posted January 16, 2010 06:33 AM         

knowing my bills are all paid

when my kids hug me and say, i don't know what i'd do without you mom, thanks for being there

when my husband hugs me and says i love you so very much

helping someone who is strugglings life to be easier in some small way

the way fresh cut grass smells in the summer

bubble baths

coffee and cheescake

getting up before the sun - those quiet times in the morning before any one else is awake

my grandsons smile and cuddle

sunday afternoon naps

realizing that it is the simple things in life that bring me joy, knowing if the world as i know it were to end today and all of things melt away, that i would be happy with those simple things.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

simplifing my thoughts in this complicated convoluted world to that which is good isn't an easy thing, but the rare times when it gets easier and easier to do just that, lets me know, i dun good and I thank God for it.

times of sharing a joke or lifes foibles with my friends, growing, loving laughing and learning, i am grateful and thankful for my friends and that i have friends and am loved. (that covers spanky too)

what makes you happy?

posted January 16, 2010 12:13 PM         

Swimming in the Ocean with my brothers.

Road trips

Driving in my car with music blasting loud and singing

Seeing old friends

Meeting new ones

Learning something new

My snuggly doggie who loves me even when I haven't brushed my teeth or combed my hair, he loves me unconditionally

Old photographs = Memories

Chillin' with friends around a fire

posted January 19, 2010 12:19 PM         

Coming home to a clean house

Being ahead of the game with bills (this has yet to happen, so I guess the dream of it will suffice)

When there's nothing wrong with the car

When we are all healthy

A clean shower (feels so good to take a shower in there!!)

Putting on clean pajamas right out of the dryer

Discovering that a $3 bottle of wine is just as good as a $30 bottle

Homecooked meals (thank you for feeding me every night, baby!!)

Time with the ladies to talk and connect. We need each other!

My little girls many faces. Smiling, crying, scrutinizing, being surprised, just waking up, just falling asleep... I could just look at her forever..

.. also her noises. All of them have an effect on my senses that I have never experienced. It's like awe and pride and joy and broken hearted all in one breath.. Funny how kids can do that..

All the people in my life. Truly, they all make me happy in some way and hopefully I do the same for them..

posted January 19, 2010 01:13 PM         

quote:

---

.. also her noises. All of them have an effect on my senses that I have never experienced. It's like awe and pride and joy and broken hearted all in one breath.. Funny how kids can do that..

---

My fav's...

When I wake my son up and he has this routine of being half asleep and wrapping his arms around me while sitting on the bed. Then he gets up, heads for the bedroom door, turns around and says "love you momma"...every day.

The way the hot water in the shower hits my back like a little massage.

When the dog licks my face

Being able to pay my bills

When my favorite song comes on the radio and I sing at the top of my lungs

Snuggling on the couch with my son

A hot bubbly bath with candles lit and the radio playing.

When someone does something or says something to me and I know it's genuine friendship.

When I'm able to do something for someone else who needs it.

and yes, sex is pretty damn good too

posted January 20, 2010 12:44 PM         

waking up in a rainstorm in a DRY house!!

knowing my health is as good as could be

having enough to share with family

doing work i love, and that can be any number of things/pastimes

hearing beautiful music

my grandson's smile

my daughters hug and appreciation

posted January 21, 2010 02:50 AM         

Getting into a state of writing in which a story (or poem) just writes itself, as if I'm as much the medium as my writing tool. I especially love it when I get so lost in it that not only do I not know where I'm going with it, but I can't wait to find out how it ends.

My more athletic hobbies, which I become so focused on what I'm doing that I lose nearly all sense of time and forget nearly everything else, fully embraced by the moment. It's like meditation in a way. Once I'm done, I feel mentally rested & pleased, even if I did just burn a lot of energy.

Relaxing under the stars away from the city lights.

Humor that helps me laugh at the frightening insanity of life through sardonic & satirical humor.

I love working with plants, shrubs, & trees.

Epiphanies.

Being my own boss, especially in these economically hard times. Now if only I could figure out how to keep being my own boss while living in a rural area instead...