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. The last weekend of summer vacation. *sob* Someday, someday this will be my life, not only a vacation. I just know it.

2. One last weekend of yoga teacher training. It’s still three weeks away, but I’m ready to be done, to move on to the next step.

3. Golden days with my dogs. There is a sweet spot when dogs are old enough but not too old, when you don’t have to watch them every second, and when no one (as far as you know) has cancer or is dying. When you don’t have to sleep with one eye open because at any moment there could be an emergency, when you can finally relax and enjoy them. That time is now.

4. Peaches and watermelon. I can’t get enough of either one right now.

5. My body’s ability to heal. I got bit twice by a gnarly spider on the back of my leg while I was sleeping Monday night, and for the first few days it was pretty bad, but it’s so much better now. I’m constantly amazed by how strong, how efficient my body is, without needing much help or direction from me.

Bonus Joy: Apparently, it’s National Relaxation Day. Now that’s something worth celebrating, with a nap.