A Lovely Day

Last Friday was a lovely day for many reasons, but for three in particular...

1. In the morning I saw a beautiful rainbow reaching up and across the horizon. I haven't seen a rainbow in a long time and it was appreciated.
2. While driving back to work following my lunch break I passed by a local middle school. There's a brick retaining wall there and twenty or so kids sitting on it, swaying from side to side and as my vehicle got closer they started pumping their fists indicating I should honk. I appeased them and honked and laughed when they victoriously threw their hands up in the air, all while rhythmically swaying from left to right, left to right, left to right.
3. Later in the afternoon I smiled when I noticed Jesus Clouds. A picture perfect scene of the Heavens' light shining down and being filtered by the clouds, so that one can literally see the rays of sun beaming towards the Earth.
   

I like it like that...

• I like that when I Google my name the first blurb in the search results is associated with The Joyful Heart Foundation.
  
• I like that toothpaste can double as silver polish.
• I like my handwriting.
• I like that when I empty spam from my email account Gmail proclaims, "Hooray, no spam here!" We need more "hoorays" in our daily lives.
• I like that when I'm with my friends and one asks for chapstick to hydrate her parched lips, it becomes a quick draw race and multiple hands thrust forward to the friend in need clutching a tiny tube of lip balm.
• I like that there is a certain stretch of storefront windows on North Washington Avenue in Minneapolis that flatter me with a long and lean reflection. Seriously, I have legs for days in those windows.
• I like that my local Dunn Bros knows me by my drink of choice: medium Chai Latte.
• I like that when I hear a particular song it reminds me of a fantastically random memory.
• I like that when I let my curls down for the evening, after being pulled up all day, they hold on to their form somewhat. It makes my hair look like its flying in the non-existent wind and it makes me giggle.
• I like that my dogs absolutely love me just the way I am.
  
• I like that my family thinks I am phenomenally talented even when I don't.

I like today...

Today was not extraordinary, though there were moments that were out of the ordinary. All and all this day was average, but splendidly so. Here's why...

When I entered my bedroom I was greeted by the smell of peanut butter and jelly. I don't know why it smelled of a PB&J sandwich, but it did. It was random, but I liked it.

There was a grasshopper hanging out on my living room window, high above his world. I am unsure if he was clinging to the spot, or just enjoying the view. Regardless, he's been there for two days and I appreciate that he chose to visit my window and bare his belly to me. I wonder if he will be there tomorrow... If so, I think I'll have to name him.

I enjoyed a lovely conversation with a dear friend. It was so nice to chat with someone who "gets me." She shared great insight into my current complexes and provided a fresh perspective about a matter that has troubled me. We shared laughs and made promises to each other to cultivate bravery in our respective lives. Her wisdom made me happy.

Finally I will mention that today was dark and rainy, but it was a nice break from the August heat providing a welcomed glimpse into the fall. I wore my favorite sweat pants, enjoyed a cup of tea, and sunk into all things cozy. It was great, truly great.

This day was usual, but what was unusual was my gratitude for the usual. I need to give thanks more often. It brings a calmness into my heart and gives life to a deep, yet simple peace.