Today I woke up to smoke. All of Austin was under a haze of smoke from the wildfires in nearby Bastrop. It’s a veil, hanging everywhere. It’s hard to believe that so much fire has devastated so many homes and lives, and it’s still raging, so close by.

I got a haircut, then stopped at East Village Cafe for an iced coffee. I met a friend at Fino for drinks and chatting. Justin joined me there afterward for dinner, and now I’m home, and a little weirded out about natural disasters and scary politics and economics. Some days I become overwhelmed by the little things… today I am overwhelmed by the big things.

I feel the need to be grateful. And so, I am grateful for:

• A safe home
• A loving husband
• Lovely kitty cats
• Friends and family
• Semi-sweet chocolate
• Crossword puzzles
• Cooler weather
• Books
• Memory foam mattresses
• Peanut butter
• Inspiration

Gratitude always makes me feel better.