Things I Love About this Morning

• hot coffee in my peace mug

• hands that smell like oranges

• freshly washed babies smothered in thick lotion

• a daughter with out-of-control morning hair wearing pink and chocolate brown polka dot leggings, a poofy pink skirt and a soft, cream-colored onesie

• a chilly, wet November day (and some much-needed rain)

• forgoing our usual Today Show and Sesame Street for some Vivaldi, Haydn, Mozart and Boccherini on the radio

• a backyard blanketed in bright green-yellow leaves, too wet (and beautiful, at the moment) to rake

• the not-caring attitude I have regarding my day-old, mascara-smudged eyes thanks to no doctor’s appointments (or any appointments) scheduled for today (the first time this week!)

• ignoring the small mountains of laundry about the house for some puzzle-playing, stick-hitting, “run-and-get-me-Mom” mother-daughter time

“I used to love night best but the older I get the more treasures and hope and joy I find in mornings.” —Terri Guillemets