1) A lovely fire in the woodstove. In the depths of winter, I keep two fires going from the time I get up until bedtime, and we all tend to sit close, one side warm and the other cold. (There are some wicked drafts in my 200-year-old house.) Now that it's spring, I start a fire when the sun goes down and the temperatures drop into the low forties or high thirties. Just a couple logs in and the whole room is cozy. It's almost as easy and rewarding as switching on a gas flame.
2) New nail polish. I've just put on a shade I got in a little gift basket from a friend, and now my fingernails are the same shade as ballerina's kid slippers. It lifts my heart whenever I see them - which, let's face it, is quite a lot. I have forty-some bottles already, so it isn't like I needed another one... but it sure is nice.3) Manatees. In videos. Yes, I watch videos of manatees. They're ridiculously soothing, and yes, I know about the challenges they have with their environment. I need to send a donation to the Everglades Foundation. Because we can all use some peaceful aquatic mammals in our lives.
4) Sleeping in. Okay, I don't get to indulge in this much, since I drive Youngest to high school five days a week and try to make it to church on Sundays (if she has a late-night thing on Saturday, all bets are off.) In addition, my Shih Tzu, Louis, is getting on in years, and his bladder tends to wake him up at the crack of dawn. But on those mornings when the stars align, and I sleep till ten, it's heaven.Related:
4a) Sunday afternoon naps. Scientifically proven to be the best sleep of the week.
5) The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's new baby boy. Named Louis! Just like my dog! Also, I die every time I see they way little George and Charlotte are dressed. Why can't we revive tiny tweed knickers and smocked dresses in this country? (Please don't tell me no one is the UK dresses their children like that either. I want to believe.)6) RESOLVE(TM) Pet Expert Carpet Cleaner and Arm & Hammer Pet Deodorizer. See: aging dog's bladder, above.
7) Free range eggs scrambled, over easy or made into omelettes. With the lengthening days, my friend Mary's hens wake up and get to work. Let's not tell them their efforts to populate the world with hundreds of new chickens will mostly wind up as gloriously full-flavored, brilliantly yellow breakfasts.
8) Reading good books. Here at JRW, we've talked about what we've been reading recently and what looks interesting from yesterday's crop of Edgar Award winners. After a rather fallow winter, I've finally hit a streak of great reads. The feeling you have after putting down a wonderful book is matched only by the pleasure of picking up the next equally anticipated tome from your TBR pile.
9) Related: Home, garden and travel magazines. Give me a two-page picture of a Maldives resort and an article about everything I should do while there, and I'm in bliss. "Gosh, at two thousand a night inclusive, it's not bad," I say to myself, ignoring the fact that the Maldives will be underwater by the time I have enough spare change to vacation there.
I'm also fond of going over articles about adventure travel as if I, a person who complains about her knees after three blocks, might really hike up Machu Picchu or go cave diving. Of course, I'd have to buy lots of gear (there's an article about that) but I can cover it with the funds left over from my Maldives trip.
10) Being part of this blogging community. Not just my sister Reds - I look forward to visiting with all of you every day. Thanks for brightening my life, dear readers!
Now it's your turn: what are the things making you happy these days?
Good books to read . . . spending time with family . . . grandbabies . . . Spring may finally be here and the daffodils are finally blooming . . . .
ReplyDeleteQuilting and a good audiobook. And avoiding the tv except for the Red Sox, Bruins, and Call the Midwife. That show makes me cry every week. I'm sad the last show this season is tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteBTW, there's a very good columnist in the Portland paper who gives me great hope for our future.
-Marianne in Maine
Me, too, Marianne! :-)
DeleteMy grandchildren! They're still little (5 and 2) and munchable and they are happy to see me and allow me to sing without criticizing.
ReplyDeleteMy garden RIGHT NOW (before the lawn needs mowing and the hedge needs trimming.)
Marianne, who's the columnist?
I think she might be referring to the one known as the Maine Millennial.
DeleteYes, Hallie, the Maine Millennial. And the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree in regard to her writing ability. (Without blowing her anonymity.) 😉
DeleteTwice a week our 17-month-old granddaughter comes to spend the day with us so her mommy can work. The other day she napped in my arms for two hours--a true rarity for a toddler! It was just this side of heaven for this first-time grandmom. As grandparents we are so much more aware of the brevity of childhood than we were when our own children were growing up, aren't we? There is no amount of bad news in the media that can override the bliss of having these precious moments with our little Wren. It all comes down to prioritizing what to think about, doesn't it? Thanks for sharing your list, Julia! I can't help but think we'd all be happier if we each wrote out our own lists and focused on those things rather than politics and differences, which some factions seem determined to keep front and center.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be some time before I have grandkids since my own are still young (or relatively so) but I can't wait. I understand grandchildren are the pay-off for raising kids.
Delete1/4 of my front yard. That's all I got raked yesterday before the storm and rain rolled in--but from my desk that's all I can see of the yard, so I'm happy. And, Julia, I was doing the same thing the other day--reading an article about a woman who went to visit the gorillas with her father--and at the end she starts listing the prices for accommodations, etc. Yikes--I could save my spare change AND yours and still never get there! But, yes, royal babies. Proud dad hurrying off to get the kids to meet their new baby brother and Princess Charlotte's determination to wave at all the reporters. All four of the boys' cats--lying on the bed for a nap (see above: re yardwork)and being joined by three of them and the fourth crying because I was in her spot--hey, it's MY bed! And the boys--especially when they make music together or settle in and start telling me how their day/their live/their hopes and dreams are going....
ReplyDeleteNice, Flora!
DeleteSeeing the birds come back: The Juncos arrived this week and they are bombing through the garden's detritus that I've not yet cleaned up. Such fun to watch them! Walking to the bus in the morning: Thinking my own thoughts, sorting out my day and setting the world to rights. Holly, the cat: Rubbing her belly slowly and listening to the deepening of her happy purr. A good cup of tea: Nothing like it first thing in the morning and when I get home from work. Definitely a good book: Such gratitude to the writer for creating a world in which I lose myself.
ReplyDeleteHallie - the Maine columnist is related to Julia! The Maine Millennial is definitely worth following; I do so on Twitter. Sharp commentary and clear writing.
seconding the birds' return. Taking Amtrak back from NY to Boston after the Edgars, virtually every osprey nesting platform was occupied.
DeleteFiona the Cincinnati Zoo Black Nile hippo. She lives to eat (watermelon is a huge treat), swim, and torment her mother Bibi. That snarky and spot-on Maine millennial in the Portland paper. A sparrow's nest in the hydrangea bush I can watch from the deck overhead. Taking arty close-up photos of flowers finally in bloom. It's been a long, cold winter.
ReplyDeleteBesides my grandchildren who are my best source of happiness! Hearing and seeing cardinals, puppies and kittens, taking a walk on a beautiful spring day, flannel sheets in winter, crisp cotton sheets in summer, good neighbors who help me out with the snow and grass, having deer and turkeys come to visit, unexpected call or letter from a friend.
ReplyDeleteWatching the little woodpecker in the dogwood this morning, with my lovely Alexandra, who is married to my grandson Zach, who is still sleeping. Afternoon tea yesterday at the Prince of Wales,built in 1864. The hotel, not the scones. Watching Stephen Fry on QI last night, with grandson Zach, and laughing until we cried, for two solid hours. Four lovely days with these grown offspring of my offspring and loving and being loved. Making sausage gravy and biscuits this morning and watching them tuck in. Swapping war stories with Ally, P.A., and loving that another member of my family can talk about an autopsy over a hamburger.
ReplyDeleteLife is good and so is knowing the new Ann Cleeves now bel is waiting for me at bedtime.
No milk! So much for my sausage gravy and biscuits this morning! :-( Have an extra bite for me!
DeleteAnn, love the choice of “now bel” (now beautiful?). Please don’t tell me it was autofill! Thank you for sharing the joy of being with family. A blessing.
DeleteO Elisabeth, I’m afraid it was autocorrect for novel. Yesterday in Canada I greeted a group of Québécois with a bonjour and ended up in a very one sided conversation with them over the desirability of the tea we’d just had My French is slim to nonexistent except for polite exchanges. But I found a smile and a bonjournee saved the day
DeleteAnn, you make me want to step into your shoes for a weekend!
DeleteJulia, come on down. You can pick up Hallie and Hank on the way. Bring passports and I’ll treat everyone to afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales. The one that includes 🍷 of course. I know my Reds.
DeleteBeing able to read again. In Nov. my dear father-in-law was diagnosed with aggressive stomach cancer. Last Sunday, he lost that battle. The whole time he was sick I was so upset and stressed I had trouble focusing. I had trouble finishing my grading (I'm a college writing instructor), couldn't sleep well, and couldn't finish a book. Now I'm emotionally numb, physically exhausted, and waiting for the grief to hit -- but I can now sleep and read again. Mount-To-Be-Read makes me happy because I have so many books to comfort me.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your family's loss.
DeleteSending good thoughts to you and your family, Cathy.
DeleteCathy, so sorry for your loss.
DeleteCathy, that sucks. Read all you can and sleep all you can and take whatever escapism you can. The grief will wait for you.
DeleteVery wise Julia. Listen to her Cathy.
DeleteThank you all. Books are such a wonderful way to escape.
DeleteMy dogs; having friends who accept me and even celebrate me as I am; good books; singing; the reno of kitchen and bathroom are done at last; having fast internet; meditating; the vast number of things on Youtube; beautiful mornings; learning fascinating things every day. Very thrilled for the new royal baby(surprised at name - thought for sure there'd be a Philip and/or Michael thrown in there. Louis is already one of George's middle names). So happy for Harry and a royal wedding in less than a month. Saturday and I have a friend's forum to go to. Have a great day everyone!
ReplyDeleteSpring: waking up at the sound of many birds songs, morning walk with spring smells and ever changing nature.
ReplyDeletePracticing Tai Chi, reading, the discussion at JRW every day. A good meal with my daughter and her companion . Preparing a travel wished for so long. Having friends and family really caring for you and having people you care for.
Thank you Julia for bringing this topic today , you helped me.
I helped myself when I made my list, Danielle. I was feeling very down, and afterwards I had a smile on my face. I need to do this more often.
DeleteHappy thoughts? There are those that would think I don't have any of those because I'm just naturally grumpy.
ReplyDeleteBut I got two reviews printed in the new issue of Mystery Scene so that made me HAPPY! The payment will too.
I'm going to dinner with some friends so that will be fun and at least temporarily make me HAPPY!
I'm going to some concerts and a book signing during the month of May...HAPPY!
I might branch out into doing interviews with musicians...feeling a sense of trepidation with that one but if it goes well...HAPPY!
So there's that stuff. Of course, winning the lottery would make me happy too, but I don't see that happening any time soon.
Jay, you make US happy every day:-)
DeleteSeconded!
DeleteJay, I enjoy your reviews!
DeleteDebRo
Thank you all!
DeleteI do like coming here, even if I don't comment every day.
And Deborah Romano, thanks for reading the reviews. A friend of mine read a recent concert review I did and said that she read it hearing my voice and phrasings as she went along.
Great post! News about the birth of the new royal baby makes me happy. Love news about the coming royal wedding in May. Reading lots of good books. Kindness makes me happy. Travelling makes me happy. Rain WITHOUT floods makes me happy. Simple things make me happy.
ReplyDeleteToday is Independent Bookstore Day and this makes me happy because I love independent bookstores.
Diana
Waking up to the lawn crew taking care of the grass, then smelling the newly mown lawn scent.
ReplyDeleteTraipsing through the internet looking for recipes that are low cost, tasty and fun to make.
(More recipes for the Reds, please?) Watching the neighborhood kids hang out and shoot hoops. I swear they would be out in a hurricane. Looking back and realizing I finally at long last am usually at peace. Best of all, I am getting NEW hearing aids.
There's a recipe coming tomorrow, Coralee!
DeletePrince Louis' arrival and the fact that Princess Charlotte made history in that she kept her place in line for the throne. Delicious soup dumplings that I ate yesterday with visiting family. Back problems that are under control and make touring the city with family doable. High school kids who are trying to change the world for the better. The reboot of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." So many good books to read!
ReplyDeleteIngrid, sorry to read that you are having back issues. I quite literally feel your pain as my back is a mess lately.
DeleteIngrid. sorry to hear about your back problems. Have you tried yoga or physical therapy?
DeleteDiana
The royal children! So adorable, and, yes, you really do see kids dressed that way in London.
ReplyDeleteSpring!!!! Finally! 75 here today, farmer's market in full swing this morning, a trip to the nursery on the agenda and finishing up my patio and deck flower pots.
"Hair party" yesterday. Two friends and I go to our hair stylist friend at the same time. We take wine and snacks and have several hours of great catch up and gossip. It's something we really look forward to every six weeks or so. And our hair looks nice, too:-)
My precious granddaughter. Bingeing on a great mystery series (thank you, Tina Whittle!) Looking forward to burgers on the grill tonight and Call The Midwife tomorrow night.
Dang it, Debs, I want to have a hair party too, now.
DeleteI won't dare let loose a spoiler, but I am quite anxious about tomorrow night's Call the Midwife, Debs.
DeleteDeborah, I used to dress like that when I was a little kid. I have seen some American children dress like that too. Not many, though. I wonder if it depends on the weather? Ot parents' lifestyles?
DeleteDiana
Julia, when my youngest was getting her PhD in Miami, she lived in a high rise right next to the Miami River. I spent every possible moment on her balcony, on manatee watch. Every now and then one would rise to the surf, roughly the size of a Mini Cooper.
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm at Malice, having a ball, seeing lots of writer and reader pals, and collecting more fun memories. And I spent most of the day at the National Zoo on Wednesday, enjoying the sunshine. No manatees, alas.
Have fun at Malice! Say hi to everyone from all of here at Jungle Reds!
DeleteWhat a wonderful post, Julia. It is hard to escape from the hostility out there, isn't it? Probably, why we write fiction. LOL. I love that you listed nail polish. I am wearing a pink called "Fiji" by Essie right now! I do my nails when I'm on deadline because it means I can't do anything but write while they dry. Other things that made me happy? Going to the movies with my dudes, having the big bucket of buttered popcorn, puttering in my yard, nurturing things into growing, playing fetch with our youngest cat King George. Yes, the hooligans taught him to fetch and return. Lastly, reading in bed at night while listening to the hooligans run back and forth between their rooms, laughing about whatever, while the pets and the Hub crowd me to the far edge of the bed. I don't mind. I like having everyone home, safe and sound and happy.
ReplyDeleteThis week I've been reviewing my vacation plans - looking on-line at all the hotels I am going to stay in, ordering tickets for Shakespeare play & MLB games. When I finally go on on vacation I've already had half the fun planning and anticipating!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Pauline!
DeleteRetiring soon, which the doctors tell me will ease my back and neck pain. Having more time to read and to take classes when I retire. Watching all the local flowering bushes and shrubs burst into color in the past week or so. Having the fun of shopping for the new baby that's coming into our family soon!
ReplyDeleteDebRo
Springtime and babies certainly seem to go together, don't they?
DeleteTwo crazy sealpoint Siamese cats - never know what will happen next UNLESS they both decide to nap at the same time. And spring in Texas. My wonderful friends surprising me with something. Sleeping in and staying up late -- sorry, Julia, I'm retired and now I can finally do both!
ReplyDeleteJulia, you have some great happy makers there. Yesterday, I spent the day with my daughter and later with my younger granddaughter. It was a perfect day. It had been ages since my daughter and I had gone shopping and had lunch, and we laughed and enjoyed each other's company that we vowed to make happen more. Then, picking up the eight-year- old wonder girl from school and talking about a project she was doing for school on France and looking up French foods. My heart needed yesterday.
ReplyDeleteSo, family makes me happy. Also, reading and the mystery/crime community here on this blog and beyond, people who truly have become another family to me. Goats and gnomes and birds (in my yard) and baby bunnies (again, in my yard and protecting them from the lawn service mowers), going to eat and doing activities with friends here and in my hometown, promoting authors and their books on my blog, watching British shows on TV (like Debs, I love Call the Midwife), finding works of art that speak to my soul, singing in the car and just about everywhere else, and reading in bed between crisp clean sheets.
Books, food, and garden. Every body else's kids and pets. I agree on sleeping in, too.
ReplyDelete...makes me happy.... Flowers to arrange. I am life long Altar Guild member and have morphed into the flower arranger for my team (and yes, I can set up for services without thinking [not very humble, I know]). Since it's Spring, I went with yellow snaps, dark pink roses and pink alstroemerias (being able to use Google to spell alstoemerias makes me extremely happy), recycled last week's flowers for the narthex. Being able to crochet while watching the Giants vs Dodgers doubleheader, (live north of San Francisco, guess who I'm cheering for...), Not feeling guilty about sitting around and crocheting. I had to drive to Napa for work yesterday, so I was more than happy to see green popping up across the valleys and foothills, it is amazing to see soft, tender green leaves on branches of trees scarred black by last year's firestorm. Knowing my mother was lovingly cared for by my sister and her family during her final months of dementia/Alzheimer. (I found out very quickly I would be unable to care for her while having to work.) Now,if only the weather would start cooperating, wanting to make chicken and dumplings at the end of April is just weird for me. (Not happy with the current score - top of the 3rd - Them:8 Us:2 ��)
ReplyDeleteOne more happy thing: I gave Alexandra and Zachary my sterling as a wedding present. But due to distance, they hadn’t yet taken possession. After many calls to TSA, they got it successfully they airport security, and it is now on its way to Raleigh with them. As they were leaving, Zach said this was the first time he’d left a place with the family silver in his backpack!
ReplyDeleteI love your contributions to the conversations here, Ann. Thank you!
DeleteLoved this post, Julia! Forced us all to focus for a few minutes on what's good in our lives rather than fretting about the things we can't immediately alter. Loving my retirement that gives me the ability to stay up late reading or stay in bed late in the morning...reading or sleeping. Being able to do what I want, when I want...enjoying my cat, Rosie, and maltipoo, Lacy...being involved in my church and chairing our Author Luncheons which allows me to meet some incredible authors, like you, Julia. Life is good!
ReplyDeleteSince I'm reading this on Sunday - Congratulations to
ReplyDeleteRhys Bowen for her Agatha!!!!!
We were not so fortunate as to have children, so no grandchildren bliss for us, however, we do love our one pre-dinner cocktail every evening, and the big heap on the couch every night of Daniel, me, Lola the cat and Rosco the doggie. Definitely family time and so precious.
ReplyDeleteThe excitement of winning the $10,000 Dr. Tony Ryan Award for Best in Racing Literature last week was truly incredible. But it's a high that is fleeting. The heap of husband and pets on the couch is enduring!
"Why can't we revive tiny tweed knickers and smocked dresses in this country?"
ReplyDeleteThat's what my children wore to church every Sunday. Maybe that's a Southern thing? (And congratulations Rhys!)