A few of my favorite things..

When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad... I simple remember my favorite things...

I have not been bitten by a dog or stung, and I'm actually quite chipper today, however a friend of mine had me thinking about what my favorite things are today. I mean, I like a lot of things, I think it's safe to say most of us do. But I wondered if I had to pick 10 things that are must have loves in my life, what would they be?

After much thought and debate, My favorite things (in no particular order):

Writing. 

This one doesn't need much explanation. If you've arrived at this blog you could've probably guessed that. I'll get a bit more specific. At the age 6 I started writing a diary, recording my everyday occurrences. Throughout elementary and middle school I wrote poetry and have notebooks full of it. In 4th grade I wrote my first short story called "The Ketchup that Ran Away". I wrote a children's rhyming book about letters, and had it bound for Jesse's 3rd birthday. I have started to write two books. One, I love and the other, I think is ridiculous. I hope to eventually to be a published author. I journal my life in the meantime and love every second of it.

Daisies. 

The most friendliest of flowers, according to Meg Ryan's character in "You've got mail". I can't say I disagree. I love white daisies the most. But welcome and enjoy all other varieties as well. They remind me of my grandma Thompson, one of my fondest memories involves the flower. There isn't much better than coming home to fresh flowers. They are cheerful and lovely.

People. 

Okay, Okay. I know this may seem a bit vague but I do! I just love people. I love that we are all different. Varied in shape, size, color and personality. I love relationships with people. Getting to know their hearts and what makes them tick. Watching as their eyes change between the emotions experienced as they tell me about their life. I love the embrace of people. Hugs and kisses, handshakes and high fives. I love best friends and old friends. I love new friends and strangers. I love that someone can make your day with a smile or a compliment. I love that we can fall in love over time and not even realize it until we say it out loud.
I love watching people overcome. I love when people come together for a greater good. I love watching a stranger care for another stranger. I even love grumpy people, because frankly they're the ones who need it the most. It may be silly, but people are one of my favorite things.

The Beach. 

There is very little I enjoy more than an entire day in the sun. Friends, football, frisbee, surfing, music, sunbathing, sandcastles, seashells, and salt water. That is something that just doesn't get old and I can't seem to get enough of.

Children.

Katie & Robbie 

I have been a nanny for going on seven years and an aunt for almost eight. There is something about children that just makes my heart happy. I think it's their innocence. Their ability to trust you completely. To look at you for what you are instead of having expectations of you. They find joy in the littlest of things. They say what's on their mind and don't sugar coat life for anyone. They love you with a genuineness and are quick to forgive. They need you. They want to spend time with you and desire to be cared about. They are easily entertained and have the imaginations beyond our understanding. They teach me. They grow me. They are my favorite.

Breakfast. 

I'm sort of unsure of where and when this obsession came into effect but it is most certainly one of my most favorite things ever. More recently I have realized I love the diner experience. The hole-in-the-wall joints that have a mysteriously delicious cup of coffee and waitresses that call you honey. Whether it's pancakes, french toast, oatmeal, or eggs-- I'm not picky and it doesn't really matter what time of day it is. I just love breakfast. I will say I love the morning. I have always enjoyed taking my time in the morning. I love to read, drink coffee or tea, and wake up slow. Those banana pancake kinda mornings...snuggling, hitting snooze and pretending there's no world outside.

Laughter. 

I think it's safe to say that I am an odd duck at times. I like to call it awkwierd... a lil awkward and a lil weird.  My quirkiness is not something I brag about so much as I have been forced to embrace. With that, comes the issue of maturity, though I may be 26, most would agree my heart is 18. My silliness is something that I have been using to make people laugh since I was a little girl. I used to put on preformances and my over-dramatic tendency brought much laughter into our house. I will proudly say I'm weird but only with the preface that humor is part of who I am. The part of me that desires to see people find joy. If my being a goofy weirdo makes people experience laughter, then I'm willing to set others opinions of me aside and embrace immaturity.

Grady. 

Of course my dog is one of my favorite things. Really I'm not sure how he could not be. Coming home to his little wagging tail, toy in mouth and begging for love, makes even the worst of days better. It's strange how he doesn't seem to let me out of his sight when he knows I'm sad. I love that he sings but only with my dad. He has his own "g'wady voice", gets into the trash, shakes his butt when he is excited and has crazy curly hair. I love him a lot. He is most definitely my favorite.

Eating with my family. 

My family has the reputation of loving food and having very good cooks. Though my mother and I have our fair share of signature dishes, the females of my household can't quite hold up to the abilities of the men. My father and both brothers are incredibly amazing cooks. I am extremely spoiled when it comes to food because their homemade food is far beyond what most restaurants have to offer. Besides the fact that we love food, there is a much more 'favorite' part of eating together--the together part. The thing about that kitchen is it has been exposed to so much. It has seen our most intimate of moments. The cabinets have been slammed during debates and disagreements. The walls have felt the vibrations of our belly-laughter and the wine glasses have joined our celebrations. Its counters have held our elbows as we sobbed in our hands. The floor has witnessed babies crawling turning into big kids running. There is something about that kitchen. That time with my family that despite what our lives entail, the hurts we carry or the circumstances we face tomorrow, all else fades. Hand in hand, as we bless our meal we are connected together, we are blessed. Blessed to have the food. Blessed to be in one another's lives. Blessed to be family. In those moments all we know is 'together'. And that is my favorite.

God. 

If I could narrow it down to one. God would win. His love and pursuit of me has never stopped, even when I was out discovering "the world". The thing about God is He can't be put in some sort of religious box. He can't be pigeon-holed into a specific denomination or political party. He is too big for all of that. He is too loving. He is beyond our skewed perceptions and misshaped images. What makes God and my relationship with Him through Jesus my favorite, is the fact that I am His favorite. The fact that despite my flawed nature and unruly sinful habits--beyond what I have done or what I will do-- he stays constant. His love doesn't change. His faithfulness remains and I can find strength in knowing He lives in me. I'm not alone in this fleeting world. What's not to love about that truth?