A Few of My Favorite Things

Of all the jobs I’ve ever had, my very favorite was teaching pre-school in Denver. I worked at a Methodist Church which employed an amazing staff of teachers from all different Christian denominations. It was a blessing in my life to know each of the dedicated women on staff and to work with them to make a difference in the lives of the children. We had a director who was warm and helpful and who became more of a cherished friend than a boss.

At the end of one school year, as part of our teacher appreciation gifts, she gave us each a “gratitude journal”. We were encouraged to record 5 things that we were thankful for each day. What a difference that little book made to me. I think I’ve always been a pretty positive person and have appreciated the blessings in my life, but keeping the journal made finding new things to be grateful for each day a priority. I spent my time actively looking for things to be positive about. And it was fun.

I was thinking of that yesterday and began making a mental list of simple pleasures that make me happy.

I like: candle-lit bubble baths

the smell of bread baking

the feel of a new-born baby in my arms (grandbabies are as good as my own)



the sound of “I love you.” or my name on my husband’s lips

classical guitar music

kisses under the mistletoe



the feel of just shaved legs on freshly washed sheets

chocolate

the sound of excitement or laughter in my children’s voices

sunshine days

bare feet in warm beach sand (These are DYM's and Laylee's)



going high on the swings at the park



the sound of rain on the roof

cinnamon rolls still warm from the oven with cream cheese icing

seeing an American flag flying in the breeze

new socks (If I were very, very rich I would have new socks every day.)

my true love’s kisses on the back of my neck

the singing of “Oh Canada”

the smell of a campfire

hearing the blessed story read from Luke 2 each Christmas Eve

lunch eaten @ the teahouse at Lake Agnes (after the killer hike to get up that mountain, EVERYTHING tastes wonderful there)

autumn leaves to jump in or rustle through

sitting in the hot tub on a cool evening

getting to curl up with a good book and a blanket on a chilly afternoon

the sound of canning bottles popping as they seal



Rita’s water ice gellatis (This is a Jersey treat pronounced “wooder ice’.)

Big fluffy snowflakes

making something that turns out well (Get a load of those Christmas pajamas!)



Philly cheese-steaks

a romantic movie

a squeaky clean house

Oh, Enough already! I could go on forever. After all I have a gratitude journal full of this stuff.

Now I want to hear what makes you happy? It’s time to share.