Soap opera

Positive thinking. Wasn't it J.M. Barrie who said that the key to happiness was not to do what you like but to like what you do, or words to that effect?

I decided to adopt this attitude when I had to haul myself away from talking about books and reading yesterday to go to the supermarket.

"Look at what you're doing in a different light", I told myself; "see 'the big shop' (and the big shop, for that matter) not as a chore but as a pleasure - an adventure, a search for delightful things. " Bear with me, dear readers, because I can tell you that the strategy worked.

As I ventured forth in 'Fruit & Veg', pausing to pick up some flowers on the way, I looked at all the produce ranged in the baskets and racks with fresh eyes. I saw not just the means to boost our vitamin, mineral and fibre intake, but colours, flavours, textures and shapes - a still life arranged for my and my fellow customers' delectation, no less!

After a minute or two of browsing appreciatively I must have been exuding a new kind of energy as a member of staff saw me struggling to open one of the flimsy little plastic veg. bags and offered to show me the best technique. "Thankyou so much," I cried, amazed at this service (I could say cynically that perhaps he just wanted me to hurry up and move out of his way, but remember I'm being positive here so I'll settle for his being genuinely helpful); "It's a pleasure, madam", he said, and I went on my way a happier soul.

I skipped on round the shop (you may laugh if you wish), taking an interest in the most basic of items, examining packaging for its stylistic merit, looking closely instead of just barely seeing - as is so often the way with a task like that, and the whole experience was a lot more enjoyable than it usually is.

It was one of my intentions when I began writing this blog that I would try to bring out the best in the ordinary, as so much of what we all do is, perforce, 'ordinary'. So yesterday's little exercise in donning the rose-coloured spectacles was quite successful. But if you've no glasses to hand, you could always use my  'Redcurrant and Cassis Soap':-

Thankyou, Waitrose.

Comments

[Francesca]

Color is the one thing that never fails. You can find the most beautiful hues and color combinations in the most prosaic places. These soaps remind me of alabaster.

[natalie]

Redcurrant and Cassis sounds just the thing to go with the venison I bought at the Farmer's Market this morning!

[Bluestalking Reader]

It's very true that if you walk around with mind open you'll find all sorts of things you didn't take the time to notice before. That's a lesson we could all use, as it's so convenient just to keep in our ruts, hold onto prejudices, etc.

The soaps are gorgeous! Did you make these yourself? I must know...

[Charity]

This is true of so many things - it really is all in the way we approach something! :0)

[dovegreyreader]

Karen I think blogging has made me look at the world around us here that I take for granted in a completely new and exciting light.There is so much to share and plenty of people out there to share it with.

[Peg]

Who would think soap could be so beautiful! Thanks for reminding me to look at the world in a different way, Cornflower. We get so busy and let the 'ordinariness' of things take over, when what we need in our business is that 'spark' of beauty and happiness that is always there!
I see 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips' on your side bar. Last evening, my DH and I watched a film by the same name. I am terrible at actor's names, but it is the same man who plays Doc Martin and he was brilliant in the role. The film is on a show on the Knowledge Network called 'By the Book'. I have not been disappointed in any of their shows!

[picperfic]

oh Waitrose...a shop amongst shops for all those special ingredients that make food shopping fun...I loathe food shopping but if it's to be in Waitrose then I'm in! Love your soap photos BTW...I am going to enjoy looking round yor blog!
Marianne

[Ann]

Oh how you can make the spirits soar with both your words and photos! How much brighter you made this day.
Ann

[Les in NE]

Lovely, lovely words and pictures, as always. Your post made my heart sing.

[Sue]

Hi - Just found your blog and came across the soaps. I use the redcurrant and cassis - love it - but the others have to do if the red shelf is empty! I'll come back again, but may spend another half hour browsing your other posts before I leave!