raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

I couldn’t help but overhear the conversations of some folks who gathered at the coffee shop this morning. As the Christmas carols rang out over the system overhead, they began complaining about how overwhelmed they were, getting ready for the holidays.  It’s only the beginning of December and already they were feeling exhausted just thinking about the shopping, the cooking, and the events on their calendars. Newspaper flyers covering the table, some of them were thumbing through the pages and ruefully noting how high the cost of everything is, even though these were supposed to be “sales” flyers. 

As Julie Andrews sang out about her favorite things I began to think about my own simple pleasures, those unexpected moments of happiness. They’re priceless and free!  After a while I noticed my mind had been wandering and realized that this little “time-out” is a perfect way to escape from what can be a chaotic holiday schedule. So if you find yourself feeling run-over  by your hectic holiday calendar, clobbered by the commercialism of the season, and maybe even feeling stressed out about finances this month, perhaps you too can take a mental break, grab a cup of hot coffee and go over in your mind your very own list. It may not include “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,” but I bet you’ve got a few good ones!

Here are a few of my favorite things: 

1. Finding a text from a friend or loved one first thing in the morning. 
2. Correctly guessing an old password or username. 
3. The way the sun turns everything a beautiful shade of gold just after sunrise and just before sunset.  
4. Finding money in your old pair of jeans. 
5. Getting an unexpected compliment. 
6. Bubble wrap. 
7. Feeling the rush of the wind when you hang your hand out the window of a moving car. 
8. Seeing two elderly folks holding hands while they walk. 
9. A certain song or smell that takes you back to another place or time. 
10. Crossing items off your to-do list. 
11. A good stretch after a long night’s sleep. 
12. Running warm water over your hands when you’re chilly. 
13. Random good-hair days. 
14. That weightless feeling you get after a really good cry. 
15. Finding rainbows when a sprinkler is running. 
16. After uploading your photos you find you’ve taken the perfect picture. 
17. When a YouTube video plays without putting you through an advertisement. 
18. When your birthday falls on the weekend. 
19. Turning to the cool side of the pillow on a warm night. 
20. Making the first footprints in new snow. 
21. Being enthusiastically greeted at the door every evening by your dog and/or cats. 
22. When you see your loved one’s name flash on your cell phone. 
23. Making the first scoop into a new jar of peanut butter. 
24. The smell of brand new Playdough or a newly opened box of crayons. 
25. When you hear “yes” when you thought you’d hear a “no.” 
26. The smell of someone’s woodfire as you’re driving down a country road. 
27. When you hear the thunk of a well hit tennis ball, the sound of rolling thunder, a far-off train whistle or the cry of a blue jay. 
28. Finding something you thought you had lost forever. 
29. Feeling like you’re flying as you walk up a moving escalator. 
30. Seeing a shooting star, an owl fly overhead, or a dolphin swim past. 
31. Putting on clothes that are still warm from the dryer. 
32. The worn cover of an old book. 
33. Stepping on crunchy fall leaves. 
34. The joy of hearing a baby laugh. 
35. Sitting in a room lit up by the glow of Christmas lights. 
36. Those first few moments when the sun warms you to your bones after you’ve been sitting for too long in a too cool, air conditioned room or car. 
37. Friends you’ve known since your childhood. 
38. Finishing a fantastic book and knowing there’s a sequel. 
39. Waking up with your childhood sweetheart - 39 years later. 
40. Seeing a loved one’s handwriting years after they’ve passed away. 
41. Finding out that a loved one is safe and well. 
42. When the blinker on your car blinks at the same speed as the song that is playing on the radio.
43. Getting into bed when you’ve just put on fresh, clean sheets. 
44. Slipping off your shoes and spreading your toes wide. 
45. Looking up at a clear night sky seeing it filled with stars. 
46. Wrapping up in a warm quilt on a chilly night. 
47. When a friend does something that makes you smile, and it was exactly the moment you really needed a reason to. 
48. Ocean breeze or cool mountain air. 
49. Being recognized for your hard work, efforts and achievements. 
50. Finding something nice on your Facebook page. 
51. When your pets follow you all over the house. 
52. Downing a big glass of cool water when you’re really thirsty. 
53. Singing along with 25,000 other people at a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young concert. 
54. Having a sibling that is also a really good friend. 
55. Waiting until nobody is home, putting your favorite song on repeat and then twirling and dancing all over the place. 
56. The crackling sound of a fire-barrel on a chilly night. 
57. Waking up from a dream and realizing you’ve just had a really great visit with someone you haven’t seen in a long time. 
58. Having your parents tell you they are proud of you. 
59. Putting thick wooly socks on your cold feet. 
60. Breakfast food for dinner. 
61. Discovering that others are going through the same issues that you are. 
62. Kittens. 
63. The moments after you’ve taken that big risk and finding that your effort is appreciated. 
64. Finding the thing you need and it’s on sale. 
65. Afternoon naps.