Simple Joys of the Week, August 26th Edition

Happy Friday from the land of earthquakes, hurricanes, and politicians! We've had quite the week here in the DC/VA region, and from what I hear we're in for more of it this weekend...who knew? But, despite the ups and downs (literally!) this week, I was still able to enjoy a number of simple, sensory joys. Yesterday alone was absolutely amazing, as I spent 5 hours painting in my pajamas while the rain pattered on the windows, caught up with a best friend on the phone, and then capped it off with a yummy evening yoga practice.  There's nothing like getting dressed for the day--in yoga clothes--at 4:30pm!

So read on for my SJOTW...what brought you pleasure this past week?

Hear: Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close

I've done this before and I'm doing it again--I know you can't technically "hear" a book--but when reading this one I really felt like I was hearing the characters chatting, so I'm filing it here. Girls in White Dresses is SUCH a fun read, and if you are a 20-something woman living in a city and trying to figure out your life, you'll completely identify with it. Close follows a group of friends from college into jobs, marriages, children, and even divorces, and shares the ups and downs, the laughs, and the truths of friendship along the way. Sounds cheesy, but I swear, it's not! The way it is written makes it poignant, really funny, and very interesting.  A perfect end-of-the-summer pleasure read. I was really sad when it was over.

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Taste: Salty Oat Cookies from Teaism

Although I've been to Teaism many times, I had never gotten one of these cookies until last weekend during Advanced Teacher Training. And now I know that I will never go there again without getting one. They are AMAZING. The friends that I went with said that there is an online search for the recipe (lots have tried to reproduce it but haven't been able to!), and I see why. Try one!!!

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See: My very first apron!

Gifted to me by my dear friend Kelly when I was visiting her in Chicago, I'm totally in love with this apron. It's my first apron (sadly, I'm not much of a cook and haven't ever thought of buying one!), and I think it's perfectly adorable and a great first apron. I've never seen one that's so cute! Now, I just need to put it to use and start cooking in it. As Ben said when he saw it, "yeah, now why don't you actually make something wearing it." Oops! I put it on this week to make a salad for dinner, but that just doesn't seem *quite* right. Maybe I'll start wearing it as a dress/accessory... :)

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Touch: Breeze on my skin as I worked in my "outdoor office"

Although we did have an earthquake on Tuesday, it was also a gorgeous day. I had lots of work to do, so to celebrate the weather I decided to move my things out to my "outdoor office." Tuesday marked one of the first cooler days we've had since we moved into our new apartment, and I've just been counting down the days until it's not too hot to work outside. It was MARVELOUS! These are the times that I absolutely love my ability to work from home. Cool breeze on my skin, a clear blue sky, and wireless internet. Pretty nice way to work!

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Smell: Rain

When I don't have anywhere to be, I absolutely LOVE rainy days. I love the smell of the rain, the sound of the rain, and the way that it gives you permission to slow down. Yesterday was no exception, and it reminded me how soothing rain can be. I may be singing a different tune after we're hit by Hurricane Irene this weekend, but for now, I'm loving it :)

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And there you have it! Have a glorious weekend. Stay dry, find some stillness, and take some time to unwind from this week of groundlessness...

Namaste!
Mary Catherine