finding that space for contentment

Suddenly, I have many of them. Spaces where I can think -- wow, it doesn't get much better than this. A chair with a cushion on the porch, amid flowers, with a coffee  and a good book. And a resting pup.

Or, sitting on a bench and watching my dog frolic with joy.

Or, closing a window that actually closes easily, because it hasn't yet been warped by time and the elements of a harsh winter or summer, and looking out through it at birds coming to your yard to feed.  

Or, hearing music you love  gently setting the tone for a calm moment, again with a book, possibly with that milky coffee or fruity tea, by a window so that the outside world seems pretty darn near, within reach. Add to it a piece of a cinnamon roll on a pretty plate -- bliss. 

Millie, too, is finding them: she is more into spirited joy than peaceful contentment, though this morning she finds both.

Oh, I could get used to this!

 

My puppy has a scheduled doggie daycare today. Just a half day, so she can play with her favorite pups. It's a drive, but it's worth it. So much change for her this month, but that playtime, with humans she loves and dogs she trusts has stayed the same. It adds that reassurance that life actually isn't that crazy and chaotic.

While she is there, I'm back in my garden. More wood ships to distribute, and holes to dig for the last plants that will be going in within the week. Three more roses, because it turns out 2026 has become the year of the rose for me  -- floribundas, grandifloras and climbers. They weren't appropriate for the farmette beds which were so full of day lilies, but they sure are here, with all the fencing, the side-of-the-house planting space and importantly -- plenty of sunshine. So, plant, water, transplant, spread wood chips. The usual.

And in the afternoon I pick up Snowdrop, so that we can resume our reading, now in Steffi's House.

(everybody's favorite chair) 

What a beautiful day. So many moments of contentment! I know they can't all be like this, but when the stars align and you find that quiet time to just be, with few props, perhaps a book, perhaps flowers... Really, about as good as it gets.

with so much love...