Things I Love

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?

 

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