Favorite Things...

This week we're talking about favorites, and of course if they're my favorites, then they're also things I love. So here we go...some of my favorite and loved things! For this post, I'll leave my love of coffee and writing out of it, as those are pretty much known by everyone who knows me by now! What else do I love? Here's a random list of ten, right as they come out of my head:

1. I love reading an excellent book. The type where you can't wait to pick it up and read more, and because you're reading it every chance you get, the end comes way too fast. A book that the beginning hooks you, the middle entrances you, and the end gives you the perfect payoff. A book that sticks around in your memory for weeks after you've finished it. A book you know you'll read again.
2. I love cool, rainy days. The type of rain that comes without thunder or lightning. The type of rainy day that begs for hot cups of coffee/tea/cocoa, board games, watching movies, and hanging with your family inside. The sound of the rain smacking against the windows and the roof, while you're dressed in something warm and cuddly.
3. I love coffee shops. Notice I'm not talking about the actual coffee, just the shops. From the scent when you walk in through the door, to the sound of people chattering all around you, to relaxing and chatting with whoever you're at the coffee shop with. It's relaxing yet energizing, and I always leave feeling refreshed.
4. I love Christmas. From the shopping (as long as I have the money) for the perfect gift for the people in my life, to baking Christmas cookies, to the crazy early, rushed Christmas morning, to the big holiday dinner. The preparation, the lights, the scent of pine, and if we're lucky enough--the sight of fresh snow outside the windows. Oh--and singing Christmas carols! The warmth, love, and friendliness of the season just makes me smile.
5. I love airports. I know, crazy, huh? But I do. The rush of people, the thrill of traveling, the chance of meeting someone new and finding yourself in a really cool conversation. The excitement of where you're going, or the relief to be coming home.
6. I love coloring. Give me a brand new coloring book, a box of crayons, and I'm in heaven. Leftover from my childhood years, but the feeling hasn't changed. There's just something so relaxing in coloring in a picture. And all these years later, I still love the smell of Crayola Crayons.
7. I love hearing people laugh. Whether it's my kids, my friends, or complete strangers, the sound of laughter just makes me smile. I even love the differences in how people laugh--from the giggly, high-pitched laugh of a child, to the deep, rumbling laugh of a man, they're all a perfect way to add joy in a day. Don't believe me? Take a trip to a playground and just sit and listen to the kids laugh as they play. You'll likely walk away with a smile on your face and a bounce in your step.
8. I love going out to the movies. While I tend to be a stay-at-home sort of gal, there's something just downright fun about going out to the movies. From the popcorn (with Junior Mints!), to the previews, to the darkened theater, to sharing the experience of the movie with a roomful of strangers. It's just fun.
9. I love slow, lazy mornings. There's not much better than getting up in the morning and not having to go anywhere and not having to do anything. It seems the entire day is filled with possibilities--like an empty sheet of paper just begging to have a picture drawn on it. Anything is possible when there are no plans already formed.
10. I love good surprises. Whether it's a surprise email or phone call from a friend I haven't heard from in a long time, or an unexpected package arriving in the mail, or flowers being delivered to my door for no apparent reason, good surprises can brighten my spirits in an instant.

Those are some of the things I love. What are some of the things YOU love?