On Joy

So a few days ago, my friend and sometimes life coach Kate passed a little mission on to me. I have to name six things I do for joy and then pass it on to 6 more creative bloggers. Sadly (or happily), all the creative bloggers I know have already received and fulfilled this little mission. Nonetheless, I present Six Things that Bring Me Joy:

1) Going to the craft store is one of my favorite things to do. Not sure how many of you know this buy I'm crafty. Not in the conniving soap opera way, in the I knit, crochet, and make and paint things for fun way. I love looking at the yarn and beads and buttons and ribbon and fantasizing about future projects. Taking me to a craft store is like taking a puppy to a Milkbone factory, which brings me to my next source of joy . . .

2) Petting/harassing/baby talking dogs - Everyone who knows me knows I'm am a dog fanatic. I absolutely love them, all of them. My neighborhood is filled with dogs and not a day goes by that I don't inform a neighbor of how cute their schnauzer is or ask to pet an enthusiastic choco lab. I have two dogs back home that I miss terrible, especially in the winter, which is prime bedtime snuggle season.

3) I feed pigeons. Yes what some call "flying rats." Not only do I feed them, I feed them from my palm. Baltimore is full of bold pigeons who will walk right up to you and, when offered, will pluck a piece of blueberry muffin from your hand. They are such sad, hated little birds and it makes me feel good to be kind to them.

4) I nap. Gratuitously. Not just an hour but 3 or 4 of dreamless, wonderful sleep. It does a body good. Yes, better than milk.

5) I give gifts, little ones, usually handmade -- a mix CD, a scarf, a pint of gin (I wish I could say I make gin) -- it's one of the ways I show my appreciation for the people I care about.

6) Kissing (no explanation required)

This list was fun to make and I've loved reading my fellow bloggers' lists. What's astounding is that all the listed joyful items were so very simple. I feel lucky to know such down to earth human beings. Taking stock in the things that give one joy is essential to a happy life. I hope everyone who reads this will take on this mission or at least think about the little things that keep us going and enjoying life.