A Simple Saturday by the River
The morning started lazily, as most good Saturdays do. We decided to grab some sandwiches from Sourdough and Co., a favorite spot of ours. There’s something about their fresh, crusty bread and delicious fillings that just hits the spot every time. With lunch sorted, I had the idea to go for a walk and enjoy some fresh air. However, the summer sun had other plans—by mid-day, it was already scorching outside. Walking in that heat wouldn’t have been fun for anyone, especially not for Astro.
So, we decided on a change of scenery and drove to a river park area we recently discovered. A place where people gather with their boats, floats, and all kinds of water gear. It’s vibrant but not overly crowded, offering the perfect balance of activity and tranquility. We found a nice shady spot to settle down and just relaxed.
The girls were eager to get into the water, and they didn’t waste a second jumping in. They splashed around, laughed, and had fun throwing rocks.
Even Astro couldn’t resist getting his paws wet. Eventually, his curiosity got the better of him, and he ventured into the water for a bit of fun toward the end. There’s something so heartwarming about watching him enjoy himself, his tail wagging as he dips into the cool water.
As the afternoon sun began its descent, we packed up and headed home, feeling that pleasant exhaustion that comes after a day spent outdoors. We had a simple dinner, and by then, we were all pretty wiped out.
A Slow Sunday: Finding Joy in Simple Moments
Some Sundays are meant for grand adventures, but this past Sunday was one of those slow, peaceful days where we just went with the flow and let the day unfold as it wished.
We started our morning with a simple breakfast bagel sandwich from our favorite local place. There’s something comforting about starting the day with familiar flavors and a bustling atmosphere that doesn’t rush you out the door. Maria, of course, was in high spirits as usual, and I could tell she was excited for what the day might bring.
After breakfast, we headed to the store on a mission: finding Maria a new pair of shoes. She’s been growing like a weed lately, and it seems like just yesterday we were shopping for her last pair! While at the store, we couldn’t resist the girls’ excitement over the costume section. They had been asking for weeks to dress up, and their faces lit up the moment they spotted the racks of colorful costumes. Marwa was instantly drawn to a yellow, sparkly dress that looked just like Princess Belle’s from *Beauty and the Beast*. Maria, on the other hand, chose a beautiful purple and blue dress inspired by Princess Ariel. She loved the way the fabric shimmered and flowed, as if it was made for a mermaid princess on land.
The original plan was to head to the park for a nice, long walk. The weather was just right for it, and I was looking forward to some fresh air and the calming sounds of nature. But sometimes, plans don’t quite work out as expected. On the way there, both Safa and I fell asleep in the car. It seems the cozy drive and a full belly got the better of us. With two of us snoozing away, we decided it was best to head home.
Dinner was a simple affair. We cooked together, letting the kitchen fill with comforting aromas. There’s something so grounding about making food with your loved ones – it’s like pouring a bit of your heart into every bite.
As evening rolled in, Maria, Marwa, and Safa seemed to have an endless supply of energy. With their new costumes on, they transformed into princesses, and our living room became their enchanted kingdom. My step risers, usually for exercise, became their makeshift stage. And what a stage it was! One by one, they climbed up and took their place, belting out songs with all the confidence of seasoned performers.
Maria, dressed in her shimmering Ariel dress, led the charge. She sang her heart out, her voice filling the room with enthusiasm that was absolutely infectious. I couldn’t help but smile as she danced around, her movements big and bold. She was living her best pop star life, and it was a joy to watch.
Marwa, not one to be outdone in her Belle-inspired gown, quickly joined in. Her sweet little voice chimed in with Maria’s, and soon they were a duo, harmonizing with that beautiful, unfiltered joy that only children have. She spun around, letting the sparkles on her dress catch the light, and she created her own little world of rhythm and delight. She even added her own twist, throwing in some dramatic flair with her arms as if she were performing for a crowd of thousands.
Then there was Safa, who was just as caught up in the moment. She took center stage with a shy smile that quickly grew into a big grin as she sang whatever words came to her mind. Her little feet tapped to the beat, and soon enough, all three were in full performance mode. It was like watching a lively, improvised musical unfold right in our living room.
The whole house seemed to come alive with their laughter, playful singing, and the shimmer of sparkly dresses. It wasn’t just about the music or the dancing—it was about the pure, unrestrained joy they were feeling. For those moments, they were the stars of their own show, with no rules and no worries, just endless fun.
Astro, ever the supportive audience, watched from his spot nearby, tail wagging in time with the beat and some barks here and there. Even he seemed to be enjoying the lively spectacle.
As the evening went on, their little concert continued, their voices growing a bit hoarser but their smiles just as wide. They took turns making up new songs, shouting out lyrics that made no sense, but somehow fit perfectly in the moment. They were free, they were happy, and their costumes brought an extra layer of magic to their performances.
Watching them, I was reminded of the beauty of these small, unplanned moments. The kind that fills your heart with warmth and leaves you smiling long after the lights go out and the house quiets down. Tonight was a night to remember, one where our living room became a stage, and the stars were three little girls singing, dancing, and twirling in their new sparkly costumes.
Here’s to more evenings like these—filled with music, laughter, sparkles, and the kind of joy that only comes from dancing like no one is watching.
Some days don’t need to be grand to be meaningful. They just need to be spent with those you love, doing the things that make your heart feel full.
The Dappled Odysseys 