To be honest, the first thought that entered my mind when I read this prompt was Julie Andrews singing, These are a few of my favorite things. To be honest, I’m humming that tune now as I write. What makes me happy… this list will be telling, ot will show my inner me, the me no one realizes is simple and easy to make happy…

1. The sound of rain on the tin roof
2. The thunder, low and rumbling
3. The redbirds on my feeder
4. The hummingbirds buzzing up and down my porch
5. The lizards sunning on the porch
6. My green pothos winding its way across my porch
7. The croak of the frogs as the rain comes
8. The fresh color of green after a rain
9. The colors in my mixed caladium pots 
10. The sound of my little dogs fighting, playing.
11. The sight of my mutt Jake when I pull in at dark from work.
12. The squirrels running through the oaks on the squirrel highway as I call it
13. The new nest the sparrows built in my hanging pot
14. Walking about the Acres enjoying the view
15. Sitting by the pond casting a line
16. Finding just the right words to convey what I think or feel
17. Looking at my bookshelf and seeing MY first two books tucked there
18. The feel of my chihuahua Jetson snuggled up next to me in bed.
19. Looking at my life is a journey board, remembering the time spent with my family
20. The feel of a great grandchild in my arms
21. Conversations with grandkids, kids, and friends
22. Hugs from my son’s, my sister, grandkids…
23. The sound of trains in the dark
24. Sitting on my porch, listening to the night sounds
25. Watching kids smile as I flip their blizzard at DQ
26. Music that speaks to my heart
27. A good sermon
28. Paying it forward and seeing the light in someone’s eyes
29. A good hike in nature
30. The view outside my window as I drink my morning coffee…

These are the things that first came to mind when tasked with telling you what makes me happy. It took little time to come up with this list. There are more… the smell of fresh mowed grass, the zen I find riding my mower. Browsing through a flea market and thrift store, a visit to the produce market at Farm 99. Lunch with my friend. I could go on… It’s the tiny things, the simple actions, or the seemingly insignificant occurrences.

That is where I find my happy…