When you read this phrase “these are a few of my favorite things” can you hear the sweet melodic voice of Julie Andrews in that role of the young nun in The Sound of Music? Are you able to recall the sense of joy and freedom in her spirit with a measure of giddiness as she sang this song while being a nanny to her young charges? In this epic role of Marie, the young woman who was devoted to God but didn’t quite fit the mold of what the older nuns and her Mother Superior envisioned as a proper, brings us a glimpse into Marie’s own ideal of how she embraced life and brought inspiration to a family torn by war and loneliness, often laced with being reprimanded by those in authority.

“The Sound of Music” was one of the first major motion pictures that I enjoyed watching on a full screen. Dad and Mom took me and my best friend to the Fisher Theater in Detroit to enjoy this classic musical. I was in the 7th grade at the time and even now I can remember the excitement and memory of that Saturday afternoon. We made a ‘day’ of our trip, which included some shopping at the Hudson store in Downtown Detroit, lunch, and then the movie. The musical score was so beautiful that our family purchased the 33 rpm soundtrack and it didn’t take me very long to memorize and begin singing every song while at home on evenings and weekends. But–conjuring those memories and sharing them aren’t my intention today. I’m thinking about the happiness of my life and exactly what are some of my favorite things and while this format won’t allow me to list absolutely EVERY thing that makes me happy I want to share some of those and they are in no particular order of importance save my utmost which is my relationship with Christ. So, here goes:

1. Mornings with a quiet home and a mug of freshly brewed coffee
2. Songbirds perched in our trees singing to their heart’s content
3. The laughter of children
4. A new book resting on the table waiting to be opened and devoured
5. Long walks (or short) through the neighborhood
6. Poodle kisses from our daughter’s pups
7. Text messages from my kids at random times during my week
8. Hugs from young women that I have mentored or currently in that role
9. Fresh cut flowers in a vase from our flowerbeds
10. Fresh bed linens that have swayed to and fro in a gentle breeze to dry
11. Ice cream cones
12. James Bond movies…..silly movies…..musicals….
13. Spending time with one of my best girlfriends
14. Going to the mall and buying absolutely nothing
15. Baking on a cold, rainy day…..preparing comfort food during the winter evenings
16. Watching a snowstorm while enjoying a mug of hot chocolate or chai tea
17. Holding a newborn–never tire of ‘new baby smell’
18. Hearing someone compliment the character of our grown children
19. Cookouts with family….recalling childhood memories
20. After the effort–a clean home
21. Coming back home from a vacation
22. People watching
23. Getting mailbox sunshine from a dear friend (or two)
24. Soaking in the tub
25. Shopping at the Ben Franklin Store with my bestie….I can ALWAYS find a treasure (or two)

As I said, my list could certainly go on and on but hopefully you get an idea of what I enjoy. A long time ago I made the decision that I didn’t need to be rich financially in order to be happy or content. There was a time in my selfish teen years when I thought the opposite—that having a lot of money would mean success and happiness. Life experiences have taught me some hard lessons regarding that mindset. When I turned the corner in my own priorities and goals, I was greeted with contentment and a more truthful (for me) satisfaction in life. I think a review of my list shows that it doesn’t take a lot of money to create the items listed here. What they do require though is time. Once spent (money AND time) they cannot be reclaimed. Both require wisdom and choice, placing a priority on the expenditure.

So, in my best voice I am singing ‘these are a few of my favorite things’ as I go throughout my day. Right after I enjoy another mug of freshly brewed coffee.