I was reminded by a post made by my darling friend and appreciation buddy, Pam, that our public appreciation posts might be misleading. It may appear that we are sailing easily through life without any challenges…which is not entirely true. 😉

For the past few years I’ve faced pretty significant health and financial challenges, I’ve taken more trips to the hospital than one might wish for, and most days have less energy for doing than I prefer, but. But. BUT. (I stole that but part from Pam. I really. Really. REALLY. like it!) I know that while there are lots of things I can’t change, I CAN change how I experience every day, and. And. AND. My life is full of delightful people and experiences, opportunities to enjoy, appreciate, learn, grow, give, and love. And I get to choose what I focus on each day.

I write appreciations to remind myself about that choice. To remind myself and to rewire my brain to be on the lookout for anything that is fun or beautiful or awe-inspiring or sweet. Oh… and to always be on the lookout for reasons to laugh! 😄 I write these happy things down to remind myself that the world is full of good people with loving hearts, open minds, and brilliant wit.

Don’t get me wrong. I have days during which I dabble in darkness, flirt with frustration, meddle with malaise, and cavort with crabbiness (and associate with alliteration).

But when I take the time to notice, record, and share my appreciations, my experience of my life changes. Most days, most of the time, I feel happy. What a gift that is! It is my hope that sharing these good things with you will brighten your day, give you a reason to giggle, or help you feel connected and loved in your own life. ❤️

So… here’s the last couple weeks’ worth of happy stuff!

Surprise invitation to the Pretenders / Stevie Nicks concert! What a fun night with Dawn! Holy moly, Chrissie Hynde was amazing!!

Life with the delightful Duncan girls: Sarah, who is so smart and funny and whose laughter lights up the room, and who does amazing things like washing the dishes even when it’s my turn just because I’m tired. And Ida, who lights up my life and teaches me about eau de banana cologne (comprised of actual banana applied directly behind my ear) while snuggling me.

Wonderful lunch with Heidi during which we discussed a whole range of topics, including our polydactyl cats named Luna (yes, we each have one!), the fun of spreadsheets, and the excitement of taking big leaps of faith.

Seeing a very cool dance performance with Cina. The fun of watching Katie run the sound board. Yes, I am just that much of a geek.

Super fun Santa visit with the Duncans. Didn’t expect the gas station Santa experience to be as full and fun as it was!

Going to Katie’s winter graduation celebration. Yay!!!

Receiving my Secret Santa card in the mail – par avion, you guys! Par avion!

Hot coffee. Hot cocoa. Snow in time for Christmas.

Solstice and the returning of the light! Whoopee!

Waking up crazy early and turning on all the Christmas lights just because.