QUESTION:

What constitutes a 'perfect moment' for you?

I was at a thrift shop the other day, looking for a book for Dylan. Didn't find it but I did find a 'vintage' curtain thingy (you know the tassel at the end of the tie-backs?) with a cat's head attached. Tres cute!

At the counter, waiting to pay, I saw a mother and young girl approach. The girl was maybe 6 or 7? I did what I always do, smile. The mum smiled back and commented about the cuteness of the tassel I was holding. The daughter nodded vigorously.

"I am buying some old small cups to make soy candles for her school project," the mum added.

I could see that they were struggling financially. You just know- when you've been there yourself. I paid for the few pieces I'd picked up then turned and handed the tassel to the little girl.

"No!" the mum protested. "It's too nice!"

"It's why it belongs to her," I replied.

"Can I give you something for it? I feel bad."

"Allow me the joy of giving," I said.

It was, for me, a perfect moment. Seeing that little girl holding it so reverently, her beaming smile... really, it is moments like these which constitute perfection for me.

Little things.

Like a couple of days ago, striking up a conversation with a bloke outside the supermarket. I had Dylan and Dewey our dog with me as we'd walked the 3k to the shopping centre along the shore.

He was holding a tin and raising money for local homeless youth. We, as always, emptied our wallets of change. He thanked us.

"I was homeless once myself," he said. "Then, a stranger helped me out. This is my way of giving back."

Another perfect moment.

And... because of our abysmal internet (we are in the process of changing providers) at our new address, the boys have been 'hanging out' in my room when not outside. We play card games, especially UNO! I kinda suck at it... until I got the perfect hand- only to have Marcus produce the 'swap hands' card and take my perfect hand. The grin on his face was priceless!

And right now, as I write this, hearing the tiny meowing of just-born kittens (last count was five) and the tired but satisfied purring of mumma- in my closet! We had the perfect birthing suite all set up- but Kitty snuck in (I had the closet door open so Dyls couldn't see my cards in the mirrored door) and next thing we knew, a tiny meow emerged from underneath the hanging clothes. Life!

Little things.

What constitutes a perfect moment for you?