For the little things...

After everything that's happened in the past month, I've realized once again just how many things I have to be grateful for. There are the big things—my family and friends, my health, this house and the blessing of being able to stay home with my kids—but I'm grateful for the little things as well, like:

Image courtesy of Dave Dyet, rgbstock.com

That stomach-flipping thrill when I open a new document on the computer, the blank screen so full of possibility. Anything can happen.

Stretching in bed as early morning sunlight streams through the window, then getting up to a quiet house and time for reading, writing, sipping coffee in solitude.

Listening to the kids playing library in the living room, checking out books, "reading" them to each other, laughing and enjoying themselves.

Late-night writing sessions in a silent house, words seeming to flow from my fingertips.

So many blessings—and so many things to be thankful for.

What are you thankful for today?

Recess!

This morning's 100 words:

It's funny how some memories from long ago shine clearly in my mind while other, more recent events are sometimes difficult to recall. Recess in elementary school: I remember certain moments so well that I have a hard time believing that decades have passed since I was that little girl swinging on the swings and climbing on the monkey bars. After rainstorms, I remember walking along the perimeter of the school, looking for worms I could rescue from stomping feet. I played foursquare near the doors and king of the hill next to the tennis court. Fun times; simple times. I'm glad I remember.