Walking on Sunshine

Original artwork by Savannah J. Woolley

Oh, hey, in case I forgot to tell you, I've written another book and my incredible sister, Savannah, is illustrating this one for me. Here's one of her adorable drawings to stare at you while you read my bloggy blog today!

I'm one of those people who doesn't do well when it's dreary out so, regardless of the temperature, I'm feeling great because it's so bright and sunny outside today. I've taken the dog for two walks already and I'll probably take the kid for a Pokemon walk when he's home from school, too.

For most of my life, I've considered myself a night owl. It's only been within the last couple of years that I've been an early riser, mostly out of necessity (why, oh why, does our elementary school START at 7:30am?!) But I've found myself getting so much more accomplished, feeling more energized, and in a better mood than I used to be. Still groggy in the mornings, still need half a pot of coffee to be human, but it's happening faster than it used to! (Don't judge me, friend, I'm down from a full pot every day!)

To me, there's nothing more inspirational than being outdoors in some beautiful weather. Fresh air, slight breeze, bright green signs of spring around the corner, tiny rivers alongside the street dammed up with pebbles or a rogue leaf. It makes me nostalgic for my own childhood, when my mother and I would ride on her bike, have a picnic, collect rocks, feed ducks, splash in puddles, swing and slide at the park - not a cell phone or tablet in sight - and it reminds me that I can't go back, but I CAN do it all again. There are still rocks and parks and bikes and puddles and I have a son who's just the right age for all of that.

I am grateful for outside.

I am grateful for today.

SJS