Simple Pleasures #31 - Cross-stitch

The feel of needle and thread and fabric.

This one's just for me.

Simple Pleasures #30 - Friday Freeday

No appointments. No commitments.

No phone interruptions.

Simple Pleasures #29 - Classic Recipe

A recent discovery for me. Lindt hazelnut chocolate bar.  mmmMMMMmm

Second only to the original Ferrero Rocher

Simple Pleasures #28 - Scented Wax Melts

 I use them every morning as I get ready for the day ahead.

All the fragrance of a lovely candle without the concern of a flame.

Simple Pleasures #27 - Geocaching

International Geocaching Day

August 17

My best treasure hunting buddies and I each found a cache.

Oh, the places you'll see!

Simple Pleasures #26 - The Kids

I crocheted this goat kid

for my grandkid

Perfect size for her little hands ... and directly into her mouth. 

As it should be.

Simple Pleasures #25 - Three Puzzles

 ... in three days

Colorful!

Simple Pleasures #24 - Blackout Curtains

For over 4-1/2 years, I've been complaining about how excess morning light wakes me up too early. Today Dale and I installed blackout curtains.

So, so pretty. And they do the job. 

Bonus: That knocks another thing off my 24/2024 list! As a reward, I bought a grommet kit that I'll use to make some bookmarks out of cardstock for Bags of Love. (I needed another kind of craft, right?)

Simple Pleasures #23 - Debi's Plant

I feel a little glow every time I water this plant in our entryway.

My high school friend Debi gave it to me when she visited a few months ago.

Hey Debi! It's still alive!

Simple Pleasures #22 - Afternoon Light

... through the bedroom window.

The colors are saturated.

The objects on the bookshelf glow.

Simple Pleasures #21 - Babies Wearing Sunglasses

Could it get any cuter?

I think not

Looking forward to walking in the sunshine with my grandbaby. 

Simple Pleasures #20 - Loving Surprises

It's great to stumble across hearts in unexpected places.

This one was painted on the back side of warehouse near our favorite bagel joint.

Simple Pleasures #19 - Backyard Fountain

I bought a solar fountain to sit in our birdbath. 

It's become a relaxing water feature to listen to while relaxing under the awning in the backyard.

Simple Pleasures #18 - Lovely and Shiny

The color. The texture. The sparkle.

The cover of my daily haiku journal. I have the simple pleasure of enjoying it every day.

Bonus: this glitter doesn't shed all over my desk.

Simple Pleasures #17 - The Point of it All

Writing in my journal with my favorite fine tip ballpoint pen.

I'm left-handed, so I end up smearing the ink with most pens. But due to the fine tip, the ink dries quickly and I end up with a much cleaner page.

Simple Pleasures #16 - Hey! Check it Out!

On a country drive during harvest season, we see in the distance ...

Hayhenge!

Who says you have to travel across the oceans to see some of the Wonders of the World?

Simple Pleasures #15 - Morning Light

Light through the eastern window kissed the thunbergia garland on the mantle.

A moment of peace

Simple Pleasures #14 - Seasonal Decorations

Every August I decorate the house with sunflowers. It's a treat to walk in the door and see them sprinkled all over the entryway, living room, and dining room.

Our newest additions are couch cushion covers

and window clings

Our old favorites

Next season? Pumpkins!

Simple Pleasures #13 - Wisteria

I was so surprised to walk by a big waterfall of wisteria - in August!

Since moving to Oregon, I look forward to seeing this flower flowing over neighborhood fences in the Spring. They only last about a week. 

But in hot, hot August? What a treat!

Simple Pleasures #12 - Babies

In this case, my first baby pumpkin.

I know I get to start searching for babies when the huge blooms appear beneath speckled leaves.

Shhhh. Fall is coming!

Simple Pleasures #11 - Watermelon

On my morning walk through the neighborhood, I found this rock painted like a slice of watermelon under a tree by the side of a road.

Thank you, dear painter/hider. Your kindness gave me a smile.

Simple Pleasures #10 - Chai Latte

My soul was sad. Dale surprised me with a chai latte.

What a sweetheart. I have the best husband I could ever hope for!

Simple Pleasures #9 - Luscious Soap

Rose scented. Substantial. Silky bubbles. Heavenly.

Takes me to another realm.

Simple Pleasures #8 - Ribbon Bookmarks

I was once in a women's spiritual circle. When I received my "text" book, it came with a ribbon bookmark that coordinated with the book cover. A pretty ribbon, taped to the inside of the back cover. Couldn't have been simpler. It made for a very positive impression that the leaders would add this unique and special touch. Such a tiny thing elevated the book.

So I frequently make ribbon bookmarks for myself. I have them on each of the journals I use daily: Gratitude journal, Haiku journal, Daily Dance journal. 

Some people would think of that last one as a TO DO LIST. But when I call it my Daily Dance, it elevates how I think about the ways I spend my time.

Simple Pleasures #7 - Children's Literature

Reading kid books is my jam. I'm making 2024 the Summer of Judy Blume.

It's my chance to read every book she's written. The enjoyment may last well into Fall.

Simple Pleasures #6 - Baby Doll

Sometimes when I feel stressed, I cuddle my baby doll. Holding my living grandkids is the best! But if they're not available, being gentle with a baby doll is still comforting. 

There's still a lot of little girl in me.

Simple Pleasures #5 - Watching My Strawberries Grow

I've wanted a strawberry pot for as long as I can remember. Now I have five barrels full of strawberry plants. They're even bearing fruit.  

 

Plus, my painted strawberry rocks still make me smile every day when I water the plants.

Simple Pleasures #4 - Geocaching Swag

Dale and I took a short country drive on this sunny Sunday morning. He found the geocache. I exchanged some swag. Leaving swag for kids is one of my favorite parts caching. I like thinking about making the next cachers smile while choosing their treasures.

Today I picked up a sticker of sunflowers.

Simple Pleasures #3 - A Garden of Flowers

Crocheting is a lovely way to spend a couple hours.

I've attempted to have a flower garden more than once, but don't seem to have a green thumb. However these flowers are easy to grow, and a simple pleasure to view when all piled up.

Simple Pleasures #2 - Satin Ribbon in a Row

 Oh, the possibilities!

Simple Pleasures #1 - Crunchy-Salty Crackers

To get back in the spirit of blogging more regularly, and to remind myself to celebrate our charmed life, I'm using August to reveal snapshots of daily simple pleasures. It's the little things that make up a full life, right?

Original Triscuit crackers, made with sea salt.