My niece has written and posted on her blog about the little joys in life. She reminded me of how easy it is for us to get so caught up in the day’s destination that we forget to take time to enjoy life’s little pleasures along the way. She announced a goal to photograph more of those special joys and share them with her readers.

I was so taken by her idea that I have stolen it. I stole her title too! My life is rich with joys but like so many I neglect to give due time to their enjoyment. My new goal is to take stock of what I have and truly appreciate it. Along the way I will take photos and share these joys with you. Maybe it will serve as a reminder for you to slow down and enjoy the good things in your life, I hope so.

Today’s joy is a little piece of my back yard. It’s the view I see from my kitchen table each day. I like to think of it as my own secret garden. Just beyond the small patio and tucked under the tangerine tree I have my critters, “Woody” and “The Frogs”. Many of the small birds like to stop by and drink from The Frogs’ water dish. Several lizards like to climb on the tree and the block wall behind it. The hummingbirds make frequent stops at the feeder I’ve hung for them. Quite often there are two or three hummers arguing about whose turn it is at the feeder. Even in darkness this is a special place. The patio chairs are the perfect place to sit with a glass of wine and enjoy the evening storms that the Monsoon has been bringing us.