Look what just came in the mail.
It is a full color advance reader copy. It is beautiful. This is not the final manuscript – there are still a few typos, but it is very close to done.
We are going to be giving away 2 copies to US readers only. The cost of shipping internationally is prohibitive right now and we’ve had packages that were lost.
To enter, leave us a comment about something that makes you happy. Doesn’t have to be a big thing. A cup of tea, someone letting you merge onto a crowded highway, a cat perching on your lap. Just something that brought you happiness recently.
If you are reading this in your email, click here to enter.
Winners will be chosen next Friday, 09/26/2025. This is a blog giveaway, only answers in blog comments count.
I just retired!
Enjoying these last few days of summer and good weather in the Northeast before fall really sets in. I hate cold weather so really soaking up those last rays. 😊
My kids came home after school and couldn’t wait to tell me about their day. (High school/ middle school and elementary )
They were so excited to give me a complete rundown of the day and then afterwards they all cuddled up on the couch together to play cards and hang out with each other.
For a sunshiny moment I felt like we are totally crushing it as parents!
A rainy day that cools down the air so I can open the windows. Something about it calms my soul and slows down the day.
Congrats! Did that March 1, 2022. It is wonderful .
Vanilla ice cream with something mixed in!
Reading this as I sip my new oolong and about to head outside and enjoy my garden
Something that is making me immeasurably happy right now? It’s the first day of rain after a long summer of drought in Northern California! Tea and books are the only thing on my agenda today.
And as a second “moment that makes me happy”- the BDH dedication in the beginning of your next book. ❤️
I feel happy over little things – cooler mornings, drinking a nice hot cup of tea. And reading! Always reading.
A cosy blanket, cup of tea and a book!
congratulations! 🙂
I’m reading the Kate Daniels series again, and that always makes me happy 😊
Anything yarn! I just finished a plushie for my husband, so I’m back working on my blanket and reading some fantasy books. It is such a great way to let my mind disconnect and soak up some dopamine!
Retired ten years ago last July. A week is six Saturdays and a Sunday (b/c church and closed stores).
Don’t pick me — I already advance ordered!
Walking down to the park to say hi to the squirrels 🙂
Tasty snacks always make me happy!
Sitting in my garden next to my cannas being in nature and finding my zen.
Watching my son play the sports he loves.
Being first to comment on the blog!
The tiny kitten I found on the side of the road five weeks after moving to KY from TX brings me immense joy. His name is Oreo and he’s grown from 1.5 lbs to 5 lbs. Currently in his velociraptor stage at four months old, he loves to do alligator rolls in the litter box and pounce on everyone. Note: I already had six cats so he makes seven. The cat distribution system found me in a new state rather quickly!
Yesterday I got to read a new book by a favorite author that I didn’t realize existed (the book, that is).
Settling in in the couch with my snuggle buddies (my cats).
My two cats, Alanna and Babble, were cuddled together this morning because of the cooler fall weather. Its was so cute! I had an awww moment. A great way to start my Friday!
I got to hold my best friend’s new baby yesterday!
The one thing that makes vary happy is when my son asks: “Mom, do you need anything?” I always smile.
I love getting my hair brushed by someone else. Thank god for sisters.
Watching my daughter play her trumpet. She is in first year of Marching Band and it’s actual ridiculous how happy watching her makes me. I never thought I would enjoy being a band mom as much as I actually do.
Thank you for your generosity! Besides re-reading books by HA, spending time with my 15 yo maltipoo makes me happy. 💕🐕🥰
I am re-playing horizon forbidden west and I’m just really enjoying how gorgeous it is. The art is incredible. Everyone must have worked so hard on it.
Sitting on the couch with my dog, reading!
Spending time with family and friends – so good for my heart and spirit.
This! This made me happy! Also, taking a “me” day today so no work phone or endless email🥳.
I really appreciate when my senior cat (both in age and status) Nina rolls around and chirrups a bit to make sure I’ve seen how cute she was doing that.
knitting in the sun while listening to a book – recently went through the entire murderbot series
Time spent in person with friends who live far away.
Letting my 11yo daughter paint elaborate designs on my nails ❤️ 💅🏻
Yesterday’s happy was the annual site visit to our church’s weekly food pantry by the Capital Area Food Bank.
They got to see our shoppers in action and we passed for another year!!
We helped people and get to do it for another year!!!!
Watching the cat run up to greet you when you get home 🙂
A Walk in the woods with the dog
attending my best friends wedding this past weekend made me so, so happy 🙂
Sunshine, a good book, and a cup of coffee.
I’m here for kitty snuggles. My cat is Peak Orange and tries to live under my skin. He an old man these days, so I make sure he gets snuggles even when it’s not convenient
Reading makes me happy. Books in general, and yours in particular. ❤️
A hug from one of my children makes me happy
I’ve gotten into fountain pens again. My mom always used fountain pens, so I grew up with them and wrote with them in school. But over the past (cough!) 30+ years, I stopped.
It’s such a joy to play with all the different inks and nibs. So much fun!
Curling up with a cozy blanket, tea, and a black-and-white movie or a book. Bonus points for rain.
Hanging out with friends and stitching
A cool rainy day with my cup of tea.
Listening to the music of nature with no responsibilities
Reading, especially excellently written fantasy novels like those published by the amazing Ilona Andrews (and a select few other authors, of course:-))!!!
My football team having a 2-0 start despite no one (including us diehard fans) thinking we would be good this year
My favorite part of the day is getting home and having my three dogs greet me with so much excitement. It makes me feel very loved 🙂
Drinking fresh cold apple cider in the fall.
My cat running up to me while I’m doing farm chores makes me happy
I just had my best friend over for dinner. And it was lovely. It made me incredibly happy! Cheers to great friends and good food!
Sitting outside watching baby ducks following their mom
My kids talked me into buying a life size orange skeleton with a jack-o’-lantern head. They set it up in our living room, and every time I look over at it, it makes me smile.
Sitting anywhere at all and having a cat choose to sit on or near me.
Sitting working in my office with one cat curled up sleeping on the printer in her bed and our corgi snoring on the floor with his paws up (he has a huge bed he could be laying in) and a sunny view of our backyard.
Cooler fall weather. Southwestern summers mean I often wake up sweaty or overheat when I curl up with my husband on the TV couch.
That first cup of coffee in the morning. Might be medicinal, but it’s all magic.
Getting cat-trapped on the couch by my two kitties, Jumba and Meeko. They always know when to settle in just as I’m thinking of getting up!
As I get on in years, I seem to find happiness in things that bring peace. Today I received the ashes of my sweet little dachshund who crossed the rainbow bridge last week. I sat and held her while she drifted away. At peace.
Reading a new book!
My dog, Eddie, is my biggest source of joy! She’s the best.
Something that makes me happy: pure beeswax candles, hot bath and a good book.
Thanks so much for the giveaway. 💗
Having a relaxing experience with friends (especially those I have not seen in awhile), extra points if there is food.
Have a fantastic weekend
Piecing together a quilt and seeing the whole project come together.
Being enthusiastically greeted by my dogs when I get home
Cuddling my giant fluffy dog and stretching out in a sunbeam makes me happy
Stopping on my way to work for an iced mocha. It’s the little (delicious) things that make the work day go faster 💜
No longer working nights makes me happy every day! 🤗
When my cat cuddles right up next to me at night in bed. It gives me all happy feelings.
Sitting outside the first cool morning of fall reading a good!
Fluffy baby Silky Chicks.
I sat in the sun this morning listening to the music of frogs and crickets. It was wonderful
Baking cookies with my kids (and eating more dough than end product!).
Camping on rainy misty weekends!
the first glimpses of fall colors in the trees and the first apple picking of the season.
Hearing my 5’7″ 13 year old boy singing “I want it that way” by Backstreet Boys ( offkey) when he thinks he’s alone.
any story written by Ilona Andrews makes me happy.
Love it!
Can’t wait.
Hi Craig, if you wish to enter the giveaway, you need to let us know something that makes you happy 🙂
I just re-read Magic Bites – it is so nostalgic for me. Bringing me back to happy times when my kids still lived at home. Too bad I don’t live in the US – but good luck to those that do. Enjoy!
While it frustrates me to start, gardening with my kids. I enjoy seeing them take care of “their” plants and running their hand through herbs and smelling their hands. Walking into the vegetable patch and just grabbing stuff to eat as they play.
My cat, Cady, brings me joy. Of course, so does reading a new HA book!
Doing another read of all your books! 😍
cream cheese bagel with salmon…. yummy
Our dog putting his snout on my pregnant belly with his silly doggy smile makes me happy.
K-pop. Listening to my favorite group, Stray Kids, or one of the other groups I follow, like K-rock band, The Rose. It just makes my heart joyful.
Both great bands – have you tried Xdinary Heroes? 😊
Just becoming cancer free!!!!!!! 🙂
congratulations! 🙂
congratulations
Watching videos from our field cameras of baby skunks, baby raccoons and newborn fauns. (From earlier this spring but still good for small doses of peace).
Autumn. It’s slightly chilly but cozy with a cardigan thrown on. The changing leaves are beautiful. It’s a season for soup, apple cider, and general coziness. The mosquitos start to hibernate and Halloween is in the fall. Oh, Autumn, my most beloved season.
a vase of purple mums
I have peaches and nectarines roasting in my oven right now in preparation for the desserts I’m making this weekend and my house smells amazing.
So many things make me happy. Recently retired. Hanging with friends. Birthday lunch with my kids tomorrow. Craft retreat in two weeks with friends. Those in my life are happy and healthy. Books to read.
So much to be happy and thankful for.
I’m with you! Blessed to be retired; a wonderful, newly healthy husband; the financial stability to be able to give back to others in need; weekly dinners with friends — so many blessings!
My 10 month old niece sparks joy in an otherwise depressing world. The other day, she learned how to wave and clap; we now spend 10 minutes clapping at each other over FaceTime.
I’m always happy and honored whenever either of my two fur babies come to me for loving and/or cuddling. Is there any better feeling? 🙂
Getting a good morning text from my besties who are in Texas and North Carolina, while Im in New Jersey.
We met at a crappy job and bonded, but as with military life there are moves. For 4 yrs running we send our good mornings everyday and talk randomly as the day passes. We video chat at least once a month and sometimes a random “look at this”.
We are planning a girls week here in NJ next year. I wish we all lived closer but for now those texts make me smile and my heart happy.
My cat curling up on my lap purring while I have my first morning cup of coffee.
Clean sheets!
It’s slowly turning into fall where I live, and the hummingbirds just arrived to usher fall in!
I teach robotics to 1st thru 8th grade students at a campus for primarily homeschooled students 2 days a week for my local school district. The kids love it and bc I don’t see them as much it takes a little longer for the kids to warm up to me bc I’m new to the campus. But this week I started getting hugs. A lot. Just tackled with them by these sweet little boys that are just so in love with Robots. It’s so incredibly cute and it made my heart happy.
Reading on my back porch while listening to nature.
Coming in my back door to my excited, wiggly dogs who act like I’ve been gone forever.
FYI when I click on the link it just reopens tha same blog page over and over again.
Then it is doing exactly as it’s meant 🙂 .
As Ilona explains, the link is for people who are getting this post in the newsletter email tomorrow, in order to lead them to the blog.
My garden in full bloom. Any new book by House Andrews-like a box of my favorite chocolates. Getting together with extended family. So much joy.
Curled up with a good book, a cup of tea and listening to the rain (we’ve been in a drought for a long time).
I live near a field commonly populated by elk. I often sit in the parking area, sip my coffee, and enjoy their beauty. It’s an amazing reminder of the world’s magnificence.
A new t-shirt I bought. It’s so soft and stretchy, I love slipping it on after work.
Doing a puzzle! 🧩
My daughter went down for nap despite being in a sleep regression/nap strike. It allowed me to relax for awhile.
Sitting at our beach lot, reading and enjoying the peace and quite!
The smell of the ocean!
Fall weather is here!
Watching my oldest play soccer with his friends!
Planting heirloom tomatoes for the first time and finally getting to enjoy the fruits of my labor
Going on a fall walk with my husband.
Curled up with a good book and a hot cup of tea while the kids are away and I don’t have any responsibilities or chores to attend to.
Happy Friday!
Watching my baby discover limes & lemons & actually eating it all, shivering with every bite 🙂
Playing with my grandchildren makes me happy! And so does reading your books!
Snuggling with my dachshund, Bella every morning before going to work makes me happy.
My last pair of foster kittens got adopted on their first day at the shelter! I dropped them off at 9:30 that morning for their neutering surgery and by 4:00 that afternoon when I was to go back for them, they had already been neutered, recovered, and adopted.
Going for a walk in the woods and taking pictures of small worlds; a banana slug making its way across the moss, boletes pushing up through the soil, or the way the late afternoon sun shimmers through the trees. ❤️
Mornings spent sitting on my back porch with my dog, drinking coffee while watching the hummingbirds are my happy place.
Spent this past weekend visiting my cousin out of town. We don’t see each other often maybe once a year. Laughed a lot. Talked a lot. Need to visit more.
I adopted a dog from the pound last week and seeing her realize that she is safe and loved and has a family of her own is bringing me joy.
What makes me happy? Finding time to read uninterrupted.
Basically books, reading to my grandson then reading my favorites while he naps.
You dedicated it to us!! That makes me happy! But in regular life, my brother here visiting this week, my older kiddo doing an AWESOME job focusing yesterday during a distance learning/work from home day for his school, and fonallly getting hired in a new job this week after job hunting for over a year!!! That made me pretty darn happy.
When my (otherwise very quiet) dog dreams, she barks very gently. She rarely barks when awake, though she’ll make other noises. But for some reason her dream-barks just warm my heart and make me quietly laugh every time I hear her. I managed to film a good minute of this today and I can’t wait to show my partner/her other owner!
My dog’s silly face and his utter devotion… to his ball.
Snuggling with my cat Tatiana and she start purring and grooming my hand makes me feel so special and loved
We are now in the sweet spot of weather in the PNW. Not hot but not cold, blue sky’s, no rain. I love taking my idiot Airedale to the beach and watching her run endlessly after the shore birds.
When a person does something silly to make a child laugh just makes my (and usually those nearby) day.
My cat Jubilee has recently become nonstop cuddly, especially after a meal. She will get to a high spot near me and climb me 😅 till I pick her up and hold her to my chest, with her head tucked under my chin. 💗🐈🥰
The way my dogs look at me like I’m their whole world. 🥰
Watching my 16 year old daughter perform during halftime as a member of Color Guard during last night’s Thursday Night Lights game!
It makes me happy when the armrest between 2 movie theater seats can lift up so that I can snuggle with my honey during a movie (especially good for scary parts)
My dog cuddling in my lap and tucking her head between my chin and my shoulder – complete love and trust!
Warm puppy napping on my lap.
Helping a student find the resources they need for a paper. Especially when they come to me frustrated and I can use librarian magic to find what they need.
Eating a chili cheese burrito from Taco Bell’s throwback menu this week. (I haven’t had one in over a decade, and it was glorious!)
Rolling over and snuggling back into the covers after hitting snooze–the slow drift back into slumber as the shoulders relax into the pillows, the feel of the covers settling back over my head and neck.
Blocking a piece of knitting (most recently my sister’s wedding shawl). A hot coffee I can sit and enjoy without interruption.
When I’m able to take some time just for me.
Tart blueberries and raspberries are a small glimmer of joy!
Doing a puzzle 🧩
When my cat plops down next to me on the couch to decompress at the end of the day
New books by a favorite author!
diving into a swimming pool, I just love the feel of the water.
Binge watching The Gilded Age
Cuddling on the couch with my three dogs while it rains. One of those doggos is terrified of storms and proceeds to burrow as close as he can get. Makes my heart so full to know that I’m his safe space.
Happy when I can take the day off from work and relax and spend time with my dogs!
Spending time with family!
My baby smiling made me happy.
Cuddling with the kiddos first thing in the morning
The release of the next book in a series that I love.
The things that make me happy: coffee, my cat Bones whose almost always right with me, watching the birds out the window, the weather finally maybe starting to cool and fall foliage and reading a good book that I can disappear into.
Playing ball with my dogs.
My children’s love of books. My 2nd (4 years old) will come with a stack of books to read or you will randomly find him sitting looking through a book. My first (7 years old) loves reading graphic novels. I am more than happy to oblige as I’m able.
The lovely New England weather this September nakes me happy. I wouldn’t mind a couple more months of it. Crisp, dry air, gorgeous blue skies, leaves just now beginning to change to beautiful reds and yellows!
Our 4 year old feline Ruler of the House graciously allowed His Minions to sleep beyond 4am for the third day in a row! 🥳🐈⬛💕
Relaxing with my dog.
Warm sunshine on clean carpet. I lay on it with my eyes closed and doze for a few moments.
Cuddling up under a cozy blanket with a fire on a cool almost-fall evening made me so happy.
Laughing with family and friends
Driving on a back country road near my home and the wind blowing enough to make the tall grasses wave like they were water. When you don’t live near water, this isn’t a bad alternative.
It’s beautiful!!!
Legos – specifically the botanical collections are making me really happy right now.
Listening to a lofi playlist or an audiobook while I build my flower legos has been amazing.
What makes me happy? A blanky, a lap cat and a new book. I also love weaving new things for friends and family.
I’m a 4th year veterinary student, so what makes me happy is when my patients come in to the hospital sick or not feeling well and leave happy and healthy 🙂
Cuddling up on the couch with a good cup of coffee and a book!
Reading anything by House Andrews always makes me happy. Hanging with my pup is also on the list.
Something that brings me joy is listening to an audiobook while crafting or painting my nails
Watching my dog chasing dragonflies in the yard, yet being unsuccessful at catching them 😁
Midday naps make me happy. And much easier to deal with the rest of the day.
Reading a good book with a blanket over my lap on a cool rainy morning, cup of coffee in hand.
Seeing the lush vegetation and changing leaves in east PA
When my pup greets me in the morning, so happy to see me awake
I find that sitting down at the end of the day with a much loved book brings me much happiness.
Spending time with my family makes me happy. Time is going too fast and some days I want to slow it down to be with my family.
Eating chocolate bark makes me happy
The beautiful weather we’ve been having lately makes me happy!
A large mug of perfect tea, sitting on my front porch listening to birds, watching the butterflies, and reading a very good book.
I love when my dog falls asleep on me going home from a hard day of running around sniffing out invasive rats.
I have new plants on my desk at work, one of them reminds me a frogs (begonia rex) and I like frogs too so double happy thoughts 🙂
What makes me happy is that one of my fav authors is doing a giveaway!! 😍🙏🏻
my cat (Esther) bringing me a toy because she’s “a mighty hunter”
sunshine yellow (the color)
IA books 😁
when i have no responsibilities and it’s a rainy day. perfect for reading!
seeing dogs playing in the park across the street from my house.
I went kayaking with my best friend. I was so happy!!
Something that makes me happy is seeing wildlife while going about my daily life. There’s something magical about seeing something wild in our world built by humans. Nature is always there. I know if I pass a vulture on the way to work it’s going to be a good day.
Waking up naturally on a weekend morning. I hate alarms.
Listening to music on YT on a random playlist and finding songs from my youth. A small thing that made me really happy.
The dancing workshop I am organizing is two weeks away, and our last committee meeting was last night, though a lot of things have gone wrong (our venue of 50 years being temporarily closed) we are flexible enough that we have managed to make everything work. Also my cat is perching over my shoulder and purring.
My dog makes me happy.
I love cuddling up with my dog at the end of the day. ❤️ That, and listening to music that scratches your brain in JUST the right way.
My wife was just declared cancer free.
A job well done—
A clean house—
A good book or 3—
A cat purring on my lap!—-
The smell of fall in the air—-
Good wine and time with family and friends—-
The list should be endless….
Watching my son play for his middle school soccer team team gives me joy! He’s so proud of making the team.
Reading new IA books!
I recently broke my kneecap and wear a big black brace that doesn’t bend. I am so happy when I can take it off and feel the cool air!
I went to afternoon tea with friends yesterday. Took a full day off to drink all the tea and devour scones. We walked around a coastal main street afterwards and wandered into an independent bookstore. I preordered This Kingdom and bought cute kitten stickers. It was a happy day.
Screaming about the dedication (I feel so loved 😂😅)
The Highlands in Scotland made me so happy. (We’re now on our way home from our honeymoon.)
The right bit of dialog in a book – the kind between friends that makes you giggle and immediately reread that bit again just to prolong the warm feeling it gives you.
I love to read!
Seeing my great granddaughter learn to smile and laugh. Precious
It’s so pretty!!! Just wondering tho – is it supposed to be next Friday 9/26th that the winners will be chosen?
In any case, I stumbled onto LitRPG as a genre and am LOVING it. Think it triggered a little plot bunny, but we shall see!
Small typo, have edited to next Friday 26th 🙂
Something that makes me happy is getting a nice, clear photo of an insect with my phone.
Hugs from my kids.
A little kid’s smile makes me happy. My sister has a new little.
Seeing my cats napping in the morning sunshine.
The perfect cup of coffee my husband has waiting for me when I get out of the shower.
Thank you for the chance to enter. Taking a long walk at the end of the day to reconnect makes me happy.
Hello!
When Yogurt (my kitty) comes up to me and headbutt’s me, it’s the best feeling. She started out feral, like her sister,Cheese. They were both quite ill when we took them in and nursed them back to health, got them their vet things. 4 years later, and Cheese loves my husband Brian more than food! And Yogurt? She loves me so much. Loves me to the moon and back. Our world is so much better and brighter with our fur babies in it.
That 1st cup of coffee in the morning makes me so happy
Saw some coyote pups playing!
Being home with all my kids under the same roof, just hanging out together. One moved out and he works nights. The middle also works nights. I only see them sparingly on the weekends, if I’m lucky. The youngest still relies on us for transportation, so he stuck with us for a little longer. 😉
A hug, especially from my grown son, makes me happy.
Early mornings in bed when my dog gets extra snuggly with me before we start the day. The best way to wake up.
cuddles from my kids make me happy
The brrr sound my cat makes when she’s looking for me, and the full meow when she finds me! lol!
one of my favorite times of day.
Picking up a Rush, which is a flavored energy drink from a local coffee hut in my area. Any time I need a boost, that is my go to for small happiness.
Having a weekly coffee talk meeting with my friends and thrifting afterwards always makes me happy!
when my teenager randomly comes to give me a hug
This year has been tough, buying a house, layoffs, unexpected cat health issues, and of course all the unexpected things that go wrong in a house. But we finally have a yard after almost 20 years of living in apartments. I had no plan, just really wanted to grow some things. So I bought starter plants from random neightbors/facebook market place.
this was also a tough year for growing, super cold and rainy in the beginning, drought and heat all through the summer. But that first tomato that ripened and I grew on my own was *chefs kiss. Having the garden and my first time truly garden was hard, but seeing the bees and bird enjoying it, getting my hands dirty, and harvesting a few veggies has really helped my heart
my big joy is escaping in nature. Having a blissful quiet moment to hear the wind in the trees, seasonal crunch of leaves/snow/twigs under my feet, and critters having conversations is such a special thing!
I feel a bit like Bilbo when I say “I’m going on an adventure!”
My husband and I are in the process of moving from Southern Indiana USA to Northern Wales UK.
We have been offered the chance to work in support of families who have children with the same DNA repair disorders both our girls had.
We fly out on October 7th and have chosen to embrace this once in a lifetime opportunity while repeating “just gonna do it scared!”
My daughter calling me on her way home from work
Cooler weather but not cold! Love to sit outside and read when it is cooler! I live in Houston!
my dearest friend is visiting from Maui. we’re sitting around drinking tea, chatting, and looking at cookbooks. This makes me so happy 💕
Sitting on our deck and looking out at Pikes Peak and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. So peaceful.
Spending a morning drinking coffee while my son and daughter watch cartoons right before the day gets crazy.
Things that make me happy would have to be Reading and crocheting. Creating makes me full of happy. When I do not have to worry about cleaning or cooking though is probably top tier.
PJs…especially ones that are soft, a pettable softness – so very cozy and make me extremely happy. Just bought some Grinch pajama shorts that are fuzzy and super soft. 😍
Combine those pj’s with a warm cup of tea and one of your books and I’m set! Epitome of happiness 😊
Walking through my garden in the morning before work
Completing a LEGO set 🙂
my husband and kids, happy and healthy
My golden retriever, Reese, brings a smile to my face every hour of the day. I’d be lost without her.
I’ve been saving credit card points and miles, and I finally redeemed them for a family vacation next month. Paid for flights and hotels and the rental car and more. Listen, I’m looking forward to the vacation but the acquisition and management of these points has been a separate hobby in itself, and spending them strategically was SO satisfying.
I’ve moved from a busy Chicagoland suburb, to a kind of serene lake town in Michigan. Being 64, and feeling like the Beatles song, because I’m away from family. Being able to go to the beach a mile down the road, to watch the waves, storms come in, or a sunset brings me great peace and joy.
I started reading a new book that I heard lots of good things about. It’s been lovely stepping away from the stress of my life to lose myself in a new story.
Besides my family, reading makes me happy!
Running at dawn!
My heated blanket on my bed on cold nights brings me such peace and happiness!
When my nephews call me from college just to catch up.
It makes me happy when:
My children give me a kiss out of the blue;
my husband sets the kettle for my morning tea before I wake up;
my cat comes and lays with me and suckles on my shirt’s armpit. She is a very scaredy cat so it’s nice to be trusted!
Traveling with my husband and reading a good book.
Watching my brother do 1970’s dancing with his daughter at her wedding.
What makes me happy is finishing a book bind, there’s something so gratifying about wrapping up a project and holding a whole new book in your hands.
Kicking back with a good book (Ilona Andrew’s of course)and a cup of coffee knowing I do not need to be anywhere or do anything. Bliss
Stopping to smell all the flowers!
K-Pop Demon Hunters has been giving me a lot of joy recently
Going on a morning walk with my German shepherd. It tricks me into walking, because I have to walk the dog.
my 10 month old daughter learning to clap and wave to people brings such a smile to my face!
Dressing up and being with friends at the Renn Faire makes me happy (either working one or just hanging out)
I hope I’m in time. What makes me happy is my recliner, with silence, a cool beverage (water is fine), and no place I have to be, with, of course a good book.
Jane
I have a hammock chair in my living room, set beside a lovely and uncomfortable armchair. When she wants me to give her treats, my cat uses the armchair for a stool to stand and SHOVE her entire face into the mesh of the hammock. I have it on video!
https://imgur.com/a/0Phcsw1
I got isopods!!! their antics crack me up and I over plant their lil vivariums and I can just look over to watch them go about their business. it’s so cute!!!
My new nightstand coffee setup. Roll over, push the button, rest my eyes a little more, and three minutes later, a steaming cup of joe.
omg the Dedication! I feel so loved. Thank you House Andrews <3
Recently a joyful moment was when I sat on some driftwood on the beach to eat a snack and watch the waves.
My dog’s happy sigh when he lays down next to me.
My youngest just started to kind of crawl, and she can only go backwards. She pushes up on her little arms, and then shoves backward, and then giggles. It is both amazingly cute, and completely hilarious.
When you meet a new animal at some interaction and they choose to sit by you. It feels like validation that you’re a good person or doing something right 😂 😍
what makes me happy, sitting on a swing on a beautiful day.
Something that makes me happy: my 2 year old teetering around the house singing loudly “I love you mommmmmmyyy!” And I sing back “I love you baaabbbbyyy!” Brings a smile to my face every time!
Watching birds at our bird feeder. Also my husband just finished cleaning and painting our front porch. It is beautiful.
I am re-playing horizon forbidden west and I’m just really enjoying how gorgeous the graphics are. The art is incredible. They must have worked so hard on it
Fuzzy blankets and my babies sleeping on me while I read!
Friday night ice cream trailer at our local volunteer community fire company
a nice long walk
Lying on the sofa with my dog, an audio book and a game, Xanadu.
Thank you!
When I hear that excited little “prrbt” as my cat runs up to me and asks for pets and snuggles. She’s even curled up in my lap right now 🙂
My 7 month old nephew’s laugh.
Knowing I’ll have free time to read a good book that day.
Working at my desk, glancing over to see one of my pups stretch and snuggles up to my oldest dog. That warms my heart and makes me smile. Oh and a little bonus joy! Nothings beats the thrill of picking out a brand new scented candle🥰 Instant joy 😊
my sweet dog’s smile when I ome home from work
Pizza delivered, Diet Coke, family gathered on the couch and a new show/movie to watch. It’s a Friday night tradition and makes me more happy than I can say. 🙂
Listening to my dog quietly snore in her dog bed behind me while I am in conference calls.
Watching my little kids play sports. It makes them happy and I love seeing them happy.
Sold a house in MD and I’m about to buy one in NC. I’m staying with my nephew, his wife, and their 14-month-old son whose little sister will be born in 4 months. My nephew has their TV set up so that when the TV itself is off, the monitor rotates through pictures, some of which were from when my nephew was young. I get a kick out of looking at the photos of when my nephews were young and seeing the oldest one now as a father, and how my grandnephew looks like my brother when he was younger.
Poor sister- and niece-in-law went through carrying their respective kids for months, then labor, only for their kids to take after my side of the family. Maybe the new grandniece will look like her mom.
Getting coffee with friends!
My two cats, they always make me smile.
Reading a new book with out any interruptions every 5 minutes.
It is beautiful!! Thing that made me happy this week? A lunch hug from my grandson.
My little dog Lucy. Who is supposed to be my daughter’s little dog, but has completely captured my heart. Every time I sit in my chair with some tea and a book, she immediately runs and sits in my lap. It is now “our” chair.
Your books make me happy ❤️
Evening walks, watching sunsets, and the sound of water (rivers, waves on the shore, fountains).
Thank you for this!
We held an open porch party on our corner with some other neighbors after putting out flyers up and down our street. It was so nice to see so many people walk up the street just to meet neighbors and visit. Seeing the connections and kindness of people getting to know their neighbors and how much everyone seemed to want/need connection and willing to take time to do it… restored a little sense of how many good people there are and how easily their presence gets drowned out by negative stuff.
I’m completely with the people who enjoy sitting in the sun reading and knitting (at the same time)—especially when I can do it on my porch and look at all the green and colors of summer (and have a ceiling fan to keep the breeze going!)
Having lunch with my daughter today!
Sitting in the backyard with my dog, Dora on my lap.
Yay!
Here’s my happy post of the week – I got to kick off PTSA’s annual arts competition on Monday by visiting some middle school classrooms and watching kids get excited about art.
When friends message me about loving books I recommended. It makes me so happy.
I swim. When I get to the pool just before sunset, on that flawless late-June day when the water is cool but the air is warm and heavy, I cut through the water in a smooth backstroke and watch the clouds glow. I am flying. Perfectly happy.
The Smoky Mountains. Just got back from a short trip. It was peaceful (no tourists) and beautiful
Finding new trails to walk with my dog, especially as we get into fall and the leaves start changing, makes me so happy!
I say in my kitchen with my fresh scones and tea and my friends who live in Massachusetts and we chatted for a couple hours. 💜
P.S. The scones turned out fabulous!
when I’m walking with my babies and my little 4 year old comes close and asks so sweetly, “Momma, wanna hold hands?” 🥹😭
Getting together with family and friends. I love to laugh and chat and just bask in our presence together.
Headed out for a trail race. Love them because I get to allow my mind to unwind and only focus on important things like not falling, looking for animals, & not dying.
Decorating for Halloween! 🎃
The British Baking Show being back on tv for a new season is what’s making me happy right now 😍 Except I’m 5 1/2 months pregnant, and watching it makes me want ALL the sweets 🍪🍰🍫
Embroidering while listening to an IA book.
I recently got a watercolor workbook that has brought me so much joy! I am NOT artistic or creative, but the way it’s set up makes me feel very accomplished! (it’s from Emily Lex Studios)
Mars, the hippo at the Kansas City zoo.
I love to read. When I come home, that is all I want to do, is sit down, and read a good book.
Something that made me happy: yesterday we picked up our 7 year old daughter from school and her teacher wanted us to know that she’s been doing so much better in class this year. She’s participating more and making friends which she’s never really had any. Also sitting here with my husband at the Mexican restaurant eating lunch and who can be sad with chips, queso and the promise of tacos?
You are too good to us!!
Happy thing for today. I watched the fog drift over the hills this morning. Like a comfortable, worn, cotton sweater. Gave me the same feeling as wearing one on a crisp fall morning. *cue the steaming cup of tea*
What makes me happy is smelling my roses on my rosebush. Or curling up with an Innkeeper book. Or Kate Daniels. Or William the Wolf from Bayou Moon. This is so exciting. I hope I win.
Whenever my 13 year old daughter sits at the piano swaying and smiling as she plays Handel’s Passacaglia. That my 15 year old son who’s grown a what seems a foot in the past year and is head and shoulders taller than me still hugs me. Even if it more closely resembles a headlock from behind these days.
Listening to Amy Poehler’s podcast!
Sitting with all my chickens and geese.n
My Grade 11 students.
They make me crazy – and then I take them to a theatre festival and they walk out of hard, complicated, painful plays talking over each other about this choice of body language, or that moment in the play and did you see the way Papa Calaca did that rise and the way Shane held his body at the door and what about Brutus’s face in that moment and ….
They rise to their feet without prompting when someone needs to get past them to their seats, and hold the door for other festival goers and say ‘excuse me’ when they pass someone on the sidewalk.
When a classmate had a hard time with one play and had to leave, they didn’t overwhelm her afterwards, but every single one of them checked in with her over the next few hours to see if there was anything they could do.
And they’re also goofy teenagers who crack fart jokes and take their classmate in a wheelchair through a skatepark at HIGH speed (with permission) and climb trees and walk on railings and sneak playing cards WELL after lights out and don’t want to get up in the morning and drink gallons of milk (often straight out of the carton).
The best part? They’re not even drama students; this is a MANDATORY English class and half of them couldn’t care less about theatre… but they engage fully and with their whole selves and that’s so damn rare these days it makes me happy.
Last night there was a thunderstorm and rain. I live in central Arizona so rain is a big deal. I lay awake late at night listening to the thunder and was happy for the rain!
Snuggling with my cat before bed.
This summer at 40 I learned how to surf. I love it it makes me so happy.
Reading and biking
warm day by the water with family
Watching my garden thrive makes me happy.
Watching the joy on the face of my dog when he runs free.
A fun trip to the farmers market for apples and zucchini and eggplant
When my tiny dogs snuggle with me on the couch.
I got a new horse and he’s a bit nervous of people. Yesterday I was giving him a nice neck scratch, and he leaned into it and rested his head against me. So happy to have him starting to trust.
Knitting and dandelions make me happy, and everything is better with coffee
An afternoon of reading a good book uninterrupted.
Watching a yellow tiger swallowtail make her chrysalis on a leaf in my backyard 💛
Autumn.
It’s not here quite yet, but the leaves are tinged with color,the air has a hint of coolness, and the Spirit Halloweens are peeking their masked heads from the mall sprawl. I’m so ready!
There is an animal sanctuary near me where you can just walk in, and the front area has a bunch of adoptable puppies that you can pet and play with running around. I went there last weekend and got to cuddle an adorable husky mix named Scrunchie.
A cup of coffee and a good book!
My 7 yo grandson has ADD and ADHD.
I went to a parent/teacher conference yesterday because my wife and I are his guardians.
The teacher told me he was approaching grade level in math and making progress on his reading. There have been significantly fewer meltdowns and he is making friends and interacting in class.
I was on top of the world as I walked out of his classroom.
Reading with my young child and seeing my child read to themselves. My kid is only 3.5 but loves books and stories already.
My kids’ laughter.
Seeing my dog get excited when I get her a pup cup of whipped cream.
Had at least 17 black swallow caterpillars on my dill this year!
My great grandson learning how to potty.
listening to music while cooking!
My two sons and the fall weather!
My craft room! It’s just so nice to have the space, even as small as it is!
Sitting in a chair on the beach and watching the ocean waves roll in and out, in and out.
My crochet 🙂
I’m working on a crochet version of a fair isle sweater and I love it so much
The book like this, cup of tea and warm soft blanket make me happy.
Getting some exciting books in the mail has made me happy!
Flying in the air through aerial arts makes me happy. The endorphins are fantastic
I’m happy my formerly feral cat and rescue dogs now have better opportunities for longer and healthier lives; their happiness brings me joy.
Every new release from House Andrews makes me VERY happy!!! You all are my escape when the “real” world becomes too much!
Knitting and a cup of tea make me very happy!
oh my gosh, they’re beautiful!
whats make me happy is a nice cool fall day, snuggling by a fire under a blanket, just enjoying life
My 4 year old nephew’s reactions to receiving mail from me. I print pictures and fun animal facts and my mom puts it in the mailbox of his play house. His mom sends me his reactions to the mail. It made my whole day.
Getting the support I need to take care of my mental health.
Giving my son a hug
Sitting in a ray of sun with my cat on my lap and a book in my hand particularly one of your books 😜
Videos of rescue dogs being played with and adopted. Innocent babies who just want to love and be loved!
Today’s sunshine after four days of overcast skies!
A quiet sunny morning with my kindle.
My kids when they see each other, they run to each other and hug ❤️
Digging in my garden while listening to a Kate novel for the umpteenth time is my happy place. Getting muddy in the sunshine and battling smarmy dragons in my head keeps me sane!
Both of my adult children are doing well in school.
When your cat reaches up with a paw to pull your face closer. It’s the best kind of snuggle.
Something that makes me happy is my sweet baby boy that is officially a week old and that 1st cup of coffee in the morning❤️❤️❤️ (I misspelled my email in the last one😅)
I love watching my boys run. It’s everything good in life.
I got a letter in the mail from my grandma with her new favorite recipe ❤️ and it was a really tasty one!
A Kit-Kat and cup of tea when I come home from work. A lovely treat to come home to!
Having coffee made just the way I like it brought to me in bed in the morning. My Peter is just wonderful.
Sharing a delicious dinner with friends.
I love doing my nails with my sisters. We’ll do each other’s nails since we’re all bad with our left hands. 😆
Curling up with a good book, a vanilla chai latte and my kitty!
My cats, Sebastian and Tigerlily (aka ghost cat), sitting on either arm of my chair for attention like wee little feline gargoyles.
My joy is listening to your recorded books while walking down a woodland path in the middle of DC
My dogs make me happy 🙂
A rainy Saturday afternoon with nothing pressing to do where I can sit and read and relax…ahhh
My kitties and their emotional growth. They are loved and cared for, and each day they show they are happy with us.
Waking up to have both of my kitties, Stormageddon (Stormy)and Samiel (Sammy), snuggled up on either side of me.
Lighting a fall candle and drinking a cold Dr Pepper makes me very happy!
The feeling you finally finish a months long knitting project and win yarn chicken at the same time.
Cats, books, coffee.
can’t wait to read it!!!
Hi Lydia, if you wish to participate in the giveaway, this is not a valid entry 🙂
Seeing my good friends and cooking for them and eating together
Sitting in the sunroom with a book and my dog by my side.
A walk in the woods on a crisp fall day.
The cool mornings and evenings with warm days of fall in the Northeast. Plus the fall leaves….
First of all, seeing this book is REAL and HUGE fills me with the warm fuzzies!!!! Second, getting snuggles from my two greyhounds makes me happy.
My almost 16 month old learned how to say “book” last week and every morning since I can hear her on our baby monitor repeating “book book book” as she tries to grab one off her shelf and squirrel it into her crib.
Pulling into the driveway and parking the car after a long day at work and just taking a moment to look up at the night sky filled with stars and just appreciating the beauty and peace and feeling blessed to be home with my partner and fur babies.
Watching my girls run around with the other neighborhood kids outside, happy and just enjoying their childhood 🙂
Snuggling with my dog
A new book, a cup of tea and a cozy place to sit is my very favorite thing.
As it happens, a cup of tea and a cat perched on my lap is double happiness! Add winning an arc of “This Kingdom” to read to the above would bring a trifecta of perfect joy
Thank you for the giveaway and congratulations to whomever wins 😊
Sitting in my recliner and getting off my feet and the end of a long shift standing all day. There is nothing better IMHO.
my cat discovered this week when I’m putting on makeup at my dresser i am a captive audience and the dresser is perfect petting height, so I have cat hair on my clothes and cat foot prints in my eye shadow but I’m still pretty happy about it
A warm cup of tea and reading for hours on a quiet Saturday morning 😌
When my two dogs are SOOO happy to see me that they are dancing around when I walk in the door. It is good to be so loved!
This week my daughter discovered a local bakery makes fresh beignets with honey butter and raspberry sauce, and she brought some home to share. We now have a standing date to have beignets together whenever the bakery brings out their flavor of the month. 🥰
A warm cup of decaf chai is currently carrying my Friday good mood. 😀
Watching my son work so hard on his driving practice, even when it makes him anxious. I’m so proud of him.
My heating pad.
My cat Mason
I love a cup of coffee with a good book
Cuddling my grumpy chihuahua!
Tulips.
Something that made me happy recently: sitting in the sun with my eyes closed, feeling the light on my skin, listening to my mom laugh
What makes me happy? A full day of doing things and then sitting on the couch with a purring kitty on my lap and a dog curled up next to me. If it’s cold enough, a fire in the fireplace would make it perfect!
One thing that makes me happy is when my cat sits beside me while I’m working on something. She’s a tiny furnace on four legs, but I’ll gladly deal with the extra heat in exchange for the comfort of a cat that doesn’t mind cuddles.
I get to drink freshly ground French Roast coffee every morning while watching the squirrels and the birds on the deck with my best friend and husband of 44 years (come October 2.) Life is still good!
I also LOVE a good cup of tea! (and bought IA’s Russian Country – good – and a ginger and turmeric blend for joints & inflammation – great w honey & no caffeine.)
What brings me a little joy every night is knowing that my kids are happily at home tucked in just where they should be. My kids are 39,37and 23. Two married with kids 😂. Parenting just changes direction as they (and I) get older.
I had to be away overnight for the first time – usually every night I sing Red is the Rose to my child and my cat sits on the bed for goodnight pets during the song. My cat is afraid of anyone not in our household. My mil played a recording of me singing, cat started to come in, saw it wasn’t me, froze, jumped on the bed anyway, waited for the song to end, THEN hissed at my mil and ran off to hide. My child said “Kitty wanted me to feel safe more than he wanted to be afraid”. It’s the kind of happiness that makes you cry.
What makes me happy is crafting a gift for someone (and I love to make them unexpected). There’s something about surprising a friend with a mail that isn’t a bill.
A warm cat in my lap while reading a good book and enjoying my coffee.
Quilting with a good audio book is perfection
I just adopted a (very ridiculous) cattle dog who thinks he’s a cat. He spends a lot of time trying to jump/climb on things and not being able to (and then looking very surprised). Immediately after failure, he naps.
I am organizing a surprise for a friend who will be defending his thesis, alone in Sweden, instead of being amongst friends, as he should. it will be photos of fond memories from him and everyone who loves him, and a call with as many of his friends as i could gather.
warm chocolate chip cookies
The approach of autumn is making me incredibly happy! It’s no longer disgustingly hot when you go outside, and soon all my sweaters will come out of storage and into use. Plus food that just tastes better in the fall (like apple cakes).
I’m going yarn shopping this evening after work!!!
I’m planning a vacation with my daughter! I’m just happy she wants to hang out with me for 10 days!!
Sunflowers and colorful flowers in general
Having my latest pottery attempts come out looking pretty darn good. 🙂
At around 4:30pm every day, the sun hits my garden is such a way that it’s like some magical space with fluttery little butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. I also have mirror mosaic candle holders in my front room so the there are little dots of rainbows all over the walls simultaneously as the sun comes through the big window. It’s magic time and it makes me happy.
Crafting!
The thing that makes me happy… it’s sappy as all get out, but my kids being happy. As long as they are happy I am.
The sound of two stones together makes me happy!
I have twin 12-month-old daughters. They are just starting to take their first multiple steps in a row and we cheer for them every time they do. It makes me incredibly happy to watch them take their quick, wobbly steps and then when they fall down, they look up at us to see our reactions and give us a huge smile because they are so proud of themselves.
Cries sadly in Europe 🥲
But “to the Book Devouring Horde and all others who have dreamed about getting lost in a book” 🥰🥰🥰
travel and seeing friends that live far away make me happy.
Curling up on the couch with my doggo, and a good book.
the first mile of my bike ride…and the last mile of my bike ride
A new book from a favorite author!
Swimming is my happy place – watching the sunlight filter through water on bottom of pool + no notifications = perfection!
Something that made me happy was being able to buy The Inheritance from my local book. Lift Bridge Book Shop. They love when I order from them and I love when authors don’t only sell on Amazon so I can spread my money to my local businesses.
The roofers are finally done and the roof is lovely!
Sitting under the walnut tree drinking coffee in the morning is wonderfully peaceful.
A new box of Legos, just for me. 🙂
Dogs make me happy!
My two dogs snuggling up to me, the sound of the ocean, and reading.
Doing a home visit this weekend on a potential adopter for my three legged foster dog makes me so happy!
My mother is 84 years old and just came home two weeks ago from a month in rehab after yet another back surgery. I’ve been staying with the parents to be caretaker, trying to get home care organized and all the other things that had to be arranged in order for the folks to continue in their home. As many of you know, caretaking is emotionally and physically exhausting. It’s important to make time and space for yourself. So, I reclaimed my childhood bedroom as mine rather than the guest room and made myself a nook with a comfy chair, footstool, side table and a reading lamp where I can escape in the evening to read, knit, and have quiet time. It made me very happy to have that space, and the caregiver part of the day much more manageable. Today I tagteam with the paid caregiver and get to go home for three weeks, before coming back for another two weeks. That also makes me happy.
When my favorite song comes up on my shuffled playlist while I’m working!
Reading outside by the pool with a cold drink and snacks.
The smell of dough as I need bread makes me very happy
Woo Hoo!
With my older daughter living in faraway city post-college and my younger one busy with junior year in high school, seeing photos of my daughters on my rotating cellphone wallpaper always brings me happiness, almost as much as seeing them in person!
My daughter gave birth to her daughter. She chose Mahelle as her name.
I was driving into work and noticed there was the happiest, waggiest good boi (or gurl) in the cab of the truck in front of me and it made my whole drive to work so much better – it was so obvious this dog was having THE BEST DAY, bouncing from driver to window and back with tail wagging a hundred miles an hour, and it made this answering happiness just well right up inside me. Best morning ever.
My new t-shirt that I am now wearing, a birthday gift from two dear friends.
Working in the arboretum removing invasives makes my heart happy. I am doing something for the woods, the community, and my soul.
I finished crocheting a purple shawl for my best friend who is going through chemo. Hope it gives her warm hugs.
The compassion and grace of nurses. My dad was in a hospital for a week and we were so thankful that his nurses day and night were amazing people!
Watching my cream golden retriever roll in the grass. Her bright white coat against the green and her groans of pleasure fill my cup.
My dogs face when I get home from work—always so happy to see me!
Unplanned phone calls from close friends and walks with my dog in nature.
I have a guardian angel that hooks me up with parking spaces when I go to a crowded parking lot. I ask St Anthony to find me a space and he does. Best thing ever
I have a picture of a squirrel enjoying my Halloween pumpkin on my porch. He looks so pleased to be enjoying my pumpkin. it always makes me smile
Walking into the ice rink on a hot muggy day.
Whoo! Whoo!! How awesome!!
When my mother, who is 87 and has dementia, remembers that I like York Peppermint Patties so we sit and eat them while she reminisces about her favorite foods.
Things that make me happy- good books, cuddles with my dog and plans with friends! Also looking forward to cooler weather and Halloween decorations!
For me, my happiness currently resides in knowing I turned my boyfriend into an all-out, no-holds-barred Cat Dad. I mean, our dog is still the favorite, but the 2 cats have 3 catios (all interconnected) and he keeps asking where the next expansion should go.
Our family joined the Y recently, and my water-loving daughter gets to swim weekly for the first time in years. Her joy brings me joy.
Looking in my husband’s eyes and getting that smile back that’s just for me.
I enjoy reading!! (And being a card carrying member of the BDH!!)
My 10yo, he’s kind and clever and very funny.
one thing that makes me happy is my cats little pink nose and being able to see her every day.
Theatre makes me happy. Making it, seeing it, reading plays and reading about productions. It all brings me great joy.
Recently, oganizing and decluttering has made me happy. As life has become chaotic, focusing on what I can control has become my release.
🥰
I really like looking at interesting trees or clouds –just being outside and seeing them is something that brings me happiness and peace.
Watching the sunrise and listening for the change when it goes from quiet slumber to birds chirping and people waking up.
Watching my dog light up when I come home from work 🙂 his happy little hi-mom-down-dog stretch and excited wiggles make me so happy
Making myself matcha in my strawberry mug
a really soft and comfy blanket makes me happy
I have a faceted glass bauble hanging in my window and if the sun hits it in the morning, there are dozens of little rainbows all over my room. Spinning the bauble makes the rainbows spin and dance like a rainbow mirror ball.
I also want to say that reading through these comments makes me happy. I think I will bookmark this thread and come back to it.
Coffee with my bookish friends brings me such joy
The beautiful weather is making me happy!! Seeing my sons experience new things as they get older and handling it with grace and maturity.
Hello. My new favorite tea. I tried it last night and it made me happy. The Republic of Tea company’s Downton Abbey Mrs. Patmore’s Pudding Tea. It’s a vanilla caramel black tea. No need for sweetener, it’s a perfect hot cup of comfort and I am sure it would go well with the new Maggie book.
Reading a good book
Books/reading makes me happy!
coffee ice cream
Something that made me happy that wasn’t y’all existing? Okay, other than y’all existing, my monstera was evicted a few months ago for being large-and-in-charge. She’s grown six beautifully fenestrated leaves and is thriving. I love sitting in the rocking chair by her and spotting the little snails on her stalks and leaves.
My Shih tzu Chewbacca always makes me happy!
Something that makes me happy is a quiet moment sitting with my dog staring at my horses and taking it in that this is the life I dreamed about when I was little.
I’m taking off work soon to pick my son up early this afternoon from school to just hang out. I can’t wait. ♥️
Having trouble finding happy things (recent scary cancer diagnosis) but cat videos are a big help.
That Hugh/Leon snippet made me ridiculously happy. Thank you for humoring my request!
Simple pleasures like a really great Pumpkin Chai Latte
Forever happiness is thanks to my doggo Kota Lee 🥰
Crocheting. I LOVE to crochet. It relaxes me, it makes me happy, and the people I give my creations to love to receive them!
Sitting outside in my hammock reading a book makes me happy. I’ll even share my hammock with one of my kids so we can read quietly together.
Cats, chocolate, music
going to a Golden State Valkyries WNBA game. So much love and lositive feelings.
Enjoyed the rare treat of a concert on Wednesday. Hozier puts on an amazing show, and we had the best time singing along.
My poultry always make me happy, they run to see me when I go out to check on them. I have one duck in particular that will follow me around qucking at me!
Sitting on the recliner with a great book on the ereader, a comfy blanket and one plus cats lounging on me.
I’m happy and content sitting on our new pool’s sun shelf under an umbrella with my feet in the water and a good book on my Kindle Fire.
It’s a cozy rainy morning today. The first rainy day of the season and I’m baking pumpkin bread.
so exciting! I only read digital books because of the print size, but so happy to see it bound! good luck to the entrants!
I got a massive bag of Calbee Honey Butter chips from my Costco, and it has been carrying me through this week!
I always enjoy watching the chipmunks and birds eating the nuts and bird seed I put out for them. The leaves are starting to turn. Fall is my favorite season here in Vermont.
Every morning I have a cup of tea (me and coffee don’t get along). And every morning my 6 year old son “helps” me make it so he can get a sugar cube. And it makes me smile because it makes me think of my own childhood when my mom would do the same thing for me.
Spending any kind of time with my adult children, feeling their arms around me, and hearing them say “I love you”. 😊
My son playing with other little kids or his cousins. he’s three right now and my rainbow baby
Getting the email from the library that the ebook is ready for checkout after being on the waiting list for a long time. Browsing at our favorite bookstore every Sunday evening. So grateful for libraries and bookstores!
Trees
Chipotle for dinner, and lunch the next day!
What makes me happy? Reading a new book by a favorite author. Also bird watching and gardening.
Sitting in my living room, in a rocker, with the stained glass floor lamp on, reading a book while the fireplace burns – and of course, the Fluffernutter cat with me.
Being able to watch a sunrise on a beach, even if it means getting up at the crack of dawn, and driving 40 minutes to get there. The stillness of the ocean and the gentle rays of the sun are simply amazing.
A happy moment is sitting next to my fiance (while he games or reads quietly) with a new book, a cup of tea (mint or peach), a kitty in my lap and interrupted time to read while wearing soft pajamas. No one needing me and no place I have to go.
I love sitting in a park and reading during the peak fall foliage season. Bonus happiness if there is a gentle wind and some sun.
Hitting the halfway point for my husband to come home for a visit from being stationed overseas. We’re on the downhill side now!
I giggle with joy every time Bonkers flushes the toilet. Bonk is a cat.
My oldest daughter 15 tore her ACL in May. She just got cleared to run again this week. The pure joy and smile on her face literally had me in tears. Happy ones I promise. We both had huge smiles this week.
Kept running despite wanting to quit! Felt so pleased with my little success.
Checking my emails and seeing you have posted something. Always puts a smile on my face and takes me away from everything for a few minutes.
Playing video games with my dad and brothers, when each of us are in different states. It’s especially awesome that one game lets my character hug my brothers’ characters. Always makes me smile.
My recent happy is when my 92 pound dog who is scared of so much, trusts me enough to check out the scary stuff and maybe not be as afraid. Love that goofball!
when my cat sees me after we’ve been apart even for a short time, he makes a little trilling noise, somewhere between a meow and a purr. It’s adorable and it makes me ridiculously happy.
The peace that the lord gives me. I have kids with severe medical complexities… being able to see blessings and joyful things in the midst of hardship makes me so thankful and happy
Happiness is when my 6 lb fluffernutter pup tries to convince me to stay in bed with him by sitting on my chest. ❤️
A fantastic book
I am happy when my kids are home from college and we are hanging around laughing!
Snuggling up in my chair, reading a book.
My little dachshund’s happy hops when he has the zoomies! Never fails to make a grown woman giggle…
Reading wonderful books and talking about them with fellow travelers makes me happy!
Days where the air is cool enough to wear a sweater but the sun is still bright
my Youngest son (25), has struggled with depression and is a trauma survivor. He just got his driver’s license and bought himself a used truck. He has a job He loves, His world is moving forward and there is absolutely nothing that makes me happier than seeing him enjoying living his life.
I’m happy that my husband returns tomorrow from an international work trip. I miss snuggling up to him at night and I can’t wait for him to be home.
Oh what makes me happy is sitting on the couch after a walk with my dog and watching a show with a nice warm blanket.
I start off each day with my happiest moment. I walk every morning at dawn with my dog along the bayou down to the beach. It’s peaceful, bird songs and insects all singing their songs. The colors over the Gulf are different each day from soft pastels to vivid blue, it all takes my troubles away.
My sweet little part-demon black cats make me happy!!!
I hope I’m not to late! But London Fog Tea Latte, the smell of it never fails to make me smile!
I love when it starts to thunderstorm 5 minutes after I get inside. Lovely both because who doesn’t love to sit and listen to a thunderstorm but also because I feel like I’ve defeated nature by just managing to avoid the downpour.
Watched the extreme birdwatching documentary called Listers on youtube with friends yesterday. It was so much more entertaining and well done than it had any right to be, given the premise (two brothers live in a van for a year while they participate in the Big Year birding challenge), especially as I myself have no interest in birding. Loved it, would watch again.
Any time I get to spend reading!
I am so happy to be able to play at the park with my kids again (had urgent neck surgery recently due to an injury where I lost all function of my left arm, but it’s much better now and still improving- another thing to be happy about!)!
Something that makes me happy is doing nothing with my sister. We can literally be sitting next to each other reading, or talking, or watching silly videos- it’s the happiest time.
I would have to say cuddling with a puppy, drinking a Dr. Pepper and having some quiet time to myself to get lost in a book. These are all my happy places.
Currently happiness is my ZZ plant. 🪴 It’s doing so well! Despite my lack of sanity!!! Nice job lil plant buddy.
Inspirational.
A bit cliche but the thing that brings me the most happiness: spending time with friends and family.
That said, next is a good book to a good PS5 game. 😁
a long hot soaking bath.
Having lovely hot tea on the porch in the morning.
I finished reading the giant history book about the second day of the battle of Gettysburg! (It took months. And I like military history!)
My youngest child started preschool. We have a picnic lunch under the tree at school when I pick him up. He snuggles on my lap, we eat together and talk about whatever. The time together just hang is so nice.
ps thanks for posting this as a giveaway!!
What makes me happy is curling up on my bed at night with the dog. Me reading my book and Cinnamon (my baby bear/dog) sleeping next to me, safe and warm.
The last few months have been horrible. Apparently my toxic trait is getting more pets when things suck, so I rescued another cat. My dog and now two kitties make me happy. Add in a book and some tea doesn’t hurt either.
When traffic is backed up and blocking the intersection and the car behind me is not blaring their horn and getting closer to my car! 😊
A ruby-throated hummingbird buzzed by me this week while I was working in the yard. He paused to look at my colorful hat then went on his way.
It’s been a stressful year. Seeing him made me happy and gave me a measure of peace.
Fluffy the feral cat’s personal bubble is down to around five feet. Still, can’t pet him, but it’s better than the thirty feet or so it used to be 😛 he just sat there five feet away while I put the food in his dishy.
Also cooler fall weather makes me happy.
My grand daughter makes me happy.
Walking along a creek,finding pretty rocks
Seeing all the leaves change color
Photographing birds on a gorgeous day!
not an entry for the giveaway (because I’m not from the US).
I’m happy about finally hitting 5km again after sickness knocked me out of my running routine.
Going on a short getaway trip =)
Opening a book that you know will be excellent and that post-book glow when the story was even more excellent than you expected!
Cool fall mornings with a cup of tea. A cat and book on my lap😀❤️
I really enjoy the quiet of fall. It feels less hectic than summer.
We found a kitten a few days ago and it’s been lovely playing with her and having her nap on my lap. She’s going to a good home soon and she will be missed.
Getting a big running hug from my 5 year old kiddo and listening to my 7 year old practice reading (gives me hope he will be a book devourer someday).
When the cat cuddles up next to me at night.
I was made happy by the Halloween decorations at Home Depot and especially the motion and light activated talking zombie head that is rolling around my house. Lurking behind toilets, under the bed, in the dark corners…
Sitting on the couch with my dog and a good cup of coffee.
My moody teenager was in a silly mood this morning and it made me really happy to see him giggle before he went to school.
settling into our fall routine at home and it feels good.
Sitting outside in the sunshine with a slight breeze and a good book.
This! This made me happy. May the odds be ever in everyone’s favor!
my puppies make me happy. coming home from a long day and having them great me at the door, tails wagging, like I just made their day by just coming home and being me.
My kids came home after school and couldn’t wait to tell me about their day. (High school/ middle school and elementary )
They were so excited to give me a complete rundown of the day and then afterwards they all cuddled up on the couch together to play cards and hang out with each other.
For a sunshiny moment I felt like we are totally crushing it as parents!
I just threw out a nasty couch that had been hanging around the living room. Purging makes me so happy
Finding owl feathers in the backyard and turning them into little bits for my pals 😍
Reading books, gardening, and of course being with my kids. My oldest is 17 years old today and it’s very bittersweet that my “baby” is growing up.
I can’t win, I’m from Canada, but this blog makes me happy, gives me books to look forward too, and recipes and knitting ideas. What more can the book devouring horde want?
Hearing good news from an old friend is one thing that always makes me happy!
Hanging out with my 2 granddaughters, always makes me smile
Something that made me happy a minute ago was whole grain sourdough toast slathered in peanut butter.
I have 2 22 week old black kittens, one male named Merlin and one female named a Monday. they along with my 2 dogs, Gracie and Apollo give me joy. I love just getting love and playing with them.
Snuggles with my daughter 😊
It goes in circles…. when I click here. THIS GIVEAWAY WILL NOT KILL ME LOL Would Love to put this next to my Innkeeper omnibus and my Burn For Me ARC!!
Something that brought me happiness recently was having lunch with a good friend who lives in another state. We stay in touch via zoom, but there’s nothing that can replace being face to face IRL.
Sitting on the beach in the summer, with my wife beside me, reading a book, with no outside demands on my time.
I recently moved into the same 55+ neighborhood as my brother. We’re besties and he’s physically disabled, so it’s awesome being just down the street. I work from home and can see him wheeling himself up to the pool and back. I often run out and chat. This has made us both so happy and secure.
My cat, George, and his little pink toe beans
The thing making me happy this year was a fantastic, ongoing crop of lighting bugs from late May through early July. We have a small field in our property in Maryland that can be viewed from the deck, and observing a light show that resembles Van Gogh’s Starry night is a wonderful way to spend an evening. We pay for it in blood donations to the mosquitoes, but a glass of wine dulls the pain. It’s worth it.
First sip of coffee in the morning.
Completing my first ever Lego build. A toy for myself for keeping on going. It’s a sugar skull with an ofrenda. Happy Halloween!
I got to spend 2 weeks with my brother’s dog when they went away on vacation this summer! Best vacation ever for me!
Watching someone’s eyes light up as they talk about something they’re passionate about, even if I have no interest in it. Or hearing it in their voice if it’s over voice note. Bonus happy if it’s a dear friend.
I am handicapped, getting into our car is becoming increasingly difficult. My husband found cunning boards to fit and had them installed. Now I have a step that allows me to enter and exit more comfortably. I stood in the driveway and cried at having a small piece of independence restored.
I love grabbing a couple of homemade cookies, a cup of hot English Breakfast tea with cream and sugar, and sitting on the sofa with a blanket and reading a book. (bonus points if it’s raining outside)
All the tension of the day melts away as I jump into the book – pure happiness.
Just finished a knitting project in time for the weather to change in the upper Midwest. Can’t wait to wear my new cowl during my favorite season!
The two inches of rain that dropped in our desert last night makes me very happy!
The cocoa truffles with maple sugar from Trader Joe’s have made my pregnant self extremely happy this week.
Feeling the wind blow. Its something that always centers and calms me. The slight touch of fall, somedays, helps too.
Discovering I have almost 200 DMC embroidery floss colors (out of 500). Let the fabric stabbing commence!
Grateful for my 91 yo Mom, Still gets around😁
My son kissed me when I picked him up from school, which rarely happens unprompted these days!
A warm chocolate chip cookie and a good book
Reading and reading House Andrews books plus chocolate
Reading a great book with a cup of coffee!
Definitely a cup of tea, but also a cup of hot cocoa. Goose down blanket in the winter. Wool socks. Sushi. Shortbread cookies with tea. Sitting and reading while my husband is sitting and reading next to me. Sunshine across the mountains. Waterfalls. Hummingbirds on my sage bush. Bees. Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.
Your books.
I just got my 1970 Karmann Ghia back from the mechanic, and driven 1200 miles home. It makes me so happy to have it running again.
I love taking my niece on bike rides. I love being outdoors and it’s nice to share it with her and get fresh air.
Bringing my little pug mix home from the emergency vet hospital and having him curl up on my lap and nap.
New grandbaby- a girl!
My young grandson hops out of the car and says, “I like talking to you, Nana! You’re smart and you’re funny and you LISTEN to me.” My heart swells and I laugh with joy. “And I like your laugh!” We share a hug and both laugh together.
My dog! We just adopted her month ago and she is love of my life!
Curling up with a book and watch the sun light up the leaves of my tree
Traveling with my hubby makes me happy and gives me downtime to read more!
Feeling the sunlight but knowing the trees are starting to turn glorious red (Michigan)
Going to Costco with my significant other, without the kids, and walking around and looking at air fryers and blankets and frozen chicken. It was fun and relaxing.
Buying yarn… it is a huge addiction but it makes me happy. I now have a yarn stash in 2 different states because I left an entire bin with my parents and also have a bin at home…
My puppies, sometimes, most days at least. They can be annoying. A good book to get lost in really, really makes me happy – until my dogs interupt me and want attention.
Had someone in my office last week with a problem that was concerning them greatly. It was a joy to be able to say “I can fix that; it should be done by the end of the day.” The look of relief on their face made up for a lot of the job stress recently.
Recent happiness – I bought a new lens for my Nikon so I can take some pictures of the Milky Way.
I’m heading off on a trip in a few days!
Reconnecting with old friends.
Earlier this year a friend’s (from high school)mom passed away. I sent her a package. Then, this summer my mother died. She reached out. Now, through the magic of the internet we are re-starting our pen pal habit that faded away 20 years ago.
Just hearing from her makes me happy.
Finding the perfect gift that I know the person who receive it will absolutely love it.
The first day when the evenings get crisp and it feels like autumn is on the way!
Cooling down on the porch, with a beer after mowing the grass/weed stuff.
Riding bikes to school with my four year old. The feeling of being connected to the neighborhood and just existing has been my happy place lately.
Working on jigsaw puzzles while getting my husband hooked on your work through the Graphic Audio editions!
Sipping a cup of hot chocolate or apple spice tea, while reading a good book, with relaxing chill music playing in the background.
Puppy Piles
Doggy kisses:)
Listening to the new GA version of White Hot!!!
My favorite farm stand, Sterino’s Farm Market in Puyallup, WA, is my happy place. Right now the summer corn is perfect and cucumbers are ready to pickle. I drive out there every week, sometimes several times a week.
We are currently doing a cross-country drive to Yosemite. Are listening to your books on graphic audio. Makes the drive through Nebraska enjoyable🙂
There are hundreds of butterflies in the lantanas!
Escaping into a good book!
My beagle makes me happy. She drapes herself over my feet at night, sleeps, and snores.
My daughter recently moved to Europe. She has been working towards this since she was an exchange student a few years ago. It has been pretty hard on her Dad and I as we miss her horribly. While she is gets settled abroad we are taking care of the grandkitties, Hughie and Ivy. I know they are cats, but I swear they each have different parts of her personality. They are the sweetest babies and love cuddles. It’s like having a little piece of our daughter still with us and they make me happy each and every day.
Every morning when I wake up I am greeted by 3 little kitty faces as they ask for pets and attention. Those fluff balls always make me happy.
My black and white kitties tumbling with each other!
A student in my biology class yesterday showed me her notebook where she is teaching herself about birds. (I’m an ornithologist by training.)
Not only were her notes really well done – but she had including AMAZING illustrations of birds!
I love seeing students get excited and learning about topics – and to see a student “geeking out” about a topic I love, like birds, made me especially happy!
Getting to snuggle with my cat when sitting and reading
so excited for this. one thing that has been making me happy in this season is that Fridays means Great British Bake-off.
I currently live in Arizona where we have had a pretty bad drought this year, it’s been so hot! Tuesday was my birthday and a massive monsoon came through. Who knew rain on your birthday could be so lovely 😊
My cats living their adorable lives makes we happy. Also, I just had the most amazing fall salad with chicken, apples, cranberries, shredded brussel sprouts, and candied pecans. It’s the little things.
I just learned book binding this last year and have book rebinding all my favorite books. Makes me so happy!
Shopping with my son, using PDO to take a day off of work (getting paid to shop😊)
A cute baby chipmunk suprised me while gardening.
My poor goldendoodle, who was recently shaved (without my consent). He makes me happy every time tries to rub off my kisses to his face by violently rubbing his face on my bedspread.
I have a rare day off with my husband (we work different schedules) and I currently have a cat sleeping on my lap.
Sitting and listening to the rain on a quiet afternoon is currently making me very happy. ❤️
Smelling the people and kittypeople I love. Just burying my face in their necks and drawing it in all the way to my heart. I’m weird 🙂
Happy Friday.
best of luck to US based BDH ….
My granddaughter, Rue
Eeekkkkkk!!!! Lol
reading and watching my kids play sports.
My garden makes me happy, especially the daylilies beds, not much blooming right now but at least 10 are still going. I like to dig in the dirt as a stress reliever. And it doubles as reading time cause I listen to audiobooks while doing it.
Reading in the backyard while my dog enjoys a sunny nap.
I repotted some new plants for my outdoor container garden today (pentas and salvias). I’m not much of a gardener, but taking care of my plants makes me happy and centered.
Walking through a local park just after sunrise
it sounds corny, but my kids! They are both in college now and it’s just really fun hanging out and talking with them!
Sitting on the couch with my little dog sleeping around my neck while I am working. Then, I open my email and see a post from you. Thanks for the smile.
reading a good book and sipping a cup of tea–while my sweetie is next to me yelling at the football game on tv.
Sunsets!
My kiddos (3 and 5) running to give me hugs when I get home from work. My cat playing “fetch” with me with her favorite toy.
I drive my 15 year old to and from school every day. We have a collaborative playlist that we each add a song to in the morning. It makes me happy every time I hear the playlist list.
My 12 year old son drew me a picture and wrote how thankful his is for all I do for them. He didn’t even hand it to me he just put it on my bed side table for me to find.
Relaxing with the first cup of coffee in the morning. It’s one of the best perks of retirement.
Driving with the top down on my roadster convertible with the radio blasting, the sun on my face, and the wind whipping through my hair.
Or reading the latest Ilona Andrew, of course!
My daughter’s limitless energy for catching grasshoppers and butterflies and the way my kids play with our chickens. Abundant joy
Knitting a new cowl
Porch coffee with a neighbor makes me happy. Rain or shine or snow, we find a sunny spot on someone’s porch and enjoy our beverages and our neighborhood.
I am going to the mountains for vacation with my bestie in a week!
Watching my chickens run around doing chicken things.
I enjoy playing City of Heroes and helping a group do better than they were before I arrived. 🙂
Drinking my morning coffee in my backyard.
A hug from my son. 🤗
Thank you for doing the giveaway!
My dogs sleeping in a pile on and around my lap.
a delicious cookie! 🍪
What a great and beautiful gift.
My dog’s tail wagging. We have two boxers, and to be honest, their entire butt wiggles.
A random “I love you” from one of my kids.
I’m a quilter so when I perfect corners I do a little dance!
My job makes me happy. I work in an academic library and am surrounded by books and students.
Finally finishing my laundry and relaxing with a cup of tea, and a good book, or anime
gah. ok so the dedication made me so happy I might have teared up a bit and had to take a moment to compose myself. so sweet.
My two pups make me happy. When I see them together snuggling (awake or asleep) in their bed my heart is full.
I have a swedish vallhund (kinda like a corgi) and she believes her purpose in life is to keep squirrels out of our yard. Yesterday the squirrel was chased up into the tree but then just went up halfway. As my dog went around the tree, so did the squirrel taunting her. It was hilarious to watch.
An early morning walk along the lakefront.
Happy that Autumn is heading in! My favorite time of year🍁🍂
Seeing a beautiful flower when I’m walking bye.
I love the golden quality of light I see in the sky this time of year in the later afternoon. It’s caught perfectly between hazy summer days and the deep crisp light of later Fall. It makes my drive home from work so rich and warm.
Music playing, driving on back country roads, soaking up the light, and smelling the last cutting of hay getting bailed. It’s a mini celebration of this time of year. It’s so precious because I know it’s not going to last very long.
Hanging with my family in the yard, enjoying the weather while reading and relaxing together
New book smell. Also old book smell.
My daughter’s cat, that I’m catsitting, coming to rub against me to be pettted.
tonight I am stepping back on stage with community theater for the first time in 20 years, and that makes me very happy 😊
My cat just had four healthy baby kittens! They are little whiners but I love them!
Reading makes me happy!
Live music. Nothing like feeling the bass reverberating in your sternum while surrounded by people dancing and singing together.
Hello ! I’m in Corsica so I will not suffer at the mercy of Lady Fortune but I have a fun anecdote and I will share it. Yesterday, when I walked through my fields to retrieve my chickens eggs, two ravens flied over me, maybe romance or go away I’m not sure, but the croaking : CROA, wild boar growl asthmatic, Croa, truck klaxon… The mix of sounds flying in the air.
The unexpected was funny for me 😉
Good week-end
Beautiful sunsets! We’ve had a few here lately that have just been so gorgeous and I can’t wait to sit down and try to weave that color gradient in my next tapestry.
My cats!! Just seeing their (many many) pictures on my phone makes me so happy. I love everything about them <3 even when they're being mischievous.
Anytime I hear my kids laugh. 💗
The satisfaction of finishing a piece of pottery.
Comfort foods, like Chicken Paprikash and Halupki, and my cats make me happy.
Doing a puzzle with my son ❤️
Spending time with my kids as they are getting older and I am realizing the time I have with them is getting shorter.
puppy snuggles
Some ducks have discovered the birdseed that squirrels dump out of my feeders. Today I saw a parent, kiddo and dog walk by when the ducks were visiting. They crossed the street to keep from scaring them (I assume) and stopped to watch and take a few pictures. Others finding joy in the small thing that brought me joy made my day 🙂
Weaving on my Baby Wolf loom takes me away. While weaving I also listen to AI books. ♥️
Curling up in my favorite chair with a new book and cup of tea. The chair was comfy, the tea was the perfect brew and temperature (you know what I’m talking about) and the book sucked me right in. Happy moments.
New books by Ilona Andews make me happy!
The feel of rain on my face and the smell of the sea!
reading a good book with a cup of coffee & a cap in my lap….that’s what makes me happy!
*cat [sigh]
Being silly with my spouse. Nonsense is sorely needed right now.
That golden moment when a thunderstorm starts right as I sit down with a new fantasy novel and some coffee!
Every time a native plant in my garden blooms for the first time. Today marked the first flowers of my black dalea, Dalea frutescens, which I’ve been waiting for over a year to see!
I learned to crochet a few months ago by watching YouTube videos. Since then I have made 2 panchos one for me, and one for my mom. my mom’s is almost mistake free. I also made her a granny stitch star blanket, and now I am attempting a hexagon cardigan. Wish me luck with that one the yarn I’m using is splitty, but I love it. it’s such a fun hobby.
horseback riding makes me happy! I’ve been riding since I was 9 and then on and off for the last 8 years. nothing else is like it.
Reading new work from Ilona and Gordon Andrews makes me happy!!
I am happiest reading my books with a good snack and my cats curled up on my chest
The smile on my dog’s face when I come home after being away
What makes me happy lately is the smiling face of my colleague I., who got a transfer to a new position and instead of feeling sick with stress is coming to work every morning with a big smile. Seen her happy makes me happy.
Seeing my kids smile when I walk in the door.
something that made me happy recently was a job interview going well. I hope I can get better news next week too!
Planning to try out a new restaurant with my best friend this weekend! Good food + good company yay!
Watching the sunset, always brings me peace. ❤️
A cat we fostered and then adopted into a lovely home in the neighborhood stopped by our backyard for a visit last night!
Sitting in bed reading a book while my dog sleeps on me – when he yips in his dreams or snores in my nose, I always have to laugh.
One thing that makes me happy is a colorful sunset.
Cuddles and video games with my littles and the doodles on a rainy day.
Talking with my family who are across the country from me ❤️
As I was leaving work yesterday morning (I work 12 hour night shifts in a children’s hospital,) exhausted and cranky, a 3 (ish) year old was running back and forth in front of our big lobby windows, enjoying himelf at the top of his lungs. I started walking past and he smiled and ducked behind a chair… so I dropped down behind a sofa and we spent the next 5 minutes playing peekaboo. Best end of a shift I’ve ever had!
puppy dog kisses.
It makes me happy to look out my kitchen window and see sunshine and mountains!!
Sitting in my favorite chair with my cat in my lap. Her front paw is crooked just so, but it is the look of utter and absolute contentment on her face that melts my heart.
oooh, Shiny! Eagerly looking forward to general release!
My current happy thing is cross stitch. Picked it back up after nearly two decades. Teeny tiny x’s on finely woven fabric. Serve absolutely no purpose except they make me happy.
Marine mammals (I live near the coast, we have otters, seals, and whales.)
When the parking lot is full but I find the perfect open spot right by the doors as soon as I pull in <3
What makes me happy: Reading a good book with my puppies curled up with me on the sofa.
I looked after my sister’s cats a few weeks ago, and they allowed me to pet them, even the shy one! There is something special about being blessed by cats.
I work in a large, multi-story office building and someone has been leaving random little trinkets all over the building for people to find. I found my first one this morning, a tiny fall-themed rubber duck. It is currently sitting on my laptop, and I smile every time I look at it. Made my whole day.
Recently starting an in-person D&D campaign and slowly making friends with my party over time 💞
Taking off my bra at the end of the day. Cat cuddles and purring. French drinking chocolate. Being warm when its cold.
Knowledge makes me happy in an odd way. Information is priceless.
Something that recently gave me the warm & fuzzies: My 2 year old telling my 5 year old that she loved her. Then my 5 year old offering to share a treat with the 2 year old. ❤️
I just bought tickets to see Billy Strings in concert! 🪕
Enjoying watching my brand new Betta swim around his tank.
My 12 year old daughter deciding to continue an activity because she enjoys it, not because she has friends who do it (her friends dropped out). So proud, so happy!
Cats! I can’t afford one of my own right now, but there are lot of others in my apartment complex that roam around. So, I’m always happy to see them.
A nice cup of Darjeeling is my little moment of happiness every day
Happiness is on a Tuesday when new reads are in my hands.
Gummy bears and my dog, Potato make me happy. 😃
Sunny days in winter make me happy
New book day makes me happier
🙂
A new book from a favorite author while sipping a cup of earl grey tea.
What makes me happy? Reading … and, of course, my dogs (they wouldn’t understand if I didn’t mention them here)
My happiness right now is Borderlands 4, playing Vex, the Siren. With me, Amara the Siren from BL3 and Lilith the Timekeeer has 3 sirens on his case. And he’s going to be in a world of hurt.
*Timekeeper… My keyboard’s ‘P’ key is a little flakey right now…
Knitting socks while listening to a good audio book.
Retirement so I can read full time!
I was at Goodwill – looking for something else – and found the BIGGEST mug! Tea me, please! Ridiculously happy about my $1.29 purchase.
Tea + books + cats = happiness
Dia De Los Muertos decorations! I’m so happy it’s the time of year to see them in stores and to put them out again! Thank you to the movie Coco for making it more mainstream. I’ve always preferred Dia De Los Meurtos to Halloween so I’m ecstatic! So many happy, pretty skeletons and flowers!!
Trolling sour gummy worms, lol, especially the blue/red ones!
Having my family near me. Even when we are basically ignoring each other with our devices. Having them near gives me peace.
Making pottery makes me happy. Seeing others enjoy using it is even better.
Honestly, I did a happy jig today when I saw the notification that I got paid. Basic, but it made me happy. That’s because last time I had to revise my invoice 3 times before it was paid.
nap when it is raining!
Going for a walk outside on a beautiful day makes me happy
Definitely my dog makes me happy. I love how excited he is to see me when I’ve come home after even an hour
Going for a walk in nature with the sun shining. It is good for the mind and the soul.
Cross-stitching and spending time with my family make me happy.
I spend a lot of time in conflict between the two.
Hiking with my puppy and reading a good book, not at the same time.
It always makes me happy when one of my teenagers just comes and sits by me for a cuddle.
I enjoy walking my dog in the park.
My baby gerbils have recently made me happy.
I started breeding gerbils last year because I’ve always wanted to breed some kind of critter. Breeding dogs & cats (unless a specific breed or special reason) is unethical, and most other types of non-mammal critters (birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, etc.) require special equipment or conditions. Gerbils are small, cute, colony critters with short lifespans, quick reproduction, many colors & patterns, they’re perfect. They are like the ADHD kids of the rodent world & I love them. I especially love watching the babies from birth through eyes opening to the rocket ship stage where they rush all over the place just because. I love that the fathers take an active role in rearing the young, and that they have such strong bonds to one another.
They have been my reason to smile so much over the last year. 😊
Watching my kids experience new things (fireworks, Broadway show, lemon meringue pie, you name it) for the first time.
What makes me happiest is my husband eating. After he got out of the hospital last year after spending six months in ICU, step-down care and then rehab, he wouldn’t eat. He would eat a few mouthfuls and that was it. He weighed less than 125 (5’11” tall). Now he weighs 155 still thin but not emaciated.
We had an amazing sunset a couple days ago!
Can’t wait to read the book!
Watching my 17 month old granddaughter joyfully smiling while exploring her world.
What makes me happy is passing on my love of reading to my 3 year old. There’s nothing like having my baby (not so baby anymore) crawl in my lap with his own book and want to snuggle and read together.
Sharing life’s little moments with him has been one of my greatest joys!
My children
My two Maine Coon kitties in all their largeness.
Watching my 9 year old Grandson be protective and sweet with my 2 year old Grandson. Doesn’t happen often, maybe once a week or 2 weeks but the look of love and heroic worship he has for his Big brother is priceless.
Puppy cuddles and kisses when I come home. It’s wonderful to be so loved and missed.
Reading makes me happy❤️
It was an incredible sunset last night–all pinks and reds and gold. That made me happy.
Sunshine on a fall day as the leaves change colour.
What makes me happy is knowing that when I’m reading the male POV by Ilona Andrews, it has actually been vetted by a male. I love a lot of males, and while I know fantasy is fantastical, some of the female-written men in the genre are so unbelievable.
Just shopped at a popular small grocery chain that has the “quarter”baskets, and a tiny girl, probably around five brought me a basket and said “here is a basket just for you” in her tiny voice. So sweet and cute. Just in time too, cause I couldn’t fine my quarter.
Growing things makes me happy.
The layered scents in a barn: horses, sweet hay, leather, manure. The barn cat surveying me from the top-most bale in the stack.
Finding/receiving a book I have been waiting for and picking it up for the first time makes me inexplicably happy.😁
Meeting up with high school friends after many years and laughing and telling stories like it was yesterday!
Love the dedication to your beloved Horde! We love you too! I always enjoy time with my pups. A vat of tea, sitting on the porch, chihuahua in my lap and a good book brings me much joy and peace!
Thank you for the giveaway!
Walking my dog this morning made me happy- he was such a good boy!
Waking up to my dog Luna cuddling with me. I work from home so she’s my little coworker and constant companion. I would be so lonely without her.
Sometimes all I need is a day where I don’t have to go anywhere or do anything.
I’ve finally managed to get a routine going where I set out my clothes the night before and can sleep in an extra 15 minutes in the morning!
Ahhh, sweet sleep
One year cancer free!
Coming home and having my dog Harpo jump on me excited to see me:)
Just relaxing with my dog Marzipan or my horse Sly.
Fall season being here makes me so happy. I’m not a fan of the heat. Just this time of year especially since I love warm clothes, hot drinks and all things spooky.
My very first batch of acceptably good home made croissants. Definitely a labor of love, and consumed within 2 hours by family and friends. I tried to add a photo to this post, but couldn’t.
Drinking an ice cold Diet Coke brings me joy 🤩
In this trying time, what is making me happy is being able to watch a new season of the Great British Baking Show. The kindness demonstrated by the bakers to each other is simply hearing warming.
Finding a new book or series that I can really sink into.
That there is a new Fire Emblem game coming out next year.
Shiny rocks, otherwise known as crystals or minerals make me happy. I like the shiny
Happiness is my grandson leaning against my shoulder
My daughters smile 🙂
Today, it’s enjoying a cup of coffee while painting miniatures.
Cricket song
The sound of my kids laughing and playing together always fills my heart with joy.
What makes me happy: I found out that if my rescue chihuahua is anxious, I can calm him down by getting out his brush. No matter how keyed up something makes him, being brushed turns him into a little blissed out lap warmer.
The view from my window. On vacation in Hawaii, so that’s happiness personified!!!
Lying in bed after sleeping in late with my dog, Maisie, makes me happy and content.
sitting on my porch swing, in the morning with coffee, in the evening with tea, just watching the dog watching chipmunks.
It was a full moon (maybe Strawberry Moon?) this summer and my oldest was home from college and we walked the dog and talked. Really made me happy.
My daughter made me cookies when she knew I was working a lot of hours.
Reading makes me happy. Keeps me sane!
Having a clean basement. My brother and I cleaned out the basement of the cabin we share this spring and everytime I open the door I just squeal in glee.
Spending time doing acrylic paint pours makes me really happy, as does cuddle time with my pets and D&D games with my family and friends. 🙂
Saw my sister and her husband for the first time in a year. Love them both.
My grumpy calico cat who often bites gave me a few gentle licks when I pet her today. ☺️
Horses and puppy dogs ❤️
Getting a hug 🤗
my two dogs running around the yard together, enthusiastically playing and chasing the full time yard residents
My daughter shared her curry that she made with me. It made me so happy just to sit and eat with her.
My favorite thing is a quiet place with a new book that I can get lost in for several hours.
My two boys are both in college, they were both home yesterday and that made me very happy.
We are starting to see cooler morning temperatures in Central Florida…finally! I love sitting out on the lanai with my cats and that first cup of coffee in the morning. I’m looking forward to Florida’s version of “sweater weather,” which I’ve dubbed “not-sweating weather.”
We bought a new inflatable dragon to add to my front yard horde this year!
The sunshine and gentle breeze on my walks with my puppy.
So many things make me happy but one of the big things is a rainy, cloudy day. Makes me feel all happy and cozy.
My work scheduled changed and I now work from home on Fridays!
Right now I’m enjoying listening to Christmas music because it brings me joy and I don’t think there are rules anymore.
Recently, my neighbor’s plum tree has opened and she is having a bumper year! she’s giving them away and I’ve spent all week eating delicious local plums and making jam!
that book looks so gorgeous, I can’t wait to read it!
Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly Uncrustables.
The sun not setting at 8 p.m. is making my heart sing. I know a lot of folks LURVE summertime, but that’s not me.
Autumn is THE season where I feel thriving and/or ready to face anything and everything, hehehe.
The approaching Halloween season ☺️🎃
Watching the sunset at the beach with my hubby makes me happy 🌅
My bright spot yesterday was (after a long and emotional day at work) coming home to my two smiling dogs. Now granted, they quickly became obnoxious because they had all this energy, but they do have such a power to cheer me up
Something that makes me happy is reading a book next to my mom and my pup, Lilah as we drink our favorite Starbucks drink! 🙂
It will sound cliche, but been part of the Devouring Horde makes me happy.
There are times I lose myself in a book series/topic/tv show and when I came up for air I notice how much I have consumed of it, and in that moment the name Devouring Horde is so true and I embrace it even more.
Thank you!
Waking up with my dog’s nose in my ear every morning makes me happy. She never lets me sleep past 8 a.m. regardless of when we turned off the reading light the night or morning before. She is better than any alarm clock.
Eating lunch while watching my horses play makes me happy.
My happiness: Beep, Gizmo and Max. My kitty-cats.
The buzz of bees. We were standing under our huge Rose of Sharon a few weeks ago and the hum above our heads was just full of summer and made me feel like a kid again.
And my cat Thistle purring. The very best naps I’ve ever had are when I read in bed, and she slowly lulls me to sleep. True peace.
Never on one of your books though! 🙂 Those keep me up until I’m finished… 11, midnight, 2am. I have to wake up in the morning! 😉 But they’re worth it.
Loving the change in weather. Fall is my favorite time of year!
A great moment I had this week was laughing with my mom about my perfectionist expectations for myself and realizing how ridiculous it was!
Your books make me happy! (Also copious amounts of tea). Thanks so much for running a giveaway!
Im just happy I’m grateful
When my children and come and tell me about their day or something they are excited about. It makes me thrilled that I’ve been able to foster a relationship with them that encourages them to tell me all the things!
Reading makes me happy.
The book looks beautiful! Know it will be a great read
The autocorrect for the name wants to make my name “temper”, oh boy!
Meeting up with a good friend to learn how to make sourdough bread!
Fall weather with sweaters and hot chocolate.
The bathtime crayons worked so I was able to keep my 2 year old occupied while I had my first proper shower in weeks. Being clean is amazing!
Happy, so very happy, that now that I take Ozempic, I no longer need insulin injections. Woohoo!
Clean floors make me happy.
A newborn granddaughter on my chest and her protective 55lb coonhound on my lap.
Seeing my Japanese Anemone bloom again!!
My children sleeping through the night!
riding my horse. most of the time. 🙂
Congrats! What a pretty book.
Sitting in the warm sunshine, smelling freshly mowed lawn and listening to birds and bees and feeling a light breeze on my skin. It is my moment of zen on my deck most days at lunchtime.
Our new kittens, so cute!
Reading a new Ilona Andrews book with a cat curled up by my head and another sleeps in my lap.
What makes me happy is my new job where administration focuses on rewarding positive behavior. There was a prize cart this morning. They let teachers pick presents off of a prize cart. I almost cried because it was so dang nice.
Getting to curl up with a good book and some new tea after work ❤️
Picking up my dogs from the sitters and watching them collapse at home for a nap
I have a big tree outside my window and I love to watch and listen to the leaves as the breeze blows through them.
The huge thunder and rain storm that hot last night finally washing away all the dust of summer! And the thought of this book – that makes me happy too.
Hot towels fresh out of the dryer. Laundry is a Sisephean task, but soft, warm, fluffy towels are a simple delight.
Going for a walk in the afternoon after it rains and the sun has come out, love the stillness after the rain.
I live in Texas. Last week, we felt the first kiss of Fall.
Listening to the popcorn rustle in the wind knowing it’s almost time to harvest it.
Eating homemade peach ice cream while reading a pile of books as the cooler weather comes in…pure bliss!!! Thank you!
My name is also Maggie and it made me happy when I learned that your protaganist shared my name. I’m a longtime fan of House Andrew’s work. Even more fun is that two of my siblings share names with your other characters- one from Kate and one from The Edge- so I guess it’s my turn 😁
Also, my Birthday was earlier this week, just saying
Getting a phone call from my adult kids.
My little white cat makes me happy her name is Annie
We just returned from a backpacking trip in the White Mountains. 4 days alone with my husband, no phone, no news, just the 2 of us together pared down to the essentials…bliss.
Me too! see post below about Yosemite
So, this one is odd. My youngest (14) is autistic, and he has his routine. Every morning that doesn’t have an alarm, he wakes up unreasonably early and will knock on our bedroom door, open it and tell me good morning. 5:30 or 6, every time, and it makes me so freaking happy every time. I don’t even know why, really, I just smile.
Kitty snuggles, new books, watching the dogs play while I hang out on the patio in the evening with a frosty beverage.
My happiness: my littles and my girl friends as we navigate life together ❤️
Silksong is making me very happy right now!! I have also been on a huge LitRPG bent as well, and have been really enjoying listening to audiobook versions of them on my drive to work.
ok, so i know sound like I’m pandering but a good book is what makes me happy:
a story that engrosses me, characters that I want to get to know better (and that i increasingly like the more i get to know them), well- written and well-paced plot development, and fantasy that takes me to another world or at l3ast a different reality.
Throwing pottery on the wheel makes me happy. Forming a shape from a lump of clay is magical.
I’m so happy to have all the pumpkin spice products right now! I got a pumpkin cinnamon broom and my house smells very fall even though it’s still warm outside in TX. Also I just found some leaf shaped cabinet knob covers I might get. I didn’t even know that was a thing!
My cats make me happy! The tun to me when I come home, sleep with me at night and entertain me with their lack of brain cells.
Pick me! It’s bee-you-ti-ful!
If you wish to be picked, you need a valid giveaway entry, mentioning something that makes you happy as per the giveaway instructions 🙂
I have two teen boys and it makes me ridiculously happy when they’re in a talkative mood and want to share some insights into their thoughts and feelings. Usually, I get a lot of “Everything’s fine” and “It’s ok.”
Any of your books. A good book, good Belgium chocolate, a fuzzy, and a long winter day reading.
Oh, I’m in.
Two things happened that brought me happiness.
The first is that my granddaughter, age 2, who comes to my house every day yet pretends not to know me, finally gave me an unsolicited hug. I don’t even use all the fingers on one hand to count the number of hugs I’ve received. (My wife, on the other hand, gets double-digit hugs every day. Life isn’t fair.)
The second is my wife getting the day off from grandchild child care and the opportunity for my wife and I to spend some time together.
Thank you.
Last night I asked my 4 year old if he wanted to make cookies with me and he was so excited you would have thought I asked if he wanted to go to Disney. we spent the next hour baking and he got to show off his new skills using the scooper and scooped them onto the trays.
Recently I have been really enjoying sitting outside with my dogs in the evening and watching them run around and play.
So looking forward to Maggie!
Sitting in the field watching the cows graze makes me happy.
Winter makes me happy. Having a fire going with fluffy socks on and a blanket and watching the rain.
Late summer/early fall: still warm enough to open windows and doors, but not too hot either, makes me happy.
thank you!
Seeing this book – squeeing inside 🎉
Yesterday my son and I were at the Fair, we had 3 opportunities to share things with strangers – ride tickets we weren’t able to use, our table, a food discount coupon. My son didn’t understand how I could approach random strangers and offer them these things, but the looks on their faces made reaching out worth it.
Playing with color makes me happy. I knit, spin, dye and sell yarn. I also help a friend at yarn show who dyes with natural dyes. I love putting color combos together.
I call myself a color magpie. Crows like the shiny. I love color.
Spending time with my kids makes me happy.
What makes me happy? Looking at my full bookcases, with an entire shelf dedicated to Ilona Andrews. I’m slightly sad because I don’t have enough bookcases though!
I’m in med school, and finishing up my lectures and curling up on my couch to read a book or a manhwa is what keeps me going! Ilona and Gordon have done so much to prevent me from burning out, and I’ll always love them!!
My husband letting me sleep in today. I’ve been rather sleep deprived lately, since my teen starting school again and getting sick, so getting 9 hours of sleep really perked me up.
Something making me happy? The common names of tropical hummingbirds: “Sparkling Violetear,” “Shining Sunbeam,” “Long-tailed Sylph,” “Tourmaline Sunangel” ….
My two year old told me today he was excited to spend the day with me. I’ve been nauseated and tired and cranky and it reframed my entire outlook on the day. This is my most anticipated read of 2026!
Getting into bed after changing the sheets
my 2 granddogs..they make me smile..and love to see me
My Grand Daughter. I just pick her up and everything else just goes away. If she’s having a challenging morning, I give her a raspberry on the neck and she has a good laugh as she runs away. It’s the best.
The leaves are starting to turn!
Watched the new season of High Potential with the 10 yo demon spawn. He and I both adore the show and get excited for new episodes.
Reading all if these posts made me feel happy today.
Yesterday was my grandsons 4th birthday and I was happy listening to him being all excited about picking the hot dog shop to eat at, his excitement at wearing a party hat with a balloon attached at the top, blowing out candles, his presents ect. But what made me glow with happiness was how some of the other customers came over on their way out and wished him happy birthday. He gave each one a hug without being told. I hope hearing his joy, laughter, and hugs brought some happiness to them as well.
Backpacking in Yosemite with my wife (just last week!) 5 days of amazing nature and companionship (and a bear, and a hailstorm…)
Something that makes me happy, a nice big mug of Oolong tea that I can sip while I read a new to me story that sucks me in!
A good book, tea recommendations from a favorite author, fresh fall apples and fry cakes!
My big fluffy orange cat Leo has learned to lounge on my lap while I watch Chinese dramas and drink tea. It is the best part of my day.
I’m looking forward to my vacation to Asheville, NC in a week.
A woman was talking to me about her granddaughter and how she loves, loves, loves this flower fairy she bought recently at a botanical gift shop. It was actually one of mine. Happy to know I spread happiness, too, in my small way.
To get lost in the world of a good book! It is probably one of my favorite things to do.
What has brought me happiness lately is sitting down to read and my cat deciding that he isn’t being given sufficient attention and needs pets now. He wants all the attentions.
I am on vacation which makes me very happy. Comparatively close to the beloved authors as we are in Dripping Springs to see family!
Making my baby (16ish months old) great-niece laugh is the best feeling in the world right now 🙂
My secretly sparkly nail polish – it looks like a neutral beige metallic under office lights but when I walk outside and the sunlight hits it’s got rainbow holographic sparkles.
a new post at the Ilona Andrews Blog
crossing something off my to do list
Vultures! I just love seeing them, whenever I’m out and about or driving I get excited to watch them wheel about.
Also, the t-shirt question I saw earlier – I don’t have a brand rec but you’re definitely looking for “tissue-weight”cotton T-shirts.
Being able to attend the C3 (Creatures, Crime, and Creativity) writers conference with my wife this weekend.
Listening to my kids laugh.
Rubbing my dogs ears first thing in the morning. Oxytocin for the win!
sitting with my chickens and geese.
My new kitten, SweetP brings me much joy!
I have perfected my Chai Tea mix.
A drive through Napa Valley on a sunny fall day 🥂🥂.
I bought pink shoes and inspired a very nice lady to do the same. We need more pink in the world !
Omg this looks beautiful!! Can’t wait to read it!!
As for the happiness, my sister walks my nephew down our driveway every morning to catch the bus for school. He just started kindergarten this year. We’ve developed a routine since I leave for work around the same time as their morning trek down the driveway. I pass by, roll down my window, blow a kiss and wish him a good day. He always blows me a kiss back. It makes the morning for me. Even if the day ends poorly, it always starts with my nephew’s smiling little face. 💜
Walking my dogs while listening to audiobooks makes me happy! Thanks for the chance!
Being at home with my cat in my lap and a new book in a favorite series.
Every morning my new dog wakes me up by bursting into my bedroom (the door doesn’t latch correctly). I get up and we sit down and snuggle while I wake up a bit. It’s become a lovely way to start my day.
the weather is starting to change here in MD and sweater weather makes me happy.
I love waking up and finding a new book in a series I enjoy on my kindle. I preorder certain author series and then I forget when it’s coming out-great treat. Your books I remember and stay up to start reading right away if I don’t have an early morning. Being retired is a real perk to reading late. 😊
Honestly? Curling up with a good book, a cup of coffee, and a purring cat or three sounds like heaven. Especially if my husband is sitting nearby, either watching TV or playing video games.
Eating a good meal makes me so happy.
Recently a good curry chicken makes Hearst so happy.
*heart
Cuddling with my cat and a good book
Congrats on the new book! Chatting with our daughter makes me happy, always!
Happiness is walking my dogs in the morning and having them be over exuberant after last winter when one of them had a ruptured disk. I’ll never complain about him pulling on his leash again when he gets excited to greet passing dogs and people. Just so glad to have him walking with us again!
My horses nickering for me in the barn. I know they are just demanding food and treats, but it feels like love because it means they are happy and feel safe enough to ask for what they want
Vacuuming. I feel I accomplished something and it drowns out the sounds of my kids bickering. Lol!
Spending time with my family makes me happy. With all of our busy schedules, it’s rare all 4 of us are home (& awake)at the same time for more than a few minutes. We had some ‘together’ time this week & we all laughed uncontrollably at something stupid. It was well needed!
Thank you all for this! So awesome!!! Can’t wait to read this regardless if I win!
I got off work early!
My son calling me on his way home from work makes me happy that he cares enough to share.
Going fishing even when I don’t catch anything. The act of throwing the lure out and reeling it back in while standing outside is a very zen experience.
A good book, glass of Diet Coke, and my dog curled up nest to me. Perfect relaxation 📖🥤🐶
When our new kitten drapes himself over my shoulder and just purrs his heart out.
What makes me happy? In a world where crucial things are starting to feel a bit misplaced or forgotten, some things that are constant that bring me comfort include: clouds (any variety will do! Though most especially altocumulus ones), the ocean, my 19 year old curmudgeon of a cat, long drives with my husband, and good cheese.
My tea and toast in the morning makes me quite happy and always reading books too.
My Belgian Malingstor (okay, Malinois) makes me happy with his “so many teeth” grin when he sees me.
Eating a large bowl of Haagen Dazs ice cream makes me very happy (usually a combo of different flavors, but my favorite is a mix of Rocky Road and Coffee). 🙂
Coming home from a trip & being greeted at the door by my cat. Her chirps, meows, & purrs make coming home special!
Stepped out on my patio yesterday and a pair of hummingbirds flitted by to check out my blue salvia. Another hummingbird appeared minutes latter and then another! Record-breaking warm September in Chicago – can’t help but smile.
The first breath of fall, the day the breeze comes in cool and crisp after a hot summer.
We’re nearing the 30 day mark until my fiancé and I get married and I am SO excited. 😁
Thanks for the chance! Fall seasonal items at Trader Joe’s make me happy lol. They have their harvest tea in stock which is one of my faves
I finished a comfort read yesterday. I leave for vacation on Sunday. I can’t wait to hear the waves.
While I love the Harney’s Paris Tea, the fiber craft of Rug Hooking is the best way for me to get my equilibrium!
Being snug on the couch with blankets, pillows, both kids, and the dog while we all read
It makes me happy when my dog wakes me up with kisses.
I love sitting at my spinning wheel, spinning yarn, while I listen to a good book or podcast. Right now I’m delighted by watching the the color and texture changes as I spin.
Nap time (or sleep time in general) with all the pets snuggled in. Bonus if I get to go get my coffee and snuggle back in with them while it rains outside. 💜
Sitting with a cat in my lap and watching the crows in my yard
when the high temperature drops below 80 in FL. it hasn’t happen yet but soon I will do the happy dance
One of the things that make me incandescently happy is the support of my family.
My dog Moxie who cuddles with me, stares at me with big brown eyes, and follows me everywhere!
Sitting in a comfy chair with a good book, preferably with rainy weather and a cup of tea!
I’m very happy my wife is having her cataracts removed next month. She cannot read street signs.
The smell of sawdust/cut wood.
Seeing the pink and orange sunrise on the lake first thing on the morning.
What makes me happy?
A good book with a tall glass of wine.
Yesterday a lady reaffirmed my faith in responsible human nature. While turning around in the base of my driveway, she accidentally ran over a box of extra veggies from my garden that I was giving away. She actually stopped, came up to the house and apologized!!! I made sure she knew how much I appreciated her doing that. There is hope!
For both my wife and myself, one of our happiest moments is receiving a new book by House Andrews! (How’s that for serious brown-nosing?)
as much reading time as I want
Something that brought me happiness recently….. I discovered that a friend who I just made has pretty much the exact same taste in music that I do. Because of this, I’ve re-discovered my love for music that I haven’t listened to in years, because I have someone to share it with.
Getting off of work after working a 10-hr shift, sitting on the couch with my dog, and reading my kindle.
Watching my children when they’re doing something they love. 🙂
Nesting in my house. I work alot, so I love my at home puttering time.
Talking with my girl who just started college several states away – hearing her voice always makes my day!
Cannot WAIT for this release, husband was very confused about preorder. “Did you mean to buy a book that doesn’t release until next year?” 😂
A new book and my cat snuggled on my lap make me sooooo happy❤️
The wind from driving with the car windows down in good weather.
Watching my two corgis chase butterflies and each other bring me immense joy
Cross stitching while listening to any GA House Andrews book. And my granddaughter dancing in the grass.
The sound of guinea keets (baby guinea fowl) chirping in the morning. Never gets old for me.
Rhonda,one of my fav animal crossing characters in New Horizon! She loves reading and is a purple loving queen! Love talking to her 🥰
Passing my Senior Wellness checkup again. I’m 71 and still no medications.
I have a hummingbird feeder in my back yard and just love sitting by my window watching the little guys.
Right now my Happy is seeing the fireflies! Season is essentially over but it has been a glorious Summer fir them this year. With all the- I am going with “unrest” happening right now the nostalgia is comforting
A piece of chocolate savored slowly 🙂
Truthfully, getting to read a much anticipated book that I’ve been anxiously waiting for. Nothing is better than stepping into the world of words and exploring new realms of imagination! 📚
a nice hot cup of coffee will always make me happy and it’s the perfect way to start my day!
A hug from one of my little ones after a long day at work.
When I finish a batch of rocks in my rock tumbler, and they are so shiny and beautiful!
Spending time with my elderly Olde English Bulldog. We have been having lots of couch time and laying in the sun.
My friend is teaching me today how to make mandazi (Kenyan fry bread). Mandazi makes me happy, and now I’ll be able to try them at home!!
Walking my dogs every morning.
Dogs. Need I say more?
A large mug of tea + Chocolate + My latest book = My Happy Place
Today is my birthday so this ‘list of happy’ was a lovely surprise.
Thanks to all who responded. Life is good today 🙂
Books and learning to knit, oh, and hugs
What makes me happy is my children and my cats. My children are adults and they check on me almost every day. I am a widow and I think they check in just to make sure I am doing okay. My cats make me laugh especially when they get the zoomies.
Right now, I’m happy that my husband has finally finished working in the kitchen and I get to use my new oven to make the most delicious roasted vegetables as well as cakes and muffins. It not only brings me great happiness, but the smiles when my family smells what I’m baking makes every one in the house happy.
The first cool mornings after summer in North Carolina were this week.
No humidity! I’m able to sit outside and not melt into a puddle.
I love ALL your books and can’t wait to discover Maggie! I can be p*tient, but an ARC would add to my happy 🙂
Happy Friday and have a great weekend!
Cheese toasties with tomatoes from the farmers market and mango sticky rice ice cream!
When I can talk my 50 pound golden/border collie mix to sit on my lap so we can snuggle. All the worries just go away.
my dog makes me happy everyday ❤️
While on the elementary school drop-off car line this morning, I showed my grandson the lyrics to an old 1944 song on my phone. “Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey” actually comes out “Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy”. We laughed so hard is totally made my day ,->
Being with my family!
Playing with my grandson makes me happy!
Today is my birthday! All kinds of good things are happening to me. I took the day off from work. I had free Starbucks this morning. My coworkers had cake for me earlier this week. I’ve gotten cards and gifts. And tomorrow,my parents are taking me to the beach. It’s a good month. 😊
I just built a ridiculously silly cardboard Halloween house for my cats and they are both using it!!!
Walking the dog in a park.
Lately, my happy place has been wire wrapping and jewelry making. I pop in my ear buds, listen to a good book and make pretty things.
Beautiful looking cover. And from this member of the BDH thank you for kind words.
Have a relaxing weekend! Thanks🤗🤗
Sitting on the front porch and watching the hummingbirds battling for nectar from the 4 feeders.
My 12 yr old giving me a spontaneous hug and “I love you” because he thought I was having a rough day
I’m happy when my kids smile
A good puzzle on a rainy Sunday.
Oh my goodness, I’ve never wanted to win a contest more in my entire adult life. 😂
Let’s see. Something that makes me happy that might potentially spread joy also to all of the tea drinkers in the BDH is osmanthus blossoms.
They’re hard to find, but basically they’re a very tiny, very fragrant yellow blossom that is sometimes added to oolong or green tea blends.
Fun fact: you can actually buy your own bag of straight osmanthus blossom, and add pinches of it (or more) to your favorite teas to easily add floral notes whenever your heart desires.
Hiking in the mountains with my dogs. And a good audiobook playing in my ear bud.
What makes me happy? Hearing my daughter sing!
Chocolate. Enough said.
Reading this on a fine September day, the leaves are starting to turn but the sun is still shining and I’m watching the squirrels and my resident gopher rustle through the grass with their bushy tails and fat bottoms. Makes me smile 😊
My perfect monster of an Australian Shepherd, Teddy, makes me happy! It’s his 10th birthday on Wednesday and we’ll be taking him for a short trip to cooler hiking grounds to celebrate. Wish him a happy birthday and many more for me, please!
After decades living in subdivisions, we finally moved to the country. Right now I’m sitting on my back porch in my favorite rocking chair, listening to the birds and the wind through the trees. The peace is soul-healing.
A full nights sleep with my cats snuggling on my legs 🥰
my dogs, a good cup of tea, a good book, good food, nice yarn on sale, finding a 100% lightweight cotton t-shirt 😋
I could go on and on. I’ve learned to appreciate the small things in life that bring me pleasure.
My kids giggles
Watching TV with my daughter makes me so happy. I miss her now that’s she’s away at school.
My cat turned out not to be sick like we were worried about, but only fat and lazy.
In this moment – a rich, crisp-snap of dark chocolate after a work week that can only be described as chaotic. I’ve still got about three and half hours to go, but Lindt has convinced me I can CONQUER.
Watching True Blood TV series is making me happy!
The books are really much better than the tv series. I always feel this way when books are made into shows.
My cats joining me for a nap.
Having a full fridge. Every time my kids come home from visiting their dad for the weekend they head straight for fridge, and their smiles and contentment when they open the fridge doors and their favorite foods/snacks are there makes me indescribably happy.
Eating sun-warmed tomatoes from my garden. =)
Watching the kids play together, and the baby giggles!! 😊
Time spent on a plane equals time to read a book, and that book always ends up being an Ilona Andrews book. I can’t count how many times I’ve re-read all of your books. So sitting down on a plane makes me happy because 1) I get to read an Ilona Andrews book, and 2) because I’m probably headed on a fun vacation.
I look out the window, at the hills, I see Autumn starting her glorious colors and the gray rolling clouds that hang so low that they are touching the tops of the hills and I am happy, I am feeling so lucky to live where I do and so thankful for the blessings I have.
I fell off the yarn wagon this week, actually I took a flying leap! Discounted yarn at Dollar Tree in fall colors were irresistible and I can look for the perfect pattern.
Walking through the woods with my dog, Norah. Hearing the nature sounds, seeing the green, watching my pup sniff and prance around.
My cat gives me happiness and extreme joy. She owns me! I sometimes wish I could post pictures of her here. When her arch enemy Mister Squirrel comes to the window looking for apples, when she is “killing” her feathered wand, growling at the door when someone knocks on it, the look on her kitty face when a birdie buzzes her at the window when she’s in her 8th morning nap, her intelligence in knowing many words and what they mean, and so much more. I’m really very, very lucky she’s in my life and decided to be rescued.
I made it through a quadruple bypass.
The ritual of making a good cup of coffee or tea… and of course, drinking it
Something that has brought me happiness recently is getting everything started for my fall garden.
Finding a really pretty yarn!
Seeing my family in person, who are states away visit or I visit them, makes me happy.
Hot creamy coffee in one hand and a new Ilona Andrews book in one hand and the world to leave me alone for a day.
I will probably have a simpler answer another day but right now that just tickles my heart.
an audio book to listen to while i do my crafting
Had a lovely video call with a friend to catch up. Got a chance to see her super cute baby on video
There is this video of two white cockatoos and an Earth, Wind and Fire song playing. One of the cockatoos is dancing along, moving to the music. The other one is not doing much and then hears Philip Baileys falsetto and his entire body seems to be infused with the music, and he starts swinging his head, going wild. It just makes me smile every time. The music (EW&F fan from way back) and the bird’s joy of the music. I watch it when I need a pick me up.
I enjoy sitting on the porch in the evening drinking a cup of coffee as dusk moves to dark while listening to the whippoorwills…
Waking up feeling fully rested and recharged
My 6month old has acquired her top two teeth. Every time I see them when she smiles, I’m filled with joy
I got to visit the Oregon Coast after work training and it was absolutely beautiful.
When my son grabs my hand and wants me to play duck duck goose with him.
After 14 months of treatment, I am cancer free as of this week!
My cat is currently in a cone of shame, but he keeps trying to rub his head on me, and it makes me smile every time.
Opening the windows in PNW to cool the house down at night.
A really good book or story that just transports you into that world. I always felt like I was visiting Hogwarts when a new book came out. I love a story that has multiple books in the series.
When my nephew laughs
Happiness is a bike ride by the river. I love the cool breeze and chance encounters with wildlife.
What made me happy was watching my 3yo son building a tower with magnetic blocks and putting all his cars in the structure. He then proceeded in smashing it down like godzilla. The pure joy he has while playing always brings a smile to my face!
a full night’s sleep 🙂
Reading makes me happy. If I am reading one of your books….double that. I have a list of fav authors who all make me happy when I read them. I am waiting, not holding my breath though, for Hugh book 2
Something that makes me happy is putting on headphones, getting out sheet music, and playing along with recordings of some of my favorite symphonies on my French horn. There’s nothing quite like the heady rush of playing the climactic conclusion of Mahler 5 along with a 1987 recording of the Berlin Philharmonic to make the blood sing.
curling up next to my kitty for afternoon loving
Really good fantasy books definitely make me happy! So do naps on hammocks on warm fall days.
Waking up every morning, knowing I have another day to love my family and my pets, enjoy life and be able to laugh and count my many blessings
My 31 yo son texting me that he got to Munich and will send me pictures while he’s vacationing with friends.
Sunlight kissing the leaves & turning the ones on the edges scarlet and orange and yellow
Cake decorating, roller blading, baths and my family ❤️
Watching a sunset and enjoying life with my books.
I live in Florida and every building has the AC on at freezing temperatures to handle the heat. I love to walk outside and just stand in the sun and feel the rays on my skin like I’m a flower.
my whole family came together to take care of my sick 4 year old when I was out of town ❤️
Having my 5 year old daughter go out of her way to climb onto my lap and give me a cuddle!
Spending the day playing with my kids
The fact my 21 year old, 5′ 11″ daughter still crawls in my lap to cuddle!
Every morning when I wake up and its still dark and quiet, and my pups and I chill on the couch while I drink my coffee before the day kicks off. This is consistently one of the best parts of my day.
Quiet time or an empty house.
It’s really nice when my partner’s business trips line up with my roommate’s business trips. A good 6 days to read, cook, clean, work remotely on my terms, in my way without having to do things at certain times to please the household. It’s nice to do 1 hour of work, 30 minutes of reward (reading); wash, rinse, repeat.
Happy feels from bright fire of autumn leaves, woodsmoke, fresh homemade cappuccino on a lazy morning while listening to the birdsong. 💜🦋🍁
It makes me very happy when my most standoffish cat decides she wants to cuddle. It is such a rare occasion, that it really warms my heart when she hops up and snuggles in while purring. Thank you for the opportunity to win, and for sharing your talent with all of us!
When my cats will sleep with me plus watching Run BTS and Asian dramas with a friend.
That should be Kiri Guyaz from Maine above, not Kind! Stupid autocratic!
My grandkids laughing and playing nice with each other makes me very happy.
what makes me truly happy nowadays? a full satisfying meal and a cup of tea with absolutely zero things too be responsible about
My first cup tea in the morning gives me the most happiness of all (besides when my son smiles at me!).
I had the absolute best hot fudge brownie sundae the other day from this little mom and pop place with only a walk-up window and they gave me extra cherries just for fun. It was divine.
it’s Friday and new York city is still having summer weather
My daughter makes me happy. I’m dying of colon cancer and would love an early copy of this book. Not sure I will get to read it otherwise, sadly.
Last night my new neighbors (young couple from Iran) knocked on my door to drop off a slice of chocolate cake and introduced themselves.
Not to kiss ass but I re-read the Kate Daniels series and how Curran says “As you wish,” and she doesn’t even say I love you back really; she just thinks it because she knows and he knows and they know!!! 😍 I got so giddy!
Also any chicken noodle soup. I just made a homemade batch!
I’ve read three books this week. Reading makes me happy.
My daughter and her husband are moving close to home so I get to help with the new baby 🥰.
Bufferflies and hummingbirds visiting my garden make me happy.
Shiba Inu fluffiness and cuddles also make me happy.
Lumibricks makes me happy, especially their CyberPunk City sets.
Fall days, reading, spending time with family
My flowers not only survived, but thrived through summer!!!
Time to myself is what I value, as it is so rare. Spending a few hours curled up reading, not having to check in with anyone and having time to put on hair conditioner, moisturizer and even nap if I feel like it makes me happy. Good luck to everyone.
Curling up on the couch with a good book and a coffee.
What makes me happy – the nightly ritual with a good audio book, right now it’s GA Hidden Legacy series, and my doggie cat in my lap. The part Maine Coon is a rescue kitty around 6 yrs old now. He follows me around the house like a puppy, brings me toys so that we can play, has to be within paw distance of me at all times & loves tummy rubs. My brother & others refer to him as my doggie cat because of his actions. I call him Romeo because he is such a loving creature since I first got him 4 years ago.
Morning cuddles with my dog Kermit!!
To combat my own grief and depression, I’ve been hiding tiny dumpster fire figurines around the office. Nothing makes me smile wider than hearing a grown adult scream “I got one!” from somewhere down the hall.
My 3 year old laughter. No matter what mood I’m in, her little giggles put a huge smile on my face.
Finding and devouring a new comic on Tapas that checks all the best boxes, and HA is who introduced me to that platform when they released Innkeeper as a comic back in 2022. It’s what I read the most now.
Seeing lizards, frogs, toads, butterflies, bumblebees, and other critters living their best life on our property.
Today I was thinking about black cat energy, and how I was maybe a calico with large black patches, and I thought- yeah, I could be a calico, and someone could call me “here kitty kitty” and I thought of Kate. I laughed and happiness blossomed inside of me.
Going to visit my mom
Kitty purring on my lap ♥️
I finished an absolutely massive lace shawl. Size one needles. Gauze thread instead of yarn. Almost a thousand rows. I would work on it for awhile and then get frustrated and bored and set it aside for a few months. Then pick it up again. I started it during early covid. It’s finally finished and glorious. FYI it’s the Aeolian shawl on knitty dot com.
Rainy days on a day where I don’t have much to do – that makes me happy. Because I can curl up with a book or binge watch a kdrama, while eating yummy snacks and sipping tea.
Escaping into the fiction of books makes me happy. Having a side of chocolate does not hurt either. I just need to keep the chocolate off the book.
It’s the end of term and I’m a teacher. 😀😀😀😀😀
Digging in my flowerbeds
Playing tag with my dog.
Happiness is watching sunrise over Haleakala in Maui. My cousin and I spent five days recently to get away and relax in a tropical island that reminded us of our childhood before the Big Dark arrives in Seattle.
Something that makes me happy is the graphic audio of the Kate Daniels series. I finally got around to listening to it (as someone who dislikes audiobooks) because I had eye surgery recently and I was getting sick of podcasts. It completely blew me away and I’m working my way through the rest of the series now. It’s so well done, I find myself smiling to the point my cheeks hurt. Love it!
Looking at my teenagers and realizing how much more mature they look. The tender feelings that no matter how grown up they get, they are still my babies.
Having a nice, quiet house when I want to take a nap 🥰
Coming home after a long day at work to curl up on my couch. I have my blanket, a fire going, and a book in my hands. All is peaceful and quiet.
snuggling with at least one of my cats and reading!
Riding my horse, or any horse really, makes me happy. That sound you hear is the wind whistling through my empty wallet as I ride, but its hard to be unhappy on a horse.
Gardening. I love growing things to eat. Standing in the sun with my hands is soul is good for my soul.
Treated myself to a Vietnamese coffee before my dental appointment.
My brother gets out of prison in less than 6 weeks. He has been at Work Camp for almost a year, found a great job that has already given him a promotion and he is line for a raise and another promotion shortly after he gets out. I am so happy that he seems to have pulled his life together even though it took going to jail to get him there.
your books make me happy! but also watching my kids play their first school sport is really making me happy right now. I didn’t know tennis could be so interesting 😂
My two cats, SiSi and Sophie make me happy!!!
Walking my dog’s:)
dogs not dog’s!
My breakfast makes me happy every morning and gives me something to always look forward to– a little thing which shouldn’t be overlooked!
Greek yogurt, chia seeds, berries, nuts, and a big mug of black coffee. I never get sick of it, and it is always the best meal of the day.
I love to cross-stitch or crochet while I watch my favorite British movies! And when the weather is warm (like today) floating in my pool!
Right now it’s line dancing! Fun, social exercise 🙂
Another author wrote a book back in 2017 that I really liked. She just released the sequel and I got it this week. Looking forward to reading it this week after a looooong 8 year wait!
Fall themed movie nights with my 9 year old daughter where we eat pumpkin cookies and drink spiced hot chocolate. We watched The Witches with Angelica Houston last week.
Strawberry Mascarpone Croissant from Val’s Bakery in Dayton Ohio – worth every penny!
Hot chocolate on a cold day and aof books. books.
the sun’s warmth hitting my skin with the breeze cooling it while I sip on sweet adrak chai and bit off the salty mathri to deepen the sweetness of the chai even more!
Purring kitties, sitting in the sun, my granddaughter being silly and laughing with Joy. Basically critter, creature comforts. 😺👵🏻🦦
I’m happy to see my parents again after spending two months across an ocean from them.
Giving my dog morning scratches while he happy dances.
Making s’mores!
Laughing with my kids 🥰
The way my dog does a full body wiggle when I get home from work makes me happy.
It makes me happy when we spend a slow Sunday morning walking the dog on the beach.
Reading posts on the blog always make me happy.
Standing on my deck and enjoying nice weather makes me happy, too.
Going to bed without having to set an alarm to get up makes me so very happy!
Snuggling with my dog in bed 💙
After 2 long years finally getting my chemo port removed!
Reading makes me happy (as is required of a member of the BDH). Taking a nap while there is a storm outside. A new episode dropping for my favorite anime. Walking outside during those few precious days in Florida when the humidity is low.
A very soft blanket
Finishing a brick build and seeing it in my cabinet! ^_^
A nice pen that glides over paper makes me smile.
My cat Baby makes me really happy! He’s such a joy. I’m so glad I adopted him.
Hubby sent roses for our 53rd Wedding Anniversary last week.
On Tuesday night I attended the a City Council meeting because news media reported they were going to vote on renaming a street after a man _____________. I leave out his name and bla bla bla, but the Alderman who made the motion couldn’t get a 2nd, so his motion died.
This was not the expected outcome and I was so very happy for my community!
So happy.
This morning my shy amazon parrot came over and groomed my hair for me, it just felt so good to have her come play with me. Jo is 37 years old, still a sweetheart.
The daily read-aloud with my 6th grade class. My heart is so happy when they beg me to read more.
Work can be fun. I’m reviewing an employment contract that gives bereavement leave for loss of the family dog. And the mother-in-law. Not the family cat. And not the father-in-law. Moments like this give me joy.
Today’s joyful moment was gathering the permission slips for this year’s writing club! I have third and fourth-grade students excited to arrive before school on Wednesdays so we can create our Kraken Chronicle, a student-run newspaper. It’s definitely the highlight of my week.
A handwritten letter in the mail, a walk in the woods, my children laughing, Ateez (k-pop) playing on my phone.
I somewhat enjoy traveling for work, but I really enjoy when I get home and the cat is so pleased to see me he just stands on me for ten minutes.
Sitting in my living room and watching the sun move across the floor and knitting.
I am happy after my first cup of coffee! LOL
Anything warm and cozy makes me happy (cats purring on my lap, weaving or knitting or spinning yarn), reading books, and drinking tea. “Warm” does not mean hot since I really can’t stand heat, humidity and sweating. 🤭 Thank you for having a giveaway!
Definitely not a big thing, but cuddling with my kiddo and watching a few minutes funny memes before bed. They’re heading into the teen years and reading their own books as part of the bedtime routine, but it makes me happy to still have some time to be cozy, enjoy each other’s company, and hear their laugh before calling it a night.
Something that makes me happy is waking up in the morning to the sound of the laughter of my child with the weight of my cat sleeping on top of me, purring.
The sounds of happiness.
My dahlias make me happy
My teenage grandson telling me he loves me. That made me happy this week, because fourteen. Usually I only get grunts. 🥰
The first cup of coffee in the morning. My granddaughter’s smile when she sees me.
Homemade chocolate cherry ice cream!
Lying in a hammock and enjoying an Ilona Andrews book- either Kindle or audio!
Reading a good story with my cat snuggled up next to me makes me happy.
My dog Carmelo always brings a smile to my face. What a joyful animal he is!
My dogs cuddling up with me for hugs and pets each morning.
My mom flew up to visit me this week and that made me happy<3
Happiness for me is the sound of my daughter’s laughter.
Reading books makes me happy. 🙂
The day is sunny, skies are blue, my 93 year old mother is out of the hospital and doing better, and my Chai Tea Latte is warm and filling. The month has been stressful for numerous reasons but at this moment the world seems fine.
Holding my newborn granddaughter
I plant parsley and dill in my porch as caterpillar food. A few days ago, I went out and saw a great bug Black Swallow Tail caterpillar who had stripped most of the parsley, but was obviously a ” very hungry” guy, to paraphrase another favorite author. I hope that he successfully pupates and I get a butterfly. I can send you a picture.
happiness: discovering a new author that i like, who has an extensive background catalog
Honestly, one of the only things that make me happy right now are your books. You are my personal support Authors and I have re-read (well listened to) every IA book on a near constant loop for the last year.
Watching dogs surf 🤩
My grandbabies make me happy!
My copy of Dahlia’s Diversions arrived in the mail after some fulfillment issues caused a delay in its arrival. https://www.sjgames.com/dahlia/
I haven’t played any of the games yet, but I’m looking forward to giving them a try soon.
Sitting on my deck with a cup of coffee watching the hummingbirds
Smelling my kitties fur- they smell like warm sunshine and dust and sage!
I love when my daughter and husband are asleep and I get to read laying down next to them
It’s Friday and I’m working from home and able to walk my dog at lunch on a sunny fall day.
The thing that truly always makes me happy is connecting with a book at the time I need to get lost in a story. Your dedication to the BDH and readers who dreamed of getting lost in a book rang a very deep bell in my soul. Thank you for writing those books!
Listening to audiobooks and playing word games makes me happy and always helps when I am having a rough time.
My teen grandson randomly saying “I love you” this week. Because…fourteen. 🥰 He makes me happy.
At the beach listening to the ocean.
I am in the process of selling my brownstone after nearly 30 years. It makes me extremely happy to imagine the mortgage burden lifted and to take the money and run!
Taking my kids on adventures 🙂
Camping, and getting lost in a good book! 🙂
I had this hideously stressful situation at work, couldn’t sleep because I had to get into major conflict with my boss – only for the whole clusterfuck to almost magically resolve itself. Now we‘re having a warm, late-summer weekend and I’m going to make my mom’s plum cake and invite my friends over ❤️❤️❤️
Curling up in my recliner after work with a book and a Diet Coke.
Listening to the ocean on a cruise ship!
Diving into a new book while eating some dark chocolate.
The zinnias and snapdragons that bloomed all summer long!
Hi Ilona and Gordon! Thanks for the giveaway!
Something that currently makes me happy is the KPop Demon Hunters Soundtrack. So good!!!
Making people laugh or smile. I like being a bright spot in someone’s day.
What makes me happy: A walk on the beach and my Ilona Andrews collection. Moments of sweet peace in today’s crazy world.
Ran late for work today but miraculously found a parking spot right near building while “California Love” came on the radio which made me feel like a teenager again and put some pep in my step. Plus Friday!
Nephew #3 who could teach a master class in being cute.
Seasonal decor esp the kind that lights up and makes my home feel cozy.
Sounds of cicadas in the evening and sight of lightening bugs in the backyard.
And my 18.5 year old cat. It’s not easy now but grateful for every day where he greets me with a purr and lets me know we’re still okay.
🐶My pupper Lexi just turned 17 years old & is still walking with pep in her step❣️
A talk with my friend who is far away always brings happiness, she is the one who always gets me.
In between rereading all your books and other favorites, snuggling with my cats, chatting with my family and friends, and sipping on a decaf dark roast coffee, looking at my beautiful garden really makes me happy. I have two huge Pride of Barbados, various lantana, sage, and plumbago, and most are still gorgeous now despite the ever-present central Texas heat. 🙂
my son’s laughter. always a joy to hear
Something that makes me happy everything is watching videos of babies having belly laughs! Never fails to cheer me up when I’m in a mood.
My mini australian shepherd crawling on my lap in bed in the morning before I’m fully awake to say hello mom in her own cute way and fanning me with her tail going a mile a minute. Makes me smile!
The three days before my birthday the library gave me notice that three of my holds were available. One per day.😁
Crocheting items for friends while listening to audiobooks
It’s so pretty!
I’ve recently discover Chinese vertical dramas and I’m having lots of fun watching them. I can even recognize a few words and phrases now (I watch with English subtitles).
audiobooking on the daily commute
I am so excited. I am beyond excited toss me into a new world oh wonderous overlords.
Reading an old favorite is very happy-making!
My dogs being so happy to see me when I get home always makes me happy!
The ocean. The soothing sursuration of pebbles being rolled or the thundering roar of the pounding surf on boulders and tide pools.
Talking to my daughter (we’re on opposite coasts) makes me happy! We often talk about books, we can’t wait to read This Kingdom!
The changing trees and pumpkin cupcakes 🤤
WAHOOO! Thank for the BDH dedication!
Something that makes me happy is early morning walks with my dog before the chaos of getting the kids ready for school and adults ready for work!
Right now, happiness is my oldest cat climbing into my lap and settling in for a cuddle and a nap. I follow the law — once a cat is in your lap you do not move until they leave. This means I often end up just sitting, not doing. Which is a happiness in and of itself
When my niece (she’s going on 22) takes my hand as we walk.
(Also, love all these moments of happiness. The BDH is gigantic.)
The morning glory on my fence still has glorious violet blossoms even as the evenings cool and the green of leaves fades into fall colors.
Opening blind boxes lately has been giving me some much needed delight in my day.
Introducing my kids to a movie that I loved as a child. They don’t always like it as much as I did, but it’s still a great feeling to share.
Oooh, shiny! I pre-ordered but would love to be able to read it early.
Anne in Virginia
I love lighting the candelabra I have in my fireplace. It’s so cozy to have the light playing at night now that it’s finally getting cooler. And it’s much less work and clean-up than a fire 🙂
I saw a giant monarch caterpillar last week that was happily munching on a plant. A total delight.
What’s making me the most happy right now is watching people dance on Instagram. They are living their best lives and I’m all for that!
Can’t wait to read this, it looks amazing
A warm fire on a cold rainy afternoon,
Football on the TV, a comfortable couch, a hot toddy and a good book.
To be able to sit and enjoy a good book any time.
I had my first solo spa day ever and it was the best.
Your books make me happy. But since that answer feels like cheating, I will also add my nephew’s hugs.
My cat joining me for morning cuddles in bed♥️
Lately since I’ve been having such crazy work deadlines at work, I’ve been working until 10 pm to midnight each night. It means the world when my cats wait for me and curl up in a chair while I work until I’m also ready to head upstairs to go to bed 🥹
Daily afternoon walks with my husband ☺️
Spending a warm afternoon reading a good book out on my terrace–or doing the same thing cuddled up in a blanket when the weather turns cooler.
Babysitting my 9 week old granddaughter. It’s such a joy to watch her taking in everything around her.