It’s Valentine’s Day! While I fully believe that love should be shared every day of the year, just like thanks should be given, it can’t hurt to take a day to honor it. I’m not a big one for over-priced dinners or boxes full of chocolates – wait, who am I kidding… – but I AM one for taking a breath and a moment to acknowledge that sweetest of emotions.
To do that I thought I’d share just a few of the things I love, in no particular order:
- My son
- Sunshine
- Fluffy clouds
- Thunderstorms, especially on days when there’s nothing to do but snuggle
- My cat’s motorboat purring as she snuggles against me
- My other cat sprawling, belly-up
- Hearing both cats thumpa-thump as they race on the hardwood floors
- My dad’s sculptures made of wood
- Dad
- Mom
- Dad’s never-ending ideas and drive to make everything better
- Mom’s laugh
- Mom’s love of life
- My parents’ absolute support of everything (well, almost) I do
- My paternal grandma, whose birthday I share and who I miss
- My maternal grandma, whose love of Chicago and reading I share (Happy Almost Birthday!)
- My grandpa and Bill – I miss you both, so much
- My cousins – thanks to social media I can finally keep in touch with you!
- My brother – smart, funny, handsome, and way too self-deprecating. You rock, bro.
- Reading
- Reading my brother’s book
- Libraries
- Bookstores
- Used bookstores
- Writing
- Writing
- Words
- Etymology
- History
- Historical novels
- Music
- Seeing my musician friends play
- Art
- Seeing my friends’ art displayed
- My friends, of whom I have seen far too little lately. That’s being corrected. Now.
- Camping
- Parks
- Walking
- Hiking
- Bike rides
- Horses
- Photography – taking photos
- Photography – appreciating photos
- The smell of fresh flowers
- The smell of cilantro and sage and basil and rosemary on my fingertips
- Cooking
- Cooking something that makes people I love say “WOW”
- Laughing
- Water – lakes, rivers, oceans, creeks, ponds, swimming pools, hot tubs, baths
- Flying
- Skydiving
- Train rides
- Driving
- Driving fast
- Traveling
- Staying home
- Long conversations
- Comfortable silence
- Walking hand in hand
- Great beer
- Dirty martinis with bleu cheese stuffed olives
- Good scotch
- Crafted spirits
- A robust zin, a smooth pinot, a crisp sauvignon, and anything bubbly
- A thick, bone-in steak
- Truffles (the ones in the ground)
- Truffles (the ones made by hand)
- Cheese fries
- Crispy, meaty, spicy chicken wings
- When dinner is cheeses, meats, dried fruits, and crusty bread
- Taco night
- Baking cookies
- Making my own bread
- Making people laugh
- Seeing people smile
- Working from home
- Fluffy robes and soft pajamas
- My job
- My team – you have no idea
- The fact that my job is to share fun and happiness and laughter
- Sharing my life, my dreams, my fears, my hopes, with my best friend and the best man I’ve ever known
- Jim
I know I’ve missed a few gazillion. What do you love?
You.
Meeting great people who share the love of life and all the joy it brings to us. Otherwise, our lists are almost identical. Happy Valentine’s Day Theresa!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Sue! We are kindred spirits 🙂