Reading my friend Pappy’s site today made me think of thoughts I had a while back. It also made me get off my ass and go for a walk, which Milo enjoyed greatly.

I’m not sure if I’m just on Cloud 9 lately, or if I’m just trying to focus on the good things, and not the stress and worry of the future, the past, the what ifs, etc. It’s not a concious focus, so maybe I’m just slowly, slowly learning to relax.

As I was walking Milo the other morning, the bees were buzzing, it was pleasantly warm, the sun was shining, the flowers on the bushes were blooming. I smiled. As I smiled, and side-stepped the snail, I started making a list in my head of all the things that make me smile, and make my worries melt away.

When I stepped out today, and saw the leaves above, I decided when I got back in, whether or not I had the time, I would at least sit down and put some of my thoughts down in writing…

Things that Make me Smile

• Colors in nature – especially when they match the vibrant outfit I’m wearing
• The sun warming the crown of my head
• The smell of flowers blooming on the first day of spring
• Milo’s prance
• Nin ordering me a birthday present off the internet (and it getting here!)
• The smell of Indian food on my right hand
• Raju laughing at my loving his Mom’s mango pickle
• Raju’s mom taking the time to show me how to make her mango pickle
• The brilliant blue of the sky
• The slightly damp air on a warm morning
• The pomeranian on the trail with it’s butt shaved (actually, this one made me laugh)
• The twinkle in Raju’s eye when he laughs at a little kid running
• Being moved to create something
• My Dad’s hug
• Lounging outside while typing this list, or enjoying a glass of wine in my little outdoor sanctuary in the evening

• The sparkle of my engagement ring in the sun
• The first time I start up the grill when the weather warms
• Having good friends and the most wonderful family
• Cupcakes, with or without sprinkles
• Getting flowers
• Raju’s hand gently rubbing mine
• Memories
• Water
• Knowing I will see Mom soon
• My dried herb garden
• My live roses
• California Poppies
• Wearing a sarong
• Palm trees
• Milo’s smile 🙂

Filed under:
Happy, Observances by Courtney