I believe that the way we feel as we fall asleep can profoundly impact the flow of the following day.  Last night, I made my first attempt at learning songs on the ukulele.  By the end of the first tune I was certain that it was the happiest instrument I had ever set hands on.  I was grinning from ear to ear when I finally curled up and closed my eyes.

Today was one of those perfect days. I awoke from my ukulele dreams, already smiling. Just after I started onto my favorite hiking trail, I found myself whispering to two deer while they took their time deciding that I was not a threat. Only a few moments later, I stumbled across a mango that had clearly just fallen from the tree, ripened to perfection. I slowed my pace and took in my surroundings more intently as I nibbled on my impromptu snack and wrote lyrics in my head. I went back to the house to spend some more time with the uke and my woodland poetry, while swinging in the hammock and taking in the view.

A few weeks earlier I agreed to help my friend with a project for her kindergarten class. Having remained true to my nature, waiting until the last possible day to work on it, I eventually hopped out of the hammock and into the car. I had a date with a cartoon cutout named Flat Stanley. I always enjoy visitors because they give me an excuse to see some of my favorite sites and Stanley was treated like any other island guest. I photographed him in many of my favorite locations – beaches, sugar mill ruins, overlooks – we even sipped fresh coconut water together as we daydreamed about pirates.

I returned home, selected my favorite photos from the afternoon, and emailed them to the states as I realized that the sun was beginning to set.  I sauntered back up to the balcony as my housemates trickled out to join me in watching another stunning sunset. Now, I am back downstairs in my cozy apartment enjoying the fresh coconut meat left over from my earlier beachside beverage, editing photography, and giving thanks for the moments – the lovely little moments – that added up to a day that felt nothing short of magical.