Little Pleasures

Photo: L. Weikel

My post this evening is going to be short and sweet. It’s all about life’s little pleasures – discovering, celebrating, and appreciating them.

My life, I’m almost embarrassed to say, is filled with little pleasures. The unexpected softness of Tigger’s fur and the way he gazes deeply into my eyes and gives me a little, “Mrrow,” when I talk to him. The thrill of sitting on the porch in the dark of night with my sons while a thunder and lightning storm rages all around us. Taking walks with Karl through a tunnel of emerald leaves providing sweet respite from the searing rays of the sun.

Yes, I know. This isn’t the first time I’ve written about the little things in life that warm my heart or bring me joy. I try not to duplicate my musings of appreciation, although I’m sure I do, for even though I admit to having my favorite, tried-and-true indulgences, the truth is that I could probably write for days and days without struggling for inspiration.

Tonight’s Indulgence

Moments ago, I took Sheila outside for her final evening’s relief, and had the opportunity to stand in the midst of a gentle rain, my bare feet sinking into a layer of surprisingly warm and soft grass. Thunder and lightning sparked and grumbled in the distance, but posed no threat to either Sheila or me. The only sounds I heard besides the thunder were raindrops splattering on leaves above our heads.

The next pleasure awaiting me is an indulgence of my tastebuds as I savor a mélange of perfectly ripened, burgundy hued cherries and plump, purple-juiced blueberries.

Finally, I intend to place my head on the extraordinary pillow lovingly given to me this past Christmas. I’m weary, having only slept about three and a half hours last night, so the anticipation of sinking into the cool comfort of my pillow beckons irresistibly.

Life’s little pleasures, my friends. They’re the things we must hold to most fiercely, especially now. I know I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. But in extreme times such as these, we need to encourage each other – and ourselves – to savor each drop of goodness that comes our way.