simple and sweet

today is my father's birthday. they didn't do anything for him at work. they are having a special jazz music/buffet type thing at the museum up the street. when i told him about it he was pretty excited. so i bought he and mommy some tickets. they got all spruced up and daddy left with a smile on his face. he's a great father, a great dad. i think on your birthday you should do the simplest thing that makes you happy, and then any added expenditures just kind of act like frosting on top. i think everyone should make a list of these things, just for reference.

simple things that make me happy:

• a good song




• a sweet smile




• crazy antics with ti




• bare feet, especially surrounded by green grass




• cool sheets and warm blankets




• a good black and white movie




• the warmth of the sun on the back of my neck




• dancing (to danceable music)




• italian or mexican food




• chocolate




• a smooth rich latte




• reading and the amazement that comes with God's Word




• the feeling my fingers get after playing a substantial amount of (crap) guitar




• painting til 3 in the morning




• walking around downtown late at night




• walking when it's nice outside




• doing the "say anything" type sketching




• sketching boys




• writing




• singing to God

my perfect day would be waking up in a room shrouded in sunlight, taking an amazingly long/warm shower. and then journeying for wonder outside. grabbing that perfect latte from some tiny, quaint coffee shop. finding a quiet comfortable place in a soft patch of grass and lots of trees and journaling or reading for hours. trekking to some museum. in the evening getting some good food somewhere. then rush to hear good music at a swanky venue. and then, in the cool night, driving and finding the best view of downtown. stare at the sky and stars and dream.

simple and sweet.

sketch with acrylic of 'the path'

To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life.

-John Burroughs

Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things.

-Elise Boulding