I'm making a Happy Card.

 *Because I used SO many photos in this post (even for me),  I kept them all 'small' ~  you can click on any image to biggify it.

I just read a wonderful post at Chickens in the Road  that discusses happiness and what makes us happy.  As soon as I read it, I knew that I wanted to make a "Happy Card" as well as 'pay it foreward' by blogging about the same topic and sharing the link to Suzanne's post.  Good timing.

Before I could even pull up Blogger to begin this post, my dogs started barking.  Then the doorbell rang.  It was a nice man from the Electric Company coming to give me written notice that if I don't pay my electric bill, in full, today, they will be disconnecting my service at noon tomorrow.   The note also indicated that a $50 charge has been added to the bill for the trip the nice gentleman made to my home today. 

OK.  So, I've got to figure out a way to fix this.  I'll figure out something.  I always do!  I haven't frozen to death yet and I'm not about to now...

Back to the topic of this post:  Making the CHOICE to be happy.  Today, I chose to be happy.  I have so much to be grateful for in my life.  So many sources of joy and love!  As Suzanne suggests in her blog post, I'm going to make a list.  Suzanne suggests listing ten things that make you happy.  If you have a difficult time thinking of ten things, WRITE DOWN TWENTY!   I'm just going to write down what ever comes to mind ~ in no particular order:

*  my Children

Pam, Ben and Katie.  Only another mother can understand how much joy, love, pride and happiness one's children can bring into their lives.  My kids are my best friends.  I am so proud of the loving and kind adults that all three of them have matured into.  I hope that they know how much they make my heart smile!

*  my Grandsons

Watching these three boys grow up and seeing the joy that they bring to their parents' lives is like the "frosting on the cake" of having children.   I couldn't be more proud of the kind, respectful young men that they are becoming. 

*  my Brothers and Sisters

Even though we don't see each other often, Bob, Russ, Peggy, Billy Penny ~ I thank God that you are my family!  Your love and the past that we share is a part of my very being.  I feel stronger when we are together. 

*  my Dogs 

My beautiful "Bellamica" and big-hearted "Sable" bring me daily joy!  From their gentleness with my other animals to their companionship when I go to bed at night.  They make my life brighter.  And there is nothing like unconditional love to make one happy!

*  my Cats

They keep the rodent population under control and entertain me daily!  There's just something about hearing a cat purr than makes me feel so peaceful.

*  my Sheep

I'm not sure that there is anything I can say about my sheep and the joy that they bring to me, that you don't already know!  If you have any doubts, what-so-ever, start here

*  my Guinea Hogs

It is absolutely impossible for me to interact with these fat, little creatures without smiling and laughing!  They were a good choice...

*  my Chickens

Although, they're not particularly 'affectionate', my chickens can make me laugh and I am certainly proud of the lovely flocks that I am developing.  Another species that is both beautiful and highly entertaining!

*  my Friends

Cork, Linda, Kate, Doc  ~ I think you have to know how blessed I feel to have you in my life.  I will never be alone, nor will life ever be 'hopeless', as long as you are in this world. 

Friends from grade school, high school, college, work, blogging, etc.,  each brings a bit of happiness into my life ~ be it through comfort and support, or laughter, inspiration,  motivation, kindness, gentle criticism when called for, camaraderie and often even love. 

*  my Home 
I love my peaceful little world in my beautiful, little valley!  I feel safe and protected here.  I feel at peace.  (Well ~ MOST of the time)   

* my Jeep!

I know ~ it seems silly.  My Jeep is a 1994 model with well over 200,000 miles on it, but I love it.  There is something about it that makes me feel safe.  Even if I am terrified of driving on icy roads.  Or at night.  Or if it's raining.  Or the road is curvy.  Or.....

*  my Blog

Amazingly enough, this blog has become a very important part of my life.  It makes me feel connected.  Like people care.  Like they like me.  (can you tell I just had an appointment with my therapist, yesterday???)  This blog is my way of sharing my life and my world with others.  It helps me to understand myself and it chronicles events that I have lived through ~ be they good or bad.  I've found that it's very interesting ~ sometimes joyful, sometimes sad ~ to go back and read my posts from years ago.  I remember the feelings and the emotions from those times.  I've been there before and most likely will be there again.

*  my Beautiful Baby Girl is getting Married

I am so happy that Katie has found love.  That she has chosen the man that she will share the rest of her life with.  There is nothing in this world that brings me more happiness, than to know that my children are happy.

*  my Backyard in the Summertime

And of course....

*  DREAM

"You might think I'd be upset because I'm at the bottom of this list.  But I'm not really  at the bottom:   I'm one of Mom's children, part of her family,  her best friend,  her shoulder to cry on and snuggle into and the Star of this blog!!!   Why on Earth should I be upset?"

As per usual, you are absolutely right, my dear, sweet Dreamer!

Wishing you ALL happiness...