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As I still have little time left to prepare full posts for the Nife - anyone who has ever moved will understand, I imagine - I would like to offer today, a few events, moments, things I feel grateful for these days. Hopefully, this will inspire you to look around and find gratitude in your life as well.
This TED talk
Conveniently, about gratitude. Inspiring, humbling, this short video filled me with joy today.
This Ukulele
We purchased this as a birthday present from my parents and in-laws. I know I should spend my few free moments getting better at the violin. But this makes me so happy! Somehow, any song theme sounds light and bright on a ukulele. I want to play this with my ukulele.
That interview
(interview is in French). I was contacted by sophrologist Farah Bensaid to answer a few questions about myself and my simplicity journey. I found her questions very interesting to think about, and I was surprised at my own answers as they took shape under the keyboard. Also, this opportunity allowed me to meet a wonderful person and discover sophrology, for which I also feel grateful. If you are interested in reading this interview, perhaps Google translate can help? I'm around if you have questions of your own, of course.
This Game
The lady is never going to stop writing about Dragon Age, is she? I'm grateful for the existence of this game, because it is the perfect mix of what I can possibly be looking for in a video game. Magic, dragons, political issues and plots, a ridiculous villain, touching characters, hundreds of hours of fun. And dragon hunting. Did I mention the dragons? Also, it is a game for adults, and that counts. I mean: "You are good with this sword, Blackwall. All these years alone gave you a firm grip." And I'm so grateful hundreds of people worked on this for years, and came up with all these details that make it a great experience.
That Jo Malone Store
Who sent me a handwritten card for my birthday. And the surprise was? A hands & forearms massage, along with a bath oil sample, and guided explanations on the exquisite products offered by the brand. Of course there is ulterior motive to this top notch operation. I am grateful nonetheless, for the professionalism and kindness of the staff, for the divine scents of the Jo Malone products. And that massage...
That's it for today's gratitude bits. I have so much more to say about the arrival of Spring, here in the Northern hemisphere, but I'm keeping that for the next Seasons post, if there is ever time to write one. What have you been grateful for lately?
I've never heard that line about Blackwall! I have three good guesses about who said it. I just finished my third playthrough and thought I was done, but this post has made me want to do some side quests just to hear the banter. I'm grateful for the game too, and about how many games like it there are, where we are encouraged to explore a smart, rich environment and make fairly involved decisions.
ReplyDeleteLately I've been grateful for longer days and sidewalks cleared of ice, and living in a smaller city where I can quickly get out if I want to.
That's quite amazing how many banter lines they have created for this game. I feel like no matter how long I play, I always discover new ones at some points. I'd be curious as to who you attribute this particular quote to though :)
DeleteI can imagine Canadians would be particularly grateful for the first sings of spring! Is it still snowing for you guys?
I guess Iron Bull, Dorian, or maybe Sera - though her humour is maybe a little too childish for that joke. I also love how the characters have their own little side-interactions and relationships. Like how Iron Bull and Dorian get together behind the scenes, and it only comes up in banter!
DeleteOn a somewhat related note, have you heard anything about the new Pillars of Eternity game? I read a review and the world sounds very interesting.
As I type this, it is raining! Glorious rain!
Haha you nailed it, Iron Bull it is! I actually got involved with him in my latest playthrough and there are some quite hilarious scenes from that relationship too. I think party banter is actually what makes me keep playing despite the fact that I've got all the maps and plots quite covered by now. I sometimes pick a combination of characters just for that (like Cassandra and Varric for example, or Solas and Iron Bull, who play a whole chess game over several conversations...)
DeleteI actually just read a Kotaku article about Pillars of Eternity! It does sound interesting. So does Bloodborne, in a totally different genre (I love hardcore, dark fantasy RPGs too). I'm going to have to give DAI a rest at some point...
My husband's playing Bloodborne right now and it looks good! You'd like it - it's quite difficult! I, however, am happy to sit that one out and just watch. I'm a wimp about game difficulty sometimes. :)
Delete(One last thing about DAI banter and then I'll shut up - I love how Cole always says "The Iron Bull," just the way IB prefers it. Such a good little detail.)
DeleteHaha you've made me have a sortie with Cole and Iron Bull yesterday just to see about that! Since I'm a dual wielding Rogue in this playthrough I never take Cole with me. He does call him "the Iron Bull", made me think of you :) I agree they are very thorough with their characters, their personality, background, and how they come to life in a way. Oh I could talk about this for hours...
DeleteI'm grateful for the hot water in my shower every morning. It might seem silly, but after having been deprived of water in and off for the past three days, I am getting much more appreciative of this incredible luxury. Being able to go under a stream of hot water in the morning was a luxury unknown to the greatest kings and emperors of centuries past. And still inaccessible to so many people on the planet. This is the best way to start my day.
ReplyDeleteI like this idea! After reading your comment I felt particularly grateful for my hot shower too. I think this is exactly what gratitude is about - not only noticing the extraordinary moments of our lives, but also the every day stuff, what we take for granted and normal. This is probably what leads to happiness isn't it? Recognizing the small things in our lives and how lucky we are to have them. Thanks for the inspiration :)
DeleteI'm slowly working my way through the French interview - though it is my second language, I have a much harder time reading French than English! But it's interesting to read a little more background on your ideas and your blog :).
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about sophrology now. I looked it up, but am finding the online explanations rather vague and confusing. Maybe you'd like to do a post about it sometime from your personal experience?
I'm happy you like the idea! I think Farah's questions were really interesting indeed :)
DeleteI could definitely talk some more about sophrology, maybe once I've attended a few sessions after I clear out the moving expenses - right now I've only had a trial session, which sounded very promising, but I feel this is the kind of practice to get a regular try at before starting to really feel the benefits. It's basically based on breathing, and establishing a connection between body and mind, so I'm sold on the concept already :)
Oh dear, I suspect I shall have to acquire Dragon Age. Perhaps after I've played through Portal again - I am rather fond of GLaDOS's caustic quips.
ReplyDeleteHaha if you like that kind of humor you may want to consider it indeed :) I've never played any of the Portal games although I've heard tons of good things about them. I guess I'll pick up whetever remastered collection they'll come up with in the next few years...
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