“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” ― Annie Dillard
I moved to Oregon from Wisconsin in order to be closer to my adult children, in order to spend more time with them, in order to make the special occasion of a family gathering into a more frequent habit – not to make it less special, but to make it more accessible.
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”
―
Yesterday, we celebrated my birthday and a host of other August birthdays in our extended circle of family and friends. There were 15 people on the Zoom call with six of us present at my new place.
If every day you see people you love who love you back, if every day you have food to eat, then I should think that each of your days would give you occasion to be grateful.
“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don’t try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.”
―
Still life is still life. I am grateful for food and tools and objects of beauty. I am amazed at how these things can be used to create meaning and purpose and alleviate suffering. My heart is mindful of many who are suffering in the pandemic, the wildfires, the process of aging, the loneliness of separation. I wish them comfort; I send them love. 
Special thanks to Patti, our host for this week’s challenge.
scillagrace 
Lucky you Priscilla! I hope you’re feeling settled in the new home – it’s events like this that make it worthwhile to have moved. We are still unable to see our families as any visit would mean an overnight on the road or a plane trip and we’re not ready yet for either. Loved your happy family images and happy birthday(s)!
I am fortunate, for sure. The road trip out here was very safe; we didn’t stay in high risk or populous states. (SD, MT) Hopefully, you’ll be able to visit soon. All the best!
Hi, Priscilla. I enjoyed your family/birthday images! I keep thinking when I can see my son again, we’ll give each other a big hug. I love your thoughts at the end and share your gratitude and want to also send my love to them. I’m glad you’re closer to your kids. It is a joy, isn’t it?
Thanks, Patti – I do wish you a joyful reunion…soon! The night before these photos were taken, my mother was admitted to a hospital in California with lung disease (not Covid). My next goal is to be able to see her. Keep positive!
Oh, I hope she’s doing better. I hope you can see her soon. I’m sorry she’s not well.
Your photos and words made me smile, Priscilla.
Thank you for sharing your happy time with your family with us. 🙂
My pleasure, Amy!
Great photos, excellent quotes. (I like Dillard and Emerson in particular.) Well done.
Thanks, John. I do love it when I do the quote search and come up with appropriate ones by my personal favorites. Don’t usually post a quote from an author I don’t know.
You seem to be making the best of your life and doing what you can to keep family members connected. It’s not easy any time, but really not so easy during a pandemic!
There have been challenges, yes, and joys. C’est la vie!
I have so enjoyed getting to know your family, over the years I have been following your blog x
I’m glad, Helen. ❤
A perfect way of spending a birthday these days – meeting up in what ways possible. You look happy together!
Yes, I am really happy to be able to get together with them!
♥