The Little Things No. 35

The little things really do add up, which is why every Friday I end the week on a positive note with appreciation for the little things in my life that make up a greater sense of joy.  I hope you join me today in appreciating the good, no matter how small. It is my hope that these posts will inspire you to look at the world around you with more gratitude and that they may even be useful in other ways. Sometimes I share products that I am really using in my life. It is a small look into my weekly life behind the scenes. I will also be sharing links from time to time about things that are inspirational, funny, beautiful, or important.

Because this is about appreciation rather than perfection, I’m not only including my professional quality photos, but some cellphone snaps as well. You can expect to see a more candid look into my life every week with my The Little Things blog posts every Friday.

Dear Friends,

The past few weeks have been so overwhelming. I feel fatigued and I’m guessing you might be feeling the same. This election feels so heavy because it is. But I’m not going to delve into that this week because there are so many wonderful things to be grateful for. Last Friday I missed work because there was an outbreak of Covid-19 at my husband’s work. We stayed home and he got tested as a precautionary measure. Thankfully everyone seems to be doing ok and we’re back to work this week. It unfortunately meant that we couldn’t visit with a friend of ours that was planning to visit. I’m grateful that my husband and his co-workers are safe this week. And even though it was not the weekend that we wanted, it was a quiet and relaxing weekend. I was even able to do a socially distanced photo shoot with wedding clients of mine from last year. It was so much fun seeing Brittany and James again with their dog Nelson.

This morning my vehicle is getting an oil change and on Wednesday morning of next week my hair is getting a much needed trim. For someone who has developed anxiety, like myself, it sure does feel good to be able to check things off the list.

And speaking of checking items off the list, after nearly two years of complaining to management about our bedroom window falling out of the wall, our apartment complex FINALLY replaced the entire window yesterday. And they’re even repairing our broken heating unit today. So thankful for windows that are no longer hazardous or drafty and for a warm apartment this winter.

This week, the little things are:

Meriden Connecticut. Meriden is not too far from where I live, but we rarely make it into town. The town green is beyond beautiful with its new bridge, walkways, river, and amphitheater. It also looks amazing lit up for nighttime. Matthew and I also love the train station and the downtown area where we found this cute mural.

This Smith’s Rosebud Salve. It is not organic, which I prefer, but it does smell lovely, works great, and is a historic US brand from 1892. I do love brands with a history and a trusted product. I have never tried this before this week, but it has been great on my chapped lips and cracked fingers.

This Instagram post at @worldsofdiscovery

This cute couple! I was so happy to see them again on Sunday!

This “kissing bridge” at the Vermont Country Store in Rockingham, Vermont.

These two necklaces; a little gold star and a miniature Aphrodite that I found on  Etsy.

Madeleine. Always appreciating this little kitty. She had to spend the day at my dad’s condo yesterday as our window was being replaced. It was not fun for her, but she is certainly doing well and is happy to be home.

Speaking of Madeleine… this stuff I ordered finally came in the mail and it really works. If you have cats you might need this. Madeleine is pretty good, but she does go on one spot on our carpet from time to time. This time it was because she hated the new litter brand I bought. My bad!

My tea time at work.

New Morning Market is a natural grocery store in Woodbury. When I was a kid on a specialized diet for health reasons, this was the only local store where my mom could find food that I was allowed to eat. Now I go there for all my natural supplemental needs and groceries too. Their sun butter bliss smoothie is incredible.

What are you grateful for today?