My Favorite Things
When I was younger The Sound of Music: Live! with Carrie Underwood came out, and I was stoked to watch it because at the time, I was an avid Carrie fan. I liked to stall my bedtime on Sunday nights so I could watch her perform the NFL’s Sunday night football theme song. Despite my young love for Carrie Underwood, I have become a fan of the OG Sound of Music with the lovely Julie Andrews. Around Christmas time my family usually tries to watch old films, and The Sound of Music is a personal favorite of ours. The song, '“My Favorite Things” came to mind the other morning when I woke up snuggled under all my blankets. Call me crazy if you sleep with just a sheet, but I sleep with three fuzzy blankets, a heated blanket, a comforter, and a quilt. When I woke up the other morning I knew I wanted to write down some of my favorite things, including waking up cuddled under all my blankets.
Although I can admit that I like brown paper packages tied up with strings, I can’t confirm they are on my list of favorite things. In total, the song describes 14 ‘favorite things,’ so below are a handful of my favorite things.
Green grass
After a trip to NYC, one of the first things I did when I got back was lie in the grass. The concrete jungle has nothing on the color, the feel, or the smell. Grass in the summer makes me especially happy, and I must say I miss the vibrant green color during winter.
Sunsets
This might sound cliché or stereotypical, but the thing about sunsets that my guy friends would disagree with, are that not one are the same! I take so many photos and videos of them because I wish I could freeze them in time. My front porch is my favorite place to watch the sun set and in every season it amazes me how different the colors become.
The sound of a full restaurant
I didn’t work in the restaurant industry until I was a senior in high school, but by far one of my favorite things has become a full restaurant. The sounds of clanking silverware, conversation, laughter, and cocktail shakers form an oddly perfect harmony that might go unappreciated if you don’t actually work in a restaurant.
Being tan
Don’t get me wrong I love seasons, but when January hits and I look back at photos from the summer, I miss being tan. Fake tan, spray tans, and I’d argue even tanning beds don’t give you the same bronze that the mean old sun does. I really don’t have much to say about this besides I just enjoy a summertime tan.
Driving
I will always volunteer to drive, and even though my car only fits 2 people, sometimes I wish I drove an SUV so that I could drive everyone else. Driving with the windows down is my favorite, and listening to music in the car never gets old. I know not everyone likes to drive, but I sure do.
When people send me songs
If you send me a song, I will probably always thinking about you whenever it plays. I also love listening to new music, so send me a song :)
Candid photos
Sometimes things are just better when we’re not looking. I love taking photos of people in the moment, because it resembles life as it comes, not a posed version of our circumstances. I also feel that the sweetest photos of myself are candids.
Cowgirl boots
Give me them in every. single. color. Cowgirl boots are fun and there’s nothing like putting them on and doing a little twirl. One day, you better bet I’m installing a boot wall in my closet just like Megan Moroney.
The kitchen on Thanksgiving
My dad always cooks for our family on Thanksgiving, and I’ll pitch in with a few things. He’s taught me how to make some of the dishes we have every year, and cooking with him has become something I look forward. Besides my dad and daughter cooking duo, the smell of the kitchen, the literal food (duh), candles burning, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on in the background makes the kitchen on Thanksgiving a true favorite.
Notes
Nothing more makes my day than getting a note from someone. Simple and sweet, a sticky note is simply the best. I also love writing notes for others hoping it will uplift them and bring them joy.
Laughing till your stomach hurts
If you’ve never had this happen, I hope that one day you get to experience it. There is nothing better than laughing at something, especially with someone else, and finding yourself unable to breathe and your stomach aching due to laughing so hard. Try it sometime.
Stained glass windows on a May morning
My hometown church has stained glass windows, and the sun on Sundays in May fill the whole sanctuary. It’s a peace irreplicable and a love irreplaceable.
Dancing like nobody’s watching
This is a hard one, because it can be difficult not to care, but sometimes I just wanna dance, even in public. I absolutely friggen love it. It’s not even like you have to start dancing like it’s prom night, but sometimes simply breaking out a weird move can feel fun and kinda freeing.
The feeling after finishing a shift at work
Most of life will be filled at work, but after a hard day, knowing you got through it and solved the day’s problems makes finishing a day or shift at work all the more satisfying. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
Although I wish I could rhyme all of these into a song, I’ll leave that to Julie Andrews.
What are some of your favorite things?
Best,
Meg
