I didn’t host Happy Hour last Friday . . . because I was off taking care of myself in other ways as I recovered from the flu. But I’m back in business this week. Open, here, once again . . . to share our little joys and pieces of happy.
The daily outrages continue (apace). In fact, I think they’re ramping up (because that’s what happens when varmints are feeling cornered, I’m afraid). We need to remind ourselves – now more than ever – of the GOOD things we experience in our lives. So let’s pretend we’re on some rooftop patio in Tuscany . . . looking over the Italian countryside . . . and sharing a lovely beverage and some conversation together. We’ll probably even be laughing.
C’mon in.
Share your joys!
As for me, it’s all about the little things this week. . .
Sleeping through the night – TWO nights in a row! – without an annoying coughing fit.- Listening to the always charming Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (which truly are as much a comfort-read as “everyone” proclaims). (Believe the hype.)
- Exploring the new National Mah Jongg League 2026 rule card. (Everything mahjong changes every year in the Spring. There are layers upon layers of fresh possibilities in this game, I tell ya.)
- Weather cooperating for me to get out in my garden and cut back the dead foliage on my hellebores. I don’t do my real and serious garden clean-up until much, much later in the Spring (I’m a firm believer in the whole leave-the-leaves concept after all), EXCEPT I do cut back the crusty old foliage on my hellebores (before it’s too late). It’s a BIG job (as my garden cart will attest; that’s ALL hellebore detritus), but it felt so wonderful to get out there. In the garden. With my trusty secateurs (Felco 2s for the win). Before the temperature plunged 25 degrees in a surprisingly shocking short period of time.
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How about YOU?
What have you noticed this week that made you feel good? Where did you find joy?
Despite all the ugly stuff happening around us, we really DO have good things happening in our lives.
Join me for Happy Hour!
Let’s share the good stuff here in the comments!
Happy Hour will remain open all weekend, so come back and see what others have shared.
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Tired of the outrages??? Want to take action??? Take part in one of the thousands of No Kings rallies and marches planned for tomorrow – March 28, 2026 – all around the country! Your participating really does matter — and it’s empowering, to boot.
My happy wasn’t such a little thing – my sister and I drove over to the “west side” as people here anywhere east of the Cascades say about anywhere west of them, to stay with a dear childhood friend for the night (treat enough). And then we all went to hear Maggie Smith read (and talk) from/about her new book of poems, A Suit or a Suitcase. The trip included two ferry rides, which are almost always “happys.”
I do love that photo of Tuscany! My good things are small, but include a fresh-picked bouquet of daffodils on the kitchen table, a pleasant visit with my orthopedist who gave me two cortisone shots in my hips and referred me to colleagues who can do the same in my spine to treat worsening arthritis, a rainy day today to read more of Elizabeth Strout’s The Things We Never Say, and the little reference to Olive Kitteridge that she included. Here’s to a third night (and more) of unbroken sleep for you!
So glad you are enjoying the Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. I’m saving the last available (for now) as a treat for later. Happy things this week: fresh daffodils, a positive meeting this a.m. with our financial advisor, books to pick up at the library (now 6 are waiting for me!!). Tomorrow will be cold again so I am planning to make a new (to me) soup recipe that I can share with C&M (will put a container in their frig for when they return from VA, along with some baked treats).
Ah, I would love to be in Tuscany right now with a glass of wine and a plate of pasta! Alas, I’m in gray Pittsburgh, where I have to wear my winter coat again. On the plus side, all my daffodils have bloomed, there are flowers blooming on one of the trees behind my house, and landscapers are out in full force in the neighborhood. I don’t love the noise of all the leaf blowers, but the area is looking a lot tidier! Other happy things: my daughter is home on spring break and made us divine chocolate chip cookies earlier in the week, and tonight I get to squish my niblings!
I will be pouring a Negroni later today and closing my eyes and imagining I am in Tuscany! I even have an orange so I can add a fresh slice!
Good things in my neighborhood this week: a note from a friend (we have jumped on The Correspondence bandwagon and I am really loving it!) Multiple No Kings in my area gives me hope! And…the biggest best news… I have divided for the sleeves (finally!!) I feel like I have knit 2 sweaters in all this knitting! Ha!
Looking forward to the weekend, date night, and rallies!
The red of your latest Sophie Scarf…the right shade of red always lifts my spirits….an exhilarating 3-1/2 mile walk one day where the perfect weather made that possible (the very next day was a humidity-driven drench)…the discovery that Ken Jennings’ longest running Jeopardy championship is out there streaming somewhere right now and it will feel like old times.
Based on your post, I downloaded the first Emma Lion Journal from Hoopla and listened to the first half while doing some mindless tasks. You are right. Thank you.
Oh….and some of my crocuses have made an appearance!
My good things are a batch of raspberry jelly, ordering a new pair of sandals, and finding a gem in a book from Maggie O’Farrell’s backlist, The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox. I’m not quite finished but I think it is excellent.
An excellent walk in the woods today with minimal snowpack! Also dinner here and much laughter with good friends. Hot dogs and burgers with the hope of good weather to come. Looking forward to checking out that podcast.
Kym, this pieces-of-happy thing is one of the best things you have ever invented. Not only is it interesting and fun to read but I am sure it lowers everyone’s blood pressure while reading it.
Happy moments last week included watching Fred & George watch the birds, having a successful pancake breakfast (we raised over $7K!), zooming with you and Bonny and the Read With Us gang, and new Barbie pink nail polish.