" Every object, every being, is a jar full of delight."- Rumi

This morning my boss asked me how I managed to be so happy everyday, let alone so happy on a Monday morning. I would like to say that being happy comes as naturally as breathing, but that is both untrue and borderline obnoxious. It took me a long time to realize that happiness isn't something that falls in our laps, nor can we expect to find it in places we go looking for it. Happiness, for me, has meant rejoicing in the small things. The sun on my face; laughing with my husband until my stomach aches; the sound of my daughter singing from her crib in the morning; iced coffee and flip-flop days.... little things to celebrate each day.

Things that are making me happy today:

1. We moved into our house this fall, so I had no idea that come springtime we would have both lilies of the valley and lilacs blossoming in the side yard. Not to go all Anne Shirley on you all, but could there be a more perfect posies? The unexpected appearance of both of my favorite flowers deepens the love I have for living in the middle of nowhere.

2. My two shmoos :) Oh, and Vivi's new wagon!)

3. Creemees! Mmmm... vanilla-chocolatey goodness in a cone! Some of you may know this as a 'soft serve' ice cream, and to you folks, please let me refer you to this Facebook Group: It's called a creemee. If you don't like it, get the F$%# out.

4. Sitting in the sun reading a deliciously good book! Come to think of it... sitting anywhere reading a good book.

5. Having fun with food (especially when making food for someone else)

I could write some long [read: pretentious] testimonial here about how introducing my child to art at an early age will open her mind and awaken her senses... but no one needs (or has any desire) to hear about any of that, and I have no earthly longing to write about it. Sure, exposure to art can help develop the brain and provide and outlet for emotional expression, yadda yadda yadda and all that.

It's also (*most importantly*), what us common folk refer to as, ya know... fun.

Fingerpainting on a rainy afternoon? WIN! My little 'arteeest' was thrilled with her first go-'round with painting, and now that I know she will not try to *eat* the art supplies, I am equally as enthused.

Two mom thumbs up for Crayola Kid's Paint too! In addition to Viv being covered in paint, the floor and the tub were *shmeared* with color as well. Color me impressed (color, get it? ahhhh... I slay me) because this is one "washable" product that did not mean "scrub for hours and it should eventually come off."

(click to enlarge)

“Getting bored is not allowed"

This evening I introduced my daughter to what is, quite possibly, the best children's book ever written- Eloise, by Kay Thompson.

Who is Eloise? She is, undoubtedly what everyone with style wishes to become. She is a fearless female who speaks her mind, does what she wants and looks fabulous the entire time! I assure you, there is not a fashionista in the world that can come close to darling Eloise. She is witty, brazen and has the intelligence and vision of a Nobel Laureate.

Oh, and did I mention that she is six?

I adore this book for so many reasons! And while I never poured a pitcher of water down a hotel mail chute, it is certainly reminiscent of the whimsy and hilarity that is childhood. This is a story for every little girl (and boy... and grownup) to remind them just how deliciously fun life can be, no matter what age you are. And *that* is a feeling which I hope my daughter, (who giggled her way through the book) can keep with her forever ;-)

It's the simple things...

i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
ee cummings

Zumba Dance Fevaaah

I have never been what one would call 'graceful.' I have never been the star ballerina (despite desperately wishing I had the kind of talent that warranted being able to wear a tutu on a regular basis); In fact, I have enough trouble walking without tripping myself. Fortunately (for my own sake) I have a fairly good sense of humor about it and have oft compared my dancing style to that of Seinfeld's Elaine. For everyone's sake (and safety), I avoid dancing at weddings, parties and other social functions.

I am, however always up for a good workout. In fact, before having a child, I was a 7-day-a-week gym fanatic. Never the less, I no longer have time (or energy, or the major $$$ it costs to own a gym membership here) and have been looking for an alternative. Needless to say, when I heard about the Zumba dance workout, I was intrigued but hesitant to try it. After all, I am only an amazing singer/dancer *in my head* when I am alone and have my ipod on! Dancing in front of people is a whole different ball of wax! What if everyone was super coordinated and I just looked like a huge Jello jiggler (the likes of which Bill Cosby has never seen)?!

I decided to step outside my comfort zone and try it anyway. To my surprise, I LOVED it. It was fun, upbeat and was a great cardio workout (without the dullness of an ellyptical machine and skeevy gym guys). And while I couldn't quite master all the moves (I have hopes that that will change over time), I took a look around and found that everyone..well, almost everyone.. looked just as silly as me and were having just as much fun!

Love it! Can't wait to go back again this week!