“I believe the nicest and sweetest days
are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens
but just those that bring simple little pleasures,
following one another softly,
like pearls slipping off a string.”
L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
It’s a sumptuous Autumn afternoon, animals tucked in for the night, the Andrews Sisters crooning “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” in the background, a cup of peppermint tea cooling beside me.
It’s been a week for quiet, simple pleasures, just little things that make us smile and relax as we work through stressful situations and the upheavals that tend to come along when you least expect them.
Things like sitting in the long cool grass of the back paddock after my hike watching two of our dogs – Luna and Apollo – run around like lunatics as the goats ignore them completely. I love these dogs. Love how they chase each other like mad then pounce in my lap huffing and puffing and covering me with affectionate licks, making me laugh as I try in vain to push them away.
We got to go to a Rock Swap with dear friends this weekend and had a marvelous time. We found all sorts of treasures: stone arrow heads, glistening crystals, smoothly polished stones, and this wonderful amethyst geode.
I especially liked the slices of rock that reveal the most amazing patterns and colors. Click here to read more about our little rock hunting adventure.
On Monday we had to go to Brisbane for a meeting so we made a day of it, stopping at my beloved Brisbane Botanical Gardens for an early morning ramble before heading to a fantastic Chinese restaurant for an early celebration of Bear’s birthday with big platters of succulent soft shell crab and ginger garlic mud crab.
We’ve been keeping breakfast simple too: toasted bread rolls spread with Dijon mustard (for me) and tomato sauce (for him) and layered with a buttery fried egg. Mmm, so good and comforting alongside a big cup of cinnamon maple espresso laced with hot milk and topped with foam.
What simple pleasures are making your days special this week?
I want your boots 😉
They’re my favorites, Sarah. 🙂
After visiting a physio for a few weeks for a sore shoulder, I have been doing back exercises and practicing sitting and standing correctly. I particularly take notice of my posture when I am walking and walking with the correct posture makes me feel strong. Feeling strong is my simple pleasure this week. 🙂 I love the green stone and what a lovely action photo of your two dogs. They are enjoying their simple pleasure running in the grass. 🙂
“Feeling strong” is a wonderful, wonderful thing, @budgetjan:disqus 🙂 I’m so glad you’re feeling better after your physio. Wishing you swift and thorough healing. xo
This has been a simple pleasure for me. I love the picture of your dogs. I feel like I,m sitting there with you. I miss my dog so much. Love your amazing rocks
The simple pleasure of sitting and reading while waiting for my flight is the best feeling this week!
OK i guess those crab were so good you forgot to take a picture! and too funny to me – “two of our dogs” i was just envying you all your varied animals. how lovely they want to share their happiness with you. simple pleasures? hmmmm: mini shredded wheat this morning with sultanas and a long misty view across l.a.
oh hey, cool rocks! xoxo
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A beautiful post Krista. The simple thing I’m doing this week is trying to drink more water 🙂 Simple but effective.
A picnic outdoors. Lovely post, Krista. We should all celebrate the simple things xo
What fun to watch those dogs playing around like that. I think it’s cool when they race around like nutcases and then flop down on you and expect you to be grateful. 🙂
My mantra this week is ‘I am Maureen and I matter’. Tomorrow I’ll think of a better one. heh
Your dogs are gorgeous and yes, it’s amazing how they only need to do something simple like run around like mad things to make us fall in love with them all over again. I’m constantly surprised by how much time I can waste just watching them. Your simple breakfast sounds very good. I do love the sound of you Chinese meal too. Simple pleasures? I guess I’d have to mention spending time with my dogs! xx
Simple pleasures are what make life so much fun. I’m glad you have been having your share of them.
I love mustard with my fried egg sandwich too! And ketchup 🙂 Simple dinners and leisure days are the best. My week has been a little more complicated unfortunately. Last weekend was def filled with simple pleasures like walks through mountain towns and picnics in the park.
I love this post,Krista. That quote by Anne has often been in my mind. We’ve made small outings every day this week- to a playground, a trail and the water. It’s been lovely to be outside and to be together.
Love that piece of amethyst, I think my husband had a similar piece in his collection, must sort it out. 🙂
Loving all these beautiful colours!
So beautiful. Your days look spectacular. Love the puppies playing, so cool. A simple pleasure today, being able to share a glass of left over Bollinger with my colleagues. Yummy!
Such luscious simple joys here. Especially the rocks and the coffee.