A poem about loving stuff could hardly be cool. Aren’t we all supposed to be groovier than that? Well, I think this poem is the grooviest. I am right there with Pablo: I love my bed, my tub, the toaster, waxed dental floss and thick socks. Daffodils are the best. New sheets, rechargeable batteries, my favorite bowl. Hot coffee, cold coffee, ice cold beer. Math puzzles, cashmere, salt and avocados. GPS, NPR and the OED. LOL I can’t stop.

But isn’t loving stuff mean you’re materialistic? It doesn’t have to. For me it’s about being thankful. I celebrate the love of my cozy bed every night and every morning by being so very thankful for every smooth sheet and every fluffy blanket. Thank you, job for making me able to have such comforts. I slice open an avocado and am so happy when its texture and taste delight my senses. Thank you, farmers for tending my favorite fruit.

Like Pablo Neruda, I too sing an ode to all these wonderful things that have been made by the hands of mankind, things that exist because of the creativity and effort of others, things that we enjoy and that become a part of our lives and a part of who we are. I am teacher Ruth in fuzzy sweaters and tennis shoes. I am the Smiley Lady with camera and tripod. I am mommy Ruth preparing foods for my family. I am thankful for the clothes that keep me warm, the tools of my art and the foods on my table. I am thankful to all the people who made and grew and created all of these things.

I hope others are thankful for the things that I do and make. I try everyday to be that person. It’s a good goal.

Smile. Be Happy.
Ruth

Coffee Dispenser Smiley

* http://tinyurl.com/684po8d This is the best link I could find for the poem ‘Ode to Things.’ Good old Pablo died about 30 years before he had a chance to make a website. As a guy who loves things, I bet he would have loved the Internet! I am not in any way affiliated with or responsible for anything on the webpage where I found the poem.

Early morning cloud Smiley from windward Oahu.

You know the Game that everyone was playing a couple of years ago? You were winning the game any time you were not thinking about the game. If you thought of the game you had to say aloud, ”I just lost the game.” Then any one hearing you would be reminded of the game and they’d have to say, “I just lost the game.” You are then immediately playing the game again, in fact you are always playing the game.

Some people hated this game. Not me. I loved it! I’m still playing it (and yes, I just lost the game). I’m going to play it forever.

The game reminds me of meditation. You’re not supposed to be thinking of anything at all. But, then you do. And, then you recognize that you have. But, then you just start again, to try to not think (about the game . . . or anything else.). You’re always playing the game, you’re always trying to have a life where you are not self conscious. You’re winning at the game of life when you’re not thinking about the game of life.

Cool game. As I said, I’ll be playing it forever.

Smile. Be Happy.
Ruth

A Smiley wall in our living room.

Lunch Hour Alley Walks are a good source of Smileys.