this is God on earth

this is a list of 100 things that make me happy.  it is wonderful and inspiring.

1. watching the sun set
2. metaphors and symbolism
3. defrosting the freezer
4. singing four-part harmony
5. the taste of fruit that is fresh and in season
6. the smell of books
7. seeing a rainbow
8. my campers (and learning to love them unconditionally)
9. all the colors of blue
10. hands that are mine to hold
11. a dinner table surrounded by my laughing, happy family
12. rain dances
13. being uninhibited
14. poetry that strikes a chord in me
15. a day of sunshine and blue, blue sky
16. listening to a child laugh
17. writing with depth and honesty
18. finishing a good book
19. a chord perfectly in tune
20. a rainy day with a blanket, a book, and a cup of tea
21. lazy, quiet summer lunches
22. songs that don’t resolve
23. mud squishing between my bare toes
24. armchairs I can melt into
25. following my own thoughts
26. art
27. changing seasons
28. a bowl of granola with milk from the farmers’ market
29. autumn leaves that turn every color of the sunset and crunch under my feet
30. hugs
31. inexplicable joy
32. summer’s first glass of mint tea
33. shaping words to match feelings
34. finding beauty in pain
35. sharing an awkward moment
36. wearing dryer-warm sweat pants on a cold winter night
37. being called a hippie
38. finishing a project and knowing that I Made This.
39. wordless understanding
40. daffodils that wave in the breeze
41. finding meaning in something that doesn’t make sense
42. 11:11
43. affirmation just when I need it
44. finding something after I’ve given up looking
45. alternative means of transportation
46. signs of peace
47. honesty
48. moments when someone else understands me better than I understand myself
49. the Wailin’ Jennys
50. feeling beautiful
51. a successful performance
52. curiosity
53. wishing on dandelion seeds
54. my bare feet on cool grass or warm pavement
55. the ocean
56. the excitement of Christmas
57. clouds
58. when worlds intersect
59. wearing hats
60. playfully fighting over olives at Thanksgiving
61. snowflakes on my tongue
62. a fire in a fireplace
63. homemade jam
64. snuggling
65. choosing the illogical option because it feels right
66. notes from people I love
67. being ridiculous
68. collages
69. irony
70. getting letters in the mail
71. wondering
72. realizing that I am small and God is big
73. braided hair and inner beauty
74. being with people I love
75. blowing bubbles
76. cute animals
77. a bright full moon
78. allowing myself to be surprised
79. enthusiasm for the littlest things
80. sunflowers
81. feeling exuberant
82. singing camp songs (and doing the motions)
83. unexpected blessings
84. random, hilarious conversations
85. bright colors
86. overcoming
87. random escapades of college students, ridiculousness, late nights, and laughter
88. kisses on my cheek
89. pictures of love
90. cereal
91. music that is full of life and spirit
92. hammocks
93. the farmers’ market and local food
94. handmade jewelry
95. postsecrets
96. accomplishing goals
97. deciding something important
98. natural rhythms of life
99. laughing till you cry
100. the people who are my everyday blessings