Delight: Some of my favorite things

Ahhh, summer! A time to slow down and reconnect with the life-giving things that bring us delight. Today, I am sharing with you a short list of things I find delightful right now. I hope it inspires you to make your own list so that you can remember all the things that make you smile and lift your spirits.

Coffee. Yes, of course. But one summer while I was in Door County, WI visiting my dad, I discovered maple flavored coffee. From then on I thought, why not just put real maple syrup in my coffee? And so I do, every morning. It’s the best thing ever and I can’t start my day without it!

Birds. Speaking of my dad, he helped me nurture a love for birds. I really love this article about Christian Cooper that I came across last week:

Dopamine in the Corners. This is a playlist that Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber had her followers put together. What a great idea. We could easily make our own, too. Then I might know what songs you might want to hear our UUCL band perform in worship! On this playlist, I especially appreciate the songs about summer: In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry and Summer in the City by Lovin’ Spoonful. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2oMaX2DxANMYhHHBEiem05?si=60636080780a42a7

My favorite song about summer (not on the above playlist) is Summertime Rolls by Jane’s Addiction. I love to play it very loud at the beginning of every summer break!

Ted Lasso. LOVE this show! It’s on Apple TV. It is so uplifting. The character development goes deep, and the show portrays some unexpected ways of navigating relationships. We see the characters grow and change and become more emotionally mature. Vulnerability is a characteristic that shows up in multifaceted ways throughout the series. And, it’s funny. A great way to end my day.

This spaghetti squash recipe: https://www.tastingtable.com/686444/roast-spaghetti-squash-recipe/

Morning walks around Lake Morton. Marigolds (my favorite summer flower). Silver swans. Baby wood ducks. And a nice breeze to help cool us down.