The summer rolls on. There are leaves turning now; the blackberries are ripe; we are collecting apples, and I am switching gears. Now is the time for running errands, getting things done around the house and preparing for a new term at work. We are still enjoying plenty of rest and play, but the transition into a new season is beginning.

Transitions can be uncomfortable, but there is so much to be thankful for in each season we find ourselves in.

Here are a few of the Small Things I’m thankful for this week:

-Watching my daughter get absorbed in being creative. She has enjoyed having a box of materials out (the more colourful and varied the better), a glue gun (with a little supervision) and other tools (scissors, different types of tape, sewing kit etc). Making things in a non-pressured, playful way helps her to relax.

-Watching both children get absorbed in a box of shells, pebbles and other natural materials.

-On another occasion, being at “Wild Church” in the woods and taking in the wonder of trees, insects, leaves, acorns, fire, stars and sky.

-At the farm with my son: walking a goat; discussing their natural habitat in Africa; admiring a ladybird; collecting hens’ eggs and placing them gently in an incubator.

-Reading Amy Liptrot’s powerful memoir, The Outrun, and being captivated by her descriptions of the Orkney islands. I love how the sky, land, sea and wildlife caught her imagination and helped her to love life when sober.

As always, so much of my list is focused on the outdoors and nature. There is wonder and interest in natural things, which are sometimes small but immensely detailed, and open our imaginations to the hugeness of our world. They enchant, fascinate and ground us. What can you collect, photograph, learn about or admire this week?