A few notes on the small things I’m thankful for this week:

*Spotting: Butterflies and Moths

In a week when the cool, rainy weather took its toll, and the children and I grew fractious through lack of routine, the few sunny spells were brimming with butterflies. In our garden, we saw peacocks, painted ladies, red admirals and fritillaries. While I was standing in amongst them all, I even saw a hummingbird moth, which kept me spellbound. These really do look like hummingbirds, with their long ‘tongues’ collecting nectar and the noisy whirring of their wings. And then, in the field, we watched a fairy-like common blue. Its silver and blue wings looked magical as it fluttered in the long grass.

*Watching: When Harry met Sally

I caught the very end of this, late at night after a long day. It is a film that makes me feel nostalgic and comforted. It makes me smile and couldn’t have come at a better time.

*Reading: The Light we Carry, by Michelle Obama and Present Over Perfect, by Shauna Niequist

I’ve only just started The Light we Carry, but Michelle Obama writes with such warmth and wisdom. As does Shauna Niequist, whose book, Present Over Perfect, is a re-read for me. I happen to be going through it with a pencil, looking for quotes to use for a project I’m working on, and finding so much wisdom for my life right now. Almost the whole book is underlined, but perhaps much of it can be summarised by this tiny half-sentence: ‘…I want to live, with great love and openness.’ Interestingly, it’s a sentiment I think Obama also expresses well in her writing, so I look forward to getting stuck in to her book over the next few weeks.

*Catching up with old friends

I love how the summer brings old friends back to our neck of the woods, how we can gather round tables and put the kettle on, see how their children have grown and ours too, and have a good catch up.

Andrew and I are asking the hard questions: how can we get back to the more social, hospitable life we once led whilst still looking after our children and taking care of us as a family? How can we show our children the warmth and joy of being in a strong group of friends? How can we teach them the importance of giving others time, whilst also respecting their very real needs for closeness with us, simplicity and predictability at home?

*Wearing: warm socks and wellies

I’m learning the joy of dressing simply, in clothes that are comfortable and practical for me. I love my t-shirts these days, and warm socks in the cooler weather, and wellies to traipse after the children in the mud, and running shoes to get the exercise my body needs. When I wear clothes that are comfortable, I feel looked after and cared for, even when I’m working hard and taking care of my children.

*Enjoying: the bright, pretty sweet peas that are flowering outside the window; a cool glass of rose late at night; the freedom of cycling with my children and the quaint, quirky country show we went to where our lovely dog won a rosette.

What are the small things you’re thankful for this week?