today’s secret to happiness

“ The secret to happiness today is …”
- my little grandson

My little grandson has a saying that he uses often. He might say it while riding in his carseat in the back seat of the car, or maybe in the afternoon when he is having a snack. I am not sure where he heard it, but it always delights me and makes me take pause. I found myself pausing often in October to take note of all the moments that brought joy, delight, and a soothing balm to my soul.

***

Sunday fog

 "We love fog because it shifts old anomalies into the elements surrounding them. It gives relief from a way of seeing,"

- Eavan Boland

The fog moved slowly, playing hide and seek with the trees on the hill across the lake.

***

the countdown begins

 

“The perfect weather of Indian Summer lengthened and lingered, warm sunny days were followed by brisk nights with Halloween a presentiment in the air.”

― Wallace Stegner, Remembering Laughter

***

 

Percy comes to play yesterday and brings with him the magic of Halloween. He is not interested in candy, but talks non-stop about the outdoor decorations in their neighborhood and around town. The lego knights and dragons decorate their castle and Heather-Hazel (the witch), follows us everywhere. The skeletons in the tree glow with the colors of fall, and the countdown to Halloween begins.

***

the lake

“A lake is a landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.”

― Henry David Thoreau, Walden

at the south end of the lake . . .

***

dinner time

“Be prepared. A dog is adorable and noble.
A dog is a true and loving friend. A dog
is also a hedonist.”
- Mary Oliver

where is my dinner? . .

***