Gayle Harper

Photographer ~ Author ~ Traveler

Hello? It’s Gayle Harper…wondering if anyone is still here?

by 21 Comments

Hi friends!
After a very long spell of this blog being quiet, I’m testing the waters to see how many folks are still out there and if your email address is still valid!

I have something delightful I’d like to share. Recently, after reading “The Book of Delights” by poet Ross Gay, I decided to borrow his wonderful idea. I began a year of noticing – really noticing – and recording everyday Delights. And (no surprise), I find that the more attention I give them, the more joyfully abundant they become. So, I’m sharing some of them on Facebook and may do so here as well. Here’s the first one…no pressure, no stress, just a moment of pure delight!

                            WHOLE BODY HAPPY

Waiting in the lobby at the Optometrist, a woman who is deaf and a staff member holding an iPad come in, both smiling broadly. She signs so the camera can see her and the machine speaks aloud, interpreting it for the staff. He responds aloud and she sees it in sign on the screen. It is quick, seamless and a Delight to see. She settles comfortably to wait her turn. We smile at each other across the room.

I can’t resist. I approach and with a combination of lips and gestures say, “That is SO cool!” She lights up with Joy and I say, “Could you show me?” She shakes her head and points to a button and lets me know that it requires a staff person to activate it. I say, so she can read my lips, “That allows you to be independent, doesn’t it?” “Yes, Yes!” she says with such glee that her whole body is participating.

In that moment, I am reminded of a little dog we used to have who was one of the happiest creatures I’ve ever known. When she was delighted (which was often), she wagged her whole body, sometimes nearly knocking herself off her feet. Such is the nature of Delight when we surrender to it body and soul.



Comments

  2. Happy to hear from you Gayle, and bringing such news about the I-Pad for the deaf.
    What a marvels idea. My niece (with strong hearing aids and her husband are deaf. Thought I do not see them very often, as they live in another state. That would be so handy.
    Welcome back also, always nice to hear happy thoughts.
    Valeria

    Reply

    • Hello – and thanks for responding to let me know you are still here! It’s true – technology can do some wonderful things these days!

      Reply

  3. I’m DELIGHTED to hear from you again, Gayle! My email is the same. Can’t wait to read more DELIGHTFUL stories from you. I’m sure I’ll be DELIGHTFULLY inspired!

    Reply

    • Hello Anne! How nice to see your name here! Thanks so much for responding! No such thing as too much delight in life – stay tuned, my friend!

      Reply

  7. Hi Gayle, I loved reading your Delight. What a wonderful tool that brings her so much happiness and independence.

    Reply

    • Hi Jean! It’s so fun to be back in touch with old friends! And yes – I had never seen such technology and loved it!

      Reply

  10. So glad some of your writings will come to my email as I am not on Facebook. You know I love you and your insights. So uplifting!

    Reply

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