Appreciation.

the little things that most take for granted. clean air and warm breezes. reflections in puddles, pools and windows. birds singing at 7 am. the colors in a sunrise. watching the sun setting in my rear-view mirror. my arm being nudged by my dog when he wants attention. the smell of logs burning. the smells of winter, spring, summer and fall. autumn in new england. leaves changing colors. running barefoot through the grass while the morning dew is still fresh. familiar smells and associations. the sound of ice crackling when it hits liquid. classical music. a cheap bottle of sparkling champagne. reminiscing about amazing times. black and white photography. sweatpants and pajamas during the day. letters from younger family. being an inspiration to another individual. teaching a child something for the first time. the way perfume/cologne lingers for awhile. waking up next to someone you can't get enough of. watching candles flicker as the flames dance. standing in a hot shower for an extra few minutes. southern charm. real gentlemen who aren't ashamed to treat a lady right. being able to take something great away from a terrible experience. finding courage in the face of adversity. words of wisdom.

gripping novels. words that paint vivid illustrations. sophisticated vulgarity. skepticism. inquisitional glances and theories. non-conformity. cool breezes. traveling back in time with just a simple melody. appreciation for the past. genuine smiles from strangers. true listeners who do LISTEN without turning a situation into their own. individuality. freedom of expression, speech, religion. dysfunctional families who hold their own. genuine chivalry, in the rare occurrence that i happen across it. the crack of the bat as it connects with a baseball. familiarity. listening to stories from older generations. confidence in the most dire moments of doubt. the sun on your face while the wind blows your hair back. the curiosity of little children and animals. how excited my dog gets every time we come home, or he gets a walk, or he gets rewarded. family time, no matter how annoying. loyalty.