Simple Joys of the Week, September 7th Edition

What a weird week! I've been a bit off, have you? I think it's because we were traveling through Monday, and then came home to a short 4-day week in which we were trying to cram everything in and recover from a trip. That's always a doozy for the old mom-noggin ;) 

But lets jump right in and talk simple, sensory joys, shall we? Most of mine are centered around our trip to GA for my grandmother's 90th birthday party because it was a really special trip. My biggest SJOTW was being there to celebrate her with my extended family, of course. We haven't all gotten together like that in a really long time and there was so much love for my grandmother in the room; she is a very special person. Also, Charlie Mae was a TOTAL rockstar on this trip so that helped ;)  

What brought you happiness over the past 7 days? I encourage you to take a little time to reflect today, it always helps me slow down time and connect with a sense of gratitude. Anyway, here are my fave simple pleasures from this week...

HEAR: Room for Squares by John Mayer (circa 2001)
I posted about this on my Instagram story, but I'll say it again here because it was a big simple joy this week: I revisited this album from my high school years this week and it took. me. back. I still know all of the words and it reminds me so much of that time period of my life--especially of cruising around in my first car and feeling really free (but of course I was also a total mess emotionally because: adolescence). Anyways, I love the album despite the fact that John Mayer is so insufferable now and listening to it has been really fun. 

SEE: Charlie Mae with my family
I know I say this every time I see family, but seriously, it was incredible seeing Charlie Mae interact with my side of the family on this trip--especially because she is so verbal now and can really communicate and play with them in a whole new way. She bonded with my brothers more than she ever has before, she knew everyone's names and wanted to know what they were doing at every moment, and she seemed to really connect with them as her family. It was beautiful to watch. 

TASTE: Breakfast at The Flying Biscuit Cafe in Atlanta (esp the grits + biscuits...OMG!)
My brother told me that this restaurant (now a chain) has become a touristy place, but I remember when the first location first opened and we could walk to it from where we lived and it was a total local's spot, so I will always feel like a special local's-only find to me. And every time I go home I have to eat there--I don't think the quality of the food has changed at all in 25 years and I love it so much. Where are the "Creamy Dreamy Grits" on Cape Cod, y'all?  

SMELL: Raw Sugar Hand Wash
When we were at my dad's house, he had this hand wash sitting on the counter in his bathroom. Every time I washed my hands I thought, "Woah, Dad, look at you with the special expensive organic hand wash!" Turns out you can just get it at Target and it's not that expensive but it sure looked like a luxury product sitting there in his dad bathroom. And oh, the scent! So good. 

TOUCH: Playground workouts in GA 
One of Ben's best qualities is his ability to turn any wooden or metal structure into a workout apparatus. On our trip last weekend, he did just that at the local playground (x3!). While Charlie Mae played, we rotated playing with her or pushing her in the swing and did three different playground workouts over the course of the trip. It was awesome! It kept me feeling good while eating all of the foods in Atlanta and was a fun way for us to bond. Thanks, Ben!

And there you have it. See you back here next week!

I hope your weekend is full of simple, sensory joys.