I was going to post about letters today and something stopped me. It was getting the sweetest kind of email from a friend and it came just in time. Letter writing is a beautiful art form and she sent something that touched me deeply and included something amazing: Prayers often come from our most vulnerable places. She also asked that I please remember to take a picture of myself just before turning a year older.
This quote is getting to me, too. “I carry with me all my things.” That which is important is always with me. With that in mind, a list of things of which I never tire. Order is of no import:
1. getting an unexpected plate of cookies
2. listening to Ave Maria sung by Stevie Wonder
3. learning something new from something old
4. reading a fantastic book that makes me sad when it ends
5. new carpet smell
6. singing “Funky Cold Medina” to my daughter and her roommates on speakerphone while they laugh at me
7. getting a visit from an old friend and hearing, “No, really. How are you?” in the most earnest manner ever
8. learning new phrases for farting (“Mom, did you just bust a grumpie?” asked my 7th grader. Answer was yes.)
9. having a Come To Jesus meeting with students and seeing them get it
10. black-and-white movies from the 1940s
11. excellent, buttery cake frosting
12. yummy-smelling freshly laundered sheets
13. low clouds on the horizon that resemble mountains
14. looking at maps of places until my eyes cross
15. finding strength I didn’t know I had
16. the peanut-butter colored paint in my sister’s new living room
17. holding my children
18. a fresh, clean face that feels taut and raw yet beautiful
19. baby toes without socks that oddly smell vinegary, but really good
20. having Jacob’s Ladder timed contests with my nieces
April 1, 2008 @ 6:24 pm | Filed under Everyday Mundane, Lessons I'm Learning | Permalink |
Caffeinated Librarian Said,
April 1, 2008 @ 7:59 pm
Love, love, love this list.
And for once I have nothing smart(aleck) to add so I’ll just leave it at that.
Elizabeth Said,
April 1, 2008 @ 8:44 pm
“15. finding strength I didn’t know I had”
Doncha love it when that happens?
Lara Said,
April 1, 2008 @ 11:38 pm
why come you so gorgeous?!
MeL Said,
April 2, 2008 @ 6:28 am
I want to steal your lips. Would you miss them terribly? Because some of us got stuck with sad, thin, prim-old-lady lips, and we covet that luscious pout.
Also, you reminded me that it’s about time for me to pull out “The Philadelphia Story” for my at-least-annual viewing. If there is a God, and if she’s a woman, I imagine she’d be quite like Kate Hepburn. Don’t you think?
Heather Said,
April 2, 2008 @ 7:25 am
All wonderful things. I now I need cookies.
Daisy Said,
April 2, 2008 @ 7:53 am
Have a wonderful, thoughtful, but not too serious, birthday. With no busted grumpies.
anonymous Said,
April 2, 2008 @ 8:15 am
Number 13! I love that because I’m not going to see any mountains in Florida.
jess Said,
April 2, 2008 @ 8:43 am
Happy birthday to the most insightful, forthright and beautiful woman i know - inside and out. Have a wonderful year and day.
xx
Rigel Schoonover Said,
April 2, 2008 @ 9:02 am
Girl! I’m turning 31 this month. I’m gonna take that advice and take my own picture, to remember what I looked like at “30″. I think I look bad now, but I always laugh because a few years down the road, I think to myself…”I looked pretty good back then.”
Nora Said,
April 2, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
I had to google the title. Me no speaky the latin.
Busting a grumpie! I have to use that on my dad.