Little things that make you happy.

[GiddyRobin]

Thought I'd start a nice, light hearted thread about things that make you happy! I notice a lot of light hearted threads end up a bit down in the dumps, so for those who just want to share, need a bit of cheer, or are generally nosy parkers (like me! 😂), I thought this could be a bit of fun.

I'll start (and try and make it brief!)

• Family. Yes, yes, twee, sickly, blah blah blah, but it's true.
• Christmas. Festivities and seasons changing in general.
• Books! Give me a good book, a nice box of tea, and I'm happy.
• Cheese. Any cheese. My DS had a milk allergy as a youngster and I had to cut it out too as I was breastfeeding. God I missed cheese. I celebrated so hard with a cheeseboard when he passed the milk ladder that I made myself poorly. 😂
• Flowers in my window. I love watching how the light changes the shades of the petals during the day.
• A good black comedy. Anything Shearsmith and Pemberton does me.
• Oversized men's sweatshirts. Fuck women's jumpers, men's are the way to go and I will die on this hill.

Off to make some sarnies to take to MiL's - v. interested to hear other people's little joys!

@StripyRedSocks Oooh, she's got a journey ahead of her! I bet she'll find it exciting (if not a wee bit tiring), though. There's nothing like the feeling of going home, and that sounds like it's long overdue for her!
Oh god the Teams buzzing! 😂 I have to leave mine on because somehow some idiot decided I could tell people what to do, so I'm going to live vicariously through your non-buzzy dogwalks. 😁 (though weekends are miiiiine, all mine haha!)

That looks bloody gorgeous! The picture of winter! It's got a feeling of a painting to it, I can almost smell the cold! Barren old trees in the winter are beautiful, there's something eerie but solid and sturdy about them.

Chocolate update: I munched the lot. Did offer some to DH, but he doesn't like orange chocolate so it just...disappeared. 😂 I'm considering it as fuel for my first day back. There's cabbage with tea, so that absolutely makes up for it. Besides, it was dark chocolate and orange counts as one of my five a day!

I thought I would struggle today - busy work day, loads to do, needed to get car to garage and then back home somehow, but tonight I dragged myself out to a Pilates class and peeled off the duvet coat, big scarf, jumper, boots and in ten minutes was properly warm for the first time in days and my shoulders have uncrunched. Am going to have a bath, then bed and a book.

This is not really such a little thing but it is something I have taken for granted. It is feeling safe. Safe in a domestic environment and in a Country that is safe. Today I had some Ukrainian workman helping me out. They were apologetic for their poor English. Considering they were doing me a huge favour and It was much better than they thought. They understood coffee and biscuits which we agreed was very important.

@StripyRedSocks I'm motivated by your motivation! It's the pushing yourself to do it sometimes, isn't it? I can frankly say I absolutely failed at that today, and I love my morning exercise. It was cold and icy and I just sat there cradling a coffee, watching the clock. 😂 I hope that bath was epic!

I did, however, get out for a massive long dog walk after work. DH's leg was playing up and the kids have got colds, but I thought sod it - grabbed the coat and boots and trampled off. It was that low light and everywhere was so quiet. Absolutely lovely. Wolf Dog rolled in a big muddy puddle and looked an absolute disgrace, he was furious with himself when he realised. 😂

@Rictasmorticia I think this is really, really important. Because it is a little thing to so many of us, isn't it? We wake up and complain because we're too cold to go and do yoga (me 😂), but we're safe and happy and it's okay. Realising our privilege (which sometimes doesn't feel like a lot, without leaping on my soapbox) is humbling. But it's also good.

Coffee and biscuits are such tiny little joys, and like hugs and a tweeting bird, or a nice smell - it's human nature, isn't it? Language divides sometimes but small comforts unite. I think this is a brilliant post. ❤️

I've just tucked up in bed, I'm going to read for a while. I've been following another thread about using your "best stuff", and I'm a bit bad at that sometimes for various reasons (all miserable so not doing a big post on that!!). Anyway! I've just had a bath, used two bath bombs at once, put on the silk PJ's MiL bought me, and sprayed myself with the perfume DH got me for Christmas. Small, silly, but I feel happy settling down and I'm going to wake up and do my yoga tomorrow!

@Rictasmorticia I have a couple of colleagues who are refugees, I often think of how our lives have been so different. I am grateful for my calm and peaceful happy home every day.

I've had a lovely day today, pottering in the house, haven't done anything in particular, life admin, car tax, renewed this and that. I might carry on sewing later, I've been making dust bags for things (shoes/bags) to use up some fabric I've had for ages. I've now got far too many dust bags 😂, I am sure that they will come in useful.

I've now got a house full of teenagers - lots of laughter, I'm looking forward to a quiet night in in my pyjamas when they leave shortly.

@GiddyRobin two bath bombs, epic! 😍

It is humbling. They are working on the property next door which has been empty for a year. They haven’t moved in yet but we I got talking to the new owner. They are Turkish and they are presently living in the same road as I lived in when I got married almost 60 years ago.

i offered the workmen our parking space as parking is tight and they were grateful and said that if we needed any jobs doing let them know. We are having trouble with our concealed lights in the kitchen, so I knocked and asked them if, when they finished next door they would have a look at them.

They spoke to the owner and next thing they were in my kitchen having a look. They replaced all the bulbs, checked the wiring and are coming back to do another job next week.

Good morning, all! We had some sort of 24 hour bug here, but I'm very glad to say we're back to normal programming now. It's weird - seemed to come and go with no lingering effects! Not that I'm complaining. 😂

@RachelCarew I love that you're being invaded by dust bags! They are useful, though. Have you seen those book bag/protector things? They're a little thicker than your average dust bag, but I have to say rather useful. I bought one after a copy of Dracula got scuffed in my bag during my yearly read, and while they add a fraction more bulk to my handbag, they're definitely worth it.

I hope you got your quiet night in! (That's just reminded me of an episode of Inside No. 9 with the same title. May have to rewatch! 😂)

@Rictasmorticia They sound like lovely people. How very kind of them! I have an acquaintance who is married to a Ukranian man. When the war started, they left Germany (where they were living) and went over to help. I believe he's joined the army in some form, possibly as a medic. She's a teacher and has been helping out in schools I think. The stories she posts are sad, but many are also heartwarming. There's a real collective effort to help people in tragic and scary situations.

It's been a peaceful morning here. Up early and down to the horses - one is distinctly not pleased about having to wear a jacket, he's like a moody teenager. I told him it's cold and he just blew a horsey raspberry at me! I'd told my friend that I can't wait to get a manicure, but my usual manicurist is off sick. Well, my friend rang me at about 9.30am to tell me she's on her way over with her lamp and her BIAB stuff! So now I have a fresh set of very neat, nice nails and all before lunch! I've invited her back for dinner later as a thank you - DH is most excited about using the pizza oven. 🤣

Little things I've been very much enjoying this past few days:

• Simple broth made by DH. He makes it whenever we're unwell - it's just homemade veg stock, garlic, onion, celery, tomato, carrot. But he adds ginger and other bits and bobs and then strains it once it's all reduced. Sets my stomach to rights every time.
• I bought some fat balls and birdseed a few days ago, and there's been an uptick in birdy visitors to the garden! My little robin friend has been very pleased. He came right up to the kitchen door yesterday while I sat and watched him.
• Flowers! My sister dropped off a lovely bouquet, and I've separated it so that the kitchen, library, and living room now have a nice splash of colour! I like how they look beside the Christmas decorations. Like two worlds colliding!

Mine for the weekend, now I have my car back (which is a huuuge joy 😂)

• big fat puffy jellyfish on the beach
• birds perched nonchalantly on the heads of the Antony Gormley statues out at sea ( we were here: https://www.visitliverpool.com/listing/another-place-by-antony-gormley-at-crosby-beach/16098101/ ).

Hope everyone is feeling better today GiddyRobin

@StripyRedSocks Oooohhhh Crosby Beach!! 😍 It's bloody lovely there! Was it very windy? Can't beat that shaking away the cobwebs feeling on a Sunday.

Those jellyfish are huge aren't they?! I love how weird they look. We were on Anglesey in the summer, can't remember the beach name now but we had a good view of Puffin Island, and some of the jellyfish were enormous! I always want to touch them but know that's proooobably not a good idea. 🤣

We're all much better now, thank you. Strangest bug in the world, but I'm just glad it decided not to hang around for too long!

This afternoon's:

• DH is making* *Krydderkake, which is a Norwegian spiced cake. It's got cinnamon and things in it, so the house smells like Christmas all over again!
• My neighbour brought her Spaniel over for a little bit to play with our dogs. Wolf-Dog was so baffled by yet another bundle of energy. Collie-Dog was chuffed!

@GiddyRobin It was Crosby! If we have time we often walk up to the Blitz Beach and are so ready for coffee afterwards.

Today’s little things are:

• my clever, funny dog finding a ball she lost in the park last week. She can hold 2 in her mouth and vomits them out like Ron Weasley when he was vomitting slugs 😂😂
• and the first snowdrop of the year

Watching football. Whether it's DC playing, premier league or local league , it has been such a surprise how much joy it brings me.

@mrstambourinewoman am just about to settle down to watch the football (and maybe shout at the telly 😂)

Phoning the Dr surgery and hearing
Your position in the queue..is one.
🥳😁

This is a lovely thread.

Clean pjs and socks after a bath or shower.
Ditto fresh sheets.
Snuggling with my husband.
A dog wanting pets from me (this is probably my favourite 😍, sorry hubs!)
Settling down with a good book and no distractions.

Playing Cafe with my little dcs in the morning on a weekend. We have a coffee machine on a breakfast bar. They will pretend it is a shop, and order their drinks. On a plus I get to make my coffee at the same time as milk/babycino/hot chocolates/cold milk/smoothies. It honestly is the favourite part of my morning.

I love this thread. So many people taking happiness from simple pleasures.

I hope I can save this thread. It will remind me to always count my blessings so thank you for starting it. I need to think about what mine are..certainly dancing with small grandchildren will be one.

@StripyRedSocks I read your post and literally made the worst honking/snorting noise. 🤣 The description of your dog and Ron Weasley! Hahaha, that has to be my afternoon's little joy. She is gorgeous! Such a clever girl, I love when dogs find new tricks and are so excited about them. They're all "praise me, mother! Look at my skills!" 😆

Ooohhh, look at the snowdrop! Spring is lurking there somewhere! I'm so excited for February now. The Christmas decs are still up here but the feeling is changing, the slightly longer days coming in! I can't wait to make some spring decs, bunting and stuff. Seasons bring me so much joy, I'm glad the DC still want to make crafts with me!

@mrstambourinewoman I always wanted to like football. My brother loves it, but my birthday is Boxing Day and I always used to get in a right huff as a kid when my dad would put on the Everton match. 🤣 I should really let it go at some point hahaha!

@Youngheartsalittletogetherness Hahaha yes!! It feels as though you've beat some sort of curse, and are the holder of magic! 🧙‍♀️

@SewingIsMySuperPower These are lovely! DH and pet snuggles are the best snuggles. I really shouldn't let the dogs jump into bed with us, but lazy Sunday mornings with a coffee, a hound and a sleepy man? Perfection! 🥰

@SleeplikeababyTonight This made me smile so much. Such an absolutely beautiful moment - be sure to take photos, or even set up your phone to record. I got into the habit of doing this a while ago. I don't post them anywhere, I just keep them so I can look back and show them to the DC when they're older. Absolutely precious moments.

@Rictasmorticia Absolutely. I've been poorly this week, probably just a bit burned our with going back to work/change of routine, but this thread has really made me smile each time I've opened it. It's so special having little reminders of small things we often take for granted! @Sunshineandoranges Your username made me smile, it reminded me of the song Suzanne by Leonard Cohen. I think dancing with your grandchildren sounds beautiful.

My recent things are:

• Waking early and finding a steaming cup of coffee beside me. I get up to do some exercise while it's still quiet, and DH sets his alarm to vibrate under his pillow for ten mins before mine goes off. He gets up and brings me coffee, we have a snuggle then I go and do my thing. He goes down to water all of the plants.
• The DC getting excited about their instruments. DS is getting really good at violin, DH has been teaching him, and DD has recently started flute. She's loving it and I adore the sound of music in the house.
• More musical - DH gently playing violin of an evening. The kids go to bed and he sits there just playing for an hour. It's so peaceful.
• DS has been painting rocks with happy messages on, and leaving them all over the village. Someone found one and posted it on the local FB page. He was so so happy that he'd made someone else happy!

@GiddyRobin unfortunately we don't have any pets, which is why I'm always so excited when a dog lets me pet them! I saw my sister yesterday, and my nephdog lay next to me for about an hour getting grumpy when I stopped stroking his belly 😍 he's such a cutie!

Today

• Tonight we were surrounded by a ring of mist on dog’s night walk with my GNiece and had a random discussion about what would happen if the moon disappeared.
• The church in the distance looks like Batman 😂

So many already on here

My eldest growing in independence and confidence. She was such a shy child and has just passed her driving test and doing a social work degree. I'm feeling accomplished and that I've the first one well on her way.

My 3 youngest are autistic and every achievement however small is celebrated

I love watching them run in and out of the sea and the happiness from them

My youngest is in a surestsart programme and I love when he sees me at pickup time and drops whatever he is doing and bolts for me full of happiness. He's never apart from me so this is the only time I get to see this and I love it.

I am loving this thread, although it is reminding me how depressed I am. Lots of things that have given me joy in the past but sadly not at the moment. Reading it has given me a glimmer of hope though so thank you all.

@StripyRedSocks
That photo is beautiful!
And yes, the church does look like Batman!

From yesterday

• free parking at pilates and being reunited with my lovely scarf
• this is a big one 😄One sentence 'there is no need to attend the clinic on Monday, tests have shown that it is benign' [tbf I was 99.99999% sure it was nothing, but you know, doubts]

@GiddyRobin .... I actually made myself some fabric book covers about a decade ago that I still use for paperbacks. I am too careful with my nice books and don't take them out of the house very often😶.

@StripyRedSocks , goodness, what a relief 🌻.

I've had a tricky week 😅.

Today, the drive across the hills to see a friend who lives about 20 miles away, the drive/view was just glorious and I wanted it to last a bit longer. I didn't take a photo but I wish I could share it.

Right now, I am wearing my new bargainous dressing gown (over my clothes, just arrived and I tried it on but it is so cosy I seem to have left it on) with a cup of Teapigs Gluhwein tea, absolute silence here - it feels lovely for some reason.