”One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats.”
Loyal readers know that I have often embraced this keen observation from the late British author Iris Murdoch. The New York Times now reports that the Murdoch “secret” has become a “popular trend” on social media called “Romanticizing Your Life.” Commentators on You Tube, Tik Tok, Reddit and Instagram are urging thousands of followers to find and appreciate moments of joy and beauty in their everyday lives and to “celebrate living for the smaller reasons.”
Here are some of my 2022 “moments of joy”:
First, after a long absence, native Lady Slipper Orchids have returned to the garden. Giddy with joy to have them back.
copyright 2022 – Lois Sheinfeld
Second, two of the three ‘Liberty’ Hostas I planted last Spring have returned. Underground terrorist voles only got one!
copyright 2022 – Lois Sheinfeld
Third, my husband gave me the best birthday present ever: The Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon. We have a locked gate at the foot of the driveway to keep out the deer. Unfortunately, it also prevents package delivery to the house. I can barely lift heavy cartons of mail order plants, much less carry them 700 feet. With the small but mighty red wagon, I can effortlessly roll piles of boxes to the house. Don’t know how I lived without it.
copyright 2022 – Lois Sheinfeld
Fourth, I love the pop of the color red in the garden and I delight in the Spring arrival of the tiny, unique red cones of the award-winning dwarf Norway Spruce, Picea abies ‘Pusch’.
copyright 2022 – Lois Sheinfeld
Fifth, one of my favorite evergreen azaleas, Rhododendron ‘Marshy Point’s Daisy’, thankfully escaped a major garden breakout of azalea leaf gall, which affected both evergreen and deciduous azaleas.
copyright 2022 – Lois Sheinfeld
Sixth, how can you not smile when enchanting gifts from Mother Nature suddenly appear? These mushrooms (Parasola plicatilis) are aptly named Pleated Parasols. (Lovely to see, not to eat.)
copyright 2022 – Lois Sheinfeld
And, finally, the roses never looked better, filling the air with their intoxicating perfume. They are represented here by my favorite climber, the gorgeous, healthy, very fragrant Rosa ‘Compassion’.
copyright 2022 – Lois Sheinfeld
Life is good.