I Have Found Such Joy
I have found such joy in simple things:
A plain, clean room, a nut-brown loaf of bread,
A cup of milk, a kettle as it sings.
The shelter of a roof above my head,
And in a leaf-laced square along the floor,
Where yellow sunlight glimmers through a door.
I have found such joy in things that fill
My quiet days: a curtain’s blowing grace,
A potted plant upon my windowsill,
A rose, fresh-cut and placed within a vase;
A table cleared, a lamp beside a chair,
And books I long have loved beside me there.
Oh, I have found such joys I wish I might
Tell every woman who goes seeking far
For some elusive, feverish delight,
That very close to home the great joys are:
The elemental things — old as the race,
Yet, never through the ages, commonplace.
—Grace Noll Crowell
Lisa sent me this lovely poem a few months ago. I love noticing small every day things that fill my life with joy so the words of the poem really struck a chord with me.
Over the years I’ve shared things from my daily life that bring me joy here on the blog. They have changed with the seasons of my life. That’s not to say the ones from 10 years ago aren’t still joyful, but some are no longer part of my days—like the camaraderie of early morning school days when the girls and I were always in a race with the clock to get them to their first class and me to work on time.
A few current things that come to mind this evening.
- The stark beauty of Appalachia in winter.
- Baby sounds: cooing, first words, and lusty cries to have their way.
- The curl of woodsmoke as it hovers over our house and fills the holler with its scent.
- Warming by the woodstove, turning this way and that, while we visit one with another.
- Cold temperatures that cause us to pull up the wool blanket that is always on the foot of our bed. Knowing the sheep who gave the wool are from right down the road make it extra special.
- Going to the canning shelves for nourishment from last summer’s garden bounty.
- Friends like you who continue to support my endeavors.
Last night’s video: Stories From A Drawer In Appalachia.
Tipper
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Wishing you and your family continuing Joy!
What a lovely poem. It, like so many of your videos, reminds us to take pleasure in the many simple, everyday things that make life a joy to be thankful for.
Hey there Randy. Jeremiah was a bullfrog, he also was a friend of mine. Did you know that CCR, Three Dog Night and the Beach Boys were all California bands? I wasn’t born there but I grew up and learned to love music there. In the old days California was a great place to be. I just turned 69 so I wasn’t a hippie, my older sister was. Do you notice all these OLD songs bring back so many memories. Talking about simple things. I have to say my happiest times were when I didn’t have everything I wanted, I had only what I needed. Now it is looking out my windows many times in my day to see what bird or animal is outside, Or should I say ” Do Do Do, Looking out my back door”. CCR, get it? Oh, my wood stove. With a heater barely working, the stove is a life saver. Even when I have to get up at 4am to feed her. Randy, I don’t know if I could handle losing one of my boys. I am so sorry, no parent should have to go through that. Anna from Arkansas.
Beautiful poem of how we love things around us. Tipper, you are such a wonderful and kind person. My husband a d I want to thank you so much for sharing his video that he worked so hard on. We got involved and taking trailer loads of stuff to these people that needed it so bad. We also cooked over 200 Hotdogs and chips to serve people. They were so grateful. what a truly blessing of giving and seeing the gratitude on their faces. Someday Tipper we hope to see you in person. That would be a dream come true. And again I am filling in of staying and taking care of a 84 yr old man. This is a blessing also.
My joy is in the Lord. When “I/you” struggle more than ever before; And have more JOY than “ever before,” it has to be. Happy New Year Every One!
Miss Tipper, Sights and sounds that I find around me, nearly everywhere, brings a comfort and peacefulness that is hard to explain. I feel calm and so relaxed that those things make me sigh out loud. They are as comforting as an old, warm quilt, used so many times and years, on cold, cold winter day or through the nights that are even more bone chilling. I wish I could put into words how these things truly make me feel. Love the poetry in the poem presented today. It was one of those comfort drawing things. Awe, sweet peace. A lovely sight, an aromatic smell that warms the soul, a scene that might evoke tears to roll down your cheeks. The sight of a loved one not see for long periods of time, how the first hug brings such comfort. All these things that will bring heart warming memories too. Have a wonderful evening and a warm restful sleep tonight. God bless everyone today, tomorrow and always. South Mississippi had a beautiful, but frigid, bone chilling snow this week and with a lovely sunny day like today, even though it’s very, very cold, single digits, it’s starting to melt. Some places melting to an icy sheet that is very dangerous. To all in this frigid weather please be careful, safe and warm. Prayers to all who do not have a safe place to be. Please God give these people, all of them a safe harbor. Amen!
“I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string”
Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery
Exactly how I feel these cozy winter days snuggled with a baby while watching older children play. ❤️
What a beautiful sentiment in that poem!
I love the poem you posted today. It sounds like a poem that could have easily been written by you. That’s one of the many things I’ve noticed about you over the years … how much joy & appreciation you find in everything you see & do. I’ve also noticed that that joy has been passed on down to Katie & Corrie. What a wonderful legacy handed down to the girls! The more I watch your videos, the more I try to be like you. Thank you, Tipper for the influence you’ve had on me.
Everyday Joy speaks to my heart also . As did your video last night /Stories from a drawer 🙂 So So Sweet . Thank you for sharing.
What a beautiful poem and a grand lense in which to view the simple, yet most often, important details of our lives! My husband and I are attempting to teach our young boys (9 and 6) to view life through this lense of gratitude and beauty instead of hustle-bustle and “never enough”. I’m going to copy this down and share it with them, as well as keep it to remind myself that the beautiful details of the slow moments are life’s true blessings…not the busy schedule on which our culture often places so much importance.
Tipper, in keeping with this stream of teaching our boys to find the beauty in life and stay humble (to really be able to enjoy life), I shared with them “Keep on the Sunny Side” last night before bedtime prayers. I had just recently read your post remembering your Dad and that song. We woke up singing it this morning.
It is so good to know that others enjoy life’s simple blessings as much as we do!
❤️
That’s like a warm, cozy hug with words.
What a lovely poem. Enjoying the simple pleasures of life brings me joy..it’s priceless!
What a beautiful poem! I have always said that it’s the simple things that bring me the most joy.
Debbie, I also love the old style gospel bluegrass and the hymns of old. Two of my favorite CCR songs are Cotton Fields and Have You Ever Seen The Rain. I told my daughter to listen to the organ holding that one note through most of this song, she loved it. I also love Alabama’s song High Cotton. Both of these songs about Cotton remind me of my childhood when Cotton was king in my country area. Just like most of my neighbors we were poor, but because of the love of my parents I was always walking in High Cotton. For some that might not know, high Cotton means the stalks were tall enough that you didn’t have to bend over as much when picking it by hand, it gave your back a break.
High Cotton is addressed in another common phrase. If the plants are tall, you won’t be seen when you’re squattin in the cotton. Saves you having to walk all the way to the outhouse and back again.
What a beautiful poem and reminders what we do. I watched a video of your wonderful girls this morning on YouTube, talking about where you all were sick. They had gotten better with homemade remedies. We do that alot to. Make our own.
God gives me a whole host of opportunities every day. It’s what I do with them that makes them joyous. If I don cloudy glasses on the clearest of days I will never see the sunshine. My joy is what I make from what God gives me!
Such a beautiful poem! It’s so true.
The small things in life bring us joy, I am thankful for them.
I am thankful this morning for the snow we got last night here in Eastern NC, only a couple of inches but it’s beautiful. I’ve been out driving in it just enjoying the beauty.
I love both the poem from Lisa and your few other thoughts that are just as poetic.
I love this. Finding joy in the simple things is really all it’s about. As a stay at home mom of 4 under the age of 9 it’s paramount to find joy in the little things so you avoid losing the days to chaos. Thank you for the reminder and I love hearing the little things you’re enjoying. I grew up with a wood stove and so dearly miss that smell and warming up by it.
This morning I’m finding joy in the chatter of kids playing, the animal documentary usually going in the background, the warm quilts on this chilly Texas morning and the wonderful first sip of water in the morning.
Hi there!
We are both moms of little ones who love Celebrating Appalachia! I’m so happy to have found a kindred spirit! I have five under nine and homeschool. We love reading this blog. It is heart warming, educational, and just plain fun!
I’m originally from Texas, so we have that in common too ☺️
Hope you guys keep enjoying your winter cozy days ❤️
Meg
The world would be a far better place if more folks would just slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
That’s very nice. It reminds me of a video you did years ago, your I am from Canning Jars poem. I’ve moved a lot, sometimes something happens that reminds me of a good memory in a house I’ve lived, but hope to find a more permanent home soon.
Tipper,
I loved Grace’s poem and the comments you made about it. Appalachians really must have many thoughts and feelings in common.
I have two older sisters. One is 79 and one is 82.(I’m currently 71, the baby.)
For the past several years, in January or right after Christmas, we decide on a challenge for each of us to perform as gifts to each other for the next Christmas. The first year, the challenge was to make a miniature diorama inside an Altoid box. In the following years we had to paint on canvas, swap household items to be made over and returned, and perhaps the most challenging one was to write a coherent fictional story. The results were always hilarious. This past Christmas, the challenge was to write a collection of poetry or prose. The results were once again a lot of fun. Some of the writings were funny, some serious. I went all the way around the bush to get to this: I wrote one that expressed things that were similar to what you, Tipper, and Grace expressed. Thought I’d be brave and share it.
SOUNDS
The soft feather-muffled talking of the chickens
Sharing their private opinions among themselves
The almost silent sound of Mother’s smile
The sound the cold hard branches of winter trees make in the wind
The sound of a classroom full of pencils
Desperately translating thoughts onto notebook paper
The vigorous sound of percolating coffee making on the stove
The sound of waking up in a tent among nature’s stillness
All of the sounds that are not readily noticeable
Except to those who listen
R. Speers
(Feb.11, 2024)
Rita-thank you for sharing your beautiful poem!!
Rita, you have a gift for exposing through your words the beauty of ordinary things our world-weary eyes may miss. Thank you for blessing us.
Rita-Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem!! I just love it 🙂 And I love the way you and your sisters challenge each other!! So wonderful!
I enjoyed the poem and your post. As I grow older and now retired, the things I enjoy get less material and more reflective as the poem suggests. I enjoy just sitting beside my husband and having small talk. I enjoy hearing from my son (usually via text), to just check in to see how we are and how our week is going. I enjoy my son coming to the house after church every week. I enjoy singing and visiting with the folks in assisted living every week and hearing their stories. I enjoy exercising and thrifting with my girlfriends (I usually don’t buy anything). I am thankful to the Lord for all these things and for you and yours Tipper!
It is 12 degrees here in southern Virginia. The last week or so has been in the teens. Reminds me of when I was growing up in northeastern Ohio except the wind blew constantly and feet of snow lay on the ground for up to 7 months some years. After working 40+ years I now am retired and have time to appreciate life. It reminds me of the verse in the Bible which says. “Be still and know I am God.” The little things in life are sometimes overlooked when one is busy hustling three children in the morning to babysitters & school, jobs. Now I like listening to the birds sing, which I love to sit outdoors on the porch and listen and count the many different birds in the yard. I can read and study my Bible in the quiet of the day and pray. Time passes so quickly, I reminisce about the times my children were small and now they are in their 50’s (my youngest, Ann, will turn 50 February 3). But I also count my blessings. God has been so good to me and my family. Everyone keep warm.
Thanks for this reminder to find joy all around us. I woke up to -15 temperature and an unwanted phone call about my windows computer. Hard to find joy in that last one, but I’m up and making my dog some homemade dog food. I have to do this every couple weeks. She is getting old and can’t stomach processed dog foods well. Anyway, have a wonderful day! God bless!
Be careful of unsolicited calls regarding your computer. Scammers and criminals use the ruse that something is wrong with your machine to get access to your information. I’m praying that this is not the case for you.
this morning we have -16 in SWPa.
i love reading your blog as it reminds me so much of my home life.
Be blessed, Sally
loved the video last night.I too have been going thru stuff.feeling a lot better lightening the house.keeping only very special items . I have been placing sticky notes under a few items and heirlooms to tell their story for my children. While I can still remember the story. I do have one suggestion for the heart from Matt. Place it in a frame with a picture of the two of you about the time he wrote it,or a picture from your wedding. Then set it on top of your dresser where you can enjoy it everyday.It wont get lost that way. A word of wisdom, remember life has one big IF in the middle of it. continued prayers.
It’s the simple things that matter most in life. People forget the things, but they don’t forget how you made them feel. Love deep and love often!
I know I must have posted this more than once, but … those who can take joy in simple things never run out of bright moments. That’s a big reason I enjoy nature. It is infinitely varied and never fails to have interesting things to enjoy. By the way, Tipper, here is a word for you “punktatum”. A friend in Rabin County, Georgia tells me locals call the rolled Rhododendron leaves that now. I had heard it before, but not in that particular use. Don’t recall what the use was I heard. And Rita I liked your sounds poem. One of my favorite nature sounds is the wind soughing in the long leaf pine tops. If I were a poet, I’d like to write one titled, ” What I Heard the Wind Say”.
Thank you for that wisdom! I want to live that way every day! Bless you for sharing that reminder with us.
Your blogs are among my greatest joys. Thank you Tipper for the light you bring that pierces the darkness and warms my heart and days with joy.
I have never needed more than the simple things in life to enjoy myself. I like to think of myself as just a simple trustworthy man. Right at this moment, I am joyful, I have just heard from my grandson telling me he has made it safely home. He did not get to leave his job until 2am and had to drive more than 30 miles in the snow, ice and 20 degree temperature. I have been laying here awake worrying about him. Some of you know my wife and daughter both died sudden unexpected deaths, I don’t feel like I could stand losing another one. Despite praying, trusting and having faith in God, bad things still happen. This is one of my reasons for not liking snow. It is pretty right now when I looked out the window, I would enjoy it too if I could sit by a fire, drink coffee or hot chocolate and not worry about my love ones having to be out in it. When I was younger, I was not like this, I would drive and get out in it and not think twice about it but now at soon to be 71 I realize just how dangerous it can be.
This is for Anna from Arkansas and her comment yesterday, remember Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog? I also liked Three Dog Night, CCR , Beach Boys and some other bands of that time. That was back when music was good. My daughter died at 32 years old in 2012, she had started buying CD’s and listening to this old music, especially CCR, she couldn’t get over me telling her the name of the song just as soon as I heard a few notes.
Randy, I enjoy reading your comments on this blog. Praying for You.
Randy, we are big CCR fans in our house. We just love so many styles and especially bluegrass, gospel bluegrass! I pray for you and the deep pain your loss has caused. May the Lord hold you close!