happy

i set out to write a list of happy things the other day.  it wasn't hard.  i had to write fast to keep up with my thoughts.  the most interesting thing happened when i looked back over my incomplete list.  there wasn't a single thing-thing on my list...you know what i mean?  the things on my list weren't really things that you buy from a store so much as things i experience and take in...little blessings sprinkled throughout my days ordinary or not...things i have to stop and notice...little love notes from the God of the universe.

here are a few of my favorite happy things:

~the first ripe strawberry from the garden
~the smell in the air  just before it starts to rain
~warm, cozy socks when my feet are cold
~an unsolicited hug
~a single lady bug
~the first glimpse of the pacific ocean each time
~sunsets in joshua tree
~glimpsing a shooting star
~the thwack of a screen door
~watching the sun sink into lake michigan
~sleeping under clean sheets
~feeling the breeze through a screened window
~roadtrips
~a maple tree full of riotous reds
~just melty vanilla ice-cream
~finding seashells
~fish tacos
~lilacs
​~beach grass
~cactus in their natural surroundings
~a white room in candlelight
~campground pine + campfire smell 
~the sound of waves crashing
~seeing my long shadow
~hot chai tea
~iced tea with fresh mint, lemon + honey
​~laughing so hard tears slide down my cheeks

what would your list include?  what things really make you happy?  i bet you can't keep from smiling while writing them down.

​happy happy list making!
love,
jane