple, and a lot of people walk there.
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after a really bad year I started putting together puzzles to keep my mind off things. I also do crossword puzzles. I used to crochet so maybe I will do that again. Thanks for this topic!
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I think yarn is a special medium for calming. Even just winding a ball of yarn is therapeutic. You should try crochet again, SDianeL! My yarn adventures: I finally completed my lil dog sweater. I might try christmas stockings now.
My Christmas tree was put up late. I've never had a trendy tree. But I got a flocked tree and bought new ornaments this year. I covered the collar under it with blue velvet. We didn't have a Christmas. We were moving my dad into MC from AL. But when we came back, I decorated the tree and we made a nice meal.
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This year has been rough for me also. My DH seems to be advancing. I get great satisfaction in just hugging my animals and taking care of feral cats outside. It is more work for me but it is all I have rn.
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Animals really are therapeutic. I know our puppy gives so much fun, just watching her play. She helps DH just by being by his side, very calming. For me, I can toss the ball two million times for her and just have the little caregiver break I need to keep going.
eagle
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Cute pup! Sweater is looking good so far. Thanks for posting.
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Thanks everyone! My dogs have really been a comfort to me My latest pleasure is mending clothes. It's a small project, with the satisfaction of fixing something. This LL Bean shirt had frayed cuffs. I ripped the seams open, and I'm tucking up the worn edges.
Fixed:
While I love my sewing machine, I have to do these fiddly edges by hand.
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Commonly Used Abbreviations
DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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