Sweet, Simple Things

I haven't posted my list of sweet, simple things for a few weeks. After giving it some thought, these are a few I've come up with for today:

1. A morning cup of java in my favorite mug.

2. Even though I mostly love my job, having an unexpected day off feels a bit like getting let out of jail--Freedom!

3. The magnificent orange, mustard, rust, magenta, copper, bronze, toasty, smoky colors of fall.

4. Music in the background from my favorite radio station as I go about my life; whether it be at home, in my car, or at work.

5. Watching my neice, Whitney, play basketball. She's a gentle, sweet, kind young woman, but on the basketball court she a fierce and aggressive warrior. She swoops in, and before her opponent sees her, steals the ball. Then she throws her hips and elbows around to keep intruders away, races down the floor and, like a good team player, lobs the ball to the player under the basket who goes in for a lay up. Her team doesn't always win, but Whitney always plays with passion and drive to the limits of her abilities. It's a lesson for me to watch her play. I am mostly gentle and kind. Sometimes in life I get tromped on because it's not comfortable for me to act like a warrior. It's inspiring to see young women act with passion, aggression and competitiveness, but also obey the rules, treat each other with respect, and work together as a team. They'll have an easier time standing up for themselves and the things they believe in because they know how to act with force, tenacity, and honor.