Sunday, August 3, 2008

My Favorite Things

The Sound of Music is one of my all-time favorite movies. I know all the songs, including the one about my favorite things. Below is a short list of things that bring a smile to my face and happiness to my heart.

1. Time spent with the Lord. Before I get out of bed each day, I try to journal, read my Bible, and pray. Oh, I'm not perfect. I do miss a day here and there, but the lack is always apparent, not only in my life, but also in my writing. It's like I've forgotten to brush my teeth or comb my hair. Something's missing.

2. Time with family and friends is precious. After my beloved husband was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006 and passed away last year, the brevity and fragility of life became a stark reality. Petty annoyances don't seem quite so important anymore. Give the ones you love a big hug.

3. Chocolate. Now, you really didn't think this was going to be all serious stuff, did you? A friend and I once joked that the Lord would have hot chocolate sundaes for dessert at The Marriage Supper of the Lamb because we enjoyed them so much.

Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate makes me swoon. Chocolate cake? I'll drive to your house even at $4.00 per gallon. My motto is: If it isn't chocolate, it's not worth spending the calories.

4. Reading and Writing. It's downright dangerous for me to walk into a Christian Bookstore. And if I have a coupon, get out of my way.

Since embarking on this writing journey, I'm glued to my computer. If I'm not working on my mystery/suspense novel, I'm reading blogs, studying the craft of writing, or communicating with other writers.

5. Antiquing. My LDH (late darling husband) and I enjoyed long rides through the countryside. We'd poke around hole-in-the-wall shops and huge antique malls.

Seeing items I remember from my childhood in a collectibles store always startled me. My Mom still has an adorable cookie jar. It's a puppy wearing a bandanna. I saw matching salt and pepper shakers on one of our expeditions. Only the hefty price kept me from snapping them up. I can only imagine what the cookie jar is worth.

Well, this is supposed to be an abbreviated list. What are some of your favorite things?

2 comments:

Annie said...

I like your list and the two of us in a bookstore could be dangerous!

Favorite things:

God's grace and mercy new every morning.

Spending time with my son who doesn't live at home any longer.

Spending time with my daughter because it won't be long until...I can't even think it.

Enjoying these years and finding that I really like my husband as a person, not just as a spouse.

Reading, writing, cooking, baking (!) and visiting with my friends over coffee.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Annie -

I heard someone say the other day that the most important things in life are: God, family, friends, and character.

Blessings,
Susan :)