Gruntled

When happy and relaxed, some dogs make little grunting noises. Why do we never describe people as feeling “gruntled”? We say that a person is “disgruntled,” that they are out-of-sorts, dissatisfied or grumpy. Why not gruntled? Perhaps you can find a moment today, as you put on your comfiest pajamas, or settle in with a good book, watch birds at the feeders by your window or whatever gives you gentle pleasure, to give out a few small, happy grunts.

What makes you feel “gruntled”?

Back to School

Most children have been back to school for a week or more, but somewhere in my consciousness, the day after Labor Day is fixed as the return to school. So I’m thinking that for those of us who left formal schooling behind many years ago, maybe today should mark Learn Something Day. Of course, any day is a good day to learn something new, but today could be an exceptionally good day to stretch your mind a bit.

What might you explore today about our amazing world and the people and other beings we share it with?