WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

Right now, what makes me happy is turning a corner and suddenly coming into the presence of a stunning Autumn-colored tree. It happened yesterday, on my way home to a haircut appointment. Probably a maple, totally dressed in red, orange,yellow, gold--probably some other colors, too. (Did you know Autumn plays no favorites with color selection? True.) So on the way home, I stopped to take a photo of that gorgeous tree. I was on the wrong side of it, going toward home, but I took the photo anyway, getting a sign and some other stuff. But the tree! It was overwhelming.

Trees aren't the only happiness objects in my life. Lots of things I see give me joy. Clouds in unusual formations. Dogs, any dogs, anywhere. 

Also, fragrances--spring flowers (lilacs, especially)--roasting chicken in my kitchen--roasting vegetables, also in my kitchen--almost any baking (brownies and fruit crisp are my top picks)--fresh air after a rain . . . .

And tastes! Oh, my, good winter soup, full of veggies and  rich broth--risotto (which we have at least once a month)--Mediterranean mixed veggies, sauteed stovetop--morning coffee calmed down a little with creamer--good chocolate--lemon anything . . . .

What about things heard? I still love music, much of which is now on the Internet and available quickly. I'm partial to '70s tunes that I remember from my years in college (as a {ahem} mature student), and to what a lot of people call classical music, though my tastes run to 16th Century, then 17th, and 18th. And jazz! My life in the '50s was always happier when I could play jazz LPs and that taste continued the rest of my life.

That only leaves touch--fabric has long been a tactile happy thing. I've sewn doll clothing since age 8 (by hand) then my own wearables beginning at age 12 (4-H club), learned to make my own fabric by knitting (sometime crocheting). I'm grateful for relaxed styles, such as sweatshirts, and the concept of layering to improve the warmth of clothing when the weather tanks big-time. I also like the feel of wood (my dad was a carpenter most of my life)--the touch of printed pages (books, of course; and they also smell great)--the feel of a pen in my hand, writing across a journal page (the sound is comforting) . . . .

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Here's a quiz for you--What one thing brings out all the senses? (Answer below.)

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Take your senses for a walk--what wakes them up, gives them a boost when you're feeling a little less than Up. And most of all--what makes you happy? Do some of that today!

Blessings,

Thursday's Child

Answer to the quiz:

You see it, hear it, smell it,

taste it, and (grab a handful) 

feel it!