Share your favorite goodthings!



Monica Posted 12/5/02
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A hug after a long absence. Seeing the moon. Realizing other people care about the world. Nature -- bugs, rain, leaves, hiking, caving, sun, clouds. The smell of river after canoeing. The taste of sweat in your mouth after a long run. Falling asleep next to the one you love.



Kara Houser Posted 11/29/02
Holland, Ohio

Smelling the turkey in the oven. Driving to visit with family. Football discussions. A full belly. Watching the excitement on a child's face as the holiday season begins.



David Brady Posted 11/14/02
Liverpool, England

Sitting on a beach in Scotland, looking out across to the islands. The girl I love holding my hand and telling me her past. Sleeping on a bench in a train station, cozy in the knowledge that my baby is on her way. Talking to a close friend without even speaking. To someone close, your eyes can say 1000 things. The love of a distant friend. A smell that takes you back years, filling you with images of times gone by.



Elizabeth R. Posted 11/07/02
Michigan

The angelic, translucent face of a sleeping child. My banks of lavender. Hugs from my husband. Unconditional love for and from my grown sons. Perennial gardens. Old-fashioned peanut butter. Gerbils. My furry tortoise-shell cat, and her generous kitty kisses. The Atlantic monthly. Coffee, any way, shape or form. Black cohosh. Chocolate. Altoids. Computers, for searching, ordering, and keeping in touch. GoodThings! Wildflowers and wildwoods.



Kristin Hegazy Posted 11/04/02
New Rochelle, New York

Traveling through western Europe alone. Any book by Gerald Durrell. The soundtrack to Le Grand Bleu. My cat James. My best friend since 13 who reminds me, when I need it, of who I used to be and still am. Being underwater. A freshly cleaned house. Taking classes again after I was afraid my school days were over. Switching jobs -- or careers. The books that have changed my life. Learning a new language. Helping a trapped insect escape back outside. Finding myself craving nature, and doing something about it. Moving constantly? Finally settling down? Not being sure yet. My childhood teddy bear. Family reunions. Class reunions. My best friend's expected baby. Poetry.



Natalie Meintjes Posted 10/23/02
Cape Town, South Africa

South African summers. South African winters. Drinking good wines from farms I grew up around. The smell of spring in the Winelands. Reconnecting with old friends. Reading The Goodletter and thinking of all the things that make people feel good.



Jeanna Thompson Posted 10/23/02
Austin, Texas, USA

A good hard run. Lifting weights. Reading a good book. Playing my sax. Being kind and forgiving. Sharing love and compassion. Showing empathy towards others. Learning about history and different cultures with an open mind. Exploring the great outdoors. Saying hello with a smile. Receiving a hello with a smile. Sharing your good fortune, whatever good fortune may be to you. Soaking in all styles and forms of art. Seeing beauty in all things and beings.



Kathi Erickson Posted 10/16/02
Seattle, Washington, USA

Enjoying the unexpected. Painting the colors and shapes of fruits and vegetables. A good play on a hot evening. A friend I can be quiet with. W.A. Mozart's Symphony #40.



Amy Posted 10/09/02
Ferndale, Michigan, USA

Laughing with friends. A walk in the woods. First love, even after it's over. Making decisions for me. Reconnecting. Camping, canoeing, hiking, and campfires. A sappy movie, a box of Kleenex, and a comfy blanket. Summer rain. Creating new art.



Sara Graham Posted 10/01/02
St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Happy anticipation. The sound of the wind in the trees. The cat's cold nose on yours in greeting. The smell of fall leaves. A good, intense thunderstorm. A soft, rainy Sunday.



Andrea Mastrobattista Posted 09/19/02
Bernardsville, New Jersey, USA

An in-depth conversation that can last for hours and never get boring. A rainy day spent reading a book so well-crafted that I get delightfully lost within the pages. The look on a child's face when he or she becomes curious and asks, 'Why are you in that wheelchair?' and the opportunity to enlighten that child. Embarking on a day of adventure driving in my van with no particular destination in mind.



Lisa Moore Posted 09/16/02
Ft. Myers, Florida, USA

The light in a child's eyes, and the sound of the laughter that accompanies that light. The swelling feeling in your heart when you fall in love and the other person falls in love back. Being honestly thankful for each daily blessing, even the ones in disguise, and for friends that laugh with you instead of at you.



Sharon Robbins Posted 09/09/02
Portland, Oregon, USA

Autumn-colored trees. Reading good books. Friends you have a long history with. Sitting on the beach. Unconditional love. The smell of fresh-baked bread. Hugs for no reason. Early mornings. Cold crisp watermelon on a hot day. Being passionate about a cause. Uncontrollable laughter.



Tanja Posted 08/19/02
Arlington, Virginia, USA

The smell of crisp, fall air. Floating in water. My niece's smile and warm little hands. Unexpected hugs and warm words. Copious yawning. Raspberries and blueberries. Copious laughing. Animals sleeping peacefully. Hugging fiercely. Movies. Hammocks. Sleeping in open air, especially in the mountains or on the ocean. People with good souls. Men in sweaters.



Carla Golden Posted 08/19/02
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA

The smell after just having blown out a candle. The way my baby rubs her hand on my torso when she nurses. Sharing dark chocolate with my husband. Time to slowly rove in a bookstore. Napping in the afternoon after having played in the water and sun all day -- the sheets feel so cool and crisp. Extra good is when it rains while napping.



Mark Newman Posted 08/09/02
Littlehampton, West Sussex, UK

The feel of my five-year-old daughter's hand in mine as I pick her up from daycare, at the end of the working day, and hearing her hum all the way home.



Sonya Posted 08/02/02
Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA

Watching my sleeping children at 4 in the morning. Crisp autumn days. Reading fiction that you know is fact. Songs that remind you of a special time or place. My grandmother's peach cobbler. Soft falling rain. A fire on a cold winter day. Sunday. The perfect cappuccino.



Melania Pomante Posted 07/29/02
Italy

The writings of Luigi Pirandello. Traveling. Speaking in foreigners' languages. Eating good food. Chatting with my friends. Walking on the beach late in the afternoon.



Anne Posted 07/19/02
Howell, New Jersey, USA

A warm towel right out of the dryer. The smell of baby's breath. A crisp fresh cotton sheet right off the clothesline. Homemade iced tea on a hot day. The sound of children's bike horns. Listening to ocean from your bed at night. The smell of honeysuckle on the vine.



Rudmer de Vries Posted 07/12/02
Leiden, The Netherlands

Reading the morning paper in the sun. Sailing without a purpose. Amsterdam canals in the rain at night. Thousands of lights on the Ganges. Writing a poem in the train. Unexpected visits. Being welcomed by my parents' dog.



Carol Ann Posted 07/08/02
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Spending time alone in the Rocky Mountains. Washing my hair with rainwater. Walking with my dog along the river. Watching my son growing to become a man. Friends who listen. My one really good cup of coffee each day.



Sean Fraer Posted 07/01/02
Japan

Entertaining at home and cooking for my friends. Going out to a comfortable espresso bar and reading a great book. The sound of crashing waves. Little kids' excitement and honesty. Looking forward to a trip.



Nancy Burks Posted 06/21/02
Joplin, Missouri, USA

My grandson running towards me shouting 'Grandma' with arms outstretched and a huge smile on his face. My husband mouthing the words 'I love you' from across the room at a party. Springtime, when everything is so pretty and green. The smell of fresh cut grass. Winning bingo for the first time.



Mikael Dellgren Posted 06/14/02
Bromma, Sweden

My lovely young daughter of 10; she is also my best buddy. We grow plants on our balcony and go swimming. A good book. The Matteuspassion by Bach. Fado music from Portugal. Strawberries with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, with coffee on the side!



Hethryn L. Posted 06/07/02
Idaho, USA

Road trips. Dance parties in the kitchen. The feeling of satisfaction after a good long run. Learning a new word. Seeing the words "1 new e-mail received" and knowing it's a good one. A heartfelt chat. Singing to the radio with the windows rolled down. Unexpected hugs. A good haircut. A successful blind date. Five o'clock shadows. Sounds and smells of the morning. Successfully resisting the cookie and running out of the kitchen.



Chris Chioma Posted 05/31/02
Ozuzu, Rivers State, Nigeria

My two-year-old daughter pulling my shoes off my feet. Heavy rain in the morning with thunder and lightning. When the hustle and bustle stops. Walking barefoot on the beach. Reading novels that make me cry, laugh, or shout aloud. When a GoodLetter e-mail hits my computer screen.



Greg Black Posted 05/24/02
Olympia, Washington, USA

Singing in harmony when it's just right and sends chills up my spine. Playing music with some sensitive musicians. Answering questions from new co-workers. Volunteering on a community project with a bunch of people.



Allyna Vineberg Posted 05/10/02
Milford, Michigan, USA

Loving my grown-up children. Tropical storms where I live in Mexico. Incredible sunsets. Mexican children laughing in the street. Freshly brewed coffee, yes! Geckos all over my walls.



Sue Carr Posted 05/03/02
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto coming alive in warm weather. Surreal photographs. Street festivals. Laughing with my sister. Good cheap tea. Homemade soup. Canada Day. Patios with friends. The eclectic world of Amsterdam. Words from my soulmates. Bare feet. Drums in a circle. A sweaty run. Traveling and travelers. Recommendable books. Holiday songs. Gentle kisses. Mail from abroad. My dad's smile. An e-mail from my mom.



Julia Falasco Posted 04/29/02
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, USA

When my kids tell jokes that make no sense. A book that I can't put down. Driving with an Etta James CD in the car. Warm bread from the bakery. Having my son read a story to me.



Alan Doran Posted 04/19/02
Belgium

Traveling. Reading 'Scientific American.' Listening to classical music. Romantic comedy movies. Italian cuisine. Belgian chocolate. An evening with family and friends. An e-mail from New Zealand. Ireland in summer.



Shelby Berkowitz Posted 04/17/02
Lansing, Michigan, USA

Walking barefoot. Writing. Cooking for friends. Thunderstorms. Hammocks. World music. Camping. Taking 'time out.' Afternoons in bookstores. Dancing around a fire. Chicago-style pizza. Festivals. Funky neighborhoods. Fresh air. Coffee. Garage sales. Warm nights. Getting hugs from children. Getting artsy-craftsy. Singing.



Jenny Lay Posted 04/17/02
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Movies that make you cry. Happy-go-lucky children. Sailing in a Felucca on the Nile. Flying aerobatics in a Boeing Stearman. Philosophical conversations. Learning about life. Motorbiking through Cambodia and Laos. Watching my nieces' faces on Christmas morning. Self-belief that I can achieve anything I want to in this world.



Mary Ann Stacy Posted 03/29/02
Houston, Texas, USA

The first buds and green of spring. A real letter from a friend. Fishing in the Gulf and letting the breeze blow all the stresses away. Watching my cat stretch. Starting a new 'thick' book. The smell of my grandmother's hallway. Laughing. Starting conversations with strangers.



Zeddy Alrefai Posted 03/22/02
Switzerland

Visiting remote countries and islands. Cooking spicy-hot food for my friends. Trying to climb Mt. Everest for the second time (I will keep trying!). Good Cuban cigars. Relaxing in quiet bars listening to music.



Mark Reed Posted 03/15/02
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

All aspects of the outdoors. Conscious living. Good friends. Craft-brewed beer. First snowfalls. Canoeing. Really listening and being listened to. Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac. Carl Hiassen novels. The Beastie Boys. Watching the complete, absolute concentration of a child.



Candice Reed Posted 03/08/02
Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Revisiting childhood places. Tea and toast in the morning before school. Singing along to 80s classics. Siesta on a muggy day in my cool bedroom. Creme brulee. The cartoon network. Finding tiny shops in the old districts of the city. Cappuccino with cream. Brut champagne. The Mozambican coast in April. Surfer girls with sunbleached hair.



Sandy Rademaker Posted 03/05/02
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

The fragrances of basil, rosemary, and cucumber. Planting and harvesting my garden. A beautiful silent snowfall. A heavy downpour with lots of thunder and lightning. Water anywhere: an ocean, a lake, a stream, a fountain, or out of a pump with a tin cup.



Angela Veleda Bueno Posted 02/25/02
Brazil

Pitanga ice cream. My work. The color of the autumn sky in Rio. Long dresses. Galaxies. Laughing with my son. Summer rain. Cooking for my friends. Angel's paintings. Ivan Lins' music



Elizabeth Ackermann Posted 02/19/02
Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

Watching fireflies dance in our little meadow. Celtic music (bagpipes preferred). Hanging out with my husband and my dogs. Gardening. Hanging out with my best friend (we've been giggling together for 27 years!). Weaving. Dusk. Homely little houses. A good cup of tea.



Thea Usdan Posted 02/11/02
Copenhagen, Denmark

Playing four-handed piano. Playing music with other people. Tuesday evening visits with my friend, Merete. Painting on silk. Mornings. Sweden's Radio 2 at night.



Robin Christian Posted 02/04/02
Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA

Reading or listening to a book on tape with my daughter in her twin bed, at night with rain falling. Having one of my children say something so profoundly true, it takes me by surprise. A great glass of red wine, candlelight, and a good game of Scrabble. Unlimited time to browse in a bookstore. OPB (Oregon Public Broadcasting) on the radio on Saturday morning with nothing else to do but listen.



Sue Stephenson Posted 01/25/02
Independence, Kentucky, USA

The resistance of the earth when digging a hole. The feel of the soil on your hands as you plant. The tight clasp of my son's small hand in mine. The visual gratitude of a patient you have consoled without words. The feel of soft warm pockets of air after winter.



Leigh Posted 01/22/02
South Africa

Smell of rain. Sunlight creeping through my blinds in the morning. The sound of Christmas beetles and guinea fowl. Hugs from loved ones. Personally written notes from friends. Scent of lavender. Orange and peach-coloured roses.



Jean Acosta Posted 01/14/02
Folsom, California, USA

Paddling my kayak down a calm quiet river. Snuggling in bed with my two-year-old in the morning before work. Sipping really strong hot coffee while overlooking the pond full of Canada geese.



Linda Ostindie Posted 01/07/02
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

A herd of Labrador retrievers in every color. Sleeping in on a wintery Sunday morning. The scent of my husband in the morning. Anticipating a new book. A freshly painted room. Sharing the full moon with a good friend before work. Steely Dan on the stereo.



Charanjit Singh Posted 12/27/01
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Waking up feeling fresh in the morning and looking forward to the day. Watching my two-year-old son burst into laughter. Football under a cloudy sky. Wind and the swaying palm trees in Calcutta. Life's simple pleasures.



Karen Kinswater Posted 12/17/01
Didsbury, Alberta, Canada

The word 'lovely.' Connecting with cousins you haven't heard from in years. Giving and getting unexpected gifts. Dancing in my living room. Losing the weight I needed to. Memories of my 'nona' when I smell coffee and fresh bread together. The privilege of being able to go anywhere, find anything and connect with others on my computer. My husband's generosity of spirit. Sunsets!



Holly Posted 12/10/01
Upland, California, USA

Listening to my husband create new music on his guitar. Slight showers on a still sunny day. Warm blankets on a cold night. The wind in fall. Spending time with my family and friends. Making up stories for my little ones while they laugh hysterically. The smell of gardenias. The smell and taste of warm homemade bread with a dab of butter on it. Root beer floats.



Clarinda Alvarez Posted 11/26/01
Batangas City, Philippines

Watching the sunset. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Weekends with my nephews and nieces. Sharing jokes with my friends. Surprise letters. Snorkeling in the blue oceans of Puerto Galera.



Mary E. Turner Posted 11/26/01
Kinston, North Carolina, USA

Holding a tiny, purring kitten. Waking up to the sounds and smells of the ocean. Walking my dog on the beach. Hearing the voices of my children on the telephone. A caring smile. My husband's thoughtfulness. Sharing fresh vegetables with my neighbors. Holding a baby close and hearing its tiny sounds. Swimming in the ocean. Riding a horse on the beach. A Dairy Queen Heath Bar blizzard. Fresh tomatoes and flowers. The beauty of a new day.



Meghan Connolly Posted 11/19/01
Brattleboro, Vermont, USA

The first snowfall of the year. Corporate social responsibility. Surfing. Shooting stars. The local farmers market. [Meghan is connected to other goodthings -- she's also the director of the Corporate Social Responsibility Newswire. Check it out!]



Margo van Gelder Posted 11/12/01
The Hague, the Netherlands

Summer nights -- so soft and quiet. Autumn colors. The wind. The composer Gorecki. Dave Matthews. Poetry. Just a smile. Memories. Tomorrow. Mandela. "It's not about the falling down, it's about the getting up." No borders.



Carolyn Wanner Posted 11/05/01
Silver Spring, Maryland, USA

The way Washington DC looks in the fall -- red, orange, and golden leaves on all of our beautiful parkways. The smell of smoke from an outside campfire. The beauty of Orion on a clear night. Mozart's symphony No. 29. Popcorn with real butter with hot apple cider. Compassion rather than hatred.



Julia Urcis Posted 10/29/01
Havana, Cuba

Cooking with friends and National Public Radio. Hard laughter. Stories that connect people from different pueblos. Non-governmental organizations. Finding one's niche. Traveling and meeting best friends for the first time. Sitting with a loved one in front of a large fireplace during a huge snowstorm.



Lucy McDonald Posted 10/22/01
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

A Tony Bennett concert. My cat sleeping on my ironing board next to me. A sunny afternoon when you don't have to rush anywhere. A peaceful town. A Saturday afternoon walk in downtown Montreal. A funny movie without a message. Fresh seasonal local tomatoes.



Amy Varner Posted 10/15/01
Boulder, Colorado, USA

A phone call from my sister in New York. My three-year-old nephew telling me he loves me. The Colorado night air. Jazz. Mountains. Chocolate mousse. A good glass of wine. Enjoying the moment and appreciating the wonder of life's simplest moments.



Louise Browne Posted 10/4/01
Kecskemet, Hungary

Family and friends. Playing guitar. Watching my boys grow up. Cooking. Reading (history and biography). Writing letters. Intelligent conversation. Bob Dylan. Watching nature renew itself every year. Asian, French and Italian cooking. A bar of chocolate. Feeling creative.



Our 50,000th GoodLetter subscriber!
Teri Velazquez Posted 9/10/01
Eugene, Oregon, USA

Finding the perfect leaf on a crisp autumn afternoon walk. My daughter's eyes when she tells me her friends think I'm "cool." Reading a great book while listening to blues music on a Saturday afternoon. Watching my son play football. When the house is quiet and all four cats are asleep in the window sunlight, the dog is on my lap, and the world feels good.



Sandra Herrmann Posted 9/4/01
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Cappuccino and a good book. Sitting on the beach beside a BIG body of water. Irish music. Lake Louise at sunset. Campfires. The first apple of fall. Making soup and baking bread on a snowy day. Throwing a pot. Thunder and lightning.



DuRandt Lamprecht Posted 8/27/01
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

The view of Cape Town from Table Mountain. Waking up in a democratic South Africa everyday. The vibe, energy, and madness of Johannesburg night life. The smell of the bushveld after it has rained. Good friends, food, and wine. Traveling.



Matthew Shapiro Posted 8/20/01
New York, NY, USA

My wife and kids. Jazz, folk, and blues. Corporate social responsibility. Public schools.
- Matthew is the marketing director for Social Accountability International, a non-profit organization working to establish global standards of corporate social responsibility.



Jonathan Darr Posted 8/10/01
Washington, DC, USA

Toni Morrison. Justice. Flexibility. Appreciation instead of tolerance. Pad Thai. Diversity. Blue.
- Jonathan is the director of Stand for Children Day and member services at Stand for Children, a non-profit advocacy organization.



Bokary Guindo Posted 8/6/01
Rome, Italy

Returning home to my family at the end of each day's work. Taking a shower. Relaxing in front of the TV with a cup of peanut cereal in milk and honey. Watching world news, sports, stocks, and the money market. Listening to people in every social stratum voicing out the needs for better security, justice, freedom, and the good things of life.



Seraphim Hazlett Posted 7/27/01
Sharon, Pennsylvania, USA

Playing tag with laughing children. Green tea with honey. Fried green tomatoes. Lying in tall grass, watching the clouds roll by. Riding in a VW convertible, being in California, and listening to the Grateful Dead.



Dirk Daenen Tremelo Posted 7/23/01
Flemish Brabant, Belgium

Sitting on the terrace with my girlfriend watching the sunset over the North Sea, duvet wrapped around us while a cool breeze bites at our noses. My goddaughter taking her first few wobbly steps to my outstretched arms. The warmth of a sheepskin bomber jacket while driving a convertible at 2 a.m. along country lanes with the illumination of the front lights, the interior dials, the radio, and the moon and stars. When I re-unite with my brothers (who live all over the world) and can't stop laughing after a fairly simple joke.



Melissa Deaver Posted 7/16/01
Goshen, Kentucky, USA

Mint green tea, especially at night. Stargazing in silence next to a friend. Knowing all the words to a song on the radio. Being completely submerged in dreams. Playing football barefoot in the grass against a bunch of guys and winning. Bed heaters. Listening to older people share their life stories with me and learning how they got through what I'm just now going through.



Jean Posusta Posted 7/6/01
Toledo, Iowa, USA

Capturing a snow capped mountain in your viewfinder. Hugging your sister. Any vacation day. Sunshine on your car seat in spring. Your warm spot in the bed. Smells when passing a bakery. Polished brass sculptures. Peas squirting out of the pod into your mouth. Campfires.



Carly Allen Posted 7/6/01
Bellevue, Washington, USA

Warm towels and socks. Sweet tea, cheese grits and egg custard pie. Piano music by Emil Pandolfi. A baby's contagious laughter. Those few minutes just before bed to read and write. Waking up to sunshine. Simply abundant joy.



Yadira Chong Posted 7/6/01
Guayaquil, Ecuador

For me, there's nothing better than staying in my room and playing guitar in the night because I think this is the way I can transmit my feelings whether they're joy or anger. I can express everything through music, whether singing any cover song, or writing a new one. Also, when I feel lonely, there's nothing better than being with good friends. When it comes to a true friendship, time doesn't matter, only the quality of time.



Avis Grandon Posted 7/6/01
Spanaway, Washington, USA

Getting email from my friends. Donating land on EcologyFund.org and donating food on the Hunger Site. Reading a good book whether it be a mystery or romance. I love to watch the Mariners play (go Team!) Being with my husband, anytime, anyplace.



Candace McFadden Posted 7/2/01
Prince George, British Columbia, Canada

The fresh smell of the air after it's rained. My cat running to greet me after a long day. Eating chocolate with my best friend while watching a "girl movie." My mom babying me when I'm sick. Climbing under my goose-down duvet with a good book and reading until I fall asleep. Knowing more about hockey than most guys. A listening ear when I feel like I need to rant and rave a little.



June Wheeler Posted 6/22/01
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

A clean bill of health at the doctor. Talking nonsense to my dog while he furiously wags his tail in love and agreement. Scoring in the upper corner of the goal in ice hockey. Waking up in the middle of the night contented and falling right back to sleep. Appreciating the relative wealth and well-being available to people in the United States. Hearing a song that transports me back to summer camp in the 70's. A compliment from a friend.



Muyiwa Oni Ajah Posted 6/22/01
Lagos, Nigeria

Watching the sun rise over the lagoon. Watching the tropical clouds form which helps clear my head. Playing a good game of basketball in the evening and taking a freshly squeezed orange juice afterwards.



Colleen G. Posted 6/22/01
Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Feeling the sand underneath my feet in the bush. Feeling warmth on my face filling my body with a glow. Watching children smile, laugh and play. Having a hug from a good friend. Helping someone I don't even know and knowing it was received graciously as it was given.



Joanne Nutley Posted 6/22/01
New Jersey

Taking a long hot shower after camping with John and the boys, then lying in my own bed letting the television watch me as I fall asleep. It's amazing how you can appreciate the simple things like hot running water and noise after you've done without it for a few days!



Roxanne Wolfslau Posted 6/18/01
St. Louis, Missouri

Falling asleep knowing all my loved ones are safe and sound sleeping in their beds. Walking through the woods with my husband. Riding my exercise bike while reading a wonderful book. Staying up late watching my favorite movie and then sleeping in the next morning. Friday afternoons. A cup of cafe mocha.



Aaron Tanco Posted 6/11/01
Manila, Philippines

Hitting a golf ball just right at a distance of about 150 to 250 yards...hmmm. Watching a great musical on television (you know, the ones starring Gene Kelly or Bing Crosby). Playing a flawless game of tennis. Watching a close basketball game during the NBA playoffs. Listening to jazz on a Sunday afternoon drive. Being with that special someone and knowing she cares just as much for you.



Anna Becker Posted 6/1/01
Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA

Driving on a beautiful day listening to a really great song on the radio and singing along. The way I feel after taking the cardio-kickboxing class at the gym. The moments when my cat Hobbes purrs and snuggles up with me in the middle of the night. Walking on the beach on Vancouver Island. My mom's lentil soup. The beach on Grand Cayman. Visiting a new place for the first time with my husband.



Michelle Lin Posted 6/1/01
Taipei, Taiwan

I feel so much joy when I see my son smile. Quiet weekends where you don't have to watch the time. Sharing your innermost feelings with friends you trust. Watching your children grow up. Making new friends. Breathing fresh air, silence, and a hug from someone you love. Life can be so good.



Maria Talavera Posted 6/1/01
Mexico City, Mexico

Lying on my bed when it's warm and so soft after having a hard day. Getting told I look pretty today. Remembering my first kiss. Hugs from my nephew. A song that puts into words my feelings. Dancing in the rain. Putting on socks fresh out of the dryer. Feeling my curly hair in my face. Falling in love! Laughing hysterically with friends over nothing. Swimming with friends like you did when you were a little kid. Hot showers. Home cooked meals. A hug when you're crying. Your pet's reaction when you come home.



Rangutan Posted 6/1/01
Munich, Germany

Movies that make me cry (out of joy!). Not only happy-end types, but those that show REAL strength, dedication, love, and victory over life's problems.



Richard Goodwin Posted 5/29/01
Perth, Western Australia

The smell of the eucalyptus bush after rain. The first sip of a glass of a big Australian shiraz (red wine variety). A "thank you" from one of my three daughters for something I've done to help them. The most beautiful piece of music written in the 20th century, The Romance from Shostakovich's film score for The Gadfly.



Kah Hoe Posted 5/22/01
Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Long bike rides on the highway. A fresh cup of espresso, roasted to perfection. Being the first to read the newspaper, getting it while it's still crisp. Walking along the beach holding someone's hand. Being able to just relax and watch the sky fly by.



Shinhye Park Sooji Posted 5/14/01
Kyunggi-do, Republic of Korea

My family's endless trust in me. Totally sweated T-shirt after two hours of playing squash, and the very sound when a ball hits the wall. Realizing my mom's homemade spaghetti sauce tastes better than any other. When my favorite song happens to be playing in a bus at the right moment I get in (Korean bus drivers tune on radio all the time driving). Feeling a lump in my throat while getting out of a classroom finishing an exam with satisfaction. Dragging my tired body to the shower-room at home.



Anjan Vincent Posted 5/12/01
Chennai, India

Downshifting from the third to second gear for the extra boost of torque to slingshot past the car ahead of me. Driving in the rain and feeling the car slide about ever so slightly more than usual. Holding my girl in my arms and knowing she cares for me. A good song at the perfect time. Getting the bassline for a song just right.



Wayne Centrone Posted 5/9/01
Portland, Oregon, USA

Early morning walks to my favorite coffee shop (before the roar of a hundred screaming caffeine addicts). Lying on the couch on a sunny Sunday afternoon holding my wife's hand. Long bike rides in the clear, fresh air of Mt. Hood National Forest. A great glass of wine on a Tuesday night after a full day's work. The last kiss good night just before I drift off to sleep. Honey-flavored soy-nut butter on apple wedges.



Anna Himes Posted 5/4/01
San Diego, California, USA

A good glass of sweet tea. Journaling to make it all feel better. Oprah in the afternoon. My daughter's laugh. The taste of a kiss. A good book. An "A" on a test. Soft rain falling on the windows. My favorite song at just the right moment.



Sally Tovian Posted 4/27/01
Lombard, Illinois, USA

Hearing a baby's honest-to-goodness belly laugh. The first cup of coffee in the morning. When my kids say "I love you," unprovoked. The first really warm spring day. Finishing a book that you couldn't put down. Talking to your best friend for hours -- about nothing. Getting flowers from your husband because you had a stressful day.



Ron C. Posted 4/27/01
Amarillo, Texas, USA

A smile from my wife. Hearing my dogs bark when I come home. Hearing my father-in-law call me a Doo Doo Bird. Listening to my favorite country music. Just being alive.



Sherry Cairns Posted 4/27/01
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

The smell of the forest at sunrise. My son's smile. The warmth of a dog lying on your lap. A glass of wine enjoyed with old friends. A good book on a rainy day. Homemade bread and chili in winter. Coming home when the porch light's on and you know your family's inside. The satisfaction of a job well done. Growing something.



Betty Blalock Posted 4/27/01
Rio Vista, Texas, USA

Popcorn and homemade fudge with chopped pecans. Hot lemonade on a cold wintry day, safe at home in front of the fireplace. A warm puppy cuddled up in my lap, while I read a good book.



Kala Humphrey Posted 4/24/01
Brunswick, Ohio, USA

Watching two episodes back to back of "The Golden Girls." Playing monopoly on a school night. Having my mom put braids all over in my hair. Spending the night at MawMaw's house. Having "family time" when we all lay on the living room floor and talk.



Jim Sailer Posted 4/13/01
Brooklyn, New York, USA

Playing bridge. Reading Doonesbury. Finding someone who enjoys Tom Lehrer like I do. Spinal Tap. The West Wing. Evening walks with my wife. The New York Times (Thursday) crossword puzzle. John Sayles movies. The glow after a good run. A successful turnaround jump shot "swish." Sneaking out of work to watch a movie. Making a perfect vegetarian risotto.



Pam Kemp
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Standing on a peak of Franconia Notch in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. A train ride through Vermont. The smell of North Carolina pine trees. Sweet potato pie baking in the oven. Standing near a wood burning stove on a December night. The sound of rain. Sitting on a porch swing or swinging in a hammock with someone you love very much. Watching a baby sleep. Watching children play. Best friends. Work that you enjoy.



Tammy Krause
Brunswick, Ohio USA

Waking up to my husband cooking breakfast. The smell of a cake baking in the oven. The goodnight kiss from my children. Tucking my son into bed and promising him that there are no monsters. Seeing my little girl earn A's and B's after feeling like she couldn't do it. Watching my youngest roll over for the first time. Knowing I've learned enough in life to appreciate my own parents.



Kerry LaBounty
Florence, Massachusetts, USA

Sales in the Eileen Fisher and Ann Taylor petite sections. My Dansko clogs. The feeling of satisfaction and sweatiness after a hard work-out. Researching and making travel plans to just about anywhere. The Weather Channel. Writers like Guy de Maupassant, Pema Chodron, and Thich Nhat Hanh. An evening of playing games and laughing with my friends. The smell and feel of the soil when I'm working on my garden. Reading the main paper of whatever city I'm in, Fast Company (the newer, thinner version), or pretty much any catalog.



Kate (a mom) and Mackenzie (her daughter)
Seattle, Washington, USA

Kate:
Chocolate chip cookies. Blue. Warm blankets. Dancing to a Zydeco beat. Reading the bridge column in the newspaper every day. Daffodils. Being in, on, or near water. Raindrops on rooftops.

Mackenzie:
Flannel sheets. Swimming in a cold lake on a hot summer day. The ocean. Gardens. Outside. Lazy days. Sleeping in. Talking on the phone with my friend Masayo about nothing for hours. Laugh-a-thons with my dad. Reading a good book from start to finish.



Raquel Lewis
Oakland, California, USA

A warm down comforter on a cold evening with nothing much to do. The New York Times crossword puzzle. Black coffee and white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. That time of day right after sunset when it's almost dark out, but not quite. A good matinee on a weekday when only one or two other people are in the theater. A good jazz vocalist like Nancy Wilson.



Augustina S. Jones
Fresno, California, USA

Scooby Doo. Tomato soup and cheddar cheese. Fireside chats with a good glass of wine. Building a fort out of pillows with my husband to watch a movie. Les Miserables. Louis Armstrong. Bubble baths. Laundry fresh and warm from the dryer. A card from an old friend. Scrapbooks. Laffy Taffys and Abba Zabbas. "Chorus Line." Rainy days. Down comforters. Christmas morning. A full house. Three-day weekends. Seashell hunts on the beach. Gratitude journals and plain, everyday goodness.



Barbara Perry
Pendleton, Indiana, USA

The feel of my five-year-old grandson's arms around my neck when he crawls up on my lap and whispers "love you, Mamaw." The way the sun shines through the new green leaves on the trees in spring. The way my dog curls up next to me and lays her head on my leg. The way the sky looks just as the sun is starting to set. The feel of my husband's hand when he reaches for mine when we go for walks.



Judy Sherman
Greensboro, North Carolina, USA

Watching cardinals come to the bird feeder at dusk. The rusty purr of my cat Peaches as she drapes herself across my lap to watch TV. Piling up in bed under lots of covers to read Patricia Cornwell's latest Scarpetta. Spring wind. McDonald's hot fudge sundaes. The shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains laced with wispy clouds.



Joyce Powell
Bedford, Texas, USA

The smell of rain. My cat licking my hand. My neighbor surprising me with a loaf of her pumpkin bread. A card from a far-away friend. A "snow day." Soft chimes ringing in the air. My hands in the moist dirt planting spring flowers. The smell of fresh-brewed coffee. A bright sunrise. The full moon. Being in Ouray, Colorado.



Dave
Kirkland, Washington, USA

Setting up camp. Reading to my kids. The Eagles. European-style dinner with friends and family. Walks with my wife. Magens Bay in the morning. "Classic" family movies - Sound of Music, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Willy Wonka. Family adventures. Wind = 20 knots, water = 68 degrees, and waves = 5 feet. Not necessarily in that order.



Michelle LaViolette
Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada

Grey, rainy days in the house. Warm, soft blankets. My son on my lap in the morning, still cozy in his pajamas. Jane Austen books. A few mornings a year, in the dead of cold winter, those bright sunshiny days are always so cold, but such a good thing comes out of seeing the sun rise over the snowy pine trees around the lake, with the mist rising off of it. Bookstores.



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