Memorial Day Revisited: Simple Pleasures!

Greetings Friends! Since Memorial Day is right around the corner, I thought we would revisit a previous post I shared for celebrating the occasion by observing simple pleasures...

Memorial Day at home

These days it seems like the emphasis on Memorial Day is where to go for what sale.  Now you know how I love a good sale, but in our fast paced society of instant gratification, it can be easy to lose sight of the true significance of the day. I would like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to all of the veterans who have served our country.  I encourage those of you with young children to take a few minutes of your holiday weekend to discuss the unsung heroes in your lives. You may be traveling or celebrating with friends and family or maybe you hope to make the most of your long weekend by working on extra projects around the house. While there is certainly nothing wrong with that, sometimes I need to be reminded of simple pleasures--celebrating the ordinary.  Can you relate?

Cozy garden hammock

I will confess when I am in my garden, I have a tendency to keep a mental "need-to" list.  My attention seems to be immediately drawn to all the tasks I think need to be done, but in reality, will wait.  I found one of the best ways to counter this distraction is hammock time.  There is just something about settling in my hammock and gazing up at the trees that soothes my soul! This is just an average hammock that I have made extra comfy with thrifted sheets & pillow cases. Maybe you will be sharing your hammock with a toddler or lounging in a lawn chair but I hope you take some time to kick back and relax...

Fresh squeezed lemonade

Dine outdoors! Whether it's a refreshing glass of lemonade or a picnic meal on a quilt, eating outside just feels festive.  Kids especially love it! 

Bird's nest

Get your nature on!  It seems like this would come...well, naturally but unfortunately I have had to learn to slow down to appreciate the little gifts all around us. Taking photographs in the garden has made me more aware and again, kids are a great example. I have been constantly amazed how content Ginger Grand is to sit on the ground and watch for butterflies or listen to the birds chirp. 

Secret Garden Herbs

Go for a walk! It could be a leisurely jaunt around your block or perhaps hiking a new path you've wanted to explore.  Over the years I have found some of my best conversations have been as I strolled with loved ones

Gorgeous pink roses

Engage your senses! Have you noticed how certain sights and fragrances trigger happy memories--like gorgeous roses blooming or the aroma from the grill next door?  What about the sound of a bubbling fountain, the grass under your bare feet, or that first taste of watermelon on a hot day? I bet you have a favorite!

Engage your senses

Get your toes wet! Whether you live near a lake or river or go wading in your kiddie pool like I did with GG, splash a little and indulge your inner child! Enjoy the holiday--I intend to kick back and savor the simplicity.





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  1. Your photos are lovely. Your sentiments are right on target. We have to teach the young what things mean, or they'll probably never learn in this fast-paced society.
    Brenda

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  2. Hi sweetie your post was so very appropriate, as a mother of a Naval Petty Officer I truly appreciative these type of holidays with much more purpose. I got my feet wet all weekend for we haven't had a dry day in weeks. lol I think we are finally getting winter since we had such a dry one. But it's great. Have a lovely, lovely holiday weekend. Hugs, Jo

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  3. Such great ways to enjoy the holiday. Sitting out side and connecting with nature is my favorite thing to do. Of course, it would be even better to have a nice hammock and take a quick nap. Love your pictures.
    Have a wonderful Memorial day.
    Audrey Z @ Timeless Treasures

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  4. Love the photos and the sentiments. I really like how you decorated the hammock. xoxo Su

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  5. We are doing just what you suggest! Laying back and just enjoying our yard, maybe a cookout and a strawberry rhubarb pie! Very inspiring post! Happy Weekend!

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  6. What a fabulous post! It really is important to take the time to enjoy simple pleasures. I'd love for you to share this on The Maple Hill Hop!

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  7. I love this - okay this is the third time this week I've seen a hammock. I really need to add one to my garden space. That would be so neat!
    -Carole

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  8. Love the photography. And the roses are awesome.

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  9. This certainly is an important day Cecilia. It deserves for all of us to take some time and reflect. Hubby and I live a block and a half away from our city cemetery. We walked down the the ceremony this morning at 7:30 and it was wonderful. We've lived in Alpine almost 6 years and this is the first time we've done that. Today is our oldest grandsons birthday so we'll be heading to their house for a bbq in just a while. Happy Memorial Day and thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  10. Some good tips here... I need some hammock time :)

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  11. Thanks for the reminder. The "needs tos" will always be there but we need to relax and enjoy too. :) Happy Memorial Day 2016.

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  12. I loved all of your photos.

    Memorial Day for me means making 6 dozen chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches. Our lane has a huge Memorial Day party and I made the mistake a few years ago of taking home made ice cream sandwiches as my bit to share. Now people start asking me weeks before the party if I am making them.

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