1. a new fan on our windowsill, because the heat dome is real

2. a trip to Monticello with visiting parents, where dark sides of history are portrayed with surprising honesty

3. gluten free cookies, which my mother-in-law always sends home with us after a visit

4. the August page of the calendar, because we’re actually almost there

5. a green smoothie, which I finally discovered will stay a pretty shade of green if I add yellow fruit instead of blueberries

6. the crepe myrtle hanging over our front door

7. sunlight in the morning, delightful

8. a color coordinated bookshelf, because I can’t help myself

9. a beautiful salad, 10 points for plating