Ponderings: On Joy
My Inspiration
In 2014, Jo_Goldsmith11 took it upon herself to initiate the Light2Love Project Good Words.
Jo pledged to use good words and publish articles used to empower, encourage, support and defend those who need to be shown love.
Jo offered us a good word for each week to focus our thoughts, behaviors and actions on...In the 10th week, Jo wrote her perspective on the word joy.
However, as 2014 came to an end, Jo filed away her Good Word articles - as she begins the process of publishing it in e-book'. Shyron E. Shenko continues to write a beautiful poem to accompany each Good Word to inspire and lead us.
The ripple effect of the Good Words Project throughout the HubVille community has been heartwarming.
Please join me with some of my musical thoughts and reflections on the word joy...
.
I found myself sitting in my car alone just the other day. Well, that's never entirely true as I'm never without my tunes and my steno pad.
I was in the middle of a traffic sandwich and in the words of Ronald McDonald : "It was a triple Big Mac, man!"
People all around me were indignant. Folks jumped out of their cars to see the obvious: there was road construction way up ahead.
The work crew were doing the best they could to keep the traffic moving but it was - one lane at a time and it was very close to the lunch hour.
Honestly, my mind started to wander to the the little man who has brought me nothing but joy since August 3rd, the day he came barreling into our lives - Andy Jordan.
I knew that soon enough it'd be my turn to get moving again ... and I'd be on my way home to walk the dog.
How U Doin'
Yup... this is the face this Mother loves to see when she comes in the door - the face of pure joy.
Andy is a believer in hugs and kisses ... they come very naturally to him. He is a cuddler and enjoys hanging out with us whatever we are doing...and I sure do mean whatever.
Our boy gives fetching your slippers a whole new meaning. He's actually fetching them... and anything else he can sink his sweet teeth into... for his own nefarious purposes.
His Pop even gave him a lemon to dissuade him of this habit - he loved that lemon, it was his favorite toy until I pried it from his chops!!
But there is nothing that gets this kid's tail wagging more than when you say:
"Hey, Andy, wanna go for a walk...?"
"Walking the dog
I'm just a walking the dog
If you don't know how to do it
I'll show you how to walk the dog
C'mon now c'mon......."
Rufus Thomas: Walking the Dog
I'm Just A...
Walking the Dog
and wow, did he hate it at first...! I think Andy was just outraged at the very thought of a leash - he actually stared it down, like it was the enemy!
Because of his exceedingly curious nature, my husband and I were anxious for our boy to know exactly which house in the neighborhood was his! As such, getting him familiar with all roads leading to Rome, was of paramount importance.
The Rolling Stones: Walking the Dog
Time and patience paid off. Andy quickly grew to love his walks around the block and is up to four walks a day, shared by both of his parents...
And, like his sister Aunt Baby before him, Andy is eager to run independently to his home, when he is about three houses away. He waits patiently by the door, leash in mouth, for his ever-so-slow Momma and then saunters out back to do a little business...!
Stevie Ray Vaughan: Walking the Dog
Andy has the attention span of a gnat... so does my husband, come to think of it?! They are both Pisces...just sayin...?!
As such, I keep a large activity basket filled with all kinds of stuff that brings Andy joy - of course, I am forever getting a vicarious joy fix from play time as well.
One of the toys that Andy loves best of all is his black Kong frisbee, given to him as a present from his 'Aunt Vicki'. This well-loved treasure has provided endless hours of enjoyment. I truly believe a little boy learned to love his Daddy because of this simple but very generous gift.
Aerosmith: Walking the Dog
Despite the toys in this basket, Andy has curious and roving eyes...
Over the summer I proudly and assiduously built a Hugelkultur in my back yard - my good friend Shauna Bowling (aka bravewarrior) taught me how on her website in a wonderful video. Aunt Baby had left us in May and this one activity was so healing and therapeutic for me, as she had been my Branch Manager, as many of you may remember.
Grateful Dead: Walking the Dog
Mr. Andy Jordan and I are currently in negotiations about the ebb and flow of Momma's handiwork. In other words, at any given moment, large branches are running through the yard at the speed of lightening in young Andy's mouth ... some ending up in our sun room if Momma is not watching carefully enough...♥
The same is true for small twigs, mounds of dirt, weed piles and anything else Mother Nature has left for us...!!!
Roger Daltrey: Walking The Dog
So How About You...??
Did you know that National "Walk Your Dog Week" is October 1st through 7th...!!
But really every day is an amazing and exciting opportunity to connect with that special someone in your life...
and if you don't currently have a furry friend to walk with, hoping you see one you can smile at when you are out walking and finding your own joy...!
Jane Siberry: Everything Reminds Me Of My Dog
Some Cool Lyrics by..
"Everything reminds me of my dog
The guy in the store reminds me of my dog
Telephones remind me of my dog yoohoo
Taxicabs remind me too
If you remind me of my dog
We'll probably git along little doggie
Git along git along little doggie git a
Smiling at strangers reminds me of my dog
Better let them know you're friendly
The way people dress reminds me too
Linda Reminds Me of my Dog
So by now, you should know this is the highest form of compliment...(my best friend says when she is reincarnated, she wants to be Maria's dog...♥)
I know that Linda has already written on the subject of COURAGE when I recently passed the baton to her.
However, I believe there is no other hubber who has written on the subject of joy more than Sunshine625 in her wonderful hubs.
I have included some examples in the links below but please check through the profile of this amazing writer that we voted the Most Cheerful Hubber for four years in a row.
See you next week... and wishing you much joy in the days ahead! Hugs, mar
© Maria Jordan (October, 2014)
Written by Linda Bilyeu (Sunshine625)
- 50 Ways to Bring on a Sunshine Smile
Included in this hub are 50 ways that you could help bring on a sunshine smile to a family member, friend or stranger. - Is Laughing Contagious?
Laughter reduces stress, burns calories, helps ease pain and anxiety. Laugh until you can't laugh anymore, then laugh again.
Comments
I'm sure glad I'm not a Pisces. :)
Lovely work as always, and very nice tribute to some of your hub friends. So excited to hear of your backyard project. We built one three years ago, and the growth from that mound is amazing.
Anyway, beautiful work....have a marvelous Monday my friend.
love,'
bill
Welcome to Andy Jordan! So happy for all of you :-) He is precious. Another beautiful, high hub, Maria, with perfect v choices of music! Up+ Thank you for sharing!
Mar, I love you, but what's wrong with Pisces? I happen to be one!
I didn't know you built a Hugelkultur bed. Mine is still at stage one, although I keep adding limbs to it. It sounds like Andy thinks yours is his personal playground!
I'll have to come back later to watch all the videos. I did watch The Stones. OMG, they were so young! It seems Mick Jaggar had the Moonwalk going on before MJ made it his trademark.
Great post my friend!
You certainly bring joy, and laughter too, with this lighthearted and lovely hub. Being a dog lover (and owner) I can relate to every word you've written.
Of course your references to the other great hubbers just puts the icing on the cake.
Voted up, awesome, and interesting.
Dear Mareer,
This is a fabulous post on Joy, and written with a joyful heart, I can just tell! I love the music - it was one of my faves! And I love it that Andy is such a sweet boy he will even walk in the drizzle with complete joy!
How lovely to know that the Kong is still in one piece! That's amazing, and fills me with joy too. I'm a proud Aunt to this lovely boy.
Beautiful post, and thanks for the mention! Hugs, Vicki
Oh Mar, I laughed throughout this beautiful hub. I am a pices, I'm not mad. Hee..Attention span of a gnat cracked me up. Your writing is packed full of energy and joy. Andy is your joy and it shines brightly. I am amazed so many artist sang ' Walking the dog. ' Loved this! Hugs..
Hello mar, Rio and Ciaro send there regards to Andy and cheer Walking the Dog week. Joy what a nice topic, you make the Joy of chewed up slippers sound fun. lol Andy is one lucky Pup to have such attentive parents. This is another beautiful hub in the Project Good Words panorama. I will have to listen to the song selections later.
I did all the voting and sharing.
Joy is certainly a word that describes our wonderful four legged pals. It was great to get the run down on Andy's latest escapades and to know that he is tickling his family members, bringing joy that only these creatures know how to freely distribute. It is amazing that whether I'm gone for five minutes or five hours, that big brother Tony is all wiggly and happy to see me as if I'd been on vacation for a week. What a great welcoming committee these guys make.
Lots of happiness flows through this hub and from you. Truly, everything reminds me of my dog. Love, Peg
Dear Mar, I was smiling all the way, seeing Mr Andy bringing you so much joy. He got himself the best life a dog could wish for.
A dog is such a wonderful example of being joyful and of bringing joy. If I was able to be overwhelmed with joy like our dogs were when we had returned home from work, I, too, would have been my ex's favourite pet.....
Of course, Sunshine is joy on two legs....
What a delight and joyful hub here ... and Andy's bro, Max, is sayin' "you know how to roll, bro!" LOL I am soooo filled with joy at just the thought of how much joy your Andy has brought into your lives. Walking the dog has to be one of the most joyful times for a dog and his or her owner! Their unconditional love just fills our hearts to the overflow with joy no doubt. All of your song choices are just perfect.
Miss Linda Sunshine is the epitome of joy and it shows throughout all of her hubs. If you are gloomy, just go to read one of her happy hubs and you will soon be in the right frame of mind.
Thank you for sharing your joy here and now my evening is filled with smiles and joy after reading here.
Hugs and smiles to all. I am so wowed by how much Andy's sweet face has changed in such a short while ... the face of happiness with the best momma and daddy around!
Up ++++ tweeting, pinning, G+ and sharing
Love you always
- Author
Bill, I sure hope Andy allows my project to 'survive' three years...here's hoping!
Randi, Thanks for your kind words to Andy, the votes and the share - always so lovely to see you!
Sha, You make me smile, beautiful Piscean and have given me a great idea about next Monday's word! Hope you enjoy the music. Thanks for the inspiration you always give me, my friend.
So happy you enjoyed this, Mary and thanks for your sweet words and votes...!
Vicki, Andy is a trooper and doesn't mind 'the elements'...! I'm thrilled that you love this music... you are most welcome for the mention and Andy thanks you again for the Kong.
Ruby, I could not believe 'even more' artists sing 'Walking the Dog' and I had a hard time narrowing it down... but this was much fun! Oh wow, another Pisces...LOL!
Mike, Thanks for the voting and sharing and especially for the regards from Rio & Cairo...that is doggone wonderful!
Peg, Yup, you understand JOY perfectly...and big bro Tony sounds exactly like young Andy Jordan...such a great comment, thanks, Sista!
Oh you are too funny, dear Martie...I onder what Mr. B would say about you today... all good, I am quite sure, my pet! Hope you are snug in bed, where I am now heading... :))
But not before saying HI to my sweetest friend, dear Faith and her fur angel, Max...always such a treat to see you and I appreciate you taking time after your long work day.
Have a peaceful evening to all and thanks ever so much for stopping by!
Love and hugs, Maria
What a joyous hub to read. This is wonderful and Andy certainly brings you joy. And you are certainly right when you state that Sunshine brings us all joy. Her hubs as well as yours are amazing. Thanks for bringing me joy this morning as I drink my cup of coffee and wake- up. This is a great way to start my day!
Uplifting! I too love my dog and find great joy in being with her--Happy Tuesday!
Hi Maria,
Great to see a hub filled with such joy and playfulness! You had me laughing at Andy's antics cause I could picture them so well! Can't wait to see the whole family on Sunday, and I just know Andy is gonna love Mr. Fred.
Yes, Linda embodies courage, but she is equally joyful, even in challenging times. Good to see her getting the support and acknowledgment she deserves.
Hugs,
Gail
- Author
Thanks, Suzette...with this and a bowl of quinoa, we should be set (LOL)! So great to see you and thanks for stopping by, dear friend.
Thanks, dear Audrey... I am not surprised you love your dog! Hope you are having a great week.
Gail, I agree that Linda is a beautiful blend of courage and joy. I am so anxious for Sunday and I know Master Andy is as well..
Hoping you all have a peaceful evening. Love and hugs, Maria
I love that you use a steno pad. I do as well for notes, etc. I’ve been told that I live in the Jurassic days because I refuse to do everything digitally. (Lol.) Andy is the sweetest little guy, and he does bring such joy to your life – and vice versa. What a cool selfie. He adores you so…you can see it in his adorable mug. He loves his “walkies” too. I love the way you wrote this article, Maria, and cute anecdotes of all things Andy, and tributes to fellow hubbers. The warmth, unique creativity and spontaneity are all there…what makes Maria our “go-to” gal to lift our spirits and inspire a smile that truly lights up our week. I haven’t heard the Stones’ rendition in a long time. Very cool music. Thank you! Voted up ++ and shared.
Dear Mar, Your Andy is a puppy prodigy. You show us how to walk the dog. You go girl! Meanwhile I am herding cats, now That is a whole other ballgame! Song? Well maybe just the one: http://youtu.be/QM7LR46zrQU
Wow Maria my dear friend, I am always late to the party. Love your Joy theme, and your videos all of them. I have heard this song and I have seen walking the dog with a yoyo. yoyotricks.com/yoyo-tricks/walk-the-dog/189/
Voted up, across the board and shared.
The only song I can think of with joy in it is joy to the world
Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
Love you dear friend.
- Author
Wonderful to see you, dear Genna...I am the "Wilma Flintstone" around here, so yes...steno pads are my cup of tea. Thanks for your kind words about my boy, Andy Jordan...he is indeed a ham bone. Glad you enjoyed the Stones version of 'Walking the Dog', as I did.
snakeslane, My 'puppy prodigy' and I LOVE 'The Year of the Cat'...also love when you stop by.
Thanks for your JOYful visit, dear Shyron. Your song selection reminds me that the holidays are fast approaching. Love you too, girlfriend.
Wishing you all a peaceful night. Love and hugs, Maria
I was filled with so much Joy after reading this! Beautiful dog!
Thank you so very much beautiful lady...for all your time that you spent writing these amazing musical inspirations of good words. You are appreciated more than words.... shared, up across the board.
Tweeted/face book too. Many blessings dear lady... hugs!
- Author
Thank you, Jo...I am always so happy when you stop by and even happier that you are pleased with my musical perspectives on your good words.
Thanks also for the sharing and hugs back to you, dear friend.
Glad Andy is bringing you so much JOY!
- Author
Oh he sure is, Car51...you will hardly recognize the lanky lad when you see him next. Tonight he got a new 'rock lobster' toy...and he is full of JOY!
Maria, I came to share your joy
Once again
I hardly know where to begin
But knowing you is joy
That you are my dear friend.
Blessings and hugs
- Author
Thanks for taking the time to stop back again, dear Shyron. You add much beauty and joy to my life. Hugs to you too, Maria
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