It is a strange thing, since lock down, how small joys seem to be important. I think they must be drowned out when life is ‘normal’ and we don’t notice them so much. What are your small joys?

For me, I love the sound of seagulls when I am working. It is a cry that always fills me with wonder that I live near the coast – it speaks of holidays and fun times to me and warms my heart every time I hear them soaring overhead.

Then there is the family of blacksmith lapwings that has moved into my road. They must be nesting somewhere. They run up and down the hill outside my window. Tink, tink! Tink, tink! I always stop work and watch them with delight as they peck away at the grass for delectable tit-bits.

The messages from friends, the sight and scent of a rose in a neighbour’s garden, the joy of the tiny dog who lives opposite me whenever she sees me, the greeting from people walking past who know I work at my window. Sometimes we chat, sometimes we just wave at one another. It is enough.

The taste of chocolate, the joy of walking, the satisfaction after a day’s work when progress has been made. Even the writing of this blog in good time (not like last week!) brings me joy.

I have always loved the little things in life. But lockdown has provided me with the time and space to notice them to an even greater extent.

And I am grateful.

What about you?