30 Things - 5/30

What are five things that make you happy right now?

1. Violet Eliza - Her energy dissipates the stagnant air that most adults leave hanging around. She keeps me grounded and focused on the little things that I often neglect. She's a special source of joy.

3. Gardening - There's just something about digging in some dirt and getting dirty to make something beautiful. It feels elemental. It's a sensory experience that connects me to a primal state. It's guaranteed to put me in a good mood

3. Photography - I take photos because I have a desire to distill precious memories and because, quite honestly, I think photographs are important. They are our legacy. Most photographs outlive the people in them. I photograph what is important to me and it makes me happy to share the things that I find beautiful with others.

4. Music - I struggled to pick either reading or music for this one. Music prevails because I've been doing a lot of listening lately. Most of the time it improves my mood instantly.

5. Alone time - I'm an introvert. Being around a bunch of people leaves me drained. Being alone allows me to recharge and leaves me happier. I don't get much alone time, so it's cherished. A hot bath is always a popular choice when deciding how to spend that time. Lately I've been writing a lot after Violet goes to bed and it seems to cheer me in a special way.

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