1. After leaving the beach on Sunday, we pass an honor system roadside stand, which included a cut-your-own garden. I brought home three stems of gladioli. Having now seen them in their natural state, I understand why they’re sometimes called the sword lily.

2. Tonight was a Fort Reno concert night and the official celebration of its 50th anniversary. The free punk concert series was its typical eclectic self by featuring a lineup that included a reading of a Sylvia Plath poem set to modern dance by two members of a local theater troupe, a dj set, and a nine-minute snare drum composition. It was also the Night of a Thousand Cakes, and so much was still left that the organizer apologized to families prior to the final act by asking them to please send their children up to eat more sugar. After years of attending at least one show during the season, I am convinced that whatever celestial being is in charge of the weather is a punk fan because there is always a gorgeous sunset to be seen on concert nights.

3. Tuesday there was a terrific mid-afternoon thunderstorm during which time more than two inches of rain fell over less than an hour. I didn’t have to be out in it, so was content to admire its force from a window. (Rudi was not so lucky.)

How about you? What’s been beautiful in your world lately?