A friend recently recommended I not save my favorite cologne for tomorrow. How right she was. Life is precarious. We don’t know what the day has in store for us. A two-ton-truck may be lurking around the corner just waiting to throw me down hard on my keister. I’m using my favorite cologne…
I’ve become aware of my mortality and that pleasures I’ve enjoyed in the past can become impossible. 
However, when one door closes, another opens. All we have to do is be willing to walk through that new door.
Franz Kafka 1883-1924
Always an avid reader, when I learned my vision was vulnerable, I went on a reading binge like no other — and it hasn’t yet ended. 
I’ve pulled books I’d been planning to read or reread for years off my dusty shelves like: Lady Chatterley’s Lover, (banned in the Quebec of my youth but no big deal today); Kafka’s ‘The Trial’ and his very short and strange ‘Metamorphosis’ which I’ve read at least a dozen times, (both unforgettable); plus Cervantes ‘Don Quixote’, (a sometimes wonderfully funny book). I’m still reading voraciously…
Here’s a quote I like by Kafka, whose brain had no boundaries: ‘If the book we’re reading doesn’t wake us up with a blow on the head, what are we reading it for?’ His books DO wake us up with a blow on the head for sure.
Weird and worth reading…
My everyday dishes now are fine English bone china. My former ‘everyday’ dishes are now used only
Well, wouldn’t this cheer you too?
to reheat food in the microwave. I like my fine china. Its colorful and makes me happy every time I see it. Furthermore, no one can ever say I didn’t get to use it. Indeed, I’ve dropped a few and the hard tiles on my kitchen floor are totally unforgiving, but so what? I rarely have 12 people over for dinner these days anyway.
I concentrate on doing things which enrich my life, like having lunch out with friends I particularly enjoy being with. I also get a great kick out of writing this post. It pleases me to share my thoughts with you, so I thank YOU for giving me this pleasure.
View from Over the Hill 
Tomorrow is promised to no one. I’ve always been aware of mortality, but it was really driven home by the sudden, totally unexpected death of a close friend, who was only 54 years old — the same age as I am. I’ve been trying to remember that no matter how bad of a day I might be having, it is still a day I get to have, and some don’t get any more days at all. And, trying to live a little extra, have a little more fun, tell the good people I love that I love them — just in case.
Right on Susan! Love you so much, Maughm
As usual, another wonderful post. I, too, have started using the dishes, soaps, clothes that I’d been hoarding for the ‘right’ occasion. What joy I get now! Wishing you a happy day, and lots of cheer.
Good for you Jaya: I’m proud of you! Enjoy, enjoy…..
just beautiful! thanks for sharing!
And thanks for reading. You deserve to treat yourself well, right?
Each and every day!
Chuckle. You’ve got the right idea!
You are a heck of a wise person, Muriel. You know what matters in life. Enjoy!
Thanks Neil: There is so much to learn, and I learn from people like you.
Great attitude, Muriel–and I do admire your beautiful “fine chinaware”! Seize the day, for sure:)
Thanks Val: Hope you and yours are well. Yes, my china still makes me happy.
Great insights, Muriel. Thank you. Reading, talking with friends, all the “little” pleasures in life become even more precious, don’t they? I’ve also cut back on my “shoulds.” There are a lot of things I’ve done that I should do, but, I realize I don’t HAVE to do. Reading a book I’m not enjoying? Don’t finish it. Pick another book. Tired of keeping a journal? Stop it. Very freeing.
Can’t help but repeat some of what Kafka said about reading Judy: Why read it if it doesn’t wake you with a blow on your head? You’ve got it right. Good for you! Fondly….