Simple Joys of the Week, August 23rd Edition

Oh, hello there! Another Friday already, huh? Well then let's get to it then, because I've got places to go (yoga) and people to see (my therapist). Just another day in the life!

Here are the simple, sensory joys that brought me happiness over the past week. What made you smile? 

HEAR: Jordan, Jesse, Go! Podcast
If I haven't mentioned it before, you should know that I'm a podcastophile. I can't get enough of any and all podcasts. I listen to them almost all day, everyday, and Jordan, Jesse, Go! is my new favorite. In my interview with Elizabeth Mayville earlier this month, she mentioned that she listens to this podcast while painting, and I thought, "Hmmm, I should take a listen and see what they're all about..." I'm SO glad I did. I've been listening to Jordan and Jesse nonstop for the past week or so, and I feel as though they may be my new BFFs and/or non-sexual-crushes. They are so smart, so witty, so funny! I even think I've started talking like them by accident. [Maybe I should take a break from listening...?]. Check them out if you want to laugh. FYI, it can take a few episodes to get into it ;)

SEE: Old friends, family, and basically everyone in Atlanta [Especially my brother, Patrick!]
As I already explained on Monday, it was amazing to see everyone at my HS Reunion. But, what I didn't mention was that it was also amazing to see my family--especially my little brother, Patrick, who is leaving for the the Peace Corps on September 11th. He will be in Peru for 2 years (2 years!!!! Ahhhhhh!) and I still can't believe it. I am so proud of him and excited for him and nervous for him and everything else you could ever feel for someone you love. It was wonderful to see him one last time before he ships out...

TASTE: Whole wheat biscuit from Flying Biscuit
Okay, so I know that Flying Biscuit has now gone national, but it hasn't always been that way. In fact, the first location ever is right up the street from my Dad's house in Atlanta, and I've been going there for as long as I can remember. Every time I go home, I have to go there, and this trip was no exception. OMG people, their biscuits (not-gluten-free, in case there was any question in your mind). There is just nothing like 'em. 

SMELL: Stone Mountain Park on a rainy day
On Monday, my mom, my brother and I went on a 6-mile hike/walk at Stone Mountain Park. In case you don't know what it is, Stone Mountain is "the largest piece of exposed granite in the country" (according to my brother), and parts of it run underground all of the way to Texas. Crazy, right? Anyways, it's very near where I grew up, so going there was a wonderful throwback to my past. It was slightly drizzly and cool on Monday, and it was wonderful to escape to what felt like "the great outdoors" in the city. I loved every minute of it, including that rainy, musty smell that accompanies wet soil on the trail... 

TOUCH: My hubby, after being away for a couple of days ;)
Cheesy, I know, but it's true. Ben and I have both been traveling solo a lot over the past few months. It feels like the second one of us returned home this summer, the other would leave, and as fun as it's been, I think we're both relieved to be in town, together, for the foreseeable future. There have been lots of hugs and snuggle sessions around this apartment this week, and it's been wonderful to be reunited :)

On the docket for this weekend? Lots of painting (so many fun commissions going on right now--yay!), yoga, beach volleyball, dinner and lunch plans with friends, and a special date night. Phew! It's great to be around for once.

I hope you have a fabulous Friday, and are able to find some time to pause and reflect on your SJOTW...