Tuesday, January 13, 2009

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Wendy, who Writes in the City, tagged me for a meme about happiness. What are six things that fulfill me, make me happy? Well, while raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens are fine and dandy, they don't top my list. Instead, these favorite things make me happy...

My family. My girls first, and the hubs, of course. My immediate and extendeds, my friends and church family. They're all crucial to my happiness.

My space. Many of you have been here for the occasional chronicling of our remodeling process (which is still in progress, since it's a "whole house" remodel)... What was once a small and dingy unused balcony off the master loft was enlarged and improved, and it's now home to my desk, my crafty stuff, my books, and my reading chair. This place makes me incredibly happy.






Reading. I love holding a book in my hands, snuggling up with it, letting sleep overtake me mid-paragraph because I'm so warm and comfortable, learning something, finding a connection or common ground, getting so involved I can't go to sleep. H - A - P - P - Y.

Writing. Many facets of writing make me happy. There's the point of inspiration, the snapshot. There's the anticipation of the story, the thrill of getting the words out, the joy and accomplishment associated with a finished piece. It makes me happy.

Shopping. But I don't necessarily mean buying. The process of perusing (especially antiques) is cathartic for me. I can lose myself in my thoughts and focus on no one but me. If I need a good dose of happiness (and peace), I take off on my own and visit my favorite stores. (Just wish I could do it more often.)

Food and beverage. Simple, right? It's amazing how happy a favorite meal or beloved drink (iced mocha) can make me. Especially if I can enjoy it in conjunction with one of the things above. Perfection!
So while the idea is for me to tag six others, this meme is quickly making the rounds. If you've not already been tagged, consider yourself such and tell us what makes you happy.

19 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

You're own writing space! That would make me happy too. :-)

Terri Tiffany said...

I loved seeing the pictures of your writing area! It's all done! It looks graet!
What makes me happy is of course writing and feeling as though it is good.
Have a great day:))

WendyCinNYC said...

Love your writing space. Can you come organize mine?

Anonymous said...

Your writing space looks just perfect! I enjoyed reading your happiness list.

I enjoy snuggling into warm fleece blankets on my cushy couch and drinking a cup of hot cocoa.
-FringeGirl

Angie Ledbetter said...

Great list, Janna. You look so cozy in your special space, all curled up with a book.

Melissa Amateis said...

What a great list. And I love your space - so cozy and comfortable.

I love the simple pleasures of food, too. Amazing how much a Diet Pepsi and a piece of dark chocolate will make me smile!

Joshua said...

that is freaking cool!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

I'm so happy your space is finished, and the typewriter looks awesome! As a person with a bad back, I really want to get you a different chair for your desk, but if you're okay with it, I guess I'll keep my mouth shut. :)

A good book and a comfy overstuffed chair are certainly high on my list of favorite things. I'll try to remember to do this post tomorrow.

Joanne said...

I love perusing antiques too. There's a certain essence to it, walking among stories in the furniture, looking at the items and wondering about where they came from, who used them. I guess they're like a book themselves, waiting to be read.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Jessica - It's even better than I'd been dreaming of!

Terri - Thanks! I'm so pleased with it. :D

Wendy - If I'm ever in NYC...

FringeGirl - Ooh, fleece is a wonderful thing.

Angie - I spent a couple hours in that chair (with that very book) on Sunday. I was in Heaven!

Melissa - I hear ya, chica.

Josh - Totally, man! ;)

Melanie - LOL! Definitely not the most ergonomic chair, but it's not treating me too badly yet.

Joanne - Very nice words! Love your comparison.

Jessica Nelson said...

I read your post and thought it was very good. I'd have to agree with C.S. Lewis. You know, if being a Christian is a big part of you, than I'm guessing it will come out in your writing.
Does what to include still concern you? I wouldn't let it. :-)

Barb Davis said...

I love your writing space. Just Dr. Barb recommends!!!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Jessica - You're right, and I think that's why my stuff does tend to have the "wholesome" feel - because that's who I am in direct relation to my faith. You know? What to include is bothering me less. I'm finding my way (with prayer) for what my content should be.

Barbara - I knew you'd like it! :)

Anonymous said...

Great Meme Post. :) Filled with light and happiness. I too like your writing space. I like the reflection it has on you, and the personal touch. It is very beautiful. My own personal writing/arts/music place is a separate room called the 'office' with a mahogany paint slick. It has recently been renovated again. Before it was sky blue, but I am happy to have gone with the mahogany as it goes with the rest of the house, and it feels a lot warmer.

Anonymous said...

Janna, I love your space. And I love your list of your favorite things. I have to admit most of my favorite things are like yours. Right now we are looking for a house and so I hope to have a cool space to house Pinkie like yours. Great post.

Spy Scribbler said...

I love reading and writing, too. I made myself go to bed with a book at 9pm last night, no TV or computer, and I had the BEST time. I love reading.

I also love your space! Very cool!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Ana - The mahogany sounds gorgeous!

Ang - Keep it in mind through your search, and don't settle! You'll get your space. Good luck!

Spy - I did the same thing! Considered first a tv show, and then a movie, but ended up in bed with the novel I'm reading now. (The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein) And I made the right decision!

Anonymous said...

Gotta agree with everyone else - the writing space is PERFECT! :)

As for me, a few things consistently make me happy... Creative writing projects. Dr Pepper. Sushi. And shopping at Bebe and Ann Taylor. :)

Janna Leadbetter said...

Thanks, Dube! And I knew I liked you. :) When I go for pop, it's Dr Pepper.