#389: Zebra Stripes

Reason to Be Happy #389:

Zebra Stripes

Have you ever really stopped to look closely at zebra design? It's intricate and stunning. The markings, especially on the face and legs, just astounds me with its exquisite detail. I love the way the stripes continue on up into the mane. Ever noticed those lighter, thinner, more brown stripes between the black and white stripes? Kinda takes your breath away.

This photo was taken my lucky friend Jan-Marie Kurdin on her recent trip to Namibia.

I'm still trying not to be pea green with envy...

#388: Making Gyoza

 Reason to Be Happy #388:

Making Gyoza

 It is a specific choice that this reason to be happy is MAKING gyoza and not just gyoza. Gyoza, by the way, are those lovely Japanese dumplings or potstickers, and I just learned how to make them this weekend in Louisville.

 I was in Louisville to teach a workshop and speak on a panel at the Writer's Block Festival, but the big bonus was getting to stay two nights with my my lovely friend, talented writer Katy Yocom and her wonderful husband, Jeff. Jeff was an exchange student in Japan when he was in college and his Japanese host mother taught him to make gyoza.

 Making gyoza is a party in and of itself. There's a lot of assembly, lots of rolling up the cute little dumplings (with what I liked to call "pleats" even though that's not technically the term, I'm sure).

 You don't really sit down and eat them at the table. You eat them standing up, as they come off the stove, after being fried (and then steamed). You eat 'em hot and you eat a LOT. And they are so, so good. I kinda have a thing for food parties like this, where lots of assembly is required. There's nothing better than hanging out with friends, catching up, and making something delicious.

#387: Homemade Biscuits with Butter & Honey

Reason to Be Happy #387:

Warm Homemade Biscuits 

with Butter & Honey

Oh, such a divine treat. My friend Ted makes The. Best. Biscuits in the world. I could eat a whole tray of fresh biscuits. With honey? One of my very top comfort foods. Their aroma, their taste, their simplicity, their fluffiness—I love every single thing about them.

#386: Catching Someone Singing in Their Car

Reason to Be Happy #386:

Catching Someone Singing in Their Car

You pull up beside someone at a stoplight, or you look in your rearview mirror and catch someone absolutely rocking out, drumming the steering wheel, tossing their hair, belting it out. Always makes me laugh. The other day I saw an older man who looked like he was conducting with one hand and singing with gusto.

And, of course, who hasn't done this themselves? :-)

#385: Sunlight Through Glass

 Reason to Be Happy #385:

Sunlight Through Glass

Okay, my photography skills are not advanced enough to truly capture this, but I trust you know what I mean. Always so pretty when it happens. This is my view from my writing office. I have a lot of colored glass in my windows and glass objects in my garden to prompt more of this reason.