Gratitude Friday

1. This was the sky, the view from my front porch this morning. I think it was because it’s my niece’s birthday today, Sweet 16, (how did that happen?!). She’s still one of my favorites.

when she was smaller, and we both were younger

2. My boys. Training with Ringo, (wow, he’s smart), and the way Sam sneaks into bed with us in the morning, (I totally let him).
3. Come, Play, Stay, that the people who work there don’t just understand Ringo as a Cattle Dog, but they appreciate, even love him.

4. Good friends who will say yes when I ask them to come to a practice yoga class (including the ones who wanted to but couldn’t make it this time), who are willing to help me get some experience teaching before my final, before doing it “for real,” who are so kind and generous and funny and brilliant.

5. End of summer harvest — watermelon, peaches, corn, strawberries, and raspberries.

Bonus Joy: Laughing with Eric, cooler weather, Skyping with Justine, glazed lemon zucchini bread, a three day weekend.

1. Completing my last yoga teacher training homework assignment. We have one final weekend where we’ll teach our practicum, have a graduation ceremony, and end with a potluck. Right now, I am taking time to honor what I’ve accomplished, to celebrate. I am wiser and more compassionate as a direct result of the last nine months, blessed by the heart effort of my teachers and my fellow students, forever grateful.

2. A new training class for me and Ringo, this time one that shares my philosophy, wants to help me build a wise and compassionate relationship with my dog.

3. Getting back to work at CSU. I’m in my new office, which is way too hot in the afternoons and will never be as pretty as my “real” office, and because it was most recently a dorm it feels kind of like working in an empty hotel, but it’s good to be getting things done, to see everyone again.

4. Pick-Your-Own Strawberries at Garden Sweet. We were in Oregon too late for the real strawberry season, so it was good to still have one here. Also, finally a carrot from our own garden.

P.S. That’s Eric’s hand in the carrot picture. Mine aren’t that hairy. 🙂

5. Glazed Lemon Zucchini Bread, my new favorite thing. I grated a bunch of zucchini from our garden and froze it so I can keep having this. My mouth is watering just telling you about it.

Bonus Joy: My boys, all three of them. Eric took this picture and texted it to me the other day with the title, “We need a bigger couch.” This is Ringo and Sam piled on top of Eric while he was trying to nap.