Delightful Things: First Up — The Fire Hydrant

I don’t consider myself particularly materialistic, but there are plenty of things in my life that make me happy — things, just objects, usually human made, although some rocks, shells, and feathers too. In these times filled with much serious and hard, I treat myself to some frivolity in sharing some of my favorite things here. Today I write about my dear fire hydrant. 

I love my job for a variety of reasons, but on days when things may not be working out well, I can always take pause to gaze upon the wonderful, old, stoic fire hydrant outside my window. 

Remember that old IKEA lamp-being-thrown-out commercial from 2007? Here it is: Ikea "Lamp" Commercial - Hi Res 

My fire hydrant reminds me a little of that lamp — he elicits a fondness, a wistfulness. But he’s far from underappreciated. Through thirteen seasons, I’ve watched him and think of resilience, just being, nothing, the surrounding pine trees, poetry. At home, I often window stare in my writing nook; light a candle as a focal point for meditation or prayer; go out to a creek or river to stare upon water. At work, this fire hydrant is my focal point when I need to collect a moment of space. 

I’m attaching a picture I took on a snowy day last winter. I hope you see the charm in my little friend. 

In embracing a short-term goal of posting weekly for a while, these musings of things I love will provide me some whimsy and respite from the rest. Feel free to subscribe. That will automatically place you on my contact mailing list and news is coming. I haven’t sent out a newsletter in four years, but think I’ll have cause for two in the next couple of months. If you’re interested, I would love to keep you in the loop. Feel free to message me to add you to my mailing list, if you’d rather do that than subscribe. 

Be well. Be safe. Much love.