Simple Joys of the Week, January 31st Edition

Well, it's the last day of January 2014. Yowzers. It seems like just yesterday that I was taking down our Christmas Tree and dragging it into the backyard to take it to the dump. Yes, it's still sitting in the backyard, and I think that by now it's been covered in snow a few times over, which means it definitely won't be going to the dump anytime soon...

Personally, I think this past month has been a blur. A good blur--a blur that if you zoomed in on it, would be filled with lots of smiles, yoga, laughter, puppy snuggles, and hard work--but a blur, nontheless. I don't know how you're feeling about 2014 thus far, but I hope that this first month of the New Year has been good to you, too ;) 

But as usual, I'm going off on a tangent, as today is supposed to be all about our simple pleasures from the past week. [For those who want to talk more about the first month of the year and planning ahead for February, be sure you're signed up for my monthly newsletter, as the February edition will land in inboxes this weekend!]

So, lets get to it! What brought you joy over the last 7 days or so?  My SJOTW are below...

HEAR: "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" cover by Sleeping at Last
This week, one of my former students sent me a list of songs that she thought I would like (SO SWEET!). She obviously knows my taste in music, as I've listened to most of them by now and am in love. I cannot wait to make my February playlist and add some of the songs she sent! Anyhoopers, this song was on the list, and as a bit of a cover-song-aficionado, I was immediately smitten. This song was a big part of my life when I was younger, and I adore this updated version. 

Listen below!

SEE: Cape Cod Yoga Teachers 
Last weekend, I taught an assisting workshop for yoga teachers. Being the new kid in town, I had no idea what to expect and was worried that no one would come out for it. However, not only was I blown away by the number of teachers and teacher trainees who attended, but I was also overwhelmed by the positive energy, openness, support, and excitement in the room. Although we ran very behind and didn't get through many of the assists I wanted to cover (sigh), I was on a high from the workshop all afternoon and was filled with gratitude for this amazing yoga community of which I am now a part. Life works in mysterious ways, doesn't it? 

TASTE: Dinner cooked by the hubby ;) 
First of all, let me make something clear: Ben does the majority of the cooking around here. It's just not my thing, and I doubt it ever will be. I can throw together a mean salad, brew a mean cup of tea, and make some delicious baked goods (if I have a delicious recipe to follow), but I just don't do much cooking. Er, none.  That being said, Ben and I often make dinner together--he fills the role of Head Chef, I fill the role of Sous Chef, and it works like a charm. But, this past Sunday, I had been gone teaching yoga almost all day long, and when I got home at 8pm--exhausted--I was thrilled to find that he had gone to the grocery store and prepared us a delicious meal (even making me a separate, red-meat-less version!). I felt so loved and appreciative. He had even set the table! 

SMELL: Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
If there was ever a reason to use a small, local printer as opposed to a large, national chain, it would be homemade chocolate chip cookies. You guys, the new, local printer that I am now using to do my art prints, greeting cards, biz cards, etc., gives you a little bag of homemade cookies with every order. With every order! On Wednesday I picked up some prints that cost me $6 and I got 5 cookies with it!!! How's that for a small touch that makes a big difference? If you live on the Cape, I highly recommend Merlin Copy Service in Dennis. Such sweet owners, such great work, and such good cookies ;) 

TOUCH: Sayde's new training collar
Our new dog, Sayde, has a bit of trouble walking on a leash. We don't think she was ever walked before we got her, so it's a concept she has struggled with. When she's excited, she bunny-hops as hard as she can against the pull of the leash, army crawls (grabbing the earth to drag herself against the force of the leash), or just straight runs, like she's pulling a sled [the sled = me]. But, this week at training, we learned how to teach her to heal! And we got a training collar that helps with the process! It's been amazing and she's becoming less insane on walks! It's hard work (for the dog and the walker), but it's great to see her making progress...{PROUD MOM}

I hope that you, too, enjoyed a week chock full o'simple pleasures. If you can, take some time to reflect on them today...

I wish you a weekend full of more of the same!