1. Morning walks, which this week were closer to afternoon walks because it was so cold in the mornings. Luckily at eleven years old, Ringo doesn’t mind from time to time having a lazy morning, his lunch, and THEN a walk. We got more snow, finally have some in the foothills, and are getting a bit more today.
And even though it’s a sign of climate change, of the environmental crisis, I can’t help loving all the videos people have posted of dogs in the south seeing snow for the first time.
2. Practicing together. There weren’t any dogs, but Teri got to come to yoga at Red Sage this week, so there was lots of joking and laughing. I adore not having to be “serious” and that group brings me so much joy. It was only three of us in our Friday morning writing sangha, but Chloe’ brought poems and Cynthia brought the snark and it was exactly what I needed. And even though I sit by myself when I meditate in the morning, I know that I am not alone.
3. My mom’s caretaking team. The healthcare professionals available to her where she lives mostly stink (if you can even get an appointment), but her direct caregivers (Chris, Jessamy, Shannon, and Kylie) are SO good. I am so grateful to them. However, I’m thinking we probably shouldn’t let Chris dress her anymore, since for her Dr. appointment this week, she looked like a toddler who picked out their own outfit and I think her slippers were on the wrong feet. 🙂
4. Books and authors, libraries and librarians. These have been central, essential, and constant in my life for the full 57 years, and every year, they become even more important and precious to me.
5. My tiny family, small house, little life. I love it here so much.
Bonus joy: Ringo in his purple coat, the crunch of snow under our feet, down pillows and blankets and coats, snowtires, the pool, the hydromassage chair, sitting in the sauna, texting with Chloe’ and Chris, lip balm, a mug of hot green tea, other people’s dogs and kids, sharing reels and memes with Shellie and Kari and Carrie, mashed potatoes, raspberries, gummies, purple, training with Shelby and the gang, popcorn, listening to podcasts, drive through pharmacy pick ups, the twinkle lights in Old Town, poetry and poets, my Shakti mat, naps, a warm shower, a big glass of clean cold water, online bill pay, Libby, eBooks, water heaters and furnaces, baking, movies, music, Eric at home napping on the couch, reading on my Kindle in bed at night while Eric and Ringo sleep.
Open Space Practice, (AKA: A Thousand Shades of Gray) 