Inhale the present, exhale the past.

Now let your breath guide you back to the present moment where peace and mindfulness reside.

Thank you for reading today’s edition of Grateful Gazette 😌

Here’s what to know for Friday:

• Casa Bonita rejected her; now she runs the show

• Taco Bell launches their vegan Crunchwrap Supreme

• Can a sheep become your therapist?

A CHEF & A RESTAURANT REUNITE AS PART OF AN EPIC COMEBACK

Three-time James Beard Award finalist Dana Rodriguez returns as the executive chef at Casa Bonita, the Denver restaurant that once showed her the door in a twist that's part redemption, part childhood TV dream come true

But this isn't just any comeback—it's the grand reopening of the renovated Casa Bonita, the "Disneyland of Mexican restaurants."

"South Park" creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker rescued this iconic Lakewood eatery from bankruptcy. They bought the family restaurant and committed over $12 million to breathe new life into the 52,000-square-foot space.

The duo created jobs for 550 employees along the way.

As for the opening date, that's guarded tighter than Cartman's secret stash of Cheesy Poofs.

They will only invite a few lucky guests from the Casa Bonita email list for a soft opening. But the old charm will remain—the same sopapillas, cafeteria-style serving, and cliff divers (only they’ll plunge into a safer lagoon).

They promise fresh tortillas and a mysterious "Casa Bonita" cake as fabulous new additions.

And don’t forget Lance Castillo, the superfan who moved into his car outside the restaurant, eating a diet of pork rinds and cheddar fries. His t-shirt proclaims, "Not homeless. Here for the sopapillas."

He's also considering changing his name to "Lance Casa Bonita."

So, here's to Dana Rodriguez, the "South Park" creators, and Lance Casa Bonita! If their sopapillas are as half as entertaining as their story, you'll find me camping out in my car, too!

🗞 More Good News

🎂 McDonald’s Grimace is celebrating his birthday on June 12 with a special purple milkshake

🌮 Taco Bell adds to their vegan menu

🫡 He survived D-Day, and now he’s a TikTok star

❤️ They dated back in the 1950s, and 63 years later found each other again

🦞 The Lobster Lady turns 103 this year. She celebrates 95 years of lobster hauling

⚡️ The US South is on its way toward building the most vibrant EV and battery hub in the world

☀️ The Bright Side

Who knew sheep could be your new therapist?

England-based Emma Redman and Pippa Ashton sure did. They've created EWE Talk, an emotional support group that uses the gentle therapy of—yep, you guessed it—sheep!

Redman and Ashton offer a safe space for those struggling with mental health issues to laugh, play, and even cuddle with their growing flock of seven sheep (and a couple of goats for good measure). They believe the calming temperament of their Valais Blacknose sheep can make a difference in people’s lives.

They've even gone mobile, taking their woolly therapists on the road for home visits and school sessions. Imagine recess but with cuddlier classmates.

They say, "All the children going through these things are superheroes; if we can make a difference in a few people’s lives, then it’s a success."

We've all got a new reason to count sheep.

✨ Feel-Good Friday

Your challenge for this week, if you choose to accept: Sell me this paperclip.

I stumbled upon this game yesterday, and I’m hooked. It’s so simple but so gratifying. All you do is make paperclips and sell them for a specific price.

It sounds boring, but the game hooks you once you see those numbers skyrocket. I promise.

- Thank you for reading Grateful Gazette. Remember to breathe deeply to bring your mind back to your body 💜