5 Good Things to Love

‘Macarons, trampoline, notebooks, unicorn, dancing, bike, box’

The above is a ‘list of good things‘ I found in my work room this morning. It was written by my daughter when she was about six years old, her likes have not changed much over the past two years. In fact, I like all the things on her list too, that last item is especially intriguing (What kind of box? What’s in it?? Can I open it?). If she grows up to be a big kid like me, that list will be valid for the rest of her life.

Taking the lead from my wise daughter, especially since it is Valentines Day, a day of gooey happiness and sparkle, I would like to focus today’s post on good things. I’ll go back to being a grump next week, but for now – Happy Valentines day, I hope you enjoy the following list of things that brighten my day.

1. Magical BooksI love fairy tales with a twist (again: big kid syndrome). I have become somewhat obsessed with the Grimm brothers, and their dark Household Tales. Polly Shulman’s The Grimm Legacy kept me very happy for a few days, until I finished the book and was left with that empty feeling you get when you finish a great book. It’s a Young Adult book, but that doesn’t bother me. If you are a fairy tale geek, read it. Apparently, there is a film version in the works.
2. Surprises in the Mailbox 

   Hardly anyone sends letters anymore. I for one, still love receiving snail mail surprises, the kind that don’t involve medical bills, or Home Owner’s Association notices. Today I opened my mail box and found the cutest valentines card, made by my four year old and posted by his preschool teacher. Also, a copy of Amy Poehler’s new book Yes Please, left by a friend who’s timing is impeccable – no more empty feeling! I want other people to feel this way. I’m going to mail my own surprises next week.

3. Art with my honeys This week was the week of the Great Pizza Project, googly eyes, and the discovery of window crayons.
   Being an art teacher, I have always felt a bit bummed that my four year old never wants to paint/draw/sculpt anything with me. He has a fine motor skill delay, and has always avoided those types of activities. However, this week was different. What a breakthrough! We made pizza’s with paper plates, paint, and felt; we drew on windows and mirrors with gel crayons; we made valentines cards with googly eyes. Everything looks better with googly eyes.  Needless to say, while we were doing this the eight year old whipped up her own portfolio of art work. Smarty pants.
4. Having an excuse to stay in It is bloody freeeezing out there, but it is also the weekend! No need for frigid walks to the bus stop. I stocked up on groceries last night, and am getting ready to spend the weekend embracing my family, and the sofa for some warmth. There’s something to be said for a good movie, a warm blanket, chocolate, and huggable companions. I’ll brave the elements some other time.
5. Random Acts of Love 

   My eight year old is the best at this. Sometimes I find notes on my pillow/laptop/mirror that say things like “I love you mommy. You are the best”, or “You smell lovely”, or “thank you for helping me with my boo boo. I love you”. It doesn’t really take much to make someone feel good. I sat up last night and drew her a picture of her favorite things to give her today. It’s not the greatest picture I have drawn, but it makes her happy.
   It also doesn’t take much to make someone feel bad. So the next time you feel like snapping at the person in front of you at the grocery store – don’t. Go home and mail something nice to a friend.

Kids really are the smartest. Have a lovely day, and pass it on!

Happy Things

Googly eye valentines

Made by the 4 year old

A drawing for the 8 year old

Having my own child in the camp will spice things up!