It used to be that I thought I never had enough. Now I know better. Today was just another day, but I’m able to walk through it and see how each moment is such a gift. I took these photographs to document that it’s the insignificant things in life that matter the most.
These things make me happy.
Billowing white hydrangea bushes blooming under my living room window like wedding bouquets.
My lovely daughter, Isa who had her last day of second grade today. Here she is holding one of twelve puppies born only a week ago.
A month ago, I cut this vine back so severely that I thought I had killed it. I was wrong. Every day it climbs a little higher up the fence.
The newest love of my life, Cody–the Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix that my husband brought home without my permission. I was livid. For one day. Then I fell in love. Here he is, cuddling at the feet of my daughter, Nora who stopped by the house to take a nap before work.
I’m always inspired by what goes on in the garden. Such color!
My wonderful son, Nino and his lovely girlfriend, Kristen. He’s a remarkable young man, although I think there’s something wrong with him because he still likes to hang out with his ridiculous parents. This is how great he is: he goes to Starbucks to get me coffee and sometimes he even pays.
A surprise gift from a dear friend–and my absolute favorite composer, too!
What is more precious than a pile of puppies?
I’ll be away for a while, so I’ll leave you with my simple gifts in the hope that you can find yours…Happy Summer!
If you’re in the neighborhood, come on over sometime for a puppy play date!
Allegro non tanto 
What a wonderful bundle of beauty, cuteness, and love! (And you do such a great job coaxing all of those qualities in your home, in your garden, and at the keyboard through your laughter, gratitude, and finding what’s extraordinary in the mundane).
Oh, Melanie, you always write the loveliest comments! Thank you!
I really enjoyed this “visual list” you left with me, Jessica. I agree with you that life is found in the details. I have even written a poem about the huge white hydrangeas I saw on my street a few summers ago–I tried to capture their strange gorgeousness. Have a great summer too. Loved those puppies!
I would love to read your poem–you’re welcome to post it in the comments section if you’d like!
Nice post of reminders. I often think of what I am grateful for. Hydrangeas are up there. Also Jasmine. Rose Campion. Poppies. You name a great array of people/animals, earth and music!
You know, Elisabeth–the more I learn to appreciate all that is around me, the more wonder and beauty I encounter every day!
Not a single one of these is “insignificant” in any way. Your son is adorable. Have a lovely summer, my friend. After the writer’s conference, let’s see if you can grab Becky and come up to my house one day for lunch.
I would love that, Jayne. I’m off on vacation for 2 1/2 weeks so I’ll talk to Becky when I get back.
Hi Jessica! I love reading your blog articles. This one warmed my heart.
A perfect post on any day . . . but especially a rainy one in New York. If I’m in your neck of the woods any time this summer, you’ll hear from me. Who wouldn’t want a puppy play date in a garden like yours?
I do hope you get out to So Cal. I would love to recreate our wonderful meeting last summer!
Can I come and live part-time with you, me and Jake and Fergie? xoxoxo
Yes, yes and yes. Jake and Fergie can play with the puppies.
Beautiful – I’ve been living in a hotel for three weeks – Can’t wait to move into my new house and work in my garden.
Beautiful, Jessie. Thank you or sharing those lovely images and the reminder that the every day is sacred.