Saturday Soulshine: A Little Slice of My Life

November 1, 2025

Today was one of those days that just felt good from the moment it began.

I woke up around 5:15 a.m. for a quick potty break (because, well, bladder), then promptly snuggled back under the covers like a burrito in a blanket. Rolled out of bed at 8:55 — yes, me, almost 9 a.m. 😬 — and the first thing I did was thank the Lord for another day. Then I shuffled to the kitchen for my morning cup of coffee, because priorities.

Outside, the world was already stretching its limbs. The neighbors were up, the farm animals were making their usual morning announcements, and the sun was showing off in the sky like it had something to prove. The air was crisp, the breeze was playful, and everything felt like a postcard from a simpler time.

Screens, Soap, and Soulful Chores

Eventually, Damian emerged from his slumber, and we had one of those easy, cozy morning chats. He asked what was on the agenda, and I told him I wanted to tackle the master bathroom — if he could whip up a couple of screens for the windows we’ve been meaning to fix. He’s already built a screen door (because he’s handy like that), and with the cooler months rolling in, we’re all about airing out the house. There’s something magical about fresh air swirling through your home — it’s like nature’s way of saying, “Breathe, baby. You’re alive.”

Bathroom? Cleaned. Rugs? Washed and dried. Damian even went through his clothes — and some of mine — and passed them along to our neighbors. Out here, the neighbor system is alive and well. It’s not just “Can I borrow a cup of sugar?” It’s “I’ve got eggs, you’ve got a ladder — let’s make a deal.” It’s community, connection, and conversations that matter. It’s peace for my soul, far from the concrete jungle.

Car Dates & Canned Goods

Now, I know I’m bouncing around a bit — forgive me for the this, that, and the other. That’s just how my brain works on a Saturday.

Yesterday, we had a Walmart delivery. Got everything put away, only to realize I forgot canned goods. So after the screen-building, bathroom-cleaning, rug-washing extravaganza, we decided to head into town. I had grand plans for potato soup, but let’s be real — that’s a labor of love, and today I wasn’t feeling very laborious. You know what I mean.

Damian suggested pizza, then casually mentioned I could get a steak sub. I immediately pulled up MyNetDiary (because accountability, y’all) and saw that half a sub was only 370 calories. It logged it at 400-something, but I let it slide — I got extra meat, and I’m not mad about it.

We hit Bealls Outlet, and by then the dogs were hollering like they were auditioning for a canine choir. Damian wanted to check out the big Bealls, so I chilled in the car and ordered our food. We love our little car dates — cheesy breadsticks are a breeze to eat while driving, but that steak sub? That’s a two-handed commitment. 😂

After that, we swung by Aldi’s, stocked up on canned goods and a few odds and ends, then made a pit stop at Circle K for their glorious ice (if you know, you know). Back home, we unpacked everything and settled in.

Rich in All the Right Ways

And now, as I sit here reflecting on the day, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. The life Damian and I have built is simple, but it’s ours. On payday, we pay our bills, figure out what’s left, and make it stretch. Working from home means we only fill up the car once a month. Most of what’s left goes to food — and that’s okay. Because when I open the fridge and it’s packed, when the pantry is full, when we cook together and sit down to eat, kiss each other and say “I love you,” I feel rich. Richer than any bank balance could ever make me.

I thank the Lord for every bite, because I know not everyone has that luxury today.

My happiness isn’t flashy. It’s not loud. It’s not wrapped in designer labels or parked in a fancy driveway. It’s in the quiet moments. The laughter over dinner. The breeze through the screen door my man built with love. The shared glances that say, “I see you. I’m glad you’re here.”

Happiness, like joy, isn’t something you chase — it’s something you feel deep inside. It’s a heartbeat that skips when you realize how good you’ve got it.

So... Are You Rich?

Tonight, I’m sitting here feeling like the richest woman alive. Not because of what’s in my wallet, but because of what’s in my heart, my home, and my life.

And I’ll leave you with this:

Are you rich in life?

Do you have love that wraps around you like a warm blanket?

Food in your pantry?

A roof over your head?

A bed to sleep in?

Someone to talk to, laugh with, cry with, dream with?

Because that, my friends, is the real wealth. And if you’ve got it — even just a little — you’re richer than you think.

You matter to me and I love you 💙