Favorite Things

These are a few of my favorite things....

Historic cities and historic architecture.  This is a photo of Charleston, SC's battery but I love any historic city.  If I can wander down a street gazing at rambling old houses then I'm in heaven.

Ink pens--especially red, dark blue, and black ink.  I like to write.  I would rather write than type (and I type quickly and accurately).  I love the scritch-scratch of a pen across the paper.  I like the way words look when they are handwritten.

I love artwork by children.  I especially love the pictures my niece Anna draws me.  Of course her artwork decorates my fridge.

 Hot chocolate. In big, ceramic mugs. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Fall leaves.  I love the bright, beautiful colors that announce the arrival of autumn.  I love the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot and the dry, raspy sound of leaves as the wind scuttles them across the ground. I like the earthy scent they give off as they decay.   I like the way they look as they flutter to the ground.  

Pictures. Scrapbooks. Photo albums.  Cameras. Memories captured on paper and stored in books and protected in heavy wooden frames. Smiles captured forever, mouths open in laughter, infants before they grow old, loved ones before they die, happiness on film (yes, film).

Books.  Storehouses of information on page after page of words.  History preserved. Facts kept safe. Science in images of nature.  Fantastical fiction that sweeps me away to worlds that only exist inside the pages of a book and allow me to befriend creatures I have never before seen!  Oh the wonder and magic of the printed word!

Window seats.  Is there a better place to read?  I certainly don't think so!

Bubble baths.  Ahhhh--sweet relaxation.

Roaring fires in wood-burning fireplaces.  I love the crackle and pop of wood burning in a fireplace.  I love the homey scent of wood smoke.  I love the warmth and welcome of a fire in a fireplace.

Those are a few of my favorite things :)