1. Practice. The only way I stay sane.

2. The light when it snows. Even in the middle of the night it’s light outside, and if it’s sunny during the day it’s super bright. It’s a nice change after all the dark.

3. Wild Writing. We started a new session today. It feels good to get back at it.

4. This guy, who is willing to take the dogs out for a run even though it’s -9 degrees. And he made cinnamon rolls yesterday, after he shoveled all the snow off the sidewalks and around our cars.

5. Ringo Blue and Sweet Sam. We’ve been in a phase of health and calm with the dogs that’s such a welcome reprieve. May it last.

Bonus joy: good snow tires, thermal underwear, Voxer, emails from my mom, texts from my brother, the stories I wrote my dad for Christmas being a big hit, naps, good books, whole clove garlic bread, yoga class first thing in the morning, a big glass of cold clean water, time alone, watching old episodes of Amazing Race and laughing with Eric, soaking in a warm tub, clean sheets, staying in my pjs all day, poetry.

Sam helps me make a wish

1. Birthdays. I turned 49 and Ringo turned 3. On mine, I slept in, had a lazy morning with the dogs, gave meditation instruction to Susan Piver, video chatted with one of my favorite writers, had tea and cake (with candles!) with one of my best friends, talked to my mom and brother on the phone, and went to dinner with my favorite. Then, the next day was Ringo’s turn. He did pretty much what he always does, but that’s just because his life is already really good.

Does he look older?

2. Morning walks. Because we are both on a tiny break from work, Eric and I get to go together, and we’ve been stopping at the little dog park.

3. The Happy Holiday Hearth DVD. Tis the season. We bought it originally as a joke, but it’s actually so awesome we use it all the time. I swear I feel warmer sitting in front of it.

4. Being lazy. I don’t do it often enough, and could learn a thing or two from the dogs, who are really really good at it.

5. Eric taking the dogs hiking. They love to go and I love having the house all to myself.

Bonus joy: Thanksgiving dinner leftovers, a new season of Gilmore Girls, clean pjs, Solange’s new album, 2 Dope Queens, four days off from work, quiet, clean water, people willing to risk everything to protect the water, Put Your Hands Together, crying, meditation, sleep, cuddling with the dogs, making Eric laugh.