Noticing

I'm tired this morning. I find it hard to manage my time. I got started studying a couple of books for self-inquiry topics and couldn't put them down. After two days of that, my head is full and tired. Thus, it is time to get away from here and do some kind of "artist's date." So, in a while, I'll head for town and the cloth shop. Pattern books take me away from intellectual stuff and into the ordinary world. I tried cooking last night, and that helped. Now I have cooked fresh collards, acorn squash, and chicken breast to enjoy again today. I'll bake some oatmeal cookies this weekend and that helps soothe my brain, too. I think this life of total choice is a blessing, for sure, but on the other hand it does take some learning how to live in such a state. Most of my 77 years were spent with most of my time defined by what I "needed" to do, not what I chose to do. Now I don't "need" to do anything except maintain my own happiness. Since I named myself a "Happiness Specialist" years ago, I have devoted much of my time to learning how to be happy myself. And, I've gotten pretty good at it. It's a matter of noticing - noticing feelings, emotions, body sensations, thoughts. What a luxury to have the time to notice. Oh, yesterday I noticed the first buttercup blossoms in my yard! What did you notice lately? What a blessing to have eyes that see! I wonder if the bluebirds saw the buttercup blossoms.