The Beauty of an Open Window and a Blank Page

Today I would like to share with you two of my most simple joys:  drawing and windows.  For me, these two things go hand-in-hand.  As a child, I loved to sit by my bedroom window and create art of all kinds.  There was just something about the scenery that could inspire me like nothing else.  Even today, no matter how I arrange the furniture in our school room, I always make sure that my desk is somewhere near the window.  

I will admit, however, that I don't always accomplish everything I need to when I am sitting here because I get distracted by what's going on outside.  Whether it's nice enough weather that the kids can be outside playing, or if it's cold and dreary - there is always something beautiful to look at.  Today, I see a neighbor's cat hunting for mice in the open field behind our backyard.  Last week when we had snow covering the ground, we sat and watched the birds as they scurried around looking for food.  We saw the most beautiful tiny green birds, like you would usually only see in a pet store.  So pretty!

I also enjoy the view from my kitchen window.  It makes washing dishes so much more enjoyable!  

This morning, I retreated to my bedroom because the kids were being rambunctious and loud in the living room.  My plan was to go in there and make lesson plans and write out a grocery list, but I ended up doodling on the paper instead.  And the doodles turned to lines and shapes and shadows... and before I knew it, I had drawn my bedroom window.  (Only I left out the house that sits next door to ours.)

My daughter came in and said, "Hey Mom, whatcha doin?"  

"Just doodling," I replied.  

"You call THAT doodling?" she said.  "I wish I could 'doodle' like that."  

But to me, it is nothing difficult.  And I told her, as well, that when I was her age, I "doodled" like an 11 year old, too.  And, though I am not a Picasso or anything now, a lot of these things just come with practice and age.  And to me, it's just fun and relaxing.  

What do you do just for fun?  What kind of simple joys do you enjoy?  I would love to hear about them!  Unfortunately, Linky Tools is no longer available for free, so I won't be using it any longer.  So until I find another free linking service, please share your links in the comment section below.  :)