Pause, Breathe, and Take Stock 2017-2

This weekend, Loved-One and I trekked to mid-Michigan to attend our niece’s bridal shower.  Such a long trip mainly because we ran into lake-effect snow.  Somewhere along the way, another niece called requesting a ride along from Lansing.  Well, yeah!

[tweetthis]We arrived safely, just a little late, and happy to have the fresh conversations that only college students provide.[/tweetthis]

I took all our leftover Christmas candy to share, ready to turnover a new, healthier leaf, upon return.  Just to be sure I could boast a dramatic shift, I indulged in Wendy’s 4 for $4 both coming and going.

That egg white veggie omelet tasted so health, and so delicious, this morning.  Especially after swimming for a half hour!

Loved-One drove the whole way, maybe because I kept announcing what signs I’m unable to read with my right eye shut.
Anyways, on the plus side, all that time in the car, and a ball of yarn, netted a new hat before we arrived at our destination.

Here are a few things, in no particular order, for which I give thanks:

[icon name=”snowflake-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Stuff You Should Know podcast and a battery operated Bluetooth speaker.  I learned all about jellyfish and combed jellies.  They are now my second most fascinating animal, right next to octopuses.

[icon name=”snowflake-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]My almost 89 year-old Mom, who continues to inspire me with her intelligence, positivity, and faith.  Not to mention her energy. I hope I have her genetic vigor, I know I got my tenacity from her.  Whether that’s genetic or behavior modeling, I may never know for sure.

[icon name=”snowflake-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] YouTube tutorials for those newish knitting rings.  I learned the seed stitch and the twisted slouch hat.  Next, I hope to learn how to cast-off.  I just may make some tiny feet for my chairs.

[icon name=”snowflake-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Kudos from friends family, and a friend of my niece for A SHIP OF PEARL and for THE FABLE OF LITTLE TZURIE.  I now have renewed enthusiasm for approaching my next novel, as well as another read-to-me fable about a baby born in a world of drabness.  How will she cope?

[icon name=”snowflake-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Technology that keeps us connected. My Clown Car gal-pals started a secret FB page, so we can support each other.  Wrestler #1 started a book chat text group for those of us reading ETERNAL JEST.  I love that we can now name text threads.

[icon name=”snowflake-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Grocers that specialize in fresh, affordable produce.

[icon name=”snowflake-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] A warm swimming pool for a cold early morning work-out.

[icon name=”snowflake-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Waking to NPR in the morning. or “Shoes of the Fisherman,” depending on how early I get up, and how many times I hit the snooze button.

[icon name=”snowflake-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The luxury of hitting the snooze button.

What’s on your list this week?

As always, it’s the little things that make me smile the most.

Please share by adding a comment.