Lady Grey Tea (Photo credit: tyfn)
One of my favourite songs is from The Sound of Music. Called “My Favourite Things” I can conjure it up in my mind’s eye easily and hear Julie Andrews singing it in her imitable lilt. The last stanza says it all:
“When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don’t feel so bad.”
My favourite things do not necessarily mirror those in the song—raindrops on roses is a lovely and lyrical sentiment and whiskers on kittens is cute, but not really my cup of tea or glass of gin and tonic with a twist (or for that matter a cold beer or icy Coke—but now I am just getting carried away). Some of my favourite things are the things I am most grateful for, and are little scenarios that get played out in everyday life. I am grateful for
1. Family gatherings at holidays, but also impromptu gatherings of friends. Too much planning kills my enjoyment—but just enough planning makes it special. When you hit that balance, it is gold.
2. A good book, a cozy corner on the couch, a soft blanket, with gentle music in the background, sipping a cup of Lady Grey tea and devouring half a package of shortbread cookies.
3. Watching the television program “Community” with my youngest son; attending a “gig” of my oldest son’s band (even at a biker campground); and watching Power and Politics with my husband and having a lively political discussion.
I like to write on the “lighter” side and throw in a few quips and what I consider clever asides—but I find it hard to do when I am being grateful, and maybe that is alright. Maybe being grateful does not have to be clever~
Gin and Tonic (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
On the Homefront 
Number 2! This afternoon…. that’s my plan! 🙂
So wish I could join you – enjoy!
Goodness, Lou Ann. Many of yours are many of mine. Didn’t have you figured as the “whiskers on kittens” type but they are cute, right? Ha! Have you read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn? That’s an EXCELLENT book to curl up in a corner with. You won’t leave until your finish.
That is so funny – I have it on order at the library and am just waiting for it to come in. We will discuss when I finish reading it–:)
I must be the only person in North America who doesn’t watch Community. But I’m with you on the book, couch and cup of tea. And the gin & tonics.
I only discovered it this summer after my son urged me to watch it with him – it was a great bonding experience but I came away loving the very quirky show
I love getting lost in a good book with a cup of tea! One of my favorite authors is Maeve Binchy.
so sad we lost her this year – she is (was) cozy
Maeve Binchy died? I didn’t know that. I enjoyed her books too.
yes, not too long ago–I think it was just this summer.
Yes, I was and am heartbroken over the news. I was so looking forward to new books. I have read most of her books. So I will keep re-reading them. 🙂
#1 has got to be my fave! I heart family gatherings & impromptu time with friends – priceless!
I agree – they are the best times!
I’ll take a dose of #2 all day long, please.
me too – but we will have to schedule it
Just a little scheduling…not too much.
lol
oh the sound of music, i’ll never get too much of that film…
and yes please sign me up for #2 too!
I think we are going to have a convention – tea and biscuits all around – cheers
Did you see the Sound of Music when the production was on in Toronto? I took the girls to it and they loved it – sang along to all of the songs (quietly, of course). We have the movie at home and they’ve watched it 1000 times.
I think one of my favourite things is having a husband that can cook and enjoys cooking. And he makes a mean G&T.
I did not – but I have seen the movies dozens of times – we used to watch it often in university for some reason.
I think you have one of the best things to be grateful for – a husband who enjoys cooking and makes a mean drink — you are probably going to make lots of us jealous!
I like your favorite things.. 🙂
Thank you 😉
Ooooooooh! My favorite drink. But I’m on the wagon now. Kidney disease. And I can’t have salt either. Everything makes me ill, but even if it I could only have carrot sticks and water, life would still be worth living.
great attitude! sorry about your restrictions – must not be very easy (hugs)
Umm…That gin and tonic looks good.
😉
#2 all the way! And I agree with you on #1…. too much planning spoils the fun but just the right amount really makes gatherings something to remember. And I think as long as your gratitude is sincere, no one is going to remember whether you were clever or not. Although I seem to remember everything being both sincere AND clever. 😉
#2 appeals to us all – maybe we should take time out of our days to carve out a little tea and book time
My girls loved the “Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins”. I am grateful for Julie Andrews, she provided hours of entertainment for us all.
She has hasn’t she? I wonder if my boys would like those or would have–probably not right now
I’m with you on the impromptu gatherings. They are always the best!
They are- no expectations-just fun
And whatever is in the fridge!
that is what makes it fun as long as it is not the day before grocery day
Here is a hint. I hide a bag of tortilla chips and a jar of salsa in the pantry for pop-up parties. You probably know that tho.
good idea – but I would have to hide it really well at my house – sort of is an instant party isn’t it
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thank you
I like your list a lot! Being grateful, a very good thing. The sound of music is one of my favorite movies! Very nice, Penny
thank you muchly