It's the little things...

Fall is so busy. I don't know about you, but I'm reeling from the new routine. Between school, Bible study, Kindermusik, writing, fall yard work, and all the "regular" stuff of life (laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc.) I'm feeling a little frayed at the edges. Yeeps. But I am the eternal optimist, always looking for the bright side, always willing to paste on a smile until I actually am happy. And you know what? It works for me. Don't know why, but it does.

For me, it all comes down to the little things. Details that make life worth living. I used to go to sleep at night with the thought of cereal in my head... I loved cereal, and just thinking about the Golden Grahams that awaited me at breakfast made me fall asleep with a smile on my face. Lame, I know. But hey, I can't help it if I'm nuts about the simple stuff.

Anyway, at the end of a particularly hectic week, I'm going to take a few moments to remind myself of the little things that made these past five days worth every minute.

• Two words: I'm sorry. They're magic, don't ya know? And best of all, they work both ways--they're great to give and receive.
• A new puppy who loves to nap on my lap. Scratch that--who loves to nap on my chest, as close to my heart as she can get.

• Spontaneous kisses from my five-year-old.
• "Mom, I love you to the moon and back. Oh, and you're so so so so so so beautiful." From my three-year-old.
• New shampoo. Crazy, I know, but I love the scent of new shampoo. Mine is apple and ginseng. Yummy.

• Sunshine. This week has been resplendent with the warm stuff. Loving it.
• A new book. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. I'm starting it this afternoon.
• Raisin-almond toast, a local bakery favorite. You take your run-of-the-mill raisin bread and run a thread of ooey-gooey almond paste right through the middle. Divine.

Okay, your turn. What little things made your week? I guarantee, once you start thinking about them, the list goes on and on and on... ;) BTW, as of noon tomorrow, one of you will be able to say that a fun little thing in your week was winning a book giveaway! Still haven't entered your name? Leave a comment on this post--it's not too late.