Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens
So, I’m sobbing and my sweet little boy, Lane, brings me my old doll from when I was a little girl. He says, “this will make you feel better, mama.”
I smiled at his sweetness and his absolute love for re-gifting. He will often find “presents” in our house and insists on giving these gifts to family and friends for birthday and other special occasions. This act of kindness did make me smile.
I have few mementos from childhood, and this porcelain doll in her yellow dress and bonnet has always been a favorite. I remembered she played a song, but I couldn’t remember which one. I twisted the silver handle and the song “My Favorite Things” played.
This made me laugh. I laughed because the words were fitting:
When the dog bites, when the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad.
I also laughed because there is a favorite Surdam story of how my brother in law sang this song in high school and he is constantly and lovingly tormented and teased for it even now.
While I do like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, they are not my favorite things.
My favorite things are inspirational sayings like, “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough” and “I don’t sugar coat stuff, I’m not Willy Wonka.” I can look at inspirational quotes over and over again and feel something every time. I love sharing them with those around me and reflecting or laughing at them with loved ones.
I love lotion and candles, sitting outside in the summer, clean sheets, and being in the mountains. I love pushing myself every day and feeling alive. I love living a life with meaning and purpose and knowing that my existence matters. I love brushing my teeth after I eat no matter where I am, not having bangs, getting up early, exercising, surrounding myself with my friends and family, karaoke, hugs, questioning things that don’t make sense, saying yes as much as possible, reading, organizing constantly, and crying when I am happy or sad.
But above all else, I love my family and all of my sweet boys who do things like recycle gifts just to see me smile.