Some random but wonderful things to indulge in

Indulgence has changed for me as the years go by. As a child, running around playing and ice cream were probably my favorite indulgence.

These days, I take the time everyday to watch the Tour de France...my secret indulgence. I mountain bike mostly, and have not done much road cycling, but I do love to watch this race every year. I don't know why, I am not a stats junkie..nor do I bet money on the race. But I absolutely, really truly love to watch these racers push themselves to their limits for 22 days or so. I don't know why I love this, and why I indulge myself in the time to watch it each day..but I do.

The scenery that they pass by is so beautiful, and the energy of the peloton just gives me goosebumps :)

And as you may have noticed, my new indulgence is spending time with my new friend Richie the horse. I also make time to go to see him everyday. I walk out into the field, carrots in pocket, and call to him..yesterday he lifted his head when I called to say "hi" but returned to his green grass..and let's face it, green grass to eat is much more fun than me. Maybe that is his indulgence. However it only takes a few minutes before he walks up to me and lets me bring him into the barn.

I groom him, talk to him, share time and space with him..which really is an indulgence for us both. When it comes time to part, we both feel better. What a gift.

And, of course, being in nature, with charlie is an indulgence.

Again, for us both to spend time together, play, run and laugh. Some days it may feel like a burden to take care of him, but it never lasts.

After all this, a hot shower, a cuddle with my cat Onyx and maybe the occasional bowl of ice cream tops off a day full of indulgences...maybe not the typical things one would think of as being indulgent..but for me they are. Indulgence, and a blessing.

Crawling into bed at night; after a long day, there is nothing better than having a cat curled up purring, a dog curled up snoring, wind chimes outside my window, and the glowing stars stuck up on my ceiling. Okay, so obviously some little indulgences have survived my childhood..lol :)

Drifting off to sleep knowing they are all happy, taken care of, and safe is a great thing.