The last few posts have been a bit miserable, so this week I’ve decided to be thankful. My mother used to sing an old gospel song, “Count your blessings” and, as she chose to do it when I complained about something, it used to annoy the heck out of me. However, now that I’ve reached the more mature years, I realise there’s a lot of truth in the old refrain. Here are some things that make me smile.
A baby’s laughter; their teeny tiny fingers and toes; the way they snuggle their heads into the crook of your neck… Babies.
The (well-deserved) adoration of Rex the Wonder Dog. (In fact, animals, birds and most insects in general.)
My children, children-in-law and grandchildren (including the dogs, cats and bird).
Music, art and literature. (I won’t be more specific because we all have different tastes.)
A slice of lemon cheesecake.
A crisp, clear pear cider.
Laughing so hard you have trouble breathing and water squirts out of your eyes.
Butterflies.
The lush exuberance of spring.
Reading an absorbing book, in my favourite chair, while it storms outside.
Good friends with whom you eat, laugh, cry, discuss and, sometimes, pray.
The random kindness of strangers/ doing random acts of kindness.
Codeine.
Feeling a gentle breeze kiss your cheek before it plays with your hair.
A cold drink of clean water on a hot day.
Being loved, respected and appreciated.
Being wrapped in the Old Boy’s arms when things are lousy.
I could go on and on but that’ll do for today. As I thought about what makes life enjoyable, worthwhile and hopeful, I’ve realised (once more) that it’s not the gadgets, money, or the so-called trappings of success. It’s finding beauty in the world around us. It’s loving and being loved. But, you already knew that – right? What would you add to the list?
I attended a funeral yesterday of a long time family friend of my parents and in the photo slide show was a picture of the swings on the beach at Coobowie where I spent many, many hours!! This has to be one of my favourite things and places. Walking up the beach, toes in the water, watching the crabs scurry by or kicking up the froth caused by the wind bringing the tide back in. That is my happy place to go to when needed! I love the beach, the fresh air, swimming, etc etc. I think I need to retire near the beach! 🙂
That’s beautiful, Carolyn. I hope you do get to retire near the beach. 🙂
You’ve hit all the best ones for me! Puppies are my latest smile “fix.” A few additions…a surprise call or spontaneous lunch date with one of our grown children, hubby bringing me his latest home-cooked concoction (yes, I’m spoiled), creating jewelry (or handbag or poetry) for someone who loves how it turned out.
Oh yes, Pat, puppies and kittens are on the list, but I figure they’re a sub-heading under “animals”. That’s because, once I name them, I have to add squirrels and otters and raccoons and baby elephants and…
The thing that is making me smile at the moment is the early progress of the new government. It really has turned out to be as bad as I thought it would be. There is a perverse kind of pleasure in being proved so right.
It’s bitter-sweet, Ken. It’s always nice to know one is right, but it’s such a sad thing to be right about. I thought it would be but I hoped it wouldn’t. 🙁