We all have those little things that make us smile no matter how bad our day is going. For me, without fail, when I’m feeling glum, I can think about, or look at, or touch, or smell, any of the things I’ve listed below and know that I will soon feel better. Even for just a few minutes. What are they? I’m glad you asked. As the song goes, these are a few of my favorite things:
1 – Puppies. Need I say more? Puppies make me smile and feel all gooey inside every single time. Puppy snuggles are a gift from God. Check out all of these adorable pups.
2 – Laughing babies. The fresh innocence of a new life expressing unadulterated joy is one of the most amazing things to observe. You can’t help but laugh out loud when a baby is this happy:
3 – Flowers. Flowers are velvety soft and delicate but resilient and strong at the same time. A lot of flowers give off the most pleasant aromas. Lilies and roses are two of my absolute favorites. A surefire way to cheer me up is to bring me flowers, especially aromatic ones.
4 – Fresh baked bread. I’m a sucker for crusty loaves of delectable yeasty bread with squishy centers. Slather on a hefty amount of sweet cream butter and I am one happy woman. If you can’t bring me flowers, bake me some bread. Bring me both and I’m forever in your debt. Heaven!
5 – Boats berthed in marinas. I have no idea why this is soothing to me, but when I see boats moored against wooden docks, I am happy. Especially if they are silhouetted against the setting sun. I don’t really consider myself a boat person, but I love looking at them. The peaceful swaying and occasional creak of boats, as if they don’t have a care in the world, soothes me.
So, there you have it. Some of my favorite things. I’m pretty easy to please. Put a laughing baby and a puppy on a boat and I’ll be smiling for a long time. If I can observe these things from a table with sweet floral blooms on it while eating fresh baked bread I’ll be happier than a tick on a hound dog or a pig in slop.
What are some things that always make you smile? Anything unusually simple that brings you joy? I’d love to know how you soothe an anxious mind.
Word of the Day: Jinni
Fun fact about me: I always wonder why tomato paste is sold in such large cans. Whenever I have a recipe that calls for tomato paste it almost always only takes like a tablespoon or two. Then I have 4 or 5 more ounces to hold on to until I happen to need tomato paste again. Or, it goes to waste.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, May 2020. Images by Google Images and Pexels.
Stay connected with news about my books and other fun stuff by signing up for my newsletter: http://bit.ly/JansenSchmidtNewsletter
On Hallowed Ground is available at fine retailers everywhere: http://bit.ly/2KONmnf
On Common Ground is available at fine retailers everywhere: http://bit.ly/2BBu7bb
Great post as always Patricia,
I relate to some of those things too, especially freshly baked bread and flowers.
i also find the garden relaxing, either planting , even weeding as it always looks better for a bit of time spent there. Listening to the birds and watching them peck at the feeders. Also get great pleasure in looking at photos as it makes me feel close to those that I care about, they bring back memories and treasured moments . I I love to read but have noticed that it is hard to absorb too much when feeling anxious . I have newly discovered that writing down the things that make me anxious or even my thoughts about what is going on in my mind eases my anxiety and worry . Once those thoughts become words I can look at what troubles me more objectively and more able to resolve or catagorise the I importance of them. Since the lockdown have noticed so many things that are simple pleasures that are calming . I love the water and am missing very much not being able to go fishing. When life gives me lemons I go fishing, it is an escape . Doesn’t matter whether I catch or not but sitting at a river or lake in the peace and quiet makes everything going on in your life disappear for a few hours. Just the two of us with some sandwiches and a drink in the peace and quiet and at one with nature. It will be one of the first things we will do when we are allowed. Just to also let you know that your trivia questions are a real pleasure to me . I look forward to them and grateful to you for making the time to send them. Gives me something else to think about . Miss you my friend . 💗🌹 love your blogs . Can always relate to them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know a lot of people who really like gardening. I’m just not that fond of digging in the dirt and getting attacked by bugs. We have so many danged mosquitoes and biting gnats here that just being outside sometimes is not pleasant. It’s a shame because the weather is just about perfect right now and you can’t stay outside very long without getting the blood sucked right out of you.
I do enjoy listening to the birds as well. We have some real squawkers here that can be annoying at times but the little chirpers are relaxing. So many beautiful blessings all around us that’s for sure.
I hope you guys get to go fishing soon. Our governor here just advised that we’re to expect at least 2 more weeks at sheltering-in-place. I really don’t know how our business is going to survive. All of the relief packages available are for very short term periods of time. I don’t see the travel industry recovering in 3-6 months. It’s going to be at least a year before people feel safe enough to go on vacation again. Keep us in your prayers.
It’s always so nice to see you her at the Edge of Eternity as well as on my FB page. The trivia does seem to be a hit with my author followers.
Thank for always being a “Rae” of sunshine. I miss you both.
Patricia
LikeLike
Your question about tomato paste reminds me of one of my longstanding questions. Why do hot dog buns come in packages of eight while hot dogs come in packages of ten?
LikeLike
That’s always in interesting dilemma isn’t it?
Isn’t today the day you’re supposed to be able to dine at your favorite diner again for breakfast? I hope you got to enjoy that.
Patricia
LikeLike
I’ve also wondered that about tomato paste–seems like such a waste. And now I’m wondering if you can freeze it… Kittens, of course, make me smile, but I’m with you on the laughing babies and flowers. Pretty much the amazing beauty of nature has the power to give me a sense of peace. And castles. Castles make me happy. Have a great week filled with baby giggles! 🙂
LikeLike
Well yes – kitties too. Any baby really will bring a smile to my face. Our kitties are starting to be so playful. They’re fun to watch.
I’d agree with you on the castles too. Castles make me “dream” more than anything. I always image what they’d look like inside or what the view would be from the very top. One of these days I’m going to visit a castle. I’ve been to a couple of pseudo “castles” but they don’t measure up to what I imagine a “real” castle to be. But then again most folks think I live in a mansion and I just think of it as a big house. Perspective.
Thanks for visiting today. Here’s hoping you have a very pleasant week.
Patricia
LikeLike
It would be pretty hard to not agree 100% with everything you say in this post. You’ve got your priorities straight, that’s for sure. Love the doggie pics.
There is an acquaintance of ours who breeds the Cavalier King Charles, all registered with the AKC. Sells the pups mostly, but keeps around 7-8 adults at home. That’s a bit much for me but hey, it’s her life. Anyway, one just had a litter and for the first time the others have shunned it and even attacked it. No one can figure out why. I’ve pleaded with her to let us take in the poor momma for day care just to give her a break. She looks just like your photo. The lady won’t because she is worried about her precious getting the virus from our dogs. I know, sounds like counselling would be in order. Anyway, I’ll keep you posted, I’m not giving up! Our two are half Cavaliers (other half Bichon).
One more thing, (I’m totally hijacking your blog) Patty made a loaf of beer bread the other day to go with some homemade broccoli cheese soup. If you’ve never made beer bread you must try some. Crusty on the outside and soft and delicious on the inside.
You were right, I loved this post!
Your pal, Al
LikeLike
There are just times when I feel like I have a kindred spirit. I do believe you are one of those. I’d love to have a King Chav pup but my hubby hasn’t gotten on board with that idea yet. He doesn’t think the inn should have a puppy. I completely disagree with him, but some battles aren’t worth fighting. One day I’ll just get one and bring it home and that’ll be the end of that.
I do believe I’ve had beer bread. I used to have a bread making machine and that’s one of the recipes I’m pretty sure I tried. My machine when ka-phut so now I have to make it the old fashioned way, which sucks. When I’m able to go out shopping again I’m going to get myself a new one. Loved that machine.
Thanks for visiting. Enjoy your week! Prayers for the obsessed dog lady and her litter. Things are weird everywhere right?
Patricia
LikeLiked by 1 person
Forgot to mention, I volunteer one day a week at the Norfolk Botanical here in the area. I have a black thumb (Patty’s the one with the green thumb) but I work in the adult education section doing data entry and keeping up reports. After each shift, I walk the grounds, weather permitting, so I am around all those beautiful flowers. Jealous yet?
LikeLike
Yes. Stop it. You big meanie.
What an awesome volunteer job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wait whaaat? Do you mean the strong, concentrated tomato paste? I have never seen that sold in a large can! I have always bought it in a squeezy tube (about the size of toothpaste.) That is the same in the UK, Japan and Canada. Is it just an American thing to have large cans?
I love everything else that soothes you. Although I would add kittens/cats to puppies/dogs. I love them all.
LikeLike
You have a squeezy tube?!?! That would be awesome!!! No, we have these little cans (tins as you probably say) that are sometimes 4 ounces, sometimes 6 ounces. You have to open the entire can to get just a tablespoon. Then you have to store the rest in a plastic container. I don’t know how long it lasts in the refrigerator, but I usually end up throwing it away. It’s so wasteful.
And, yes you could add kitties to the list too. Really any baby makes me smile, human or animal. I love fresh new innocent life.
Thanks for visiting. Have a wonderful rest of the week.
Patricia
LikeLiked by 1 person