Dina L. Relles

It was as if everything bloomed overnight, and I found myself missing the bare branches that offered a view of the farm.*

1 a glass of wine with dinner
2 laughing uncontrollably with my kids
3 seeing one of these signs in my part of PA

4 a rainy going-down-the-rabbit-hole kind of day

5 weeknight water ice outing with my sweet family

6 handwritten book inscriptions

7 my child’s morning “I love you”
8 lying in the sunny spot on the carpet
9 writing long into the night, because it can’t wait

10 the familiar smell of your childhood home

11 in-laws you love
12 a response of “no, don’t worry about it!” after you accidentally bump into someone else’s space

13 a long car ride with someone you love

14 a quiet moment to conjure a memory
15 a dear friend showing up at your door
16 cozying up with all my kids on the couch
17 evenings outside

18 impromptu afternoon adventures with the neighbor kids

19 This, from my son: “You like making friends with strangers. Why?”
20 when the clerk slips an extra Dunkin’ Donut in there for you
21 neighbors always willing to lend a hand (or a ladder!) when you need it #ittakesavillage
22 getting in bed with a book
23 marking milestones with family & friends
…also: cupcakes made from boxed cake mix
…also also: post-hosting clean kitchen

24 yellowed paper

25 coming in out of the rain
26 a call from across the street asking if I have onions
27 three boys in a bath

28 the cold underside of the pillow

29 the smell of mulch
30 meeting an online writer friend in real life

*You can read more about my “good things” project and see all prior posts here.