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Waking up in the middle of the night, I heard the yip and bark of a coyote outside our bedroom window. Looking out, I couldn’t see him, but I know he was close. There are so many times when I feel that deep connection to the land and the natural world, and this was one of those times. He didn’t yip for long and then was off to wherever his night was going to bring him. There is joy in small things, and I’ve heard it described as “time stamps” of joy that mark us if we let them.

Christmas lights are one of the constant “time stamps” of joy in my life. I can hardly wait to put them up and I totally drag my feet taking them down. I love the sparkle and different colors and the way they remind me of who I should be, as light in this world. I love the way the tinsel shimmers in their glow on the tree and the reflection in the shiny round balls hanging on the branches.

The funny little notes I get from my students when they submit work and they aren’t sure it’s correct, or they just want me to know how hard they worked on it. Snap Chats from old students of their fuzzy little band new pups all cuddled up together for a nap. A Text message from a best friend about “The Perfect Colorado Ice Cream Road Trip.” And family gathering in all different places and configurations over the Christmas season in love and with good tidings.