Simple Joys of the Week, March 21st Edition

It's officially the second day of spring! We made it. Phewsers. 

Yesterday, when Sayde and I were playing in the yard, she ran over to an area of soft ground and started digging like a maniac. Once she'd collected a little pile of dirt, she dove down into it, rolled around, and did a little happy dance while burying her head in the earth. When her face emerged from her burrowing it was covered--she looked like she had black fur on her head--and I knew exactly how she felt. Spring! Soft dirt! Lets go crazy and bury our faces! Ahhhhh!

The warmth and sunshine will do that to you ;) 

So yes, my biggest joy of the past week has been getting outside to play in the little sneak peeks of springtime weather, but I'm also grateful to have enjoyed a number of other simple, sensory pleasures over the past 7 days. Lets chat about a few of them, shall we? 

HEAR: "Coffee" by Sylvan Esso
Last week, one of my musical soulmates and former students (who is now a teacher herself!) sent me an email entitled "Sylvan Esso" that started with, "You know about them right?" Um, no, I didn't, but now I do! And they're great. Sylvan Esso is a somewhat newer duo from North Carolina who is making really incredible music together. Their first album comes out in May, but they've released a couple of songs already, and I really like all 3 of them...you can listen to "Coffee" below.

SEE: True Detective Finale
Holy creepiness. Ben and I finished True Detective last weekend and wow, what a mysterious, thrilling, upsetting, and addictive ride. Matthew McConaughey, you are an incredible character actor. Writers of this show, you have insanely twisted but creative minds. Woody Harrelson, you make me smile, and Michele Monaghan, you're one fierce lady. I highly recommend the show, but would NOT suggest watching it alone or right before bed (if you're easily creeped out, like I am!)...

TASTE: Oil Pulling
Okay, so I've been doing it for 5 days straight now--20 minutes in the morning, as soon as I wake up. I'm trying it for my TMJ issues (and because the rest of the benefits wouldn't hurt, either!), and will keep you posted on how it goes. I haven't noticed any huge changes as of yet, except for a bit of jaw pain relief directly following the morning swishing session and continuing throughout the morning hours (which is a good start!). For more info on "WTF is Oil Pulling," read this fabulous blog post ;)  

SMELL: Salty air off of the ocean
I know, I know, you're probably already getting sick of my "Cape Cod is gorgeous and amazing" simple joys, but you guys, it really, really is (!!!). I cannot get over all of the incredible trails, beaches, and scenic outdoor walks (+ bike rides) that we've been able to enjoy since moving here in November. Last weekend I took Ben and Sayde to my new obsession, a National Park called Great Island, and we spent the afternoon walking through marshland, beachy forest trails, and deserted shorelines. It was HEAVEN. I think this is why we moved here (but we didn't know it at the time!).  

TOUCH: Photoshop Elements
Not sure if I've ever mentioned this on the blog before or not, but last year, I decided that I could no longer be a blogger without learning photoshop. So, I purchased Photoshop Elements (only $100!) and taught myself using Lynda.com videos. To say it changed my design-art-blogging life is an understatement. However, my love for PSE has really grown over the past few months, as I've started to do more and more website design/website makeover work for my consulting clients. This week I was working on 3 separate website redesigns, so I basically lived on PSE. Two words: Game changer. If you're a creative person and you don't know how to use it yet, teach yourself. Worth the investment, FOR SURE. 

There you have it! So many more SJOTW, but those are just a few of the highlights. What brought you joy over the past week or so? I would love to hear...

Have a wonderful Friday!