It seems like I have a lot going on at the moment, although I don’t, really. Not compared to when my three kids were young and I was working as a nurse and my husband had an hour-long commute every day…each way! The household is just busy because all of my kids have been home for the summer. It’s temporary, though. Withhin weeks, the kids will have moved out and the house will be mine again.

Which is a mixed blessing, right? We certainly enjoy having them around, but we like our own space, too.

It got me thinking about the things that make me happy. Invariably, they’re little things.  Some are tied to memories, some are just the pure pleasures of the moment. for example, when I see a young mom carrying one small child and herding two others, I remember the days when I was doing that. It’s a warm memory, even though those were hectic times.  I always want to reassure those moms that things will get easier – at least for a while. (Of course I’ll hold back what I know about teenagers).

I enjoy the fall – the changes in temperatures, the cozy mornings in bed before the sun comes up, the colors. Most people I know say they prefer the heat of summer, but not me. I love the fall.

Then there are my dogs. They’re a couple of gorgeous labradors – one black, one yellow. And they’re sweet and affectionate, and look at you as though there was no one else in the world. You can’t help but smile when they make a mad dash for the water – doing what they were bred to do – swim! The best part? Walking hand in hand with my husband while the dogs play with each other.

Writing. It’s a pleasure that non-writers probably can’t understand. But there is nothing like writing a scene that is just right – and knowing it!

Having the whole family pitch in while I cook a big meal and then all sit down to enjoy it together.  (Just kidding – that’s not us at the left). My husband and I both grew up in large families where we all had dinner together, no matter what kind of activities we were into. And we managed to do that with our family, even though there was always a lot going on. Somehow, we made it work.

What are the little things that give you joy? Inquiring minds want to know!