A Short List of Joy

Warm hugs,
Seashells swimming to the shore,
Ocean waves,
Gnarly trees,
A baby's gummy smile,
Eyes that hold laughter,
Birds chirping at the same time
so it sounds like the trees are singing,
Fragrant candles,
Chocolate chip cookies
baking in the oven,
A gentle breeze kissing my face,
grandkids running towards me with
open arms and shouts of joy,
When small children are so happy
their little bodies have to
jump up and down,
Snuggling,
Mike whistling,
Deep conversations,
Mike's spaghetti sauce,
Anything chocolate,
Reading under a lamp
with a warm blanket,
The scent of pine trees,
The majestic mountains and
rolling hills of New England,
Walking in the rain,
The first snowfall,
The word "giggles"
Love - I love - Love,
A good story - written or told,
The sound of wind chimes,
Fresh sheets and towels,
Pretty paper and
Scratchy sounding pens,
Making and creating,
Painting on canvas,
A sky full of stars,
Seeing the Milky Way,
Courtesy and kindness,
The sound of God laughing.