Even I can’t think about George Bush’s plan to take over the world all the time. Every once in a while, “Aiz got-sta have a leee-tle fun.” And for those of us stateside (United States-states that is,) ‘Turkey Day’ is coming up. Now, ordinarily I don’t like even Turkey Day. In fact, I could scare up a whole other political blog on the propaganda surrounding Turkey Day. Not to mention the excess calories. But not this year. ‘Cause this year, three out of our four surviving sons are coming to our place for Turkey Day and that in itself is enough to be thankful for. So, to hell with diets and politics both. For anyone who’s interested, here are some of the little (and not so little) things, in alphabetical order, that make me smile*:
2. Berries – Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries. Tasting them one by one, or a spoonful with vanilla yoghurt. Nothing else to say except “yum.” Nature is so good to us.
3. Duncan Hines Deluxe Yellow Cake Mix – A very different food than berries, I know, but, come on– how can you not love everything about this stuff? The delicious scent of the powdery fine flour mix. Stirring in eggs, oil, vanilla and water, easy and even more fun than making mud pies when I was a child. Scraping the batter off the bowl. The way the kitchen smells as it bakes. The anticipation as it cools, of frosting the done cake with dark chocolate fudge icing. My husband’s smile when I hand him a slice. The moist, creamy taste when I take a bite. Mmmm. Yeah.
4. Frasier reruns – I’m so glad they’re still on air. Every actor in this sitcom is a super-talent. The writing is really something special and the actors deliver their lines with slapstick, genius timing. Two episodes air back-to-back, five nights a week here and hubs and I try to watch at least two each week. It’s so much fun to sit together, watch the actors do their thing and laugh, laugh, laugh.
5. Justin Oliver’s corny jokes – the reason I get to eat yellow cake (well, sometimes, anyway,) is because I work out with Justin Oliver. Apart from being an excellent trainer, Justin tells really excellent corny jokes. Like, “Hey, you better call a plumber- those pipes look ready to burst!” I love working out with Justin, because he makes me work hard. But he also makes me laugh. Those of us who work out with him can’t decide if we should pay him extra for that, or if he should pay us for all the corn kernels we have to shake out of our gym gear when we get home.
6. Laptop, My – my laptop is the way I make my living, my door to the entire world outside my little spot on earth, a testament to what genius man can create when he’s not busy making war and a great game board for ‘Spider Solitaire.’
7. Morning coffee on my patio – a morning spent on my patio is better than meditating. It’s surrounded by bay trees and oak, but there is one giant liquid amber tree, which every fall, scatters gold and red amongst all the green. There are deer, raccoon, squirrels, birds and other creatures who stop by. The grass around my patio smells sweet and slopes down to meet a creek, which trickles or surges, depending on the season. When I can drink my morning coffee on my patio, sitting there in the quiet of nature’s anticipation, I feel thankful, blessed and awed all at once. And the coffee tastes so much better, too.
8. Music – All kinds, from all countries. One of my VOX neighbours, Snowy, said that “music is the only sound you hear with your emotions rather than your ears.” So right. When I think about what musicians give to the world, I am proud that we have so many in my family.
9. Pete’s kisses – You know, it’s really not polite to boast about such things, but I have to say, I am one lucky woman to be the recipient of Pete’s kisses. Wow. Far better than berries or chocolate-frosted cakes. Perfect, in fact.
10. Red lipstick – Nothing makes me feel more feminine than a tube of red lipstick. Twisting up that sexy red cylinder of colour, slicking its softness over my lips, I feel I’m transformed from ordinary girl to fabulous woman when I’m wearing it. My favourite kind? Max Factor Midnight Red.
11. Sixth Sense – ESP, whatever you want to call it, (Pete calls it “nonsense” but he believes in ‘poker gods’ so he’s not fooling me) I’ve had the ability to sense what most people would say is extraordinary phenomena since I was a child. It only happens sometimes, when I’m not thinking about it, or trying to will it, but when it does, it’s accurate and astonishing. And I like it very much because it convinces me that there’s much more to this world than science or organised religion tells us there is.
12. Sons, mine and Pete’s – when I married Pete, we had five combined. My cousin Jo said, “Do you remember when we were young and you told me you wanted to have five sons someday, just like our grandmother had?” I had forgotten about that. She was right and I couldn’t have picked out five better sons from a line-up, if I’d tried. Each is wonderful in his own way. I’ll keep this simple and just say I love them more than anything. We lost one and he’ll always be missed, but the four who remain, just they alone, truly make life worth living for hubs and me.
13. Toddlers in supermarkets – Gosh, I love watching them. Whilst mum and dad push them in carts, they look around as though they’re in a wonderful, exotic country. Take them through the produce section and their eyes go wide at all the colours and shapes of the hundreds of fruits and vegetables. Seeing a supermarket through the eyes of a toddler makes me realise how remarkable some of the things we take for granted are. But the best part of toddlers in a supermarket, is waiting in the check-out line with one in front of me on the queue. I can make ‘peek-a-boo’ faces at them to pass the time waiting and they almost always smile with delight. To me, coaxing a smile from a toddler in a supermarket, is like winning a prize.
14. VOX neighbours – never in my life has it been this easy to meet so many fantastic human beings all at once. Knowing that I’m communicating with people based everywhere from Bombay to Sidney, male and female, ages 16- 70, who are all so intelligent, kind, funny, and loving, just restores my faith that we will all be all right and so will our planet, eventually.
15. Women in my life. They are strong, brave, loyal, hardworking. They encourage and comfort, they inspire, they have lifted me up when I needed getting off the ground. We share a drink, a story, a smile and our lives. They make the world better just for being in it. They are my friends. I’m proud of them and I would be lost without them. I won’t say I saved the best of this list for last, because it’s a tough call. But if I’ve learned one thing in all my years, it’s that if you’ve got just one truly good friend, you’re blessed with riches beyond counting. You know who you are, ladies.
Do I give thanks for all these things? Hell, yes. Thinking of them reminds me that, apart from every other reason we’re here, we’re here
to LIVE and ENJOY living.
And you? – What are some of your “little” things?
*Inspired by the Muse of Comedy, Thalia, who is shown here painted by the artist Thalia Took
I am thankful for pumpkin pie cause its good, my daughters green eyes and her infectious giggle. Intelligent conversation and people who love the little things in life that most other people miss in their rushed lives
WOW! Sounds like you have loads to be thankful for. Your view from your porch sounds magical compared to the cement highway wall I face from my porch. May your non-polictical/religous turkey day be UNFORGETTABLE.
Clever comment. You know, you can always make friends with me and then I'll invite you over to share my porch! : )
Yeah, I forgot pumpkin pie. Mmm.. Well, now, I'll have to visit your blog as I'm sure there must be a photo or two of your lovely little girl. She's lucky to have a mum who loves her.
Well hey, as usual your blog inspires a post of my own. I'll get on that.
Wonderful list! 🙂
I am most thankful that my honey is coming home today after being gone, for biz, all week. I have missed him terribly!
Cool! Can't wait to read it.
I know what you mean. There's something extra-special about them when they return, after not having seen them for a while. Ooo, and it's the weekend, too. I guess this wouldn't be the evening for me to drop by and take you for that Peach Bellini. You'll have more interesting things to do… ; )
I am also a big fan of entertaining infants in the check-out line. That is, when my eight year old tornado is not with me. When he is, I'm too busy making sure he doesn't grab and drop something, or snatch a piece of fruit I hadn't planned on buying. (Although the market people are saints. He dropped and shattered a bottle of balsamic vinegar a couple of weeks ago. They refused to accept money for it, and all but apologized for not having kept the bottles out of harm's way.)
1. I love going to the local AIDS Thrift store. 100% silk designer French and Italian ties in perfect condition for, at most, four bucks, and usually two. Old VCR tapes of movies I loved years ago (typical finds: 1937 A Star is Born; James Caan's Rollerball; anime classic Akira; Kieslowski's Three Color Trilogy); maximum cost $2.99/tape. Antique cookbooks and travel books for ten cents on the dollar. And the nicest staff on the planet.
2. Going to the local "old-fashioned" ice cream parlor with my son, and sharing two scoops of ice cream. I usually get about half of one scoop.
3. Taking a new member of my 12-Step fellowship out to a diner after a meeting, and watching their eyes widen as they realize they are no longer condemned to a living hell.
4. Playing with someone else's friendly kitten. I grew up with cats, but can't have them with my son. I love kittens.
5. Making a simple meal out of great ingredients for my friends. I am thought by them to be a wonderful cook. I know that I am just arranging already wonderful food.
6. Hearing a stunning musical performer for the first time. I'll never forget hearing Marc-Andre Hamelin for the first time, still a student at Temple University, playing at the Academy of Music. Or Steve Gadd playing perfect drums with Chick Corea. Or Jorma Kaukonen doing acoustic Reverend Gary Davis songs. Or Odetta. Or Regina Spektor. Or Callas. Or Cristina Branco. Or Maria Bethania. The list is, literally endless.
7. My sister, unbidden, cleaning my kitchen floor while I am out. Usually happens when I am on…
8. My Sunday walks on Penn's Landing with my son.
How lovely this is! Thank you for sharing it.(P.S.- If I came along on the walks, you'd have to ge tan ice cream cone with at least four scoops, chocolate chocolate chip being my favourite.
hey, i did a post with the stuff that i'm grateful for a few weeks ago.and yes. i am totally just putting in my link because i don't wanna type out a new list. i am THAT lazy. hehehttp://grrrace.vox.com/library/post/grateful.html
Wonderful list Patricia — I think its worthy for all of us in our Outlook-and-Blackberry controlled worlds to stop every once in a while and remind ourselves that our health, our families and our friends (who can be considered the family you choose to have) really make all the difference in life.
Thanks for that, Patricia. What a lovely start to the day in a politics saturated Oz. Only a week to go until the "Mission Accomplished" sign goes up, and then it's back to blogging about this wonderful universe in which we find ourselves. You've really raised the bar you know, and I feel privileged to visit. One "little" thing that is a never ending source of wonder to me is the knowledge that I can pause at any instant to just savour the miracle of "being". Everything else seems to fall into place after that.
hahaha…..I don't know….my hubby is a bit of Bellini-whore…..he loves them more than me! (not exactly a manly drink but I guess I can't blame him since they are just soooo yummy! teehee!)
And I forgot to mention about toddlers in grocery stores….I do the same thing! Kids are just so sweet, when they aren't throwing screaming fits in the cereal aisle. For some reason little kids are drawn to me….I can make pretty much any kid smile without doing much except smiling at them…..and they often will come over to me if they can walk…..haha, I guess they recognize another kid! 🙂
So, hubs can be bought for bellinis. That's good information for you to retain, Foxsy, my girl.It coud come in very handy someday for you. Heehee.
Oh- you just reminded me of my dad when you talked about the kids being drawn to you . Little kids were drawn to him, too. Sometimes they'd come right up to him and just start talking to him as though they knew him. I think they must know on some levels, who really likes them and who doesn't. It's the same thing with dogs, I notice.
I remember reading that post. You had some really great stuff on that. I'll have to go back and reread it…
I so agree about stopping to savour just" being." I truly love the way you think. We'r e all cheering for you in this house that your party will win. Your elections are just one day after the Thanksgving holidday here this year. My children will still be here when I log onto to hear you announcement. Good luck!
I remember you mentioning something about friends being family in one of your posts. Isn't it the truth that if we're not born with the famly of our dreams, we can always go out and find another that suits us better. : )
Apart from 2, 4, 6 (laptop, pocket pc & N95), 8 & especially 15 (for all your reasons and more);Greek Honey and also Rigani (oregano to the uninitiated – I use tons of it);saffron – Cornish saffron cake and buns;Cornish cream teas – never mind the arteries I'll die happy;photography – the things others see (also my own);poetry – particularly Haiku;the Greek people, in particular;fountain pens and real letters;the beauty of a well drawn mindmap;walking the Cornish cliffs;smiles on the faces of my friends, particularly 15;when should I stop?
Great list! You know, I should have put you rphotography on my list, too. It really is beautiful. Uh…but why no MAX FACTOR? (joking, of course)
Wow, what beautiful things in your list. You truly are so expressive and a loving mother and wife, too. Good food, good wine, cheese, zeppoli, and my family, all loving and special to me (includes husband, stepchildren, grandchild (my shining star), brothers, sister, cousins, friends and family). The rare moments I get to spend with them are like sparkling stars, ready to be picked, enjoyed and savored. You and I share the same love of kids, seeing them smile, I especially enjoy the kids in school. And your view sounds breathtaking. Funny, I love having coffee on my balcony which overlooks trees and green grass, and mountains in the distance, and the birds singing and flying in view. Another thing we share. Enjoy your time with Pete and your sons this Thursday! Eat hardy and laugh loudly!
Amen to this list! I didn't know you liked zeppoli! Have you ever been in one? Oh, wait – that's zeppelin! (Joking)
Fantastic!! I love your blogs! I actually get excited when I see you have posted something new! 🙂
When I read that you like Duncan Hines yellow cake mix I had to laugh…One of my favorite things is something I call "Inside out Cake"…It's a Duncan Hines "Butter" cake mix prepared as the instructions say, and then a container of Duncan Hines German Chocolate frosting..with the coconut and pecans. You scoop the frosting into the cake batter before you bake it!! Put it in a rectangular cake pan and bake as usual. It might take a bit longer to finish but when it is done….It is moist and delicious. No one ever believes how easy it is. Give it a try and see if you want to add it to your list of Faves ! 🙂
Laurie
Poor hubby couldn't have a Bellini tonight eventhough we went to the place around here that makes them the best 🙁 He thinks he might have broken his wrist so he's got it wrapped up and he is on drugs (drugs and Bellini's aren't a good mix). We have to go get it x-rayed in the morning. My poor Boo!! 🙁
And as far as the whole kid thing…yes, dogs are attracted to me as well. I've been told that it means something when little kids and dogs are comfortable with you like that….but I forget what the meaning was…haha!!
And I will add another thankful thing:
I am thankful that my hubby did not hit the moose on the highway yesterday and that she stayed on the shoulder of the highway. (she was at least as tall as the roof rack of my hubby's truck!!!!!!!) phew!
Patricia you are very kind, having my ego massaged is worth more than buckets of MAX FACTOR – LOL
What I meant to type was:Having my ego massaged by a beautiful woman is worth more than buckets of MAX FACTOR.
LOL. Isn't that the truth?
Well, I hope you get the wrist sorted out. That's very nasty and I'm sorry to hear that. Two of stepsons live in Colorado now and tell stories about moose hitting cars and trucks that makes my hair stand up on end. They can cause more damage sometimes than neing it by another car. They are amazing animals, though. I think it's a very good sign when dogs and children like a person. However, you managed to get grown, two-legged types to be very comfortable around you, too.I have a feeling you might be just a generally fun, likeable person.
Wow! Thanks! This cake sounds intriguing and delicious.I'd like to give it a try because we're having visitors this week before Thanksgiving, too and that seems easy to prepare. .. Do you know how much longer I have to bake the cake if I put the icing in the middle? Also- do you remember a while back you asked me for some info and I said I'd ask hubs? I have it now and will send you a PM later today..: )
Well you don't actually put the icing in the middle. You just mix it into the batter. The timing is a bit tricky….I just keep checking it every ten minutes or so by sticking a toothpick in the center. When it's not wet it's done. The top will look brown and a little crunchy…Also be sure to spray the inside of your pan really well so it doesn't stick. I promise it's YUMMMMY! Ecspecially at midnight with milk! 🙂
Thanks to you and hubby both for the info when you have time!
Laurie
Yeah…moose and cars are not a good mix. I had a friend killed a few years ago when his car hit a moose and the moose went through the windshield. He was driving between BC and Alberta when it happened. This moose, hubby found out later, has been wandering that highway for a while now. She is a mama moose whose calf got killed by a truck not too long ago and she has been wandering the highway still looking for her calf….kind of a sad story, really.
We got the wrist checked out this morning and the x-rays are inconclusive as to whether or not he has a hairline fracture or not…so cast today, just all wrapped and drugged up!
And thank you, I like to think of myself as a generally likeable person…lol!! 🙂
Anyhoo…have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family!! All the best to you all!
sorry….NO cast today!
A sad story on both parts about your friend and the moose. I'm glad though that there is no cast for your husband. Those things are so unwieldy and annoying. I hope his wrist is feeling better today….
Just wanted to let you know, I'm trying out your recipe today. Also- sorry I did not write yesterday as promised. My youngest son is living at school not toof ar fromhere, though. He hasn't been feeling well. Hubs went to pick him up Friday night and he is still at the house, being fussedover by mum (me) So,this has set my schedule back a bit as you can imagine.
Don't give it another thought..I've been running like a crazy women here preparing for the invasion of the "leftover snatchers!"…:-)
Laurie
They are coming over again this year? What a brave gal! Listen to this- as I posted, two of my stepsons are staying with us, as well as a former student of mine. They are all coming in on Tuesday at two different airports and three different times, I might add. Two days to go. Our house will be packed to the gills with sleepover guests. My m-i-l requested (and with good reason) that we have dinner earlier,around 2-thirty-ish, because they have two-hour drive and the area gets fogged in after a certain hour. I will be preparing dinner at the same time my stepsons and student will be waking up and wanting breakfast, is my guess. Also my biological son is here for the last three days, SICK and wantng some TLC. I've got linens, etc to wash and prepare and more shopping to do, not to mention just a bit of cleaning to make the house presentable and here I am on 'countdown days' with a sick male in the house. Yikes!
What a wonderful list of things to be thankful for, as well as the ones listed by those who replied.I am thankful for so many things, even when I forget to be thankful for them. I hope that makes a bit of sense.I am thankful for:1) a best friend that I have knowns since 3rd grade (shh don't tell but it has been over 30 years now)2) another best friend that I have had for about 20 years, and another one for almost 10 years now.3) an ex-fiance that I can still be friends with and share life lessons with4) each and every one of my pets they are the closest thing I have to children5) yes definitely the children in the store 6) the view from my front porch, my back porch, my side porch, the countryside in general7) the ability to read and write8) the smell of honeysuckle in full bloom, the sparkle of icicles on trees, the vivid tapestry painted by a sunrise or sunset on soft fluffy clouds9) VOX and all the wonderful neighbors I have found10) My family, just your everyday normal dysfunctional family that is always trying to be the best they can.My list can go on and on, but I will stop hereI hope everyone enjoys a truly happy and thankful Thanksgiving holiday
Thanks for stopping by and posting your delightful list. The ability to read and write is such a brilliant addition to all the other tangibles people have posted. It does seem like one of the most precious things, doesn't it? We certainly wouldn't have these lists or VOX without it! HappyThanksgiving to you, too.
Amazing post, Patricia. It made me think about the little things that make me happy and all of a sudden I feel like I don't notice the small stuff enough. I like orange juice, and beaches by night, and hugs, hugs, lots of them 🙂 and laughing till my stomach hurts, and Guylian chocolate (the shell-shaped ones), and wow, the list is endless.It's so grand to be alive!
Yes, it sure is. BTW- My favourite chocolate is Lindt's Lindor Dark Chocolate Truffles. God. I think one of those would have to be on my list of things to eat for my last meal on earth.