When I walked this path today from our meadow to the back yard, I consciously made myself stop and listen. A woodpecker was finding an early dinner. There was the soothing sound of a distant lawnmower. The crickets are out in mass. And for just a moment I forget about the petty things of life - my cold, the bruises on my shins from a child at school, the cat bite from Wishbone (she wanted to sit where I was and I said no), the discussion that we are having over S2's getting an apartment next year (yes it's time to sign up for dorms for next school year or find an apartment, yes, he has only been there a month if that). Little annoyances can creep up on you until they become one dark cloud if you let them. Taking a break is a good idea.