The Bright Side

Have you ever had a day when you start to doubt everything, up to and including your worth as a person? If you have, then you know what a terrible kind of day that is. It’s the kind of day when you don’t want to do anything. At all.

The fix for that kind of day is, ironically, to do something. Almost anything will help, as long as it isn’t a mopey or self-destructive activity.

So I am going to do something. I am going to write. I don’t have the mental strength or the proper mindset to write a story or anything like that, so I’m just going to make a list. Lists are easy. And because this list is supposed to cheer me up, it is going to be a list of happy things. Bright side only. Here goes.

  • The combination of bugle, bluets, northern downy violets, and dwarf cinquefoil has created a colorful, meadowy area in a formerly barren corner of our backyard. It is beautiful, and I am happy that I can call the flowers by name.
  • The second round of violets is blooming. This round includes the larger, whiter white violets that I love so much. Are they a different kind than the blue-shot white violets that bloom earlier? Possibly, because their petals are broader and more rounded, but I don’t know. They are different to me, though, and that’s all that matters. I picked a lovely bouquet of them this morning. It perks up the kitchen.
  • I got lunch prepared in time to avoid all hungry-toddler screaming. Plus they both ate their lunches without complaint. Amazing.
  • Livia looks extra pretty today.
  • The chicks peep every so often, reminding me of their adorable, fluffy little presences in our mudroom.
  • My new photo book arrived today. It is a combination of the two Marshall books I did before, but with a few changes made to improve it. I ordered it because we wanted him to have his own copies of the books. Whether he will get the original two or the slightly improved two-volumes-in-one, I’m not sure. I had thought to give him the big book, but it looks so nice that I might have to keep it for myself.
  • On Wednesday, I did away with some deadline work, allowing me to set a relaxed pace for the remainder of the week.
  • I am full of creative ideas lately. It’s such a nice feeling.
  • I used to hate olives. I decided to try them again recently because the kids like them so much. I’m glad I did, because now I like olives, both green and black. Yum-yum.
  • I’m also glad that I submitted a story for NPR’s Three-Minute Fiction contest, because it motivated me to read some of the other submissions. I am blown away by the quality of the stories so far. Who knew it was possible to say so much with so few words?

Well, the list-making exercise seems to have worked. I’m feeling a little better. I think I’ll take Marshall out now while Livia is napping and experience the bright side of a sunny day.

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