Happy Week - Top 10 Happy Things

I wanted to get my final "Happy Week" post in yesterday, but I was pretty busy with a birthday party for my mom. Better late than never I suppose!

Here is my Top 10 List of things that make me happy:

1. My husband - finding him in my late 30's was the best thing that's happened to me! I am glad to have found him and can't imagine my life without him.

2. Family & Friends - what would we do without them? They love us unconditionally and are always there when we need them. I am also blessed with new friendships made with the Bluegrass etsy team.

3. Art & Creativity - art brings joy to my life and being creative is truly a gift we share to make others happy! Taking photos reminds me of happy moments in life.

4. My art room/studio - for years I worked on my dining room table and had my buffet filled with rubber stamps and papers instead dishes. It was not the best situation and it was visible when you walked in the front door of my old house. I always, always, wanted a room of my very own. When I remarried, and gave up my old house, my husband made this a reality for me in our new home. I am thankful for this each and every day. It's a wonderful place for me to retreat to, lose myself and listen to music really loud.

5. Nature - I met my husband online and the reason I was drawn to his profile was that he mentioned hiking. We enjoy being on the trail as day hikers. Our favorite places so far have been Mt. Rainier and the Smokey Mountains. We were engaged on a trail in the Smokies.

6. Music - I love music! My version of hell is a car without a radio. I sing in the car often, although my family will tell you not very well. Music has a way of instantly lifting my spirits. I just heard about a study researchers did with terminally ill patients. They took vitals before and then played relaxing music, then took vitals again. Not surprisingly, the patients' heart rates were decreased from the relaxing music. Great feel good music like James Brown or Al Green is a favorite of mine. If you like them too, check out Black Joe Williams' song Sugarfoot. It's new but it sounds very James Brown retro. It's at itunes. Check it out and I dare you to sit still listening to it!

7. Pets - there is something to be said about the unconditional love you get from pets. I can't imagine a day without our two kitties. They bring us so much joy. When our cats show affection, the worries of the day just melt way. They are another thing I can't live without.


8. Chocolate - all problems fade for me when chocolate is consumed. You have to keep consuming it though, which becomes a problem. Use sparingly.

9. Bubble baths - although I rarely get to indulge, it is a wonderful feeling to use all the hot water in the house for a long hot soak in a bubble bath. A glass of wine is also handy, along with a good book. Curious kitties playing with bubbles on the edge of tub is optional.

10. Sunshine - The feeling of the sun warming my face is like no other.

11. Autumn - yes, I was only supposed to list 10 but I could not leave off my favorite season. I love pumpkins, candy corn, spiced cider, mulled wine, falling leaves, Halloween and fall color!

So what things make YOU happy?