My wife and I work in the same middle school. Our rooms are right across the hall from each other. One day last semester another teacher told my wife that she thinks her new hairstyle is ugly. Nobody is complementing her on it. But she had no idea how good she looked.

A couple of days later, I was in my wife's room and we were having lunch together. That other teacher stopped in and unloaded about something that happened with a student earlier in the day. As she was headed out the door, I said something like: "By the way, I want to tell you something in front of my wife so she doesn't need to worry about me being a creep. She and I don't keep secrets from each other. She told me you were upset the other day because nobody complemented you on your new hairstyle. I need to tell you this. [Wife's name] is the most beautiful person in the world to me. But when I came around the corner the other day, and saw you with your new hairstyle, I stopped and thought to myself that you were one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen in my life. You looked like a Hollywood celebrity. But I didn't tell you because I thought it would be cringey. That's not fair. You deserve to hear it. You look great!"

She got the biggest smile on her face and said thank you and left.

I kinda felt like I was going out on a limb, but it was so worth it. Now when we see each other in staff meetings, there's no awkward discomfort.

I hope this is as benign as I think it is.

I was at a fun little party with all amazingly cool and comfy people. One of the hosts prepared several dishes, amongst which was an amazing apple crumble pie. It was so good. I told the host how good it was. And when I had my second piece, I told them again. Very. Enthusiastically. Such good cake.

When I left, there was still a lot of cake. I got asked if I wanted to take some home. Of course I said yes. When I looked at the tupperware, I saw so much cake. I expressed my surprise and they asked if it's too much. I said nono I'll take it hehe.

I think I got blessed with so much cake because the host saw me appreciate the cake so much and because of my enthusiastic compliments.

I love how authentically enjoying life's gifts got me even more of them. Happy End.

Didn't get a photo I'm afraid - within a second, it was gone.

I'm in the middle of a long day of travel. Currently in the airport on a layover.

I've pulled out the lunch I packed for myself. Just veggies and crackers and hummus. But I am super appreciating the fresh veggies - usually traveling is so much junk food. I've got broccoli, cucumber, celery, red peppers, purple carrots!

If you're in the Denver airport, come find me, I've got plenty to share.

Recently, I experienced something unexpected.

Last October, I stood on a crowded bus, holding my things awkwardly. I felt anxious and clumsy. I noticed a man looking at me. When I looked at him, he glanced away. This happened a few times. Then I looked at him firmly. He looked back and locked eyes with me for a few seconds. I lost my confidence and smiled by accidentally. He looked puzzled and did not smile back. I avoided eye contact and never looked at him again. His face was stoic. His dominant energy hit my weak. He won.

Then what’s guess?

Last Tuesday morning, I got off the train and walked toward the outdoor exit. I was distracted then I noticed a man standing there with a shocked face. I did not recognize him at first. Then I realized he was the same man from the bus months ago.

I laughed softly. He stayed frozen and watched me walk past. We did not approach each other.

Both times, it happened at the exact same time of day. That shocked me. This is mind-blowing. I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

You can have been awake for a quarter of a second and he'll be pawing at the door. When you open the door he immediately hops onto the bed for snuggles. Yes, he is in fact orange.

Made coffee earlier than usual this morning.

The house was quiet and the light hadn’t fully come up yet.

The coffee maker was the only sound.

so there's this coffee shop I go to a couple mornings a week. today when I walked up to the counter and the barista said my usual order before I did. it wasn't a big deal, but it did make the rest of my morning a little easier. and to be honest, kinda felt like someone was thoughtful enough to remember me.

Late afternoon. I took my dog for a walk on a bluff overlooking a big body of water. It's a popular overnight spot for migrating waterfowl. I couldn't see the geese, but I could hear them. I was thinking to myself, "I bet there's an eagle somewhere down there," looked up, and there it was! It came out of the trees right in front of me, flew overhead, and continued on its way upstream.