Little Things in Daily Life

It seems like it's always the little things that cheer us up and get us through the day. Is it because we're stressed and want to find a deeper meaning in the simplistic, so these little things suddenly seem so much more than what they normally are? Or is it the opposite: that these things are so simple and pure that we are drawn to them, and away from the chaos of human life? I think I'm leaning toward the latter answer, though I'm sure it could go either way. 

Here's some little things keeping me happy.  :)

Catching a glimpse of a sleepy bird, all puffed up and getting warm in the sun.

Getting sneak attacked with the camera while baking tasty treats.
(Though I may not look ecstatic, never fear! Skeptical is my go-to face. Who knows why.)

Receiving flowers from a special someone - for absolutely no reason at all! Just love.



Watching the boyfriend become 'Lord of the Fire' as he attempts to master the flames. <3

Hanging out with the cat.

When the power fails and we've got no choice but to use candles... and we're excited about it!

One word : LYCHEES!

Having a compatriot for silliness.

There you have it!

A little peek at some of the little things in life that are keeping my spirits up and making me smile.

What's making you happy right now?

Snapshots of Oakland

A small collection of some of my favorite spots around town.

(Extra props if you recognized Lake Merritt & Room 389 up there. ^-^)

Even though I'm drawn to the heavy architecture and grit of cities, it's nice to get a break from concrete every once in a while. I love being just a short walk away from multiple bodies of water (with coffee nearby!), and being surrounded by amazing plant-life is awesome. They may be simple enjoyments; but they're some of my favorite things about where I live, and I'm very grateful for them. 

Hope you enjoyed the mini-tour of Oakland!

Adventures : Morcom Rose Garden

Oakland's Morcom Municipal Rose Garden is stunning. In true rainbow style, there was a veritable riot of color happening. The garden is absolutely packed with roses of all kinds, and it's a great place to take a peek at some gorgeous flowers, enjoy a walk or read a book. It's also free!

I had a grand old time prancing around through the flowers.

^-^

Non-conformist Iris declines joining the pack of roses.

Dangerously awesome wooden table.

Lucky coincidence: my peachy makeup happened to match this flower!

A wild duck appeared!

Chels used: 'Befriend'.

It was ineffective.

Hilltop view of Oakland.

Quote from above :

I can never say no to flowers, they always inspire me. ^-^

Cheers!

Roses In The Walkway

Though the cherry blossoms are all gone, the roses in our walkway have started to bloom - and they're gorgeous! I love having flowers greet me as soon as I walk outside, despite all the bees that like to join the party. It always puts me in a good mood. ^-^

Hopefully these little roses will add some cheer to your day too!

Adventures : Mountain View Cemetery

Mountain View Cemetery is absolutely gorgeous. Misa and I journeyed here on a quest for landscape photos, and it turned out to be an excellent choice! The view from the top of any hill is awesome. Though it's a bit hard to tell in my hastily combined photo, (pay no attention to the double tree) I could see almost all of the cemetery, downtown Oakland and the Bay from our little vantage point on one of the back hills.

These little yellow flowers jumped out and caught my attention.

I would have loved to have access to this fairy-like tunnel as a kid.

(I'll have to go back another time and capture it in full bloom, too!)

Tulip army.

Contemplative angel.

An awesome ironwork door.

Strength of stone.

Circle of life.

Long lost pyramid.

Green patina. (Another door - I love them!)

Guardian Angel.

Goodbye, sunshine.

Thanks for looking!