finding joy

the nudge of my dog’s
cold, damp nose on my cheek
her tongue swirling 
in my ear every morning 

the horizon’s flush 
at dawn and dusk
the sun burning through
the dark of night and back again

the soft animal sounds
that break the silence
cat purrs and puppy snores
safe, content, and loved

random acts of kindness
from strangers, but
even more, from loved ones
that remind you they care

floating in water, deep
enough to submerge my ears
lulled by the sounds of
life below the surface

eating the cake…trying 
the new thing even 
if it scares the crap out of me
precisely because it scares me

a cool breeze in autumn
the smell of wet earth 
after a drenching rain
the hush of deep snow

coffee brewing when I wake up
breads or sweet, savory 
things baking in the oven
popcorn at the theatre 

the sweet scent of spirits
at a local familiar pub, old 
favorites blaring on the jukebox, 
rousing conversation, laughter

the smell of a newborn baby’s
head, that first smile, even
If it’s just gas, giggles…giggles
anything baby really…anything

firsts, and the memories of them
first step, first word, first friend
first day of school, first love
first job, first child, first home

one thing I have learned 
over decades of living…
finding joy is intentional, often
a treasure hiding in plain sight

~kat
much love, joy, peace, and glimmers to you!

a look back at some of the 144 glimmers that have brought me joy this year.