Most nights I am up late, and am the only one who will let Daisy out around 1:30 or so. I always go out and stand on the porch to make sure nothing happens to her. Most times I stand there with my arms folded shivering and hopping from bare foot to bare foot on top of the chilly concrete, waiting rather impatiently for my puppy to hurry it up and come inside.
But the other night, I stepped out onto the porch and heard a chorus of chirping crickets. There's something about that noise that is so wonderful and comforting. I closed my eyes and imagined myself in the deep south back in the 1950's with fireflies and rocking chairs, old twisted trees and white houses. I thought of one of my favorite photographs by Keith Carter:

I was cold, but my arms were at my sides and my mind carried me off for a short while to a simpler time. It was quite enjoyable. I opened my eyes to see the orchard next to my house with it's trees full and green, the array of tidy houses that line my street, and my puppy bopping through the grass. I was totally relaxed and content. I realized that although I may be disappointed in myself or one thing or another, that my life, the place I live, the opportunities I have, and the people around me are all so lovely that I couldn't ask for anything more.
I try to find moments like that as often as I can, but sometimes I get caught up in my numerous insecurities and worries, and I forget to. I'm so glad to hear the single cricket tonight, chirping away outside my window to remind me that life is beautiful and completely what you choose to make of it. I hope to make it delightful and meaningful, and soak up all it has to offer.