I am giddy with gratitude (and alliteration) this week.

A few reasons why:

- A good run, thanks to a free podcast.

- Cake Pops. My new favorite indulgence.

- The first (ever!) Denver County Fair was a great success, and serving as Director of Poetry was a kick. Congratulations to the winning poets: Meghan Howes, Carol Samson and Kathryn T.S. Bass.

- Time with family in sunny Colorado. Highlights: Playing Scrabble with my niece and nephew, a jog with my sister, seeing a bad movie in the good company of my parents, and great Mexican food at every turn. Oh Mile High City, you have your charms.

- Returning home to a pile of mail that included two -- yes two! -- handwritten and heart-full letters.

- It’s Happiness Happens Month! That's cause for celebration, and song. Sing along with Macy and me, won’t you?

Stop and smell the flowers
And lose it, the sweet music, and dance with me
There is beauty in the world
So much beauty in the world
Always beauty in the world
There is beauty in the world
Shake your booty boys and girls for the beauty in the world
Pick your diamond, pick your pearl, there is beauty in the world

It's Thankful Thursday, a weekly pause to appreciate people, places and things. What are you thankful for today?