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. Fall. Sweet, cool, comforting, glorious, gorgeous fall. The time in Colorado when the temperatures cool, the leaves turn golden and purple and red, but the sky turns an even bluer blue. Oh how I missed you, wool socks and cashmere sweaters and long pants and down blankets and yes, even you sweet gloves and hat. And soup and hot cider! *sigh*

2. My Writing for the Web class, the community they are forming, the voices emerging, the kind and gentle conversations, the laughter, the bright ideas, the trust and steps towards courage, authenticity.

3. Relaxation of fear and worry, softening of tension, easing into uncertainty and staying with the strong emotions, the experience, surrendering to what is, as it is.

4. Dahlias. Whenever I am having a rough time, am tired or struggling, a jar full of flowers on my writing desk, or a few blooms on my meditation shrine always make me happy, always provide comfort.

5. Homemade breakfast burritos. I have been craving, cooking, and devouring these this week.

6. Dog dreams, and especially all the noises they make, the whimpers and half barks, and the way their feet twitch and “run.”

Bonus Joy: Dexter jumping into our bed today to say good morning, which is a sure sign he’s feeling better. And the cutest thing: because he’s been feeling yucky, when we go somewhere we’ve been leaving the door of his crate open, and the past few days when we’ve returned, there he is, asleep in his crate anyway. Also, when I got home from work yesterday, the weather was so nice and cool, that we hung out in the backyard playing with his favorite toy, Little D, a Cattle Dog stuffed toy that looks an awful lot like a Mini Dexter should. Dexter maybe, might, probably has a fatal cancer, but for now, the quality of his life is second only to how much I love and appreciate him.