Joy in Blue Things
Today’s January Joy Dare is to find joy in three blue things. As with the three yellow mercies, I had to think that over a while.
Blue sky – that one was easy! It’s easier to be cheerful when the sky is blue. When I’m cheerful, it’s easier to be hopeful, encouraged, productive, joyful and grateful. There’s something about a blue sky (and getting sunlight) that helps my mind and body.
Blue travel mug – this is an extension of my breakfasts at Cracker Barrel. This travel mug is fairly new; my beloved Caribou travel mug had a glass liner and eventually met the fate of thermos’s everywhere when it fell on the floor and broke.
I received this as a gift from the partner of a consulting firm that I use, so their name is on the side. I don’t care. It’s the right size and my iced tea stays cold for most of the morning.
Cracker Barrel has a wonderful policy of offering coffee / tea to go. By using my own mug, I save a cup, lid & straw from the landfill. Because we’ve gone to this Cracker Barrel for so long, the staff asks where my mug is when they don’t see it on the table during a last refill. I appreciate that they make an effort to make sure I have my tea when I leave.
Blue Araucana eggs – I buy these at the farmer’s market. Araucana eggs are slightly smaller than regular eggs on the outside, but they must have less air. When I crack them open, they provide as much volume as any store bought egg, but with a much creamier texture and taste. It’s like the TARDIS on Dr. Who – bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.
Others know how good they are – I go to this farmer as my first stop. If I wait too long, they’ll run out. A different farmer has started raising them, but last year the eggs were very small due to the hen’s immaturity. I didn’t care – I bought them anyhow. He was surprised – he knew they were worth it, but he was having trouble convincing his customers to buy a substandard small egg even with a marked down price.
Here’s a sky shot from mid-December. This tree has since lost more of its leaves, but is still pretty to see in downtown when I take my walks during lunch.
Joy Dare Life Lessons Aracauna eggs joy in blue things riverofstones2012 sky small stones travel mug
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I am a backyard adventurer, philosopher and observer, recording my life in journals and photographs. Visit my blog at www.livingtheseasons.com.
Living The Seasons 
Your post ( and that blue sky) got me to thinking how many songs are about “blue”…probably be humming some of them the rest of the day.
The only I know is Love Is Blue – what else are you thinking of?
I had to research the eggs. They are pretty to look at. Some call it the “Easter Egg Chicken,” and I can see why. I learn something new every day through blogging!
I’m glad I could give you something new to know!
I love Cracker Barrel and Caribou coffee, neither of which we have close by.
When I lived in Minneapolis, there were Caribou’s everywhere and I loved it. In Virginia, the only one is inside the airport which is a bit out of the way to enjoy. Cracker Barrel is so good – we’ve become regulars at them all over the country.
Yes, when I lived in the Twin Cities I also enjoyed Caribou. But, I live on Cape Cod now, so we have Dunkin Donuts everywhere. It is not the same.
I’d forgotten you were from the Twin Cities originally. What part? My sister’s been in Bloomington for years and I love going to see her.
We do have Starbucks here. It’s good, but I like the iced tea at Caribou just a little better.
Those Araucana eggs are so darn beautiful to look at even if they weren’t better once you crack them open.
They are the prettiest little things. I do hate using them, but they taste so good.