Happiness Is...

Happiness is a warm blanket and so much more.

In the spirit of the new Peanuts movie due to be released in 2015, and the particularly good week I am having...

Happiness is:

Going to the library to pick up a parenting book, only to find that The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin has also arrived, and Wallace Stegner's Angle of Repose is on the shelf of MP3s just waiting for me.

A parking spot at lunch time in front of the store that sells my favorite tuna with peas.

Realizing I'll never be a food photographer, but knowing I'll keep on taking pictures of what we eat.

A week's worth of comfort food (chicken Parmesan, beef stew, homemade mac & cheese) for leftover Thursday night.  Making everyone happy.

The way the cats follow the sun and one another throughout the house all day...the chill in the air has prompted them to stay close once again.

A visit to the audubon after school and before rain today...walking and talking with my girl just enjoying each other and the two young bucks playing in the ravine around us.

My boy is slated to start as QB in this week's football game and he's a little beside himself.  He's worked hard.  I'm happy for him.

Plans to see an area high school's performance of Peter Pan with Miss Bit in a few weeks and maybe some girlfriends too.

The colors all around me although mostly on the ground now thanks to the wind this week.

A mug of hot tea in the afternoon.

T. Bone teaching himself  a riff from Banana Pancakes this week and getting excited to start guitar lessons again soon.

Finding the best Golden Delicious apples yet this season: tart, yet sweet and crisp.

Squirrels sleeping with their tails wrapped over them...their own fur blankets.

Halloween treats and decorations and parties and crafts.

Indian summer.  It was warm enough this week to golf in shorts again.

Heart to hearts with my kids.  With him about not always getting what we want (i phone or any phone for that matter).  With her about not wishing life away, and instead finding the good in today - the only day we have.

Peanut butter toast with honey.

Pretty journals, colorful fine point sharpies, stacks of books and inspirational bookmarks.

A hot shower and good smelling soap.  These days it's eucalyptus.  Next is lavendar.

Cozy jammies, warm hoodies, fuzzy sweaters,  and fun ponchos.

Planning parties.  Soon it will be time for my annual Soup N' Sip soiree.

Debates.  T. Bone sat and watched a good part of lastnight's VP exchange.  My eleven year old self would have been gossiping on the phone with girlfriends about boys not at all interested in politics.

Music especially in the morning. 

8 hours of sleep.

Getting up before the alarm.

2 days off.