“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” – Maya Angelou

The older I get, the more I love being home. I’m as adventurous as ever, but few things make me happier than simply being in my own house. Especially after a work trip (like today), it’s a total sense of relief to sink into my own couch with a book and a purring kitty on my lap. And this Friday, I’ll finally have both of my children home, completing our household. Cannot wait.

In the meantime, here are a few things that made me happy and smile during my quick work trip:

– Big, goofy dogs hanging out the car windows at the drive -thru

– A visit to a basilica in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by beauty, meaning, and messages that I love

– Over-the-top, off-the-charts beautiful craftsmanship

– Random marigolds popped up next to the driveway, not a part of any landscaping

Not pictured: the company of otherwise faraway friends, apple dumplings, funny flight attendants, a friend’s text with a photo of a fun craft project, and the kindness of strangers.