When the dog bites, when the bee stings....

I'm at work right now, basically watching a kid sleep. It is 4 o'clock in the morning. And I feel like being contemplatively optimistic. So here goes a list of a few of my favorite things...

Rochester's farmer's market, fruit, chocolate, a combo of the last two items, infants, giggling, stretching, going barefoot, t-shirts, being called princess, cute old men, homemade ice cream, being on a farm, creating something artsy, dangley earrings, pearls.

Having friends call me for advice, reading insightful stories, black and white photos, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, road trips, my job, singing, being commended, finding the best hole-in-a-wall in a small town, making a definitive decision, being genuinely happy for someone instead of being jealous, going for a run and being surprised when the time goes fast, consignment stores, potlucks, Georgia Mud Fudge Blizzards from Dairy Queen.

Being capable, having a child decide they want to be my friend, visiting former patients who graduated from intensive care, being comforting and collected in crisis situations, taking communion, earthy things, stone walls, lotion, sleeping in sunlight, simple solutions that change people's lives.

Serious conversations, real mail, finding the perfect word, autumn, linen clothing, crossing state lines, knowing I don't have to worry, organizing, fixing problems, folk music, a good cup of coffee, hugs, journals, being productive, window seats, brainstorming ideas annoyingly when people tell me they have nothing to do, exciting moments at work, and quiet moments at work.

And that's just a few. Works every time.