Check the entire “5 things that bring me joy this week” weekly series here.

It’s again all about the small things this week as I hang on to anything that might mend my broken, angry heart after yet another senseless shooting that’s taken the lives of so many people. I have nothing to say that hasn’t been said already and am urging you to take action via organizations that work to prevent gun violence and save lives like Everytown for Gun Safety. Check how your state is doing with gun laws here, and vote, because your life does depend on it.

Here are the 5 things that are bringing me joy this week:

• These pieces of coral and shells we’ve collected from Florida beaches, and the memories of peace and happiness associated with them.

• The thought of Stranger Things season 4 coming out after a long hiatus thanks to the pandemic, and the length of its episodes — they were just too short in the previous seasons!

• These slippers! We picked them up on a recent trip, and I have to say that I am super impressed with the feel, not to mention the low price. They’re soft, very comfortable, and easy to put on and take off. Both hubby and I have them in S/M and fit us just fine. I’d recommend not sizing up if you’re tempted as they do expand, however, for the price, you can try any size you want. Needless to say that these bring me joy every time I slip them on.

• The mere existence of cats… I mean, I love them, and cats (big and small) are one of the most exquisite creatures to exist IMO (add the meerkats there too, even though they aren’t cats at all). They sure bring me lots of joy!

• Books! For the simple fact that they can transport us to places we’ve never been to, expand our imagination, and just make us step away from reality and live in a different world for a bit. Books are wonders, and they bring me joy!

What’s bringing YOU joy this week?

Take care of yourselves, friends!

xo,

Em