Appaloosa on the Cones Course, FVSA Open Show, Aug. 2010

Today's Joy: Unexpected Good Things.

Have had a very productive day, Reader. A conversation with a co-worker led to some great revelations about our excellent store team. Already one of the top stores in the company, I look forward to seeing where we go from here.

I also got an email from the lovely owner of the Appaloosa mare pictured above, who wants to buy some of the photos I took of her horse at last weekend's show. Pretty sweet deal, considering I was just there shooting for fun.

Isn't it funny how good things seem to materialize when you are in the right place at the right moment? I don't believe in cosmic coincidences. It all feels much more like a divine plan to me. So, I'm always excited to see where these little opportunities lead. You never know when they will suddenly converge and change your life in unexpected and wonderful ways.

Lilies
Originally uploaded by Fresh Lens Photography

Today's Joy: More Good Stuff.
Happy Thursday, Reader. I had the day off and made good use of my time. Am now feeling very satisfied and ready to get back to work tomorrow. Am also feeling very blessed.

So here's a list of the blessings that I noted today:

• Kind and loving words from Aunt Chef.
• A nice conversation with Mom. And we made plans for the weekend.
• Finally got a chance to catch up with Aunt.
• Baked cookies today and got to share them--love to spread joy to tummies everywhere!
• A job well-done. For some reason, was particularly proud of my stall-cleaning effort this morning. It's nice to take pride in your work, however insignificant it might seem.
• Having some of Uncle & Aunt Chef's cottage bacon for breakfast--feel pretty darn blessed to be able to eat something they take such pride and ownership in.
• Lots of opportunities for extra income. Every bit helps!
• Just having another day on the Earth to make a difference!

What blessings did you notice today, Reader? If you didn't take the time to find some, do so now. Was there anything illuminating? Anything that just made you feel good? Did you do something that made someone else's day better? Did someone do that for you? Did God answer a prayer?

If you don't already, take a few moments each night before you close your eyes and think of three things that are good in your life. Go to sleep surrounded by a feeling of gratitude. You'll be surprised what it will do.

Aunt's sundial.

"The kiss of the sun for pardon,

The song of the birds for mirth,

One is nearer to God's heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on Earth." ~ Dorothy Frances Gurney

Today's Joy: A List of Good Things.

It was an ordinary Saturday, Reader. But as the hours passed, I made a mental list of all the good things I found on this 12th day of June in the year of our Lord, 2010. I present it to you in hopes that it will inspire you to make your own mental list of the good stuff in your life. Cheers!

Today's Good Stuff:

• Dark Chocolate cappuccino


• a brand new issue of Victoria Magazine


• sherbet-colored pj's


• sleepy-eyed orange tiger cats


• wearing my galoshes to work


• lush country commutes


• cornfields that are already almost knee-high


• being of use & making a customer's day


• receiving a genuine smile & a handshake


• singing along with K-Love on the way home


• spending some quality time with God


• fussing over new plants in the garden


• getting the DVD player to work for the first time


• watching the BBC version of The Chronicles of Narnia


• taking a nap


• sitting down to blog and have my daily conversation with you, Reader!