i like this week because of...

Long, long ago, before the internet got mean, I used to write away messages (if you ever used an AIM away message, click that link and enjoy three minutes of nostalgia) with lists of reasons I liked the day. Those away messages turned into an early blog, which I eventually understood as a spiritual practice. I called it The Daily Discipline, and every day, I’d list three reasons I liked the day. My grandma read it religiously. Man, I miss that kinder internet.

Today I’m resurrecting that spiritual practice (which is akin to the Ignatian Examen, if you’re into such things). My spiritual practice muscles are pretty weak, these days, and I am trying to return to regular habits of slowing down and paying attention. This is a familiar and powerful one.

I like this week because of…

1. The Great Blue Heron fishing in the river right outside my window.

2. Multiple meals with friends.

3. This flower growing right up through the brick in Blacksburg, not caring one whit that it doesn’t belong there.

   

4. Getting to record a testimonial about how freaking awesome my long-time favorite radio station (that JUST arrived on the dial in Roanoke) is. Listen for me on WNRN soon, and if you’re in Roanoke, tune in at 99.5.

5. Plums! PEACHES! Tomatoes! CORN ON THE COB.

6. Whoever is in charge of VDOT’s roadside signage

   

7. A full tiny garden re-start. Crossing my fingers that the second half of summer is less drought-y and that my new flimsy fence keeps the groundhogs at bay.

   

8. RAIN. After weeks of drought and heat, it has rained every day this week, and we - humans, trees, gardens, rivers - are all LUXURIATING in it.

9. New shoes. I love new shoes. So do my aging knees.

Why do you like this week?