I’ve been doing appreciations long enough (almost 7 years!!) that y’all know what I appreciate most days: friends and family, fun experiences, all (okay, most!) kinds of weather, coffee, cats, laughter, good health days, good sleep nights, coffee, canasta, learning new things, friends, chocolate, giggles, snark, games, arts and crafts, toys, love in all its forms and expressions.

So from now on, I’m just gonna post a few wonderful highlights now and then. But, rest assured, I am appreciating lots of things every day. And, if you ever want to know what I appreciate on a specific day, just let me know. I’m happy to share!

Here are a few highlights from May 11 – 25…

Mckenzie’s belated birthday breakfast with Sarah and Ida, Katie and Cina. So great to get in line before we even arrive at the restaurant (check out the NoWait app!) and then lemon ricotta pancakes for breakfast. Delish! Plus feeling all the good and happy feels these people bring out in me. Plus beautiful weather for strolling around in the garden area before and after breakfast. Mmmmmm. ☕️

Mother’s Day plant sale adventure! The Friends School Plant Sale is so well done. The weather was gorgeous, the plants were ⅓ off, and the company was fabulous! Plus we got two apple trees and a new lilac bush! 🌳

Morning play time with Ida. It’s just like her to make what feels like a chore to me (filling up my pill sorters for the week) into a super fun new game. I sure do love our little darling! ❤️

Workshop with Resmaa Menakem. So so so good! I’m so grateful to be working through his book with a group of wonderful women. And holy moley, what a treat to meet and work with Resmaa! 🌟

Kingfield garage sales with the crew. Everyone found a few treasures and it was so fun to enjoy that fabulous weather with them. Naturally my big scores were from a freebie box. 😊

Fun with food. I love remembering (thank you Sarah!) that pretty much anything can be a game. Sometimes my presentations are downright inspired, if I do say so myself.

Leaves, grass, flowers greening up the place.

Time outside with the family – and the chicks! ❤️

 

All. The. Sunglasses.

6 am sunlight designs on my ceiling.

My new hairdo. Ida has mad skills! She calls this one “Fresh & Smooth”! 🤣

Walking and talking with Alison
Hanging out in the backyard with the chickens
Walking and talking with Mckenzie
Hanging out in the basement with the baby chicks
Walking anywhere in this amazing weather!

…whose pics (80+) of the screen as we watched 1 second of each day for the past year ensures that we’ll have a record of these times. 😉

…whose existence has made my life so much richer, sillier, happier, brighter, more exciting, and more wonderful every day. 😊

…whose fashion sense, especially when it comes to Mckenzie’s and my hair, is unparalleled.

…whose syrupy snuggles and gleeful giggles warm my heart all the way through.

…whose knack for storytelling and for naming things is truly phenomenal. Byzernyzago is really a terrific flyer as far as er-planes go… although the owie on his flank last night did hamper things until Ida & Mckenzie got it ribboned up with a bow. Or was it bowed up with a ribbon? #bedtimefun 😁

PS – This is the amazing app Sarah used to make the phenomenal video of Ida’s last year. I highly recommend it! https://1se.co/

Goofy Toby lounging in my hat.

Impromptu visit upstairs by the intrepid Reggie and Brando. Ooooooooh. Brave kitties!

New furnace being installed right now! Looking forward to a beautiful 20 years with our new friend.

Sunshine – rain – clouds – sun. I love spring weather!

My awesome friends who share with me things they know will delight me… like the Dr. Who lorem ipsum generator. I’m so lucky!!

http://doctoripsum.com/

Playing Modern Art with Mckenzie & Sarah. So fun!

Chicken coop spring cleaning. Dirty, dusty work, but very satisfying!

Chicken coop cleanup bonuses: garden prep, garage clean up, Ida playing with the hose. Oh, that giggle when she sprayed us!! What a good day we had!

The weather. Oh my heavens, what glorious weather. Did I mention how much I appreciate our weather???

Sarah’s homemade sausage. Holy Schamoley! Delicious!!

The joyful, rambunctious, bustle of Ruby’s birthday party…followed by the sweet quiet of cuddle kitties at home. 😊

The chance to reconnect with Rochelle and Sara. It was so great to see you, friends! 💖

Sunny spring day filled with kiddos, duck watching, errands, napping, and ice cream with the squad (Katie, Cina, Mckenzie).

Coffee and Canasta with Sarah. Weekend bliss!

Trying new food from Smoke in the Pit. Yum! The catfish and peach cobbler, especially! Thanks, Sarah!!

This week’s homework for my class is all about savoring. I love how it is different from appreciating! This week so far I have savored…
…driving around the lakes with my windows open on my way home from an appointment

…the silky texture and sweetness of French Silk pie

…the sounds and energy of the people around me during dinner last night

…the joy of finding a forgotten car wash gift card…and getting to use it! And then driving around in a super clean car. So fun!!

…the myriad city sounds including periodic silences when there are no planes, no fans running, a lull in the birdsong. What a funny, magical space!

Oh, and I also appreciate the Finding Nemo fish tank at the car wash!! Thanks for pointing that out, Cina. It made me so happy to see that!!

…where I have the time and space to do my Coursera homework while I drink my morning coffee

…where I can see & hear birds and planes and a parade of dogs walking their humans

…where my office mates are curious and playful

…where frogs with coins keep watch over me

…where I can show up looking like THIS and nobody minds