#SaturdayPlatterDay: Donuts and other joys.

I had the privilege of putting together a donut platter for my best friend’s wedding a few weeks ago. Few things make her happier than donuts and few things make me happier than platters, so it was a win-win all around. It’s wonderful to live in a world where joy comes in all shapes and sizes. Such as a platter filled with donuts and standing beside your best friend at her wedding.

There have been so many joyful moments lately, both of the ordinary and extraordinary nature. I want to share a few of these joys with you for a hot sec, because identifying and sharing joy is a cool human thing to do and who knows, you might recognize some joys we share from the list.

The little lima bean of a human…

…that was no more than a heartbeat and a few kicks this time last year is now a gigantic nearly-nine month old with six hard-earned teeth, at least three chins, and cheeks that have grown so round and rosy that they now take over his entire face. His laugh is my anthem, his smile is my obsession, and his nonstop babbling makes me ponder life’s deep questions.

The end to another Michigan winter.

Always reason enough to celebrate. And with it, the return of family walks. And runs that leave tank top and shorts tan lines. And the smell of rain and cut grass. And for seeing colors other than those ranging from sleet gray to dirty gray. And not needing to spend 15 minutes putting on eight layers of clothing before leaving the house. All cause for celebration.

Vaccines and making plans with all sorts of friends.

Friends with babies that actually like to hear us talk about our baby and single friends who keep us from taking ourselves too seriously. Siblings over for Sunday night dinners. Neighbors congregating in the backyard. Walks with friends and their families. And even my introverted soul isn’t stressed in the least.

A dream I’ve had since forever actually and really coming true.

I wrote some words, wrote some more words, and kept writing until I had a whole book on my hands. A few people read it, a few more people read it, and a few of those few people actually offered me money for those words I wrote. And now I’m well on my way of becoming a bonafide published author. With a Goodreads page and everything. Insanity. Pure insanity.

New adventures and new beginnings.

Like Jackson and me quitting out jobs, moving across the country to the Pacific Northwest, and starting grad school at the University of Washington (well, Jackson’s going back to school. I’m going to be rocking that stay at home mom life for awhile). That’s all going down in just a few short months. Moving out to Washington has also been a lifelong dream of mine. It’s a bit alarming that so many lifelong dreams are coming true at once. It’s like my life’s turned into a Disney movie or something. Now all I’m waiting on is the catchy soundtrack…

So whether your joy is coming from a selection of tasty breakfast pastries or moves that change life as you know it utterly and completely, I hope it’s there. I hope it’s real. and I hope it’s cherished.