If you homeschool, or unschool your children, and you are interested in participating in a series here next week, please leave a comment at the end of this post, and I will contact you over the weekend
Simplicity is a word that I cherish, and that I should probably have tattooed to my forehead. I crave it, I strive for it, but I am not always the best at achieving it (which I think is honestly a common curse of parenting).
Sarah, at the amazing Bee House Hives, tagged me yesterday to share ten simple things that make me happy. I have spent some real time thinking about this, because I want to keep the list with me, and pull it out when I need a reminder about just how lucky I have it. Thanks Sarah
:: My kids sleepy smiles
:: A long conversation, a good friend, and a great meal
:: Exploring someplace new
:: A long hike
:: Laughing, really laughing
:: Meeting new people
:: Wisdom
:: A hug from my parents
:: The last kiss from my husband at night
:: Candlelight
:: Fresh Strawberries
I am supposed to pass this on to ten people, but I have decided to do one better (or, so I hope).
Simply share your list of ten things that bring you simple happiness, and I will enter you into a drawing for Jennifer Louden’s book, The Woman’s Retreat book. I have had a copy for many years, and it has been a big part of reminding me to live simply, with intention, and to always take time for simple nurturing.
I know that I don’t do many giveaways, but I believe in this book, and I want to share it with you. If you have already been tagged, simply leave a link to your post below, and you will be entered. Also , for anyone who comments here, feel free to post your list back to your blog, and tag others.
I will announce the winner on Sunday.
{ 99 comments… read them below or add one }
coffee,
sunlight,
listening to my kids talk to each other,
knitting,
walking in the woods,
campfire,
talking with friends,
kissing my kids when they are sleeping,
reading a book I can't put down
good people
Waking up to chirpy birds, a quiet walk , a hot cup of coffee, a talk with a friend, woolens, creating, baking, watching life out my windows, reading, and a good piece of chocolate!
The little wrinkle under my daughter's nose when she smiles.
The look on my dogs' faces when I come home.
The blue gray color of the Atlantic.
Reading a good book snuggled up with my daughter under a blanket.
Baking.
The first sip of coffee in the morning.
The smell of snow.
My nieces' laughter.
My mother's homemade crepes.
Watching my father play with his granddaughters.
Home spa night with my sisters.
We homeschool/unschool and I love your site here.
Mary
I am somewhere in the middle between homeschooling and unschooling my 3 children ages 7, 5 and 3. I would be honored to participate in your series next week.
My 22 month old saying 'oystercatcher' (his newest word), my sister, re-reading Terry Pratchett, the return of light in Spring, new fabric, new wool, finding wickenfen vegan sausages in the healthfood shop (a rare event), my husband, the view out of my kitchen window and coconut macaroons.
We're a homeschooling family that does a little Waldorf and a little unschooling.
My Ten::
the smell of the Alaskan ocean
my feet on the forest floor
sharing food
chickens (as in laying hens)
food from my garden
anyone in my house smiling
reading in front of a fire
laughing (silliness & laughter are the best)
getting in touch with my creative spirit
remembering my breathe
Lovely, lovely lists! Sarah tagged me as well – I loved all the sharing going on here so I thought I'd extend it:
1.) Long summer evenings when sun never seems to set
2.) Saturday morning snuggles in bed with my daughter
3.) The smell of coffee in the morning and bread in the afternoon
4.) Making my daughter laugh until she snorts
5.) Extended visits with friends and family
6.) Cooking something delicious for those I love
7.) Creating
8.) The sound of crickets and hoot owls as I try to fall asleep
9.) Getting lost in the country with my Love
10.) A good thunderstorm and rain on the tin roof
1. sunrises
2. crawling into a soft bed at night
3. smiles and laughs from my 2mo old baby boy
4. talking with elderly people
5. chocolate
6. baking for my family
7. whipoorwills
8. sunshine
9. feeling my husbands stubble on my neck
10. hearing my two daughters giggle together
I would be honored to participate in your series next week Heather!
1.being up before anybody else in the family …
2. … and reading a good book with a cup of coffe by my side
3. the smell of linden
4. cooking for my family
5. a really good laugh that makes your tears come out
6. Saturday morning visits to the local farmers market…
7. … followed by a little chat over a cup of coffee with my friend
8. crafting
9. watching nature awakening after a long winter
10. summer mornings
I love simplicity too and I love your list. Thanks for sharing.
quiet mornings with coffee. sunshine. laughter. the start of something new. a made bed. smiles on my kids faces. dinners together. fresh fruits and veggies. yoga. conversation.
What a wonderful idea. Ahh….simplicity. A lovely word in itself.
My list of things that makes me smile could go on and on, but if I had to narrow it down to 10 things ,it would go something like this.
1. Sleeping in too late, snuggled up with my little boy, leaving only 15 minutes to get ready for school…well worth it.
2. Making something and having it turn out even better than I had anticipated.
3. holding a friend's newborn baby
4. Listening to the silence of an empty house
5. Going for a walk in the woods and sitting by the river.
6. A freshly cleaned house.
7. Taking a bath with a stack of things to read.
8. Sitting by the woodstove, talking with my husband about our days.
9. Baked potatoes with cottage cheese.
10. Laughing through a visit with my twin and our mom.
Have a splendid day Heather.
Just because I, too, need to be reminded, here are my ten:
dinner with my husband and my daughter together
1) Sunsets
2) the sound of my husband and daughter laughing together
3) one of the cats curled on my lap, purring
4) walking my daughter to school in the snow
5) birds on my bird feeder
6) the smell of my daughter's hair in the morning when she's still asleep and I kiss her before I leave for work.
7) my husband's arms around me when I really, really need them there
9) sunlight through new leaves in the spring
10) hearing my mother laugh
and more, so much more than this.
Just because I, too, need to be reminded, here are my ten:
dinner with my husband and my daughter together
1) Sunsets
2) the sound of my husband and daughter laughing together
3) one of the cats curled on my lap, purring
4) walking my daughter to school in the snow
5) birds on my bird feeder
6) the smell of my daughter's hair in the morning when she's still asleep and I kiss her before I leave for work.
7) my husband's arms around me when I really, really need them there
9) sunlight through new leaves in the spring
10) hearing my mother laugh
and more, so much more than this.
Here are my ten, Heather…
http://minnesotamadre.blogspot.com/2010/02/ten-si…
I love Sarah, too! Such a wonerful spirit.
All the best to you.
:the reassuring hand of my husband
:hugs and kisses and love from my girls
:peonies in spring
:engaging my senses in cutting up vegetables. or cooking or baking at all.
:warm spring afternoons spent entirely outside
:the warmth of a hot bath taking away your worries
:snuggling everyone in bed to read books
:dancing to records with the family
:using my hands to create
:getting lost in a good book
what a great idea Heather!
We're a homeschooling family with 2 kids (ages 12 and nearly 10). I'd love to hear about the series next week!
1. Snowmen in Austin!
2. Chai tea, quilts, and a fire
3. A book I just can't put down
4. A husband who laughs at my antics
5. Casting on for a new project
6. Sewing quilts for everyone in my family
7. Blue skies, fresh air, spectacular views, and a long hike
8. YouTube and NetFlix
9. Playing endless games with the kids
10. Special friends and exciting adventures
Hi, this is my first reply, but I'm a regular reader of your blog.
I apologize for any miswriting, but I'm italian.
1. talking with an old friend
2. walking in the woods
3. the smell of my children
4. chocolate cake and cofee
5. berries (blueberries, redberries, strawberries…)
6. gregorian chant
7. read a book in a garden
8. home theatre from my children
9. my husband
10. the fireplace
Have a nice day!
1. the feel of warm sun on my back on a cold day
2. sushi
3. hearing "my sister's my best friend" from my little one
4. latte art from my local coffee shop
5. the click, click of my knitting needles
6. a walk through the farmer's market
7. a good book that I can't put down
8. the first deep breath after sitting on my yoga mat
9. laughing with friends
10. date night with my hubby
Hmmmm…..10 simple things that make me happy. I often need the reminder to keep it simple — thanks. Here's a go:
1. Lazy weekend mornings, where we sip coffee and eat homemade pancakes.
2. How peaceful my children look when they are sleeping.
3. Sitting down for tea with good friends.
4. Walking. Even better if there is a friend with me when I walk.
5. The beach at night (I rarely get to see it anymore, but it has always been my favorite).
6. The playful kisses that turn into more than playful with my husband.
7. Laughing until my sides hurt.
8. The look on my kiddos' faces when they've made me laugh.
9. Reading a good book.
10. Sitting in front of the fire, listening to music, and either reading or talking with my honey.
-the smell of freshly cut grass on a warm summer morning
-hearing the birds sing outside my window
-hearing the leaves crunch under my feet during a walking in the fall time
- the snuggles I get from my baby when he just wakes up
-crawling into bed with my mom and just talking
-seeing old friends and laughing about our memories we share
-cooking up a pot of yummy soup on a cold rainy fall day
-opening the windows and airing out the house on the first warm spring day
-watch The Notebook and crying, just to cry
-any time spent with my baby and husband, I cherish it
*my baby girls beautiful smiles
*a rumpled bed that reminds me of a good night's sleep
*the sound of waves lapping on the shore
*my beautiful son's mischevious twinkling eyes
*my husband's deep and often profound insight
*the bond between my best friend and I
*a hand written note in the mail
*the slow change from winter to spring
*a year's break from work
*a hot cup of coffee with french vanilla cream
Thanks for posting this. It was nice to think about those things
Great idea! Here are mine…
1. Early mornings all alone in a quiet house
2. Summer dinners outside with my family
3. Tomatoes eaten like an apple picked from my garden
4. Listening to my kids invent and carry out projects together
5. A walk on the beach
6. Snuggles with my babes (that should be at the top, really, few things make me happier than that)
7. Kisses from their dad
8. Cherry pie
9. A hike in the fog with the smell of Eucalyptus
10. New babies
drinking coffee from my favorite mug, a hike in the woods, camping, big hugs, the family joke of yelling out "your beautiful!" to me, snuggling in bed, a good book, writing with my friends, when the whole family is laughing together, a good joke
i just told a friend the other morning how nice a women's retreat would be
my girls who make me laugh right before I go over the edge.
my morning latte.
my evening dessert.
snuggling with my husband.
fellowship.
board games.
the nc mountains.
reconnecting with mommas like me.
that my husband thinks I'm funnier than I probably am.
the anticipation for our day or rest.
picnic blankets in the backyard.
(oops.)
& I'm so intrigued by the homeschool thing!
Not sure I could pick just 10 overall – but I posted about what I'm enjoying right now in this post http://www.homebakedonline.com/2010/02/one-day-li…
I'm intriuged about your homeschooling series and would like to know more
)
My son's wrap-around-my-whole-body hugs in the middle of the night, my daughter's and sister's hands (like mine, and my mother's), blue warm billowy puffs of sky, feeding my family, sending packages to my brother, non-profit work, traveling (and seeing through others' eyes and hearts), snuggly blankets, march-down-into-your-belly and dance music, my husband's touch, seeing my parents with new kindness as they become grandparents, forgiving – oh dear, that's 12, I could keep going…
oh i love it. i've been wanting that book!
1. my son's voice
2. sleep
3. ecstatic canadians in red and white everywhere we go
4. a completed next step in a project
5. making meals
6. sunlight in my house
7. fresh air
8. the beach in the winter
9. babies
10. taking pictures
thanks heather. i look forward to this homeschooling thing too. i'm really interested.
I homeschool (my own version of it) the three of my five kids that are school age and would love to participate. Thanks!
I homeschool, and I'd love to know more about the series.
Only ten? Well ok then…
1) the warmth of sunshine on my face when the rest of me is bundled up like a snowman
snuggling with my 95 lb black lab
2) when birds eat from my hand
3) heart-to-heart hugs
4) campfires
5) getting extra energy work from my yoga teacher during savasana
6) dancing no whether it's in a club, in the grocery store, or alone in my livingroom
7) hiking in the woods – any season
9) having my neck kissed – I miss that
10) curling up with a cup of tea, an interesting book, and nowhere to go
Good Morning Heather,
This choked me up. What a wonderful way to post this. I was reading through all of these beautiful lists and thanking God for all of the grateful and loving hearts out in this world. It is so inspiring and heartwarming to read others lists. This is one of my most favorite reads in a long time. What wonderful friends you have.
I want to say thank you for playing along and great list that you wrote. Neat idea to put it up somewhere.. that is what I am going to do too. Have a good day and I am so glad to have met you sweet friend
With love,
Sarah
http://merwenna.typepad.com/weblog/2010/02/ten-th…
we are an unschooling family, and I would be honored to take part in your series next week!
What a great list of ten. I'm going to really think about mine and be back here with them. Please let us know about the schooling project you have planned for next week. We would love to participate. Take care and be well.
i will have to check that book out either way! the first 10 that come to mind for me are:
a warm drink
sunlit corners
watercolors
slippers
holding one another
a clean countertop
surprise baking
looking in someone's eyes
laughter
play
thank you, heather.
I have been enjoying your blog since I found it with the launch of Rhythm of the Home. We are Waldorf/Enki home learners who also employ an abundance of unstructured time as part of our education/parenting philosophy.
Here are my ten simple things that make me happy (but there is no need to enter me in the contest):
A mug of sweet milky tea sipped first thing in the morning.
The wonderful drawings that my boys create daily.
The exuberance of our puppy.
Teaching a friend to knit.
The afternoon sun in my living room.
Spending an afternoon chatting and knitting with friends as we listen to the happy sounds of our children playing.
A long, hot bath.
Candles.
Handmade things.
Singing together as a family.
I started a Happy Book years ago in which I regularly made lists like this one; thanks for reminding me! I even blogged about it once upon a time: http://justthepix.blogspot.com/search/label/Happy Book.
That said, I already have the Jennifer Louden book, so don't enter my name in the drawing! But as a homeschooler, I'm curious to know what you have planned for next week… Thanks!
(Oops — the "book" should have been part of the link. Augghh!)
I would love to hear more about your homeschooling series next week!
This is such a wonderful site to visit!
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with others………
Simplicity, aahhhh… I will share my list this weekend. And I would love to hear about your homeschool series. Please do be in touch!
1) Go to bed with fresh clean hair and fresh clean sheets. Heaven!
)
Pratice yoga
2) Watch the kids play together (or listen to them)
3) A ''I love you mom'' coming from nowhere
4) my strong relationship with my sweet husband
5) reading blogs like yours and feeling inspired and conected to other mammas that share the same values
6) Walking in the beautiful nature
7) Drawing, painting alone or with the kids
9) My morning cappuccino prepared by my love
10) Sewing sweet little things for my family
It's very funny because these days, I'm seriously thinking about homeschooling! I have 3 kids (6, 4 and 18 months). I'm doing lots of reading, thinking about it…
We homeschool and are very interested in recieving inspiration through your series
I am a homeschooling mom of 4. I have – 8 year olds a 6year old and 2.5 year old. I would love to participate in your series next week. I don't have a blog so I hope that I can still participate.
a hot bath in crisp cool air
morning mate
new plans
sitting by the river looking up at the mountains
watching my children when they don't know I'm looking
experiences that shift my reality
finishing projects
a clean, quiet, candle lit house at the end of a day
spring blossoms in the garden
walking
- a 100% local meal
- the rare phonecall to my sister where I can't tell there are thousands of miles between us.
- finding my husband's ticklish spot
- watching earthworms
- seeing my children light up with self-awareness
- an evening walk with warm summer breezes
- a margarita just when you need it
- making a decision and moving on
- making a wholesome meal that my kids devour
- the whole body, clenched fist, stretch of an infant
My son warm body snuggled next to me in bed
my dog sleeping at my feet
my husband's soft neck
A good movie
coffee
chocolate
a fresh fruit salad
fresh air
spring
good music
my honey kisses me every morning before he leaves while I snuggle deeper into slumber for a few hours
my home has been home to many different pets before they find their forever home (we're foster parents)
I have an abundance of delicious tea at my fingertips
Sushi. Oh, sushi.
stacks of books to read
fresh vegetables
handspun yarn
my bestie and how she gets me better than anyone else
road trips
sunny days in February
My first cup of tea in the morning
Talking on the phone to either my Mum, sister or best friend
Bread still warm from the oven
A little line drawing
10 minutes violin practice
Listening to my 2 year old have an early morning conversation with his rabbit about using the toilet
My daughter's songs
Remembering to breathe whilst washing up
Snowdrops and the promise of crocuses
Knitting in stocking stitch
Easier than i thought
We unschool in a way – my eldest is 3 but I don't plan to send her to school as long as i can help it (for ever if poss!)
My ten:
The first daffodils of spring.
A sunny day at the beach.
Ice cream.
Finishing a project.
Pictures my kids draw.
Things my kids say.
Writing.
Long weekends.
Snuggling with my sons.
Traveling.
You can find my ten simple things here . . . http://www.brownpaperpackages.typepad.com/
I am also so intrigued by your homeschool invitation! We homeschool/unschool a preschooler and love the journey. I'd love to be a part of your series – I'm not sure how qualified I am to contribute . . . but if I can offer any preschool perspective, let me know!
Love stopping in on your site every now and then for a breath of fresh air! We are a homeschooling family. What's up for next week?
Ten things that make me happy…
my kids happily playing & laughing together, a really good cup of coffee, a fresh breeze, art supplies, books, meals outside, just being outdoors, rain, hugs, a quiet lake. Wow….I could totally keep going. I love activities like this. Really makes me stop and realize how lucky I am! Thanks again Heather! Hope I win!
We are looking forward to homeschooling our 2 YO, and would love to be a part of your discussion next week. Thank You Heather!
Simple Happiness:
1. The sound of the CRACK! as our son sends a baseball into the outfield
2. Being a part of the pure delight my daughter enjoys in the simple things (books, music, food)
3. Carefully preparing and savoring a great meal with my family
4. Eavesdropping on a good conversation (sinful right?)
5. Reading for the 50th time my favorite book
6. Hot tea with cream and honey
7. The way my husband looks at me, no matter what time of day, or what I look like at the moment
8. Chatting (and gossiping) with my mother on the phone
9. Listening to my daughter try out new words every day
10. Iron Chef night with the family. Always a good time!
After long thought here is my list. I am having writers block today so forgive me. I am intrigued by homeschool but oh so scared.
coffee- nice dark, hearty latin american roast
sunrise and sunset
watching all 3 of my boys sleep
hugs
kisses from my incredible husband
family time around the table at supper
a nice walk
good book
conversation with my husband after the 2 little men have gone to bed
the quiet in the house long after they have all gone to bed and it is just me up
This is a wonderful idea.
Heather, I can't narrow it down to ten things at the moment (which is a good problem to have, I suppose), but do let me know about the homeschool project. Thanks!
ten simple things that make me happy:
- knitting
- my little one's squeals of laughter
- fresh ripe mangoes and blueberries
- reading, reading, reading
- connecting with people
- cuddling and singing my baby to sleep at night
- warm sun on my skin
- rainy days when I am snuggled up cozy inside
- dark chocolate
- self-growth
Have never commented before but read your blog everyday. I love the emphasis on nurturing and nourishing ourselves that I know I will find here. This was a fun excercise. Thanks!
fireflies in the garden at twilight,
laughing until my cheeks hurt,
the smell of fresh tilled nutrient rich dirt,
the silence when it seems the whole world is asleep,
the embrace of my husband,
seeing the light in my daughter's eyes,
soft clothing upon my skin,
the feeling of a full deep breath,
being understood without words,
experiencing a paradigm shift in thinking.
1. my babies four teeth and the goofy grin that shows them off
2. my parents generosity
3. my husbands adventurous spirit
4. my three year olds hilarious stories
5. the joy of a home hand made and filled with things that reflect our spirit
6. vanilla pudding made with coconut milk and shavings and grated raw ginger
7. homemade body products
8. toast made from homemade bread
9. my nana's quilts
10. indian food
I listed mine here:
http://chasingdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2010/02/…
Thanks for the giveaway.
Love the reminder… so many things to be happy about in this wonderful life!
Here is my link to the blog.
http://earthmonkeymama.blogspot.com/2010/02/ten.h…
1. lovely notes from mo- today's is a rainbow that will grant me 10 wishes
2. painted toe nails- especially purple
3. naps
4. reading to my babies- I am so grateful that j still lets me read to him.
5. family meals
6. reading a good book
7. talking to out of state family
8. hugs
9. letters and packages in the mail
10. bread and butter always puts a smile on my face
That was fun, thank you!
Here are my ten because that book sounds good!
sharing my bed with human hot water bottles
the first cup of green earl grey tea of the day
that first moment in my husband's arms when he comes home
eating porridge my son made
the moments after recieving Holy Communion
finding somewhere quiet enough to hear birdsong and having time to really listen
using the spoons and utensils my husband makes us
seeing our children running up the steps to church
opening a new book for the first time
writing with a freshly sharpened pencil
(we also home educate and it would be fun to take part in your series)
I am a single mom of 2 boys (4 and 2 years) and am extremely interested in homeschooling/unschooling. Can't wait to hear what others have to say about it!
My happiness Ten
1. Seeing the way my boys love each other
2. the endless sky
3. newborn baby smell
4.sewing special somethings for my special little guys
5. storytime with Ms. Christine
6. fresh greens
7. watching the boys forage in the garden
8. walking
9. yoga
10. affection (given and received)
Sorry…must also add to my list – the blessing and luxury of warmth – home and water!
hearing any one of my children read, or "read" to a sibling
a fresh cup of coffee
my husband taking my hand, in public
waking up to a quiet house
visiting with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law
church
doing anything at all with my homeschool friends
talking with my 9 yo about books
my almost-6yo's smile
hearing my 3 yo son tell me throughout the day, "I love you, Mommy" in his cute squeaky voice…always with a hug
knitting
reading about crafting
oops. i think i went over. i enjoyed that. i think i will continue….. thank you.
Wonderful! Can't wait to see next week's series, and my post is here: http://www.localgrain.org/fieldsandfire/2010/02/2…
this has been a crazy day. i wanted to say i read your post and love lists like this. what a reminder. i will be back to post my ten when i have a moment to think about it.
warmly,
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com
Lovely idea. Here are the 10 things that make me happy
:: a ray of sun through one of my windows
:: my children giggling
:: nap time with my three children in bed
:: still laughing at my husband jokes
:: a nice cup of tea
:: summer afternoon at the beach
:: a good book and some quiet time
:: making new friends and fostering old relationships
:: time at the bookstore
:: having a husband that let's me explore my passions
:: life
I am not homeschooling but I am really thinking about it
We homeschool and would love to participate in your series next week. Thanks! Maria
My ten are:
1.my babies' smiles
2. little toes or as we say little piggies
3.conversation with a friend over warm tea
4.a kiss from my husband
5.watching a beautiful snowstorm
6.crocheting
7. listening to my children's belly laughs
8. sitting with my cat on my lap in the evening when everything is quiet
9. reading a great book
10. baking cookies with the kiddies, then having hot cocoa and cookies for a snack
We are new to homeschooling this year! My son is five and has autism and homeschooling was the best option for us. My other two are are three and 8 months, so I will be well prepped for them!
My 10….
-when my son tells me he loves me to the sun and back
-enjoying a chai latte
-curling up with a good book
-listening to the wonderful imagination of my children
-spending time with a good friend
-a quiet moment
-retreating to our beautiful Rocky Mountains
-when my sometimes prickly daughter says we will be best friends forever
-watching my baby try so very hard to crawl
-hearing my little guy giggle
Absolutely love your blog!
We homeschool/unschool as well. My children are 4 and 6. We started learning about it last year, I still devour books on the subject. We made the final decision very last minute, days before kindergarten would have started. The more we experiment, hang out, and learn together, and the more I read avout it and spend time with other homeschooling families, the more I know we made the right choice for our family. We so love it.
10 things:
1 the look in my childrens eyes when they are truly immersed in a game of pretend with eachother,
2 coffee
3 walking with an ipod, and enjoying the music so much that I walk very far with little effort
4 homemade challah with honey Friday nights
5 Friday night candles
6 my sons homemade videos, always silly and unexpected
7 bedtime stories
8 holding hands with my husband
9 photography
10 our own home.
I have my list posted on my blog: http://www.returntorural.com/2010/02/happy-things…
I enjoy Jennifer Louden but don't think I've never read this one.
As I'm thinking about it, there are many little things that make me happy! Some of them are:
- hearing my baby boy laugh
- being in nature and taking it in with all of my senses
- good conversations with good friends
- fresh flowers on my kitchen table
- creating something with art materials
- going on a trip, discovering new places
- preparing a wholesome meal without being in a rush
- watching my daughter immersed in play or in an art project
- strolling through an art fair
- back rubs and foot massages
Waldorf schooling for my lil' one but always contemplating home schoolin.
What i love:
1. When the sound of fall arrives, everything very crisp and the light changes from summer to autumn
2. my heart racing the first mile of any hike
3. thinking while i'm swimming because it always feels so in the moment
4. dancing to Neil young with my daughter while an egg is frying for dinner
5. Loving a good book
5. Knowing that kisses behind the ears will calm my fussy boy right before bedtime
6. Eating with friends
7. Discovering something
8. Being present
9. Licking the sweat off my arm while i'm rock climbing
10. burrowing into my husband's armpit at night when i can't fall asleep
back to add my list, so don't count my first comment!
i have loved reading through the lists. what a colorful, loving group of commenters!
1. holding hands with my husband
2. the sound of water
3. rain on a skylight
4. bath time with my children
5. watching my children sleep
6. chocolate chip cookies (i can't help it. i am mostly being good, but just the thought makes me smile)
7. a glass of red wine
8. uninterrupted sleep
9. stripes
10. healthy skin
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com
Hi Heather! Here are my ten:
..my son giggling and it's so sweet that I have to join in..
..chai tea..
..when my hubby gives me a great big hug..
..the first snow of the season (I know, an odd choice since everyone is ready for spring!)..
..running my hands over crisp green grass..
..lacing up my boots in anticipation of a hike through the woods..
..knowing that no matter how bad I think my day might have been, there's always tomorrow and I have a fresh start..
..reminiscing with my brother about when we were younger (and crazy)..
..listening to music and dancing!..
..taking a deep breath of fresh air..
thanks for this..it made me happy (oops there's number eleven!)
I did a quick post today about the ten things! I would love to be involved in your homeschooling project Heather!
What a beautiful list of simple and special things Heather. I'm so looking forward to your upcoming homeschooling series.
1. Watching powerful, beautiful women compete in the Olympics. Inspiring.
2. My children hugging each other. The toddler hugs that look like laying on top of the baby.
3. For our day of rest. Hubby works alot so this is a serene, anticipated time.
4. Learning new, wholesome recipes and seeing my family eat healthy food.
5. My childhood friend who grew up to be an excellent cosmetologist and comes over for lunch, conversation, and kitchen haircut. Blessing.
6. Seeds my toddler and I planted this week.
7. My husband singing to our infant a made-up, happy song when he thinks no one can hear.
8. Folded laundry and semi-clean kitchen.
I would be so touched to receive this book. Thanks for a wonderful blog, Heather.
9. The blogs I read every day that inspire me to love my kids, enjoy my days as a mom and thrive in my life.
10. The chance to wake up and try again today.
Sunshine
My son's guitar playing
My kids' laughter
Sand and beaches
My quiet mornings with jasmine tea
My 3 cats
Crocheting
Painting, Drawing and Sculpting… Creating
Getting cozy by the fire
Having fun outdoors with my sons and hubby
Apple and cinamon muffins
Light, especially at unexpected times
Animals
Making things
Hanging out the clothes
Children's books
Good design
The satisfaction of a job well done
Old and handmade things (especially old, handmade things!)
Wood
We homeschool
Would love to take part.
10 things that bring me simple happiness:
-Morning Coffee
-Birds Chirping in the morning
-Beautiful Ocean Views
-Sunny Days and Rainy Days
-Homemade Desserts
-A date out with a GREAT friend
-A homemade dinner Date with my DH after the kids are in bed
-A lovely late night chat with one of my kids while the rest of the house is asleep
-The sound of my children happily playing together
-My husband arriving home from work, the kids are so overjoyed
A beautiful list with many things I can relate to – apart from the hiking which I would love to do, but time and location are always against me.
Have a wonderful weekend Heather,
Nina xxx
so many things when you start thinking about it – which is a good thing – rather than thinking of my favorite 10, I am thinking of things that are getting me through the right now:
the smell of my child's head
sunlight
worn-in pajamas
watching plants grow
the feel of a book in your hand
when your foot and the foot of a loved one find each other and snuggle up
the warmth from the shower
color
clean, calm spaces
smiles
1. My first cup of coffee, in my favourite mug
2. A sunny day, after many days of rain
3. Spring flowers in bloom
4. Watching a baby crinkle his nose in laughter
5. Whole family dinners
6. A voice mail from our 2yr old grandson
7. Time in the day to be creative
8. Friends to laugh out loud with
9. Beautiful music to listen to
10.Snuggling with my hubby
I started making my list last night and I was sad because I could only think of 8. But after stewing it over for another day I came up with a lot more. I narrowed it down to 11 because I couldn't cut a single one out.
1)home baked bread
2) working in the garden
3) creating
4)the love that surrounds me
5)music (specifically pandora.com)
6)the cats acting all cute
7)cooking (and eating it)
8)blogs
9)my friend
10)the desert
11)summer nights
a well loved book
a wonderful quote
my husband's voice
clean sheets
yarn
a glass of ice tea
a hug from the child that doesn't like to be touched
a hug from the two children that touch constantly
conversations with good friends
hanging clothes on a clothes line on a hot summer's day
Ah, and I would be interested in your series about homeschooling.
I am a homeschooler and I'd love to participate.
1. Seeing my girls when they first wake up in the morning
2. Seeing seed beginning to grow
3. The feel of rain on your face
4. The color of blue twilight
5. Simple healthful meals
6. A genuine conversation with a good friend
7. Watching my children create
8. The smell of orange
9. Reading inspiring words
10. Moments at home when everyone is happy and helpful
We're unschooling our three children – Jordan (5), Jules (3) and Avi (1) – I am intrigued as to what you will have going on!!
My Ten:
:: having my feet touch my husband's feet when we sleep
:: sewing by the fire
:: taking a shower – alone!
:: the smell of wet spring
:: the folds in my baby's arms
:: connecting in yoga
:: laughing with my mother
:: cuddling with my sleepy children
:: watching my cat's rearend wiggle before he pounces
:: getting back to vermont
What a great list Heather. I just did one the other day and really enjoyed it. I love the idea of doing lists like this each month or each season. I plan to keep a running list, as I think it is a great way to stay focused on the positive.
Having spent the last 48 hours without electricity, here are my 10
early morning sun
laughter
candlelit dinners
reading in front of the fire
tea
watching boys play with flashlights
visiting with family
slowing way down
peaceful silence
running water
we homeschool in the waldorf tradition.
*watching my daughters twirl in their skirts.
*when my four year old says "mommy, i'm going to do something,"
then lifts my shirt, and gently kisses her baby sister growing inside of me.
*when my two year old son shouts "i did it! i did it!"
*hot tea.
*a good book.
*my husband's touch.
*eating quality food.
*writing.
*reading inspiring blogs.
*making things.
I am interested in learning about your upcoming homeschooling series.
I am interested in the homeschool/unschool event…
Hi Sarah,
I am so sorry that I have not gotten a reply out to your wonderful email before today. Life got crazy hectic, and I have not gotten back to my email in too many days.
I am so glad to have met you as well, and I really feel such a connection every time I visit your blog. I hope that you have a wonderful week ahead.
I would love to have you join us for the Circle of Stone interview series this month, if you are interested. If so, just let me know and I will get everything to you
Be well
Warmly,
Heather
________________________________________
i'm coming in a bit late, but i always love catching up here when i take the time to look at blogs.
and sidenote we're unschoolers here if you still need anyone/anything…
and ten, in no particular order:
my hot water bottle.
gathering the chickens eggs.
listening to my children laugh.
watching my children comfort one another.
laying in the hammock after a good run.
scones + tea.
sitting by the sea.
notes from my husband.
letters in the mail.
surprising our children with family adventures.
listening to my son laugh
a knitting project on the go
sitting outside in the spring sunshine
watching my daycare children play
red cardinals
waking up early and lighting candles
reading good books
smelling bread bake
my morning cup of tea
glorious music