Treat

Decided to just go ahead and get my treat for the week out of the way. Splurged on a chocolate frosted chocolate doughnut. It was gone too quickly. But it made me happy all afternoon.

So now I'm thinking perhaps I should just go ahead and have next week's treat while I'm at it. Maybe gelato tomorrow?

And then Wednesday could be the treat for the week after....brownies?

List

Ok, I've been known to state the opinion that lists are not great literature. However this forum has never purported (by me at least) to be great literature - mostly it's just a place for me to put my thoughts out there. I never expect anything back, just like to be able to say what I think.

Today I wanted to list some things that make my heart sing, my step lighter, and my life enriched. It is by no means a comprehensive list and aside from the first item, are in no particular order. Just felt like making a list of goodness.

1. My Love - thanks for finding me, please don't ever leave without me. (You'll always be first!) Our kids and grandchilluns.

2. Flowers

3. Books - I love words in lots of forms and enjoy the way they make me think and feel.

4. A friend. A true friend.

5. Warm towels when I'm fresh out of the shower. Also, a pre-warmed bed when I crawl in at night.

6. Vacations - when there's enough money and time to really enjoy it.

7. Great shoes. New, old, cute, unexpected. I love great shoes.

8. A good haircut. Can change my whole perspective on just about everything.

9. A fabulous purse.

10. Fun pens and papers / notecards.

11. Hugs - from friends, neighbors, adults-in-the-making (but NOT strangers.)

12. A food that I'm craving. (Right now I'd like a chocolate frosted chocolate doughnut. Haven't had one in ages and I'm s-o-o ready.)

13. A bike to ride.

14. A destination for that bike ride.

15. A little pocket money to save or squander on a whim.

And I think that might be a good number to stop on today. I might re-visit this topic again in the future. One thing this list does, is remind me to be grateful. A good exercise for any day.

Competition And My Wish

So, went to a competition today. Makes me think yet again, about winners and losers.

I've never made any secret of the fact that I'm not big on competition things. Some people were born competitive. That's fine. I wasn't. That's fine, too. The reason I'm not big on competitions is that there's always a loser. And often it's painful. (And yes, I have experience.)

Some people thrive on the push to do better and better. While others do their very best, and it doesn't seem to be good enough, because there's always someone better.

And I think, that whoever goes out there and does their best, and keeps at it until they have satisfied their own particular goal is the winner. Doesn't matter a whit if they win something (medal, trophy, participation award -that uncomfortable nod to political correctness) or not. What matters is if they managed to accomplish what they intended.

I seriously don't like people setting themselves up as judges. Too often those judging have flawed parameters. And too often the "winners" seem to be to loudly prideful about their successes, thereby demeaning those who didn't "place" as high. And also, too often, there is only enough room for one winner.

In the game of life, I submit we can all be winners, there's enough room for us all to succeed: as compassionate, kind, accepting human beings. Who leave the judging to the Higher Power. Who don't profess to have all the answers but are continually trying to better themselves (and only themselves, not molding others to fit), who extend the hand of welcome friendship to all.

In my scripture reading the other day, I came across a notation of mine in the margin: it doesn't matter your station in life, or who you are, you are all equal in the eyes of the Lord. And the Savior treated all as loved ones.

And that would be my wish for today. For me. And for all. To model our life after He who was and always should be our example.

Sewing

Went this morning to a local quilt shop open house. Time to sign up for new classes. Nearly bought a kit to stitch.

What therapy it was to wander around and look at all the lovely colors, feel the soft cottons, and drink in the fun patterns.

Made me want to come home and sew.

So I did. I did some hand-stitching for awhile. Makes me remember how much I love it. And now I'm itching to get my hands on some new projects. I have lots of those. Why is it I feel the need for something new?

I'll get right on that - just as soon as I wrap up some of the old friends I've had hanging around for awhile. I might like their friendship a bit more when they're finished.