November often is filled with grey skies, fallen leaves and cold rain that often turns to snow.  It is a time of transition between cool to cold, between vibrance versus calm and rest.  Mother Earth needs a rest and will wrap us soon with a white  blanket…Some people are excited for the holidays but many feel melancholy, missing loved ones far away or no longer here.   Some are living in a past that is missed, others look forward to the joys of holiday gatherings, good food and children’s eyes twinkling with excitement.

At my age, I’ve been blessed with archives of many joys and here are just a few…

Sitting by the riverside, waiting for the sun to set

willows weep with joy
last sights of nature’s beauty
sun dips below
silent nestlings tucked in
robin does her last round

sunset
dips beneath blue azure
fluid hues of joy

So many joys to share…moments in time linger in my memory.

The first time you learn you are pregnant after years of trying. I remember not believing the pharmacist and asked him to write it down on the receipt to show my husband. My legs were shaking so much, giggling nervously  and I could not drive for a good fifteen minutes.

I remember thechallenges of being a first time homeowner. One morning, my husband had to call the contractor for help when our basement was flooded.  I just kept smiling…Iwas in my own world because I felt my baby move in my belly for the very first time.

Hearing the crunch underfoot walking on that first snowfall.  Making snow angels and tasting snowflakes on my tongue.  Hearing my grandson giggle when I slipped and fell in the snow.  Hearing my grand-daughter respond to my ”Te amo”…with ”Mucho mucho!”…a joy that makes the heart melt with so much love.

Seeing my grandchildren wave and smile at me on video chat!! Even technology can bring me joy!

The first time my child says, “Mummy”
My adult child that says“I love you, Mom!”
Grandchildren saying, “I love you Nana!”

A struggling youth in such pain
ends his call with me,  “You give me hope”

Toddler walking barefoot on the grass for the first time, lifting his foot because it tickles.

night unveils new dawn
dewdrops on soft petals
sun kissed skies

Memories transport me to another time…

sitting on a park bench
giggling children
joy painted on their lips

sitting on a park bench
swallows chirp
telling stories

giggling children
skipping, running joyfully
tag you’re it

joy painted on their lips
brings new life to any day
how the spirit glows!

Awakened Christmas moring discovering Santa’s surprise under the tree.  Eavesdropping from my bed, “But how did he know?!” my heart bathed in love, weeping tears of joy…

Carols echoing Adeste Fidele…such moments of delight! Yesterday’s joys, born again, I smile anew!

©Tournesol’16/11/2023

Adeste, fideles, laeti, triumphantes,
Venite, venite in Bethlehem:
Natum videte Regem Angelorum:
Venite adoremus, venite adoremus
Venite adoremus Dominum.
En grege relicto, humiles ad cunas,
vocatis pastores approperant.
Et nos ovanti gradu festinemus.
Venite adoremus, venite adoremus
Venite adoremus Dominum.
Aeterni Parentis splendorem aeternum,
Velatum sub carne videbimus
Deum Infantem, pannis involutum.
Venite adoremus, venite adoremus
Venite adoremus Dominum.
Pro nobis egenum et foeno cubantem,
Piis foveamus amplexibus:
Sic nos amantem quis nos redamaret?
Venite adoremus, venite adoremus
Venite adoremus Dominum.