This post is a mashup of The Little Bliss List and Joy Jam, and as such is meant to celebrate: the little things that brought me hope and happiness this week, the sweet stuff of life, those small gifts that brought me joy this week. By sharing them, I not only make public my gratitude, but maybe also help you notice your own good stuff and send some positive energy out into the world.
1. Facebook. With the storm last week, it was my best source of information about how real people were really doing, and there was so much love and concern, kindness connecting people, making a scary, stressful time not so bad.
2. Books. Oh, how I love to read. Tell me all the stories!
3. This, bath time for toys. I’m so grateful to have two dogs who play with the toys, make a mess that I can clean up, and a functioning washing machine to use in the process.
4. Friends who get it. You know who you are, and I love you for it.
5. “I love you.” Even when I already know, it’s nice to hear.
6. A stand up desk. After a few long days in a chair in my Eddy Hall office at my paid work, I realize how awful sitting that much makes me feel. I’m so grateful for my stand up desk in my home office, and need to figure out how to convert the work one.
Bonus Joy: Another week with Dexter. I changed all the calendars in our house over to November, with him following along to “help.” I really didn’t expect him to still be here, and he even went running at Lory State Park the other day. My sweet boy.

That picture at the top takes my breath away. My iphoto library is FULL of photos like that, where I try (and fail) over and over to capture the morning light on the bare branches of the trees near me. You did so! Lovely. xox
It’s what I love about digital cameras: you can take thousands of pictures–and sometimes it takes 1000 tries to get one that turns out! I’ve been trying to get a picture of the moon, so I was pretty happy with this one.
Do you have a picture of your stand up desk?
Yes, I do. I just used two cardboard boxes, set them on top of my old regular computer desk, one for the keyboard and a smaller one on top of that for my monitor, because at first I wasn’t sure if I’d like it so didn’t want to spend a bunch of money. I think it’s been about a year now, and the boxes are still there! I’m only 5’2, so I don’t need it to be too high.
View from the ground: https://thousandshadesofgray.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/mydesk.jpg
Standing view: https://thousandshadesofgray.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/desk.jpg
As you can see a little, I also have a desk to the right where I sit and write long hand, or make art, or pay bills.
This summer, when we were on vacation, I even made a temporary version using my laptop, the kitchen counter and a few puzzle boxes: http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/5ee7ae34bee911e1b10e123138105d6b_7.jpg
Thanks. So much healthier than sitting all day!
Love that you captured the intensity of Dexter’s look … oh, what might he be so captivated by? I have a sweet four-legged who gets that look in his eyes too. So much fun to watch them observe life.
He was waiting for a treat 🙂
A stand up desk, hmm that sounds good! I always have difficulties with sitting in a chair (scoliosis) so maybe I’ll try that out. And the toys made me smile… until I saw Dexter, then I smiled even more. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend Jill!
You too, Lindsay xo
Lovely picture of the moon in the trees. It makes me want to stop and take a deep breath and just enjoy the moment. Thank you!
Thank you, and I hope you did stop and take the breath. In fact, I hope you do it again and again 🙂