The Good List 018

Five things bringing me immense joy

So far, this summer has been one of the most trying times in our lives. But in the midst of the hard, there have been some really great things too. Today’s Good List is a small glimpse of what’s been bringing me joy the last several weeks.

“I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude.” ~ Brene Brown

Shakespeare in the park with friends

I’ve been collaborating with some amazing mamas to create a homeschool co-op for our kiddos. Last weekend, some of us met up to watch a production of The Tempest, which will be our Shakespeare play in the spring. It rained - but not enough to send us home for the night. Instead, we huddled under blankets and made memories that won’t be easily forgotten. ¹

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A new creative office space

My kids have been begging for their own rooms for more than a year now, but I knew it was going to be more work than I wanted to take on. They finally convinced me it was worth the effort over Memorial Day weekend. I ended up with their old room as an office—which was terrific, except that the walls were a very bright yellow and covered in pencil art and nail holes. When I walked into the hardware store and found a can of oopsie paint in the perfect shade of beachy teal for only $10, it felt like fate. I spent all of last week patching holes and painting the walls. It is so perfectly me. And it’s all mine. I don’t have to share it with anyone.²

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My first dance recital

When I started taking tap in January, I had no idea I would end up performing on stage.³ As a teenager, I was part of a clogging troupe that performed at craft fairs, but I’ve ever danced on a big stage with lights in a show like this. It will go down in history as one of the best highlights of my summer and these ladies will forever have a little piece of my heart.⁴

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Beach days

The very best part of summer in New England is the beach. We are so lucky to have multiple beaches within 15 minutes of our house. Ya’ll know how I feel about the magical healing powers of the ocean. I’m hanging out there as often as I can these days.

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Fresh produce

The second best part of summer in New England is the produce. This is the first year since we moved to Massachusetts that we haven’t had a CSA. I’m trying to get to the Farmer’s Market every other week or so. Like the ocean, fresh produce has a magical quality about it. I don’t know what it is about farmer’s markets and fresh produce that sets my heart afire, but every time I pick up a freshly picked crop, my creative sparks start to explode.⁵

1. I took none of these photos. My friends’ photography skills are far better than mine. I am so grateful.

2. Except the puppy. He has decided he REALLY likes snuggling on the couch.

3. I am working on an essay about tap and all that it has meant to me, but it’s a very slow writing project. Trust me when I say taking tap has been one of the very best things to happen to me — and my relationship with my twelve-year-old.

4. As will our teacher/choreographer, Dana, who always managed to escape the photos. I think there’s one somewhere with her in it, but I can’t seem to get my hands on it!

5. This is one of my favorite ways to eat toast - smothered with butter, topped with sliced radishes and fresh basil. It’s excellent for breakfast, lunch, or an anytime snack.