If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.
“Don’t Hesitate | Swan: Poems and Prose Poems | Mary Oliver
After taking a couple of “mental health” days, I returned to work yesterday and found a huge bunch of cheerful mums from my colleagues sitting in my office. The flowers brightened my spirits and made it easier to get through the day. I did not expect to meet such “sudden and unexpected” joy, but I grasped it without hesitation.
I read somewhere that mums symbolize “optimism and joy.” I like how that phrase honors the moment I’m in while at the same time reaching toward what can be and what will be.
Note: The top photo was shot with my Canon; the bottom two shot with my phone. I had so much fun experimenting with camera settings. I captured way more than three photos, but I’m exercising restraint. 😀
Pics and Posts 
I, too, believe in embracing the unexpected moments of joy that come my way 🙂
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…and unexpected is often the best!
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I wish I could make my phone and my (cheap) Canon do what your phone and your Canon do 🙂
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I’m sure you can! My son has a “cheap” Canon (ELPH). It beats my DSLR with macro shots. Apple does amazing things with the iPhone camera. Its flexibility really stuns me at times–but it’s still no match for a “real” camera. 🙂
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K. I will talk to my ELPH about this 🙂
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Btw, Chandra, I am now in our picturesque hometown, nola, surrounded by so many images of aesthetically pleasing decay — my ELPH should be grateful and loving and cooperative. (I’ll be heading back to equally picturesque central Mexico soon.)
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Oh how cool! I’m actually a bit envious that you’re in my beloved NOLA. It seems I can’t get away these days! Have fun in both places!
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🙂
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Beautiful captures 🧡 Which iPhone do you have?
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Thanks, Brit!
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Beautiful post. Hooe the days off heloed as much as the mums. What a lovely gesture from your colleagues
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Oh, Monday off worked miracles, for sure.
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I know how handy the iPhone camera is for me even though I know the pictures are no match for the brand new DSLR that works so much better! But, sometimes a timely shot can be the best thing because it preserves the moment as best as possible, never mind the clarity or resolution because those unexpected moments of joy are absolutely precious! Lovely gesture by the workmates to cheer you up!
Thank you or linking up with us. I really wish you feel better soonest, Chandra and come back with even more awesome #WW posts in the weeks to come.
Hugs
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I’ll do my best. I always have pics. I sometimes get too busy or overwhelmed (with trying to decide which pics). And yes–the iPhone camera comes in handy quite a bit! Oooh, a new DSLR!!! Fun!!
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How thoughtful to give you flowers, and sweet of you to share the pictures and joy with us!
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So thoughtful! And I’m enjoying them so much.
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YES! How lovely, wishing you more and more continuing JOY! 🙂
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Thank you, Sheila! How are you?
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Such lovely thought provoking lines from Mary Oliver.
Sending you big healing hugs and you know what Chandra, your flowers made me smile too, in all their gorgeousness.
Big love. And happy tidings. xoxox
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Thank you, Natasha!!!
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