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Day: December 19, 2023

Hungry for Joy

December 19, 2023 ~ wordancerblog ~ 12 Comments

hese bring momentary solace, but still, I yearn for something more, something less ephemeral. I guess that’s a tall order to ask for – permanent joy.  I don’t expect permanency, but maybe just little more moments, more moments of unexpected joy.  That would be nice. 

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  1. Trish's avatar
    Trish on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 29, 2026

    I loved reading this observation: "I was just setting the stage for children to create.  They did not need help;…

  2. wordancerblog's avatar
    wordancerblog on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 28, 2026

    Come to New Jersey anytime, Kim. You have an open invitation!

  3. kimhaynesjohnson's avatar
    kimhaynesjohnson on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 28, 2026

    What's so fascinating is that children are accepting and agreeable when it comes to working together (mostly)- - far more…

  4. Anita Ferreri's avatar
    Anita Ferreri on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 27, 2026

    I think you should give yourself a round of applause for inspiring their creativity!

  5. wordancerblog's avatar
    wordancerblog on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 27, 2026

    Yes, this is the best part of my job. I'm a learning specialist, but I made room (literally) for crafting,…

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12 responses to “Hungry for Joy”

  1. Fran McCrackin Avatar
    Fran McCrackin
    December 19, 2023

    … no longer hungry. Your ending line resonates with me as I think about your piece here. I, too, and perhaps all of us, am moody this time of year and ponder joy. Life is messy and moments of joy fleeting. Like your fox. Or perhaps it is more that those moments when we realize we are feeling joy are rare. Like you, i struggle to improve my mood, read, appreciate the red of cardinals n the winter tree… I dont know any answers. but I do compliment you on an honest piece of writing that includes small moments, some sad and some joyful (your friend’s gift!), discussing books and philosophy and faith, and your own poem. I hope writing this brought you some measure of joy.

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    1. wordancerblog Avatar
      wordancerblog
      December 20, 2023

      Thank you, Fran. Writing always brings me joy. Sometimes, it might take a little time to recognize the joy, but it’s there for sure. Happy Holidays!

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  2. Stacey Shubitz Avatar
    Stacey Shubitz
    December 19, 2023

    As I began reading your post, I thought, she needs to read JOYFUL. And then I got to the part where you received it as a present. Oh, you’re going to love it!
    But, may I make another suggestion? If you haven’t read Katherine Center’s novel, WHAT YOU WISH FOR, may I suggest getting your hands on it? (I wrote about it in this post, https://raisealithuman.wordpress.com/2021/01/01/olw-2021/. It’ll allow you to preview the book without having anything spoiled for you.) Her books are my go-to whenever I need a pick-me-up!

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    1. wordancerblog Avatar
      wordancerblog
      December 20, 2023

      Oh, thank you, Stacey for the recommendation. I will get Katherine’s novel right away! I definitely need regular pick-me-ups!

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  3. britt Avatar
    britt
    December 19, 2023

    “I write poems, which now I see as prayers, to capture these joyous moments.”

    I had a hard time getting into poetry, but then when I started seeing them as prayers,I felt I didn’t have enough time to write poems! They help me capture joy, but also sadness and desperation. I feel your similar hunger during this season, and I also find myself writing more poetry during this time. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. wordancerblog Avatar
      wordancerblog
      December 20, 2023

      Thank you so much, Britt. Wishing you a joyful holiday and happy, healthy new year!

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  4. Trish Avatar
    Trish
    December 19, 2023

    So much food for thought here, from your honesty about the restlessness of the season to the search for joy. The line I love? “watching the cardinal decorate the bare branches of my maple tree.” There is such an abiding appreciation in that image, the unconsciously flamboyant cardinal and your use of “my” with the maple. I’m finding joy right there!

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    1. wordancerblog Avatar
      wordancerblog
      December 20, 2023

      I like that cardinal noticing too! Glad you liked it. I just wrote what I saw out the window. I’m happy the cardinal helped me! Joyous holidays, Trish!

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  5. Leigh Anne Eck Avatar
    Leigh Anne Eck
    December 20, 2023

    There is so much to take in from this post. I am always up for a good book suggestion, so I will be checking those out–even Stacey’s in her comment. These words seem to tug at my heart at the moment: I write poems, which now I see as prayers, to capture these joyous moments. And the moment of joy and surprise you captured in your poem is beautiful! I hope you find lots of JOY in these last few days of December.

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  6. wordancerblog Avatar
    wordancerblog
    December 20, 2023

    Thank you Leigh Ann! I can’t wait to read Stacey’s pick too – “What You Wish For.”
    Hope you have a joy filled holiday and a healthy new year.

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  7. Glenda Funk Avatar
    Glenda Funk
    December 20, 2023

    I’ve always enjoyed reading C.S. Lewis but haven’t read this book, nor have I read the other one you mentioned. I did read Unearthing Joy, however. I’ve long been confused by those who find joy in the midst of hardship, but this year I’m thinking about how I’d feel selfish if I were not joyful given the horrible conditions so many on this planet must endure. And like you, I write poems when inspired by life’s little moments of joy. Today I wrote a snippet about half melted snow.

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  8. wordancerblog Avatar
    wordancerblog
    December 20, 2023

    Thank you, Glenda. I forgot to mention “Unearthing Joy.” I really like that book and was able to hear Gholdy Muhammad speak. She was very inspiring. Another great book is Ross Gay’s “Inciting Joy.” He’s incredible! Hope to see and read that snippet about half melted snow!

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