The little things

I'm thankful for many, many things.  But at the top of the list would have to be "the little things."  That phrase could be a metaphor for different things in life, including the knowing look from someone who loves you, the twinkle in a friend's eyes, finding treasure, being proud of someone you don't even know, experiencing the collective cheer for a team.

For me, "the little things" also include natural history observations.  I'm thankful beyond words that there's always something to discover every time we step outside.

Here are a few of "the little things" that live on Bodega Head.  (They really are little!)

 

A tiny chiton crawling among sand grains (!).

 

Dark-eyed Gilia (Gilia millefoliata) flowering in the dunes.  

(The flowers are ~8-11 mm across.  They bloom in spring/early summer.)

 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) photographed in Owl Canyon on 20 October 2012.  

(Total length = 4.25 inches.)

I usually have a hard time finding cards with wording I like.  But this one resonated with me, so I'm passing it on to you:

"Sing a song of gratitude,

Dance a little, too...

Feel the autumn's magic

In everything you do...

Wrap yourself in laughter, 

Give some love away...

Pass around the goodness —

Have a happy Thanksgiving Day!"