Experiences for the Senses

So, I've mentioned before that I love to make lists. I keep a list of all the things I love in life. They are not the bad lists that teens make that are similar to the "top 5" favorites... etc, etc. The teen example below:

5 things I love

1. My family

2. My friends

3. My cellphone

4. My computer

5. My cat, Binky

(and I also want to add my totally cool pair of sketchers!!)

No. Not that list.

The list I keep helps me preserve my favorite sense memories. Many items of my list do not include actual people in my life, nor solely material items. I try to keep a list of simple pleasures that are rendered throughout the seasons. My list also includes items that give me a sense of warmth and pure happiness. They are not extravagant items, nor are they cheesy, shallow points either. Here's a few items:

The smell of burning leaves

Sleeping in on rainy days

Taking photographs with an SLR camera

Singing on an acoustic guitar

Decoding Shakespeare

Why do I keep this list? I think it's useful to store away memories of simple pleasures. To keep a running tally of the beautiful things in life. We get so caught up in the daily rush that we literally forget to "smell the roses" (which was likely at one time on someone's list as a favorite thing). I also like going back to it to remind me that there are simple things in life that surround me all the time, or things I can do to make myself find a place of serenity, if needed.

Very cute.