I spent this afternoon working on a series of Happy Hour Conversations at my friend Stephanie's (stay tuned). Her sweet kitty Ti Moune sat in my lap giving me a look, her white paws curled on my leg.

"I love your white footsies," I cooed into her unflinching expression as she purred and purred and purred. "I'm going to call you Socks," I baby-talked in my slobbery-est voice. "Because I can't remember your proper name." She purred and purred and purred.

Around the same time as the be-socked Ti Moune and I were cuddling, I received a text message from my friend and fellow lake-swimmer and arts-appreciator Susannah Iltis. It included this video about an elderly Canadian man who, as a new widower, started up a homespun enterprise of making socks for the homeless. He has a small staff that will charm your socks off (I couldn't resist!).

Sometimes it's the littlest things, like a cat with white socks purring in your lap. Or a video about someone who has turned his tough-luck life turn into a beautiful offering to the world.

Here's to small pleasures, purring cats, and warm feet. XO
 

This month is dedicated to Feeling Better in a Troubled World: Simple ways you can catch a breath and remember a bit of beauty when the news is getting you down. If you want to talk more about feeling better in troubled times, email me for a conversation at tatyana@everydaycreative.net . There's no need to feel alone! XO