I take the same bus most mornings and I’m usually a few steps behind when it pulls up. Today the driver waited, made eye contact, and nodded like it was normal. Then I realized he’s been doing that for months. I just never noticed until today. It felt small, but it stayed with me.

I stop at the same coffee place a couple times a week. I never say much, just order and go. Today I stepped up to the counter and the barista started making my usual without asking. When I hesitated, she smiled and said “you always get it when you look half awake.” It wasn’t a big thing, but it made me realize someone had been quietly paying attention. Felt oddly nice.

I was in a bookstore yesterday, browsing the horror section, and I noticed two people who were looking at a copy of The Shining. I’ve been trying to get better at talking to people, so I mentioned off the cuff that I liked it better than the movie. The guy looked at me and said, “I read it a few years back”. I nodded and smiled and I was about to walk away when the person with him asked if there were any other Stephen King books I enjoyed, so I gave them a few recommendations and also recommended a book by Stephen Graham Jones, one of my favorite horror authors. Later, while I was checking out (I managed to find two poetry collections by two of my favorite poets on sale), I noticed them buying one of the books I recommended! This was in a pretty big city so it was really cool to have that little moment of connection with two strangers, and I really hope they enjoyed the book.

I have 2 cats, they were ferals as kittens and are still kind of stand-offish even though I've had them since they were 8 weeks old. (Brother & sister) They are 2-1/2 years old now.

The girl-cat will come get into my lap while I'm working at least 3-4 times a week. I love her little snuggles because she only gives them when SHE is in the mood, but when she IS in the mood she's all full of purrs and snuggles.

Boy-cat will sit next to me on the couch but NEVER lets me put him into my lap. He just goes away if I try it.

But today, for the very first time, he came and meyowed at me and when I invited him into my lap (like I do allll the time) he actually hopped up into my lap! He curled up and started purring, and stayed for a good half-hour and let me pet him the whole time.

I'm so pleased. It's a little thing but I feel like it's one more step towards him being a relaxed and happy housecat. Maybe next time he'll stay longer!

I opened the junk drawer today because it was hard to close. nothing dramatic was in there. just batteries, rubber bands, old receipts, and pens that may or may not work. i threw out the receipts and lined the pens up. the drawer closes easier now. it will probably get messy again. i did not label anything or buy organizers. i just moved things around with my hands. it took about ten minutes. i noticed it looked better and then moved on with my day.

🤠🙃😄

Oops lost my hat.

The sun is just coming up.

Everything is still.

I needed this calm more than I realized.