Saturday smiles: Back in the swing edition

I’ve been on a sort of self-inflicted protest from this particular weekly post. The last couple of weeks have found us settling back in to the humdrum of life, and frankly, I didn’t have the emotional energy to pay attention to the things around me that are worth smiling about. We’re still in a tight spot financially. We’re not sure what to do about it specifically. The future doesn’t look all that bright or hold much promise. All that to say I’m feeling kind of stuck right now.

But this week offered some reasons to turn my grumpy attitude into a reluctant gratitude. Here’s a short list:

• My husband taught our kids how to eat crackers off the table using only their mouths without touching the table. This is a trick he’s been sharing with future generations for years, and it makes me laugh to watch our kids try to imitate his antics.
• I got to have coffee and baklava at the best coffee shop in town with a friend. A couple of hours out of the house is always good for a mood change.
• A friend called just to check in. Adult interaction, even if by phone, reminds me that I’m not in this alone.
• I had some meaningful online interactions this week, too. I know it’s no replacement for face-to-face, but in desperate times, it’s a connection to the outside world.
• A stack of good books I’m currently plowing through.
• Time to write. And a story I can’t get out of  my head even when I’m nowhere near a computer.
• My artistic and creative children.

Her brother did this to her.

Also, it’s Groundhog Day, which is a silly holiday but still makes me smile a little. I still want to visit Punxsutawney sometime before we leave Pennsylvania.

It’s not a lot but it’s enough to get me through.

Here’s hoping for many more smiles in the week to come.