Crazy-Happy

So many things in life are just little. Little annoyances. Little joys.

Here are a few of the things that have made me crazy over the past week.

Five jars of jelly, seven jars of peanut butter, and four jars of salsa...all opened at the same time. Don't get me started on the empty boxes of waffles in the freezer or cereal in the pantry!

Boys' closets

Is that a pool towel from the summer that I just dislodged from the hanging clothes? Why, yes, it is!

Traffic jams making the seemingly endless treks for "bread and butter" to say her one group line stressful. Wondering if we will make it in time. Wondering if we should just turn around and forget the whole thing, yelling "Off with their heads!"

But, on the other side of the traffic jam, finding this Alice in Wonderland teapot on clearance at Tuesday Morning. My mom used to find a gift for each dance performance that I was in, to celebrate the work done, and to remember the experience by. I was happy to find something I like that fit the theme (and was on sale)!

Finding a few items to put away for the many birthdays and Christmas celebrations around the corner. Smiling as one child keeps hinting for an item that is already purchased and wrapped for her, waiting for just the right time. Being thankful that when I ask God for things (as a good friend noted), He often has good things planned and waiting for me too.

Sometimes, the smallest of things can make me insanely happy.

 

Buds.

When some flowers hang on much longer than expected, and other clearance finds bring forth new blossoms.

Anticipating good things to come (with very little care given by me).

Tiny Christmas cacti awaiting teachers ($2.50 at Fresh Market). A student gave me one 15 years ago that has somehow managed to live and even thrive all on it's own.

Opening the shutters in the morning to let the light into the house, signifying the start of a new day. It's like that moment in the opening scenes of Downtown Abbey when they open the house for the season (except I am both housemaid and lady of the house)

Feeling cultured and European carrying crusty baguettes under my arm; eating a wedge of cheese and a hunk of bread for lunch and being completely satisfied.

"Gratitude takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder, and to the praise of the goodness of God."

- Thomas Merton