Things That Make Us Happy!

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Dear Sisters,

Our daughter came home from school one day last week, went right to her favorite landing spot ( the couch) and said, high-school is tough. She and a girl friend had been chatting  on the bus ride home and both were having a particularly teenager-y sort of day. Do you remember those? I gave her a hug, made her some tea and asked her what was up? Luckily it wasn’t anything too dramatic but the combination of a lack of sleep, keeping grades up, Junior Prom on the horizon and the anticipation of waiting to take her drivers exam ( next month) was weighing on her. That being said, she’s not one to wallow in the muck for too long.

My sweet girl, my inspiration

My sweet girl!

Before the end of the night she came to me and asked if I would order two copies of the book called 14,000 things to be happy about, THE HAPPY BOOK by Barbara Ann Kipfer. Have you heard of it? The WHOLE book is nothing but one continuous list of 14,000 things to be happy about! How FUN is that? Originally published 25 years ago the book was newly revised in 2014 with 4000 current and fresh things to be happy about! Can you Imagine the things that wouldn’t have been on the authors list in the first publication?  Blogging, Facebook, tweeting and Pinterest just to name a few.

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Think about that number for a minute. If you HAD to come up with 14,000 things to be happy about and write about them say, in a years time it could be challenging, or maybe  happy things would flow out of you like a fast running river. But, what if you had spent the last 50 years paying attention to life’s little things and recording them along the way? This is just what the author did! Starting when she was in 6th grade she began making lists in small spiral bound notebooks which later turned into larger notebooks and eventually a computer. AMAZING!!! THE HAPPY BOOK’S arrived and I’ve barely cracked the cover because I don’t want to spoil coming up with my own ” short list ” of things to be happy about for this post but I can’t wait to read it with my daughter. It will be fun to see how many things from the author’s list make us happy too!

Will you play along with us today? At the end of this post list some of life’s little things that make YOU happy too! I betcha we farmgirls have a lot of them in common!

Here is my attempt at a stream of consciousness list inspired by 14,000 things to be happy about!

Playing chuck-it with Max and watching his back legs hop up and down like a bunny rabbit when he runs to fetch his flying squirrel, heart to heart talks with my daughter and the feeling I get when she feels better afterwards, hearing my sons voice on the other end of the phone, ( too much texting going on these days), an all day trip to Ikea with my friend to beat the winter blues, pretty new floral curtains for the dining room, ( thank you, Ikea)

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cherry pie, big, white coffee cups filled with hot coffee and cream, cinnamon buns, watching home movies and laughing till my cheeks hurt, sewing, baking cookies, the smell of the beach first thing in the morning and just as the sun goes down, the sound of a slamming screen door, my handsome Yankee’s voice, music, daydreaming about traveling to England one day, watching strange movies all the way to the end, encouraging people, writing, taking photos, arts and craft shows, country fairs, stopping at our favorite ice-cream place after a long day at the beach,

2058 listening to my daughter sing, my moms laugh, walking the beach, painting, reading, blueberry pie, picking rhubarb from the garden, growing flowers, DAHLIAS, painting furniture, DANDELION HOUSE, ( home sweet home)

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folding clothes, fresh sheets, new towels, road trips, horseback riding, driving the boat, napping, junking,

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complete silence, comedy, fresh-cut grass, cows, chickens, small buildings, old cars, farms, walking, bike riding, singing to the radio in the car real loud, being inspired to do something or make something, going to the fabric store just to look, Monet’s Garden, western sunsets, the smell of sagebrush after a light rain, Farmgirl Connection, MARYJANESFARM, being the BEACH FARMGIRL Blogger, meeting girl geniuses and writing about them, gardening at the beach, opening the cottage every spring, new clothes, funky costume jewelry, vintage aprons, new salt and pepper shakers,

016-001 going out for breakfast on Sunday morning, trashy novels, sexy music, DAYDREAMING, climbing in to bed after a long productive day, any movie with Meryl Streep, George Clooney, fudge sickles, ice coffee, green tea, water with citrus, a comfortable bathing suit, Johnny Cash, a Lavender sachet, farm field trips, garden tours, going to flea markets and antique shops, dumpster diving, a snowy owl sighting, watching wildlife in my garden,

 

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ripe peaches, strawberry jam, french-fries, my hen-house and flock of chickens,

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growing something for the first time, taking photos, dirt roads, beach roses in June,

02 06 27 018 dune grass in September, remodeling, shiny things, open shelving, glass doors, trees, fall foliage, walks in the woods, soft fabrics, cotton, children’s illustrations, horse shows, blogging, looking through old family treasures, making new memories and remembering old ones, when you don’t burn the bacon, when the number on the scale goes down instead of up, a good checkup at the Dr., a great nights sleep, dreaming of abundance, horses running free, English accents, Nevada, wide-open skies, mountain air, Lake Tahoe, time with family, mashed taters and gravy, fried chicken, feeling grateful, crock-pot meals, my moms potato salad, clam chowder in a sour dough bowl, steamed Lobster, perfectly cooked rib-eye steak, BBQ chicken, a clean basement, spring cleaning, showering outdoors under an open sky, the farmers market, blue grass music, a fine fiddle player,

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seeing a shooting star and making a wish, hearing a baby cry and knowing it’s not mine, Mexican food, getting a pedicure, old houses, fixer uppers, tiny homes, green pastures, old barns, new barns, the smell of hay, the smell of a horse barn, seeing people I love happy, porches, garden swings, greenhouses, love, hugs, kisses, smiles, sunshine, romance, fresh picked flowers,

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dark chocolate, good beer, fine wine, the smell of a pine forest, a horses whinny, going someplace new, finishing DIY projects, organic gardening, choosing happy every day, waking up, books, team wins the Superbowl, choc-chip cookie dough, home-made mac n cheese, baby chicks, first bulbs to bloom in spring, first leaves to turn red in fall, crisp bacon, soaking in hot springs, BnB weekends, bonfires on the beach, backyard bonfires, roasting marshmallows till they’re almost burned, time with old friends, solving problems, feeling wonder, the library, things with patina, cheeseburgers, a sense of humor, a bra that fits right, online yard-sales, Estate sales, being an American,

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a blank page, beautiful views, a sense of belonging, laughing till you cry, a baby’s giggle, dandelion wishes, a beach vacation, being a mom, daughter, auntie, and farmgirl sister # 1199!

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Wow! That was fun! This is the perfect place for me to turn this post over to you!

Share YOUR happy things in the comments below!

Until our next shoreline visit~ BEACH BLESSINGS and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love and farmgirl hugs!

Deb

 

 

 

 

  1. Dori Troutman says:

    Good morning Deb,

    Oh my goodness!!! This was AWESOME!!! (Did you count how many you had?) I loved them all and honestly… I think we share about 99% of them. One of my favorites? “A bra that fits right”! 🙂 That was spectacular! This was a great read at the start of my day. I think I shall order that book too. Thank you!

    – Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –

    P.S. Your daughter is absolutely lovely.

  2. Adrienne says:

    I have many, many things to be happy about but added recently are I survived the second bout with cancer in three years with only a lumpectomy and a daily pill to keep me going. The elevator in my building has been completely rebuilt but it has been non-operational since January 20 so all residents have had to climb up and down the stairs. I’m healthy enough to do the stairs (woohoo!) and continue to do so until the final inspection on the 18th. I’m now vegan, have many recipes and much support. All parts of my body (OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer) work and I’m listening to a very happy bird singing on this sunny morning. Last night, I listened to an owl while falling asleep. Life is good and I wish the same for everyone!

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Dear Adrienne, Health miracles are among the best things to be happy about. I am so happy for your good health today and pray for continued good reports for you! You are a tough two time survivor!
      Thank you for sharing your good news with us and for commenting. It’s always great to hear from you! Hugs from the snowy East! Deb

    • Dear Deb and Adrienne – We have several birthdays coming up and I think this will be the perfect gift for several of them. In the last few years we have all gotten so busy and lost so many dear ones, we need to back up and remember the good times. Thank you for sharing!

  3. glenda woodward says:

    Every thing you just said with a few minor adjustments. When you said Nevada and then wide open skies…. I love the blue of the sky out here when those huge fluffy clouds float around and the smell of sage after a rain storm.
    I’m not sure if you mentioned ice cream but that is high on my list. Oh ! and sitting down after a long day of cleaning with most everything in it’s place and a roast or stew in the oven.
    It has been unreasonably warm here the last week. I’m not bragging, I’m complaining because it is stealing my spring. I’ll never get caught up if this continues.
    Hope all is well with you and your’s 🙂

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Oh, yes Glenda! Those huge fluffy clouds that float around… I miss those too…I picked up a roast for the crock-pot today! I know its’ been UN-seasonably warm out west this winter. I hope you get a little winter weather, it’s at least good for snuggling in a bit and sorting through paperwork or reading a good book! xo Deb

  4. Susan Abernethy says:

    You are so inspirational! I have been feeling blue…….and down a lil….just reading this inspired me to make my own list, and after reading all the wonderful things that make me happy, I am encouraged and revived! Thank you Deb!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Hugs from one farm girl to another!!!!!! 🙂

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Yay!!! Good for you, Susan! It happens to the best of us and sometimes all it takes is a little jolt of sunshine to snap us out of it! Glad it found you today! Farmgirl hugs!!!!!!! Deb

  5. Judy aka:herblady says:

    Well, I am looking at this post from my bed today. I have ‘The Bug’…totally un-invited…totally un-wanted! hahaha BUT…that said, it makes me TOTALLY appreciate all my MaryJanesFarm friends. YOU all make me happy. Did you notice that table that your dahlias are sitting on? I mean REALLY notice it? It’s smiling! THAT made me HAPPY today! Thank you for sharing that! Hugs&Squeezles-Judy

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Oh dear, I’m sorry that dreaded bug came for a visit…I’m glad you mentioned my smiling table… It was one of my flea market tables that I painted… and when I put the hardware back on I noticed it too! I left it that way when I took it to my booth and it sold very quickly! I also had someone comment in an online photo that I posted that I should change the hardware BECAUSE it looked like a smile! I had to giggle at that one… Naturally I left it as is… what’s wrong with smiling tables, after all? Hugs to you too, Judy! Feel better soon! xo Deb

  6. Cindy says:

    May God bless you Adrienne ! Laying her feeling sorry for myself and it’s people like YOU! That inspire and encourage us out there! Thanks for being so Awesome! You take care! Prayers,Cindy

  7. Rebecca says:

    I have so much joy in my life but your list is amazing,Deb!!some high on the list things that make me happy are picking the first fruits of my garden,seeing the Northern Flicker Woodpecker when he visits my yard,getting my good test results back which put me into the 7th year cancer free,hearing my husbands truck pull into the driveway after a day at work, watching my Shelltie puppy Jackson chase his tail and play because he enjoys life so much and new at the top of the list is knowing we will have our first grandchild this summer. Thanks for everyone who has shared and prompted me to assess how many blessings I have.

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi Rebecca! Some of the things on your list are near and dear to me as well… Sound of my hubby pulling into the driveway is right up there with first fruits of the garden! Congratulations on your 7th year cancer free! That truly is a blessing and one I’m so glad you shared with all of us! May you continue to be blessed! Xo Deb

  8. WendyLynn says:

    LOVE your blog! Such a perfect topic for V-day! I share your sentiments and as a “New” FarmGirl, I will have much to contribute from WI very soon!

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Welcome Wendy! Look forward to getting to know you through the farmgirl blogs! You will love all of them to pieces! xo Deb

  9. Pat G (Shortcake) says:

    OMG. There were so many memories in just a few min. I am so with all this & loved it.Thanks!

  10. Lorrie MacKenzie says:

    Thank you for sharing so many happy things! I have lots of things in my life to be happy about, but the best recently is that my husband and I adopted a rescue dog and every day we see her getting happier and more comfortable. She sits next to me now and every morning she jumps up on the bed to cuddle. It doesn’t get any better than this!

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi Lorrie! Nothing better than cuddling with your pooch in bed… I do that every morning with our Max! So happy for your that your new dog is warming up to you and feeling at home. That’s some good happy right there! xo Deb

  11. susana says:

    I can relate to quite a few on your list…but two I don’t thing you have….I will be glad when all my teeth will be pulled and no more toothaches, and that I can still enjoy ice cream and mash potatoes and gravy with fried fish, and sunshine, and the smell of rain and touch the dirt and gardening; and of course enjoying my kids and grandchikdren and my wee little chichichua dog! Had to have all those things which make me very Happy! I think of others but those are top on my list of immediate blessings that are me happy!

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi Susana, I wish you well in your dental journey. My mom is going through similar times and it’s challenging for sure! Hold good thoughts! Thanks so much for commenting! xo Deb

  12. Bonnie Ellis says:

    Our lists are wonderful. I would add seeing the source of the Mississippi River at Itasca Park in Minnesota on a below zero day in the winter was awesome. Never seen it before in the winter. I’m happy about being almost married 53 years, sharing my life with a wonderful man and being warm inside my own house. Thanks for this post.

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Well, congratulations on 53 years of marriage, Bonnie! That IS something to be happy about.. your are blessed! Thank you for joining in on this post! xo Deb

  13. Jodie says:

    Oooo!!!! This is fun! I was giggling to no end when I read “hearing a baby cry and knowing it’s not mine.” I have a two year old and was thinking that today as a wee one was losing it in the grocery store and mine was happily riding in the cart. You have a fabulous list that I can agree, so to add my own…sunsets on my daddy’s pond bank, falling asleep in clean sheets, smelling winter daphne, seeing daffodils come alive, finishing a crochet/knit project, toes in the ocean, stellar viewpoint after a hard hike/climb up, my babe running naked with glee down the hallway because he “think’s he got away”, hearing my babe say I love you, holding hands with my husband, driving back roads, rain on a tin roof, driving with windows down on a summer night….I’ll stop there. I could go on. Thanks. That was fun! I’ll have to write them all out in my own little book to look back at. Happiness is…

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi Jodi! I was wondering in anyone would catch ” Hearing a baby cry and knowing it’s not mine”…:) We have a reprieve until the grandchildren come along! I love your list… Rain on a tine roof, holding hands with hubby, two I could add to my happy list for sure! Thanks for joining in the fun!!! xo Deb

  14. Marlene says:

    I’m happy just waking up in the morning. I have one more day and look forward to just about anything that happens.

  15. Denise Ross says:

    Wow!! Your post is a huge gratitude heart filler. I think you’ve covered all mine. Health, love and a loving husband who is totally committed to our marriage, kids that stay out of trouble, that have goals and are learning what’s really priceless in life and my faith in God are things that I’m not sure if you had but they’re keepers for me.
    I’ve been doing the blessing jar this year too, your idea, and sometimes my kids will put one In too.
    Have a fabulous day. I loved all your photos too and your daughter is beautiful :).
    Denise
    Australia

  16. Brenda Towsley says:

    Oh, I need to sit and make a list like that. How wonderful, did that just flow out of your mind like it flowed in the words on this post? I can add the grands on to the list for myself since I know you do not have any yet. All 8 make me smile, the youngest turning one this week.

    • Deb Bosworth says:

      Hi Brenda! Oh, yes… how lovely to be able to add your 8 grands to your list… I hope and pray we get to do that one day too! Thanks so much for your note! xo Deb

  17. Brenda says:

    That makes me HAPPY all over! My newest happy is 6 baby chicks and becoming a new backyard chicken chic!
    Brenda G.
    Salem Or

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