Fifty-one Days

It's 51 days into the new year and I'm profoundly happy to say that all five of my senses have been thoroughly engaged. It's not easy...for I can be a strange mix of happy-go-lucky and goofy alongside being dark and deep. My stratosphere can be quite mundane at times...you know...to and from school, grocery store visits, errands, laundry, to-do lists...all those fabulous things. I sprinkle them with girlfriend coffee dates, lunches, business meetings and insightful long walks or drives. Then there is my work, my most creative side to life and what I love doing most. But with all the facets of my life...my mind is a wanderer and oh how I love to let it go and take in what's around me. And so...in 51 days this is what has enamored me:

Touch:

• discovered that I still really do love clean counter tops that have no crumbs on them
• said goodbye to itchy shapeless stuff and hello to Goodwill
• indulging in the softest of cottons
• taking in as many hugs from my kids as possible and from those I love too
• quite often asking for a hug or offering a handshake can make someone else's day

Sight:

• discovered that the sheer sight of a really powerful tire just gets me
• enjoying every tractor and construction site I get to joyfully pass by
• taking in the evening sunsets and the quiet softness they add to the sky
• my subscription to The Economist...yes!
• Jacksonville's seven bridges, just love each one
• my pics from California, my home state always
• music videos and movies, thank you You Tube and Netflix

Sound:

• discovered new music via the Subterranean channel on TV = happy girl
• re- connected with Sade, old jazz favorites and my Cd's of classical music
• opening the windows and soaking in the sweet sounds of nature and construction
• overhead helicopters and small passenger planes...music to my ears
• the Blue Angels' flight sounds...wow

Taste:

• discovered rose wine, delicate and a bit fruity
• mid-day martini, absolutely
• baking croissants at home with cheese inside, yummy 
• freshly squeezed oranges from our garden, the first five that grew were so sweet, more to come
• nestle toll house cookies and Betty Crocker cakes, enough said
• chocolate lava cake at Al's Pizza, pure heaven
• Ferraro Rocher chocolates, not just for Christmas

Smell:

• discovered a cappuccino candle, heavenly
• fresh laundry piled high...mmmmmm
• the freshness of nature in the woods, on a long walk
• anything baking, preferably a cheese pizza or chocolate chip cookies
• fresh morning air, when it's chilly and a bit foggy
• remembering my parents' scent of Oil of Olay and cloves

Train tracks and fallen leaves...sight, sound, touch, smell, taste...