Simplicity = Joy

Happiness is…

As I slide through life with one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel (hehe), I have come to realize that my priorities have dramatically changed.  Mere simplicity in living can beget tremendous joy:  joy beyond any amount of riches one can amass.  Heck, just lighting a freaking candle makes me downright giddy now. 

Here are some of the simple things in my life that give me tremendous joy. They cost little to nothing but pay big dividends.

Pets

What is simpler and more joyful than petting you cat while she purrs on your lap and lifts her butt in sheer ecstasy, tail twitching spasmodically? Or stroking your adorable Pomeranian whilst its not-so-fresh scent asssults your nostrils?  ?

While we’re on the topic of cat butts, let us pause for a moment to enjoy an inspiring cat haiku:

     You must scratch me there!

     Yes, above my tail!

     Behold, elevator butt. 

See all the cat haikus here. {Snort.}

Humor, Friends, and Other Simple Pleasures

Laugh. Cry. Employ a whoopie cushion.  Be ridiculous.  Life is too short to spend it frowning. 

Dancing and Singing

You get this. No explanation needed. Bust a move anytime. All the time. Dance with others or by yourself. Whip your hair. (I give lessons each Tuesday and Thursday.). It doesn’t matter if you don’t have hair. Wigs do nicely, or just throw around whatever ya got. It’s the thought and effort that count!

Badger Dance

Mount Meru Rickernest Band!

Strip Tease at 13,500’+ is okay, too. This is my expression of joy after conquering the Barranco Wall on Mount Kilimanjaro. Video. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your point-of-view), we didn’t capture all of it. 

Badger Barranco Strip Tease

Watoto (Children)

I can’t get enough of the kids here in Africa. Big smiles. Always friendly. Joy. 

Nice Boys in Arusha

Food

In this series, enjoy the transformation of my kuku (chicken) from freshly butchered to delicious, nourishing supu ya kuku with curry and turmeric:

 

I love the simplicity of being able to purchase abundant, fresh vegetables for very low prices. These cost me about $4.50!

Nature

Although these beautiful photos are from Africa, every place on this planet has beauty in one form or another. Get out and experience the sheer joy that is all around you, for free. Well, not really. Be careful with our planet, folks. Don’t ever take it for granted. 

Gorgeous African critters and landscapes:

The Greatest of these is LOVE

If you’re lucky enough to find love, grab it and don’t let go. Nurture it.  As with happiness, love cannot be bought. Not real love, anyway. 

That wraps up today’s Badger rambling as we enter the summer season—winter for those of us south of the Equator. I would love to hear about the simplicity in your life that gives you joy. Share with us in the Comments!  Photos, poetry, art, whatever. I love it all. 

-Badger out.