I realize that my last post was a bit of a downer, and then I didn't write for weeks afterward. Do not concern yourself, devoted reader, with the thought that I have been miserable this whole time. I haven't. I'm just not always as eloquent when I'm busy and happy. Lots of writers are that way. How many poems do you know of that go: "Life is swell. I like myself. Yay!"? Isn't it far more common to read something along these lines: "I feel like an orange that's been run over with all my dried up guts sticking out. Oh yeah, and nobody understands me."?
So, in order to bring balance to the Force (or, at least, to this blog) I have composed an open list of things that make me happy. This is a technique stolen from my friend Alisha (writer and grammarian), and I stole the idea of stealing it from my other friend Adrienne (librarian extraordinaire)...or else it was the other way around. Anyway, here it is:
My Open List of Happiness*
1. kids
2. hugs from kids
3. when kids are kind to other kids
4. chicken dinner
5. my brother's "interested face"
6. my mom's tattoo
7. when my dad preaches
8. sweaters
9. music (if I got more specific, this list would never end)
10. the gospel of John
11. CS Lewis and GK Chesterton
12. classic Trek
13. when the sidekick saves the day
14. car trips
15. family gatherings
16. early mornings on vacation
17. the sound of people sleeping
18. a good conversation
19. when I can help someone
20. the smell of trees
21. sunset in the desert
22...
Ah, that feels better!
*This is an "open" list. That means you can add things to the list if you want. Simply post a reply and start with the next number on the list. Interactive art!
