I remember my grandmother sitting in her worn blue chair, her eyes sparkling and looking into the distance, calling up memories of when she was a girl and would lie down between the rows of cotton and nap in the warm sun, instead of picking it like she was supposed to be doing. She told us how my grandaddy drove around the block several times before he got up the nerve to stop and ask her for a date. I loved her funny stories about my Dad and his brother and sister. The stories were sometimes about milestone events, but most of the time they were just about simple times, simple days. Her good old days. Oh, what I wouldn’t give now to sit down and talk to any one of my grandparents. To really listen and soak up their stories, smiles and golden wisdom.
The older I get, the more I appreciate the stories of those who came before us, the small moments and simple blessings. My favorite days are the ones spent with family and close friends. Quietly watching a full moon over the ocean and listening to the waves. Saying grace around the table at dinner with the people I love most. The fresh smell of sawdust and using my Daddy’s tools. Hands in the dirt of our garden and gathering our colorful harvest. An impromptu dance party with the hubs and kids. Making my grandma’s bread & butter pickles. The clicking of a sprinkler and birds chirping on a sunny summer morning. Watching sunsets from the front porch and sunrises from the back porch. Snuggling up with a mug of warm tea and a good book. A cool fall breeze and the simple music of wind chimes. Making s’mores around the fire pit after a day of sledding. Warm nights on the back porch with music, sangria and dinner on the grill. I could go on and on…
Every day isn’t noteworthy, but the small moments in between the chaos are. The balance of both is what makes life beautiful. The recovering perfectionist in me is learning a messy house and tons of laundry just means everyone’s home. It’s all about dirt and laughter, ya’ll. Back Porch Bliss is about the everyday simple— yet blissful— moments. In our home, we call it SIMBLISSITY. It’s living our good old days and I’m finding there’s no better way of life.
