It's Thankful Thursday, a weekly pause to appreciate people, places, things, and more. Joy contracts and expands in proportion to our gratitude. What makes your world expand?

No sweeping statements, no big ideas, no declarations or decisions. On this Thankful Thursday, I offer three simple joys:

On National Handwriting Day, I received this envelope in the old-fashioned mail from the young editor of The Yachats Gazette.

A new polka dot blouse is a perfect pick-me-up.

I'm a planner. I like to look forward. Preparing for this writing workshop makes me happy.

Enough about me. What are you thankful for today?