Joy

I am reading a wonderful book at the moment, called "The Wrong Boy" by Willy Russell. It makes me howl out loud with laughter, but at other times is so painful that I wish I wasn't reading it. Central to the first part of the book is the relationship between the boy and his mother and gran, who love him with the unconditional love I spoke of before, not that he is undeserving of that love, just horribly misunderstood. Anyway, his wonderful gran, [who reminds me of someone, but I just can't quite think who,] tells him that she has never been interested in having fun, but has always wanted joy in her life. How could I not finish a book in which there is a character who voices my exact sentiments? [Well I like having fun, but it pales into insignificance in comparison with joy.]

I hope the word "joy" never becomes trivialised by becoming "cool", like the stupid use of "awesome". Well, "they" won't spoil it for me.

I don't care if this sounds obvious or sentimental, but without any doubt whatsoever, the most joyful thing in my life, never to be surpassed, was the birth of my 2 children, and then grandchildren. My family will always be the central joy of my life.

However, over the years, I have discovered another great joy, after all the years of working, and fitting in with other people, the joy of being me, of living alone, and doing exactly what I bloody well please! Do you know, I absolutely love me - I want to do all the same things as me, and I agree with everything I say!

I still do odd days' work, which make me appreciate my time even more. When I have a day to myself, it starts with the utter joy of having a cup of coffee in bed, and being able to spend as long as I like over it. My stomach actually tingles with joy at the prospect of being able to go back to sleep again if I feel like it. My day at home will be punctuated with joyous moments of having drinks and snacks , and reading magazines or novels. I absolutely adore my home, because it's mine, and am always overjoyed to return to it, especially if I've been away.

Other joyous moments: Shopping - buying lovely cheap clothes, or things I never needed at IKEA.
Listening to the best band in the world ever - the Strokes, or the other million bands that are almost as good. Watching TV, but I am very discerning - only documentaries, Corrie and the X Factor! The S word is in there somewhere, along with jacuzzis, just so as you don't think it's not part of my life, but other than that, it would be far too inappropriate to mention it !
The tiny tiny pats on the shoulder given to me by my son, which speak volumes. The love of Mary and Luke for "Mumsey" which becomes especially expansive at times they don't remember the next day!

But what could be more joyous than singing to your 2 year old grandson "Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby" , and hearing the reply "ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh"?

Nothing, my friend, believe me , absolutely nothing.