I was leaning back in the spa, watching the sunset…and ruminating on how the things we take pleasure in change in our lives. So I came up with a short list of the things that I find great pleasure in now.
Note: I’ve purposely omitted the sensual delights of…uhhh…sex. We all would agree on that!
So…what comes up on your list?
To make a great meal on the grill for whoever is eating.
Eating (?) the very best vanilla ice cream possible. Feeling it explode in my mouth.
Sipping a good red wine…rolling it around in my mouth.
Building something out of wood and having a real solid product that is made out of real solid 100% wood.
Hugs both ways from my loved ones.
Reading a good science or mystery on a lousy day.
Growing plants (cacti…Mammillaria) to the best of my ability.
Talking to my sons on the phone.
Driving with a zen-like calm. (rarely achieved)
The feel of fresh sheets on the bed.
Doing something unexpectedly nice for a stranger…or for someone I know for that matter.
Standing under the patio cover during a thunderstorm.
There are many more…but more importantly, what are your simple pleasures?
Swimming through a pool. Not too cold, not too warm, just swimming some laps. Damn, it’s been a while since I got the chance to do that…
*Eating a melted turkey-and-cheese sandwich on toast.
*Sitting in the sun watching passersby and writing poetry inspired by them.
*Hugs. Especially from people you care about.
*Candlelight.
*Beating your uber-dexteritous gamer friends at thumb war
Hugs/kisses from my daughter - she’s a cuddler - the sound of her laughter, the smile on her angel face when she is happy and her unconditional love.
Being with my SO, I love him totally. The way his 5 o’clock shadow suits his features so well. The way he makes me laugh and the way he really listens.
The sound of a gentle rain tapping against my window pane (I swear I did not intend to rhyme!).
The fiery palette of a Arizona sunset and the coming of twilight. I love the time before true dark sets in.
The months of May, September, and October. (Autumn is the BEST!)
The warmth of a campfire or cuddling before a fireplace, candlelight (I have WAY too many candles, I think), and a mellow incense.
Baking pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving, I LOVE that smell! I also love the taste and smell of cinnamon.
Reading a good book while snuggled up in bed.
Visiting with friends.
Jotting down some words/phrases in a journal and realizing that you’ve just written some worthwhile poetry (I’m NOT vain! Honest…).
The beauty of the world. Flowers, forests, the ocean, mountains. Places I dream of visiting that I read about.
A good, hot shower to ease the muscles after a hard day.
There are a lot more but these came to mind first.