I just took the compost out and there was a chipmunk sitting on top of the pile, staring at me. I laughed out loud at his bold stance.
Last night I got down on my knees and looked closely at the bugs eating the aphids on my roses (lady beetle larvae). There is such a variety of insects in my garden alone — the scale of it puts things in perspective, reminding me that I am one piece of the great whole.
- Estyn
Last year I hated mowing. I was scared and overwhelmed by mowing. The grass kept growing and this new mowing chore would loom again and again, in the way of laundry and dishes when you’ve never had to take care of yourself before. (Thankfully M stepped up and did almost all of it. I’m very grateful.)
This year I’ve already mowed several times and I’m finding it entirely different. It feels like driving, or exercising; one of those activities where my mind can unhook and there’s room for new ideas to get in. A silencing, comforting task.
- Estyn
I’m so happy today!
The bright sun, the green trees, the happy dog. I was even peaceful and content shopping for a bathing suit. I want to sing songs and sleep on the grass and smile at strangers. I want drive by the river and listen to entire albums and make new recipes.
Leaning into the feeling is even better than clutching it and hoping it will stay. I know nothing lasts. But I feel like I’ve found a new room in my house this week; and I can always come back here now.
-Katy
I’m grateful for exercise, even though I avoid it all the time. I got to go to a Pilates class yesterday, after several months of no class while my teacher was off. Today I feel some soreness, but also a baseline sense of well-being that always comes with exercising. I hope I learn my lesson and become willing to exercise regularly.
- Estyn
M sent me the link to this video, which is a pretty good inspiration when it comes to affirmations.
It reminded me of this awesome Jack Donaghy scene. And of how much more like Liz I am.
- Estyn
I’m grateful for the persistent question from the Power of Now – “what problem are you having right now?” The answer is usually nothing.
I was standing in the rain with Happy, who was quietly munching some tall grass, and realized I was having an argument in my head with someone I’ve never met. For no reason. I was also listing over and over all the things I want to do this evening, and fretting about whether I’ll have time.
What problem am I having right now?
None.
The air smells like thunder and honeysuckle.
The cool rain on my face feels great.
All around me the trees are green and yellow and white and luscious.
It’s not even a problem that I’m getting rain soaked, my robe and heater and cup of tea are right across the street.
(Unlike some rains in New Zealand, when I was certain my clothes and I would never be dry or warm again. But come to think of it, I was wrong then too.)
-Katy
I really enjoyed seeing this last night, and they had an organist at the Michigan Theater! It was lovely animation, I can see why it was nominated for an Oscar. Like watching watercolor paintings come to life.
-Katy
I’m so grateful we started making Happy CD’s to share, I’m really enjoying the one I’m working on right now. Remember my first few? Full of music that was not happy? It was so surprising to realize I couldn’t even identify happiness on that level. That I kept confusing it with redemption or compassion or ironic wit. Or upbeat tempo songs about sorrow.
Turns out that so far, the songs that actually make me happy have a lot in common – hand clapping, finger snapping and swing beats feature prominently. I love songs that start slow and then speed up – ha, ha, ha!! And goofy pop songs. And I still think Louis Prima and Flight of the Conchords are HIGH-larious.
-Katy
I am enjoying…
a rumbling little orange guy in my lap,
puffy clouds rolling across the blue sky,
the comfort of working,
the prospect of wrapping up and going out into the unseasonably chill and windy evening to do some gardening.
- Estyn
Enjoyed: Watching my dog trying not to fall asleep sitting up.
Grateful for: I have enough time, money, energy and help today.
Satisfied with: My hair. Seriously.
-Katy
