Simple Joys of the Week, September 13th Edition

This week was a big week, primarily because my little brother left for the Peace Corps yesterday. He came through DC and I got to see him one last time, help him clean out his exploded-shampoo-filled-bag (just how you want to start your 2-year stay in Peru!), and hug him goodbye. Emotional. I guess this means he's officially grown up!

In addition to being filled with pride for my little brother (a big SJOTW), I was also able to enjoy the following simple, sensory pleasures over the past week or so...

HEAR: "Higher Love" by James Vincent McMorrow
On Monday morning, I received this message in an email from one of my students (and fellow music lovers): "I had to send you the link to this song before I forget. Thought you might enjoy it (as you and I both share a love for touching remixes of 80's music!).  So. good."  She was right! This song is fab!  You can hear for yourself below...
[Thanks for sending, Alli!]

SEE: Tranquilologie (and selling my art at the Tranquility Tour Kickoff Event/Book launch)
On Tuesday night, I finally got to see Tranquilologie, Kimberly Wilson's latest book, which is filled with my watercolor illustrations--it turned out really well! I also had the chance to sell some of my dress prints at the book launch, which was really fun, even though I always get a little nervous when standing next to a table filled with my work ;) The event was gorgeous, the talks were inspiring, and the people in attendance were fabulous to chat with. I had a blast!

TASTE: Vanilla Pudding
I know, this may be one of the most ridiculous simple joys I've ever posted...but first, let me explain: I've been having pretty serious jaw issues (pain, clicking, popping, the whole nine yards). I got a mouth guard for TMJ a few months ago, and it made it worse. Monday, I went to an oral surgeon (who also turned out to be one of my yoga students, haha!), and was told that among other things, I need to eat soft foods for a while, until the pain goes away. Thus, the pudding. I've also stocked up on greek yogurt, oatmeal, grits, string cheese, and apple sauce, but the pudding has definitely been the most fun to eat ;) 

SMELL: Patrick/Shampoo
Since my little brother's belongings were all covered with shampoo when I picked him up from his hotel on Wednesday night, I think it's fair to put seeing him under the "smell" category (he smelled VERY strongly of flowery shampoo). Although he was a bit of a wreck when I first saw him--since all of his equipment and supplies were covered in chunks of shampoo--once we got things cleaned up, we were able to spend some quality time together before he left. We went to dinner and talked all about what he'll be doing in Peru for the next two years (ahhhhh!), and I was so thankful to get to spend this last evening in the US with him. 

TOUCH: Fun new workouts/fitness endeavors!
This week was a week full of new physical endeavors. As you already know, I tried a Barre class last Saturday, took a flying trapeze class on Sunday, and then on Wednesday morning, I did a Boot Camp session at the local track with one of my students. To say that I've been incredibly sore in random, new places ALL week is an understatement. I love it.

What brought you joy over the past week? What made you smile, laugh, or sigh with relief?

I hope your weekend is full of the simple joys in life. I'll be teaching Hip Hop Yoga tonight (it's sold out!), a bachelorette party yoga class on Saturday (so fun!), and plan on doing lots of painting and yoga in between :) 

Have a gorgeous Friday!