The Day After the Migraine

 On Friday evening I attempted to brighten up my black outfit with this Hermes scarf and some bright blue nail polish (on my toes).  I was just coming off a 24 hour migraine, and while the pain and nausea were gone I had that wobbly feeling of being slightly disconnected from my body.  It's a difficult feeling to explain to someone who's never had migraine before, but if you have (and I'm sorry you have) you'll know what I mean.
You might think I should have stayed home for a full recovery but we were visiting with friends at their home a few blocks away, friends who are quite literally world travellers and aren't here in Guelph with us very often.  I was so looking forward to seeing them.  Two of our other best friends were attending as well, and we ended up having the most interesting conversation.
Is started with this question: "what is the moment or activity when you are aware that you are experiencing bliss, the sheer joy of being alive?"  The answers were varied and interesting, from the obvious to the more philosophical and difficult to describe.  Strangely I had a hard time finding an answer immediately.  I often go through the world with a veil of anxiety clouding my perceptions, throwing off that veil can at times be blindingly good, shocking even.  But I have to allow myself to do it!
A day of productive work domestically, followed by dinner with my favourite people can bring the feeling.  MrBP calls it "an unusual feeling of well-being".  I often have the joy when I'm out walking and I'm just looking at the sky, the trees, feeling the breeze.  Winter weather gives me the feeling, oddly, as long as I've got the right gear so I'm not distracted by freezing my ta-ta's off.
Immersion in a great book can give me the feeling and always has.
I found the timing of this discussion interesting because even as I was sitting in the beautiful living room of my friends I was thinking ahead to the next morning with anticipation.  The day after a migraine is always one, for me at least, that brings clarity and joy.  It's like the cobwebs have been cleared away and I have a new appreciation for light, sounds, smells and just the joy of being free of pain.

 Experiencing the thrill of a new place can give me that feeling, especially when I'm with MrBP and some or all of the rascals.  I find the thrill of travel most beautiful when shared.

The Golem from Prague

 Just being cozy at home in the light of the afternoon, looking forward to dinner or seeing friends or heading out to a movie... it all brings the feeling.
When are you able to recognize the beauty of the world? Do you often get a glimpse of it?

In other news, MrBP's book club and my "serious" book club are both reading Jane Austen next month.

 I belong to two book clubs, one "serious" and one "fun".  One is comprised mostly of doctors and psychotherapists (and then oddly, me).  Surprisingly, that's the fun one!  Sometimes we hardly discuss the book for the chatting and laughing.

 I'm really enjoying my home this month, it's time to tuck in, clean up, de-clutter every cupboard and closet and generally prepare for the year ahead.

Speaking of joy, how about this picture of my rascals taken about a decade ago?  From tall to small:

Rock City, New York State

 These wooly dusters, one for ceiling mouldings and one for the wooden floors, are so effective and also pleasing to look at.  Not everyone finds joy in domestic tasks but I certainly do.  I'm not talking about piercing moments of bliss, rather it's a feeling of general satisfaction.

Wool duster things.

 This is the time of year to get into some major art appreciation, especially on a grey day.  My friend Pat painted this olive grove in France in such exuberant colours, it's one of my favourites.  It's in the kitchen so I get to see it often:

Painting by Patricia MacDonald

Pat is such a talented artist but don't take my word for it, you could check out her latest work on her blog right here.

xoxDani