Little happy things

Here are some simple pleasures that brought me happiness today:

Waking up early, before the rest of the house, sitting down with a cup of PG tips with honey and milk. And peacefully browsing the tower of books that rests where my living room coffee table once was visible. Too many books, you wonder? Not a chance!

Walking to town with my little guy in the jogging stroller, and smelling the heady perfume of the honeysuckle everywhere. Mmmmm. So Sweet.

Digging in the garden, alongside my kids, who were playing imaginative games, collecting worms and getting covered in dirt. I love the kind of tired that I feel after a late afternoon of weeding, planting and dreaming up new ideas.

Hearing the birdsong of young hatchlings, clatter of woodpeckers, mysterious others whose I cannot recognize by name. Hearing the stories that Vivienne weaves, the awe that Mia finds in a photo of baby squirrels, the sound of Jasper singing happily to himself as we walk through a shop, so unaware of others noticing.

Taking pictures of my beloved plants and noticing their progress, enjoying their pure and generous beauty. Observing the other small creatures as they go along their business. Tasting the little bit of sweet nectar from a sage blossom, watching as the kids pick leaves of their favorite herbs or not-quite-ripe strawberries to nibble.

Thinking of my family, laughing on the phone with my sister, looking forward to a visit to Oregon and wishing my dad a very Happy Birthday!

see the cute sprout growing from the damp rug on the treehouse floor?