Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Worthy Of JOY!!!

(It is both sad and  ironic that the morning I discover the dear Renee of Blogland has crossed her final bridge, my post--written yesterday--is about joy. I almost pulled this, in respect. But Renee's correspondence brought so many love and joy, it is left as a memory for those who knew her well and were touched by her words and mirth........)

While yesterday's post about being worthy of love came somewhat easy, trying to find the words for this one is harder. I know, in my heart, that each and every one of us are worthy of deep joy and meant to feel it intensely.
However, it seems that everything around us conspires to keep that joy from ever touching our skins, let alone sinking into our hearts, minds and souls.
Let me ramble a bit.......as an artist, I find joy in the oddest tidbits and, well, *junque* that most would throw away. I love things that can have a second life, a different use, to be transformed. And I feel joy doing just that.
But being *worthy* of joy...oh, yes. There is the stickler.
Society says; "Buy this 20 bazillion dollar car---you'll feel joy." Or perhaps; "These ridiculously priced Italian leather shoes, with too many zeros to count on the tag
(no wait..stuff like that never has tags!) will make you most joyful!"
When I was born, my father plunked down what had to have been a good chunk of his military salary for a gift of "Joy" perfume, to my mother. I still have the bottle. It was so expensive, she seldom, if ever, used it. And while the *giving and thought* behind the gift stayed with her all her life, and seeing it revived the memory, it was the ACT that brought the JOY.
Therefore, what I surmise is that true acts of kindness, with no expectation in return, with no strings attached, to those that we both know and do NOT know, are one of the things that instills pure joy into our hearts. It is experieces and actions as opposed to purchases and flaunting.
An example from my own life--about pure joy. My mother had breast and bone cancer that took her life. Every time I get that letter from the Radiology Dept--usually after three infuriating tries--saying that *the girls* are okay (knotty, uncooperative and dense, but okay) there is a moment of elation that I can't express.
You can't buy that.
When I see someone progress and learn an art or sewing technique that they were sure they never could, that brings pure joy.
It is the very undefinable and unpredictable experiences we encounter daily that will, in the end, seep deep into our psyche and let us know we are worthy of that immense joy! Open your awareness of what is really going on around you, even under some of the harshest conditions and you will find there is a gift of joy to be accepted by you, or an opportunity to receive one by doing for someone else.
Sure, this goes totally against our market driven economy.
But I have to ask you, is that so bad????
Are you not worth more than numbers and acquisitions?
Aren't you worth cutting loose and throwing your arms in the air and saying "YES!" even if it is for no reason, other than to acknowledge yourself and the joy of the moment?
You are worth every single joyful ordinary thing. You are worth the time to look for them, or perform them. You are worth the effort of stockpiling true joy, for the hard days and the dark days.
Because it can never be taken from you, unless you choose to give someone else permission to do so, and then usually it is to strip you bare emotionally, and leave them gloating.
Put on your armor of joy....because you are very worthy of it, every single day you live.

Oh, and the woman by the side of the road, or in the parking lot bent over and snagging smashed, rusted bottle caps and odd pieces of wood or stone? That will be me; engrossed in my joy meditation.
Please do not run me over.
And if it looks like I am stuck with my nether regions in the air and head down, a helping hand to an upright position would be greatly appreciated.....  ;-)

I bid you, as always......

Pax.

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

.......I am so sorry for the loss of your friend & the hole it left in blogland. I never knew Rene' but that is my loss. Prayers for her family & blog family.
Love,
Marilyn

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Yes Marilyn,

It was just so odd seeing Ces's post first, then going to Renee's blog and the news being there......
I still am not sure I should have left this up, though I committed to a week of these.....sigh.....
What to do.

XXOO!!
Anne

Silke Powers said...

Dear Anne, I think it's very appropriate you left this post up - Renee would love it and Renee was all about spreading joy! And I believe that joy is what she is now! Pure Joy! I constantly think about what brings me joy and mostly they are the simple things in life. And visiting your blog!! Much love, Silke

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oh Silke....thank you! I was so worried about what to do, but in my heart I thought this was okay.
Yes, Renee is now in a place of pure joy......her soul flies!!!
I receive joy on your blog, through your art EVERYDAY!!! :)

XXOO!!
Anne

yoborobo said...

Anne - Renee would love this post. She was such a happy and joyful person, and she gave so much joy to so many of us. And don't forget laughter! :) Xoxoxox Pam

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Pam......

It usually takes other people to put inportant things in perspective for me.
I vote for laughter, always!!! ♥

XXOO!!
Anne

Deborah said...

I think this is incredibly appropriate...Today IS Renee Day. She soars above the pain and is free. Renee is all about pure love and JoY. I only cry for selfish reasons, for I miss her, but Renee soars today. All my love to you, Deb

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Every day is Renee Day......
Maybe the Joy post was meant to be. Things happen beyond our control.
Hugs to you dear Deb!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

audrey said...

I honestly can't think of appropriate words to describe this post.
It brought both smiles and tears to my eyes, Anne. It is a wonderful, wonderful post. You really do have a talent for putting the right words on paper.
It was even more special to me because JOY is my favorite word.
Even with the sadness of Renee's passing, I hope you find a bit of JOY in your day today!
♥ audrey

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

I am finding it Audrey......all our sisterfriends bring JOY. Right here, every day......
There is always JOY. :)
In great abundance.

XXOO!!
Anne

Jan said...

I echo the words written by the other commenters today. This post seems most appropriate as a way of honoring Renee and all that she represents. If not this post, what could have been better? Nothing could have been. You wouldn't have wanted to post a sad tearful depressing post now would you? No. Joy is always always the better way to go.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

You're right Jan.
I hope when it is my time that someone throws a huge party.....and I do mean HUGE. Eating, drinking, music and laughter.
Maybe that's the secret to living joyfully--accepting passing, and finding something most joyful to write. :)

XXOO!!
Anne

Janet Happy Girl said...

I am sorry to hear of your friends passing...I am sure her presence will be missed by all those who love her. But, in someones heart she will never be forgotten...and your post was very appropriate as if we can reach down and find joy in the bottom of our hearts we can get through anything. At least that is what I think...we should always celebrate the life and not focus on the death. Obviously we have to go through the pain of loss but we, who are left, have to keep on going and making the best of the days we have left. Thank you for sharing.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Janet!

Thanks for stopping by; always good to hear from you and it's always good to see what others think.
I am at peace with this---I think it all worked out quite okay.

XXOO!!
Anne

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Anne,
Although I never got the pleasure to meet Renee, I read about her on a lot of blogs. She must be a very special person and i'm sure wouldn't mind about this lovely post.

How sweet was your Dad to spend that time and effort for that special long life gift to you and your Mum. I'm sure he didn't know at the time what a "Gift" he had given.
Oh, I'd love to see a picture of the bottle of perfume.
Have a very "Worthy" day.
Hugs,
Anna

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Anna!

I have that bottle *safely stored*.....ahem! (in girl-speak; I've put it up and not sure WHERE at the moment!)
I'll have to see if I can find it....I know at one time, I still had the box it came in.
Hmmmmmmm........

XXOO!!
Anne

Marie S said...

Huge hugs Anne.
What Renee gave us was priceless.
Well said sweetone, well said.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Marie.....
Do take care; this too shall pass.
We just hang tight to each other. :)

XXOO!!
Anne

Bunny said...

So very sad to read that Renee is gone I did not know her but have read so many wonderful bits of information about her I am sad that I missed out on a bearutiful Lady. Today was a day spent with my dear friend who is going through some difficult tests at the moment. I only wish I could take all of her pain and anguish away. Love the story about your Dad he must have been a sweetheart.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Glad you could be there today Bunny; you are a gem.
And yes, Dad was funny, a big softie but with a harsh exterior---you had to know him well to know the depths of his kindness.
And a practical joker too! that is where I get this sense of humor!!!
Take care--both of you! ♥♥♥

XXOO!!
Anne

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I didn't know Renee but from all the comments from those who did, I expect she would have been the first person to tell you to go ahead with it. Her passing brings home to the rest of us how short life on this earth can be and we really do have to find the joy, before it's too late.

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

Renee will be joyfully with you forever...your combined love sustains the impossible. May God bless you and keep you. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

I will be stronger tomorrow... so will you sacred sister.

Alexandra MacVean said...

Many of us were touched and impacted by Reneed and her amazing ability to still reach out and love those around her despite her own illness. I am one of them. I am still crying tonight as I miss her so much.

What a wonderful post/tribute, and art, to Renee.

Hugs!

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

I know that this is such loss for many of us. Renee has been fighting for so long and now she can rest. There is still a reason to be joyful. I rejoice cause I know that is not the end. Life has really only just begun. We are going to be so surprised when we get to the other side I always say. This is such an inspiration post. Thanks so much for sharing your joy and your beautiful wisdom. You are so amazing with words. This no doubt is going to bring healing to many broken places. Thanks so much Honey Bunny.
I love you for this .
V

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Well said M.A.
Evey day I try and find some little thing that I can delight in....and some days, they are REALLY LITTLE things! ;) But they are there none the less.....

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Mary Helen....there is such strength in this circle of bloggers; one hand holding the next through our words. It is, I think, a good place to be....
Take care dear friend!

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Sophia,

Glad you stopped by and commented. Have missed you, and that's my fault......
Hope you are doing better; it is a process, grief. Many tears in blogland.
Take care my friend....

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Vanessa,

I am with you---I have always said when people cross over, they will be surprised at what is waiting. That the hell has been what we go through in this life and pure joy will engulf us. That is where she is.....was e-mailing with a friend yesterday and we decided when all the bloggers reach heaven, the party will be too much for St. Peter, and Renee will be leading the Second Line! The love and laughter will be flowing!!!
Bless you----take care!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Leslie said...

Thanks for leaving this post here. I need to find the joy even in the hard things.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Leslie, even in the darlest times, there is joy somewhere. Sometimes it is as close as an e-mail from a friend....a cup of good tea....a song.
Joy is what we allow it to be; it is whatever our heart defines as joyful.
Remember that my dear friend....

XXOO!!
Anne

Timaree said...

I'll remember this when my granddaughters insist on picking up the "good lucks" they find in the parking lots. We always knew them as pennies but pennies aren't even worth picking up by most people anymore so my granddaughters have just learned they are good luck harbingers worth nothing and everything.

I'll remember this when I think of my sister who can't afford to turn on the heater even though her house is just 55 degrees. You'll find her snuggling under a blanket waiting for the sun to warm her house and as she waits, she sits cuddled with the unsellable puppy a neighbor gave her to keep her company and to be a guard dog for her (a chihuahua no less). And she is joyful because the sun DOES come up and she HAS the puppy and her kids call her almost everyday and sometimes she even gets called in to work which keeps her going. Joy is how we look at things for sure.

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