Snap, Crackle, Pop
Glancing at the title, you might think I’m sitting down to munch on a bowl of Rice Krispies. But no. You wouldn’t want to ingest this noise-maker. More on that in a minute.
It’s the first day of spring. How are you celebrating? Cupping your ear to catch the strains of warbling birds? Leaping 
with open arms through lush meadows brimming with daisies?
I am quite fond of spring, but tonight I’m ushering in the season in an even better way. Nothing says spring like curling up with a mug of hot chocolate and enjoying the snap, crackle, and pop of the fireplace. Mid-twenties tonight; some people I know got snow today. Unusual, but I’m not complaining.
After a full week like this one was, I can think of few things better than relaxing in front of a fire. Don’t let it scare you that some consider me of the pyro persuasion. (I’m the queen of campfire “Let’s see how this burns” experiments.) But at home I’m content to soak in the sight, smell, and sounds of the flames. My tense muscles release their grip, thoughts unwind, and all is well in the world.
Isn’t it amazing how simple things can whisper in our ear, gently beckoning us to pause and make friends with the moment? And it’s different for everyone. Maybe it’s the sunset we rarely notice, the sound of a friend’s voice, or the scent of the neighbor’s daffodils. Sure, it may sound corny…but we each have those little things that, in the space of a few seconds or a few hours, can bring us back to a pleasant reality – if we take notice.
I’m fortunate to be able to bask in the glow of one of my “little things” tonight. …What are some of yours?