May 9, 2011

The Details


I'm sure you've heard the expression, "the devil's in the details".  
This catchy phrase points to the fact that it's often the small, 
overlooked details which make a project or scheme, difficult or challenging.

When it comes to quilt or beadwork projects, 
I'm the queen of detail - every step is thought through ahead of time. 
 But, I have to admit, when it comes to life,
 I often focus on the big and small problems while overlooking life's wonderful, tiny details -
 those gems of everyday living.

This reminds me of an experience I had years ago, 
while a girlfriend and I were hiking in Montana.  
She picked up a wildflower, studied it intently and then, 
proceeded to point out the amazing details of color and shape within the flower's calyx. 
 For her, joy and happiness were contained in this moment,
 in this wonderful detail of nature. 
 It struck me then, how simple and available this happiness that she felt was.


Think about some of life's details that bring you joy and inspiration.
Here's some on my list:
Sunsets
New books
Fresh blossoms
Hugs
Dog "kisses"
Our daughter's love
Color
Shadow patterns
Sunlight on a cool day
Chai tea
Beautiful beads
Meals cooked by my husband
Learning something new
A phone call from an old friend
Woodland walks
Dragonflies
Museum visits
Reflections
Loon calls
Which of life's details brings you happiness and inspiration?

Creatively,

P.S. These recent photos are as spring-like as it gets in my neck of the woods.
We're still waiting for bouquets of blossoms!

16 comments:

urban muser said...

beautiful post. you hit upon some of my favorites in your list, except mine are doggie HUGS, dancing shadows and meals cooked by my husband. have a great week.

Rebecca Lewis said...

I was just thinking it's the simple things that make my heart soar while out side this morning...Cool, sunny, trees starting to leaf-out, with dew on the grass ... my favorite kind of morning. :-)
Beautiful images ~ I particularly love the first one, it reminds me of a tapestry ~ such beautiful light and shadows.

~Kristina said...

I'd never heard that phrase before but it sure has sped to the top of my favorites.

Jamie said...

What a brilliant post! I agree it is the details in life that often bring the most beauty and joy.

Lisa Gordon said...

I truly enjoyed reading this Anna.

Cathy H. said...

Beautiful post this morning! We all need a little reminder to enjoy the details! Love your list but I would have to change "dog kisses" to "grandsons (4 of them) kisses". Thanks again!

Marcie said...

What an inspiring list. Dog kisses are high up on mine...as well as the silence of early mornings.
Beautifully said!

Reena said...

Love the colors in your photos today. And you are right, it's the small things that count ... loved many of yours and I would add a sunset.

kelly@thebluemuse said...

so true, all those tiny details and moments that add up to make a day special...i definitely need to be reminded to look for them and cherish them

Unknown said...

oh, Anna , a resounding yes to this.

right now I' m enjoying the ever present music coming from an upstairs bedroom while my daughter gets ready for school. they embrace life.. how can I not?

dbalyoz said...

i just love that you have loon calls on the same list as museum visits. :) beautiful post. here's to spring...

ELK said...

i stopped here just when i needed to .. i am relaxing in your lovely post .. simple shot the best!

Tanya said...

Your posts always lift me up and make me feel more passionate about life. I like your list and it includes many little details that bring me joy as well. I am going to tweet this lovely post :)

Anna said...

Thanks everyone for your kind comments! They mean a lot to me.

Teresa said...

Thanks, Anna! I am surrounded by a thousand tiny treasures everyday....I just forget to breathe, relax, and be still.

Laura said...

absolutely gorgeous!