What Makes You Happy?

Brenna · Post by **Brenna** » Mon September 26th, 2011, 2:32 pm

One of our favorite authors Sharon Kay Penman posted a beautiful note this morning on her Facebook page and I thought I would share (hope she doesn't mind!). Isn't it great to take just a few minutes out of our very hectic schedules to remind ourselves to cherish happy moments?!

I was feeling reflective today, so here are my thoughts on what makes me happy. That those two American hikers have been freed from an Iranian prison. That the Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy has finally been buried, allowing gay Americans to serve in the military without being told they must live a lie. That women in Saudi, Arabia will finally be allowed to vote, though not till 2015, and they still cant drive. That Facebook has enabled me to have such satisfying and fun interactions with my readers. That after losing Shadow, I was lucky enough to find Tristan. That I was fortunate enough to go on an Eleanor of Aquitaine tour with 36 kindred spirits. That Ive been blessed with the same brilliant editor and agents for the past thirty years. That I will be able to see friends and meet readers on my upcoming book tour. That Buffy is back on television and has brought Ion Gruffudd along for good measure. That I have always been able to remain friends with the men Ive loved even after we broke up. That summer is over. That my diet is working. That Echo White Shepherd Rescue does so much for dogs on death row like Tristan, and that my wonderful readers are willing to volunteer to help them. That I have a new Priscilla Royal mystery to read. That there are people in the world like that Texas family who were so touched by the story of another family about to lose their house after losing their jobs that they pledged to pay $2,000 a month for the next two years to keep the bank from foreclosing. That e-books are allowing writers to have options that we never had before. That Lionheart is selling so well in pre-orders. That my favorite television show, The Good Wife, returns for the new season tonight. That Peter Dinklage won a much deserved Emmy for playing Tyrion Lannister on the HBO series Game of Thrones. That I am able to read all of the medieval short stories written by my gifted friend, Margaret Frazer, because they are all available now in Kindle and Nook. That the Putnams art department came up with such a spectacular cover for Lionheart. That YouTube allows writers to see places we cannot visit in person. That I have been blessed with so many good friends and am able to keep making new ones. That my new cell phone arrived so quickly, for I was freaking out after my old cell phone mysteriously disappeared; passing strange, for I lived most of my adult life without a cell phone, but they are now almost as essential to my well-being as oxygen. That I no longer have to practice law and instead get to besiege castles and plot coups. And that the Angevins really existed so historical novelists did not have to invent them.

So these are my thoughts on happiness on this September Sunday night. What about the rest of you? What makes you happy?

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Ludmilla · Post by **Ludmilla** » Mon September 26th, 2011, 2:40 pm

Hot water. I can live without a lot of things, but I can't live without hot water.

MLE (Emily Cotton) · Post by **MLE (Emily Cotton)** » Mon September 26th, 2011, 3:03 pm

What makes me happy? My wonderful, sometimes grumpy, but always supportive husband of 35 years. My oldest son, his sweet wife, and my two darling grandchildren. My daughter and son-in-law. A good week with our schizophrenic youngest son. My dogs. My llamas. Hiking the hill to the lake daily, and packing the incredible Sierras at least once a year. My re-enactment group, which includes husband, daughter and SIL. My writing friends. My long walks with Jesus, and that he talks back. Being able to make a difference in a few lives through Rohi Kenya, Houses of Happiness in Ecuador, my friend's Ukraine orphanages, and helping Not For Sale, Trade As One, and International Justice Mission. (see signature). Learning more about history as I grow older, and seeing that by the grace of God, we are actually getting better.

I am constantly grateful that by being born here and now, I won the 'Birth Lottery'.

Leyland · Post by **Leyland** » Fri September 30th, 2011, 12:13 pm

Cooler weather so we can get out and hike/camp in the beautiful Carolina mountains, honest and loving family and friends, smiling Cocker spaniels, disappearing into a great story while drinking cold beer and sitting outside by a campfire in the front yard, a feeling of secure employment, receiving unfailing divine providence from our Father. for starters.

DianeL · Post by **DianeL** » Sat October 1st, 2011, 12:40 am

Beyond happiness and into joy: my friends, my family, my dog, my beloved (in no order of any kind). Better still is the fact that when ANY of these are hurting, afraid, or otherwise unwell, I am able to make it better. Today my very sick friend and I laughed. A lot.

I'm humbled by the blessings of my relationships, and grateful beyond expression and thanksgiving.

Nefret · Post by **Nefret** » Sat October 1st, 2011, 2:07 am

Music, which I can't live without. Travel, for adventures relax me.

LoobyG · Post by **LoobyG** » Sat October 1st, 2011, 6:42 pm

What a gorgeous thread, thanks for starting Brenna

What makes me happy? My lovely family and friends, my boyfriend, my cats - when they're smiling, I'm on top of the world. Bringing a smile to one of my patients when they're having a really horrible day. Books, a nice pint of beer, a good bargain in a charity shop or car boot, the sea, a beautiful green field... I could go on

Madeleine · Post by **Madeleine** » Sun October 2nd, 2011, 3:43 pm

Lovely sunny days like today, the sound of the sea, smell of freshly cut grass and fresh baked bread, cute dogs, finding a book I've been looking for for a long time, good books of course, good TV/films, an ice cold glass of wine, good food, good company, being told we can go home from work early on a sunny day (thank you Roger), closing a deal which I thought would be complicated and turned out to be easy, the sound of rain outside whne I'm tucked up in bed and know I don't have to get up early, the sight of snow on the ground.

Alisha Marie Klapheke · Post by **Alisha Marie Klapheke** » Wed October 12th, 2011, 4:47 pm

Thanks for the positive thread. I've been trying to think happy thoughts lately like...

a new project, an upcoming trip, a new song by a favorite artist, a rich glass of red wine, rereading a favorite book, my little boy running down the driveway away from his school bus and into my arms

DianeL · Post by **DianeL** » Thu October 13th, 2011, 12:15 am

Seasons.

Here comes a new one! Time for soft sleeves and autumnal colors.