101 Things that make me happy

101. Letting things go.

100. Uninterrupted writing time--journal, book, letter, etc.

99. Tea with my Japanese friend.

98. Finding out that someone secretly thinks I'm pretty.

97. Playing the piano undisturbed.

96. Being appreciated.

95. Discovering that someone random looks forward to seeing me.

94. Receiving a sincere compliment.

93. Unexpected money.

92. Accidentally finding something I lost and gave up on.

91. Going someplace new that my friends recommend.

90. Hugging loved ones.

89. A cooking party with my friends.

88. The smell of chocolate brownies baking.

87. The smell of pumpkin pie baking.

86. New York-style cheesecake.

85. Fresh watercress dipped in homemade ranch dressing.

84. Frying fresh-caught rainbow trout over a campfire and eating it.

83. Fishing in the icy rivers of the mountains.

82. Rowing across a lake in the evening.

81. Wearing a medieval cloak and gown to a party.

80. A&W root beer in a frozen mug.

79. Ice cold water with condensation on the outside of the glass on a sweltering day.

78. Listening to people joking and laughing with one another when they're comfortable.

77. A house cat sitting in my lap.

76. Currying a horse.

75. A baby's first step.

74. Watching a baby bird hatch.

73. Writing something that other people enjoy.

72. Influencing someone for the better.

71. Receiving a smile that says, "I'm delighted to see you."

70. One-on-one time with a deeply spiritual person.

69. Stories about my ancestors.

68. Snuggling with the kids in bed and reading a story.

67. Authentic sushi.

66. A hot cup of cocoa in front of the fireplace after playing in the snow.

65. Playing in the snow with my kids.

64. Holding a newborn.

63. Teaching something useful to someone else.

62. Learning new things.

61. Finding an incredible bargain.

60. The "lift-off" part of an airplane trip.

59. Rendezvous trips with my husband to Domaine Madeleine in Port Angeles, WA.

58. Fresh fried clams at Ivar's in Seattle.

57. The Italian Gelatto shop near Pike Street Market in Seattle.

56. Watching my kids perform.

55. In-depth discussions.

54. Shopping at the plant nursery.

53. Visiting new friends.

52. Visiting old friends.

51. A spell-binding, captivating book.

50. Intimacy with my husband.

49. Being pampered at the spa.

48. Skiing.

47. Folding a batch of towels, hot from the dryer, on a cold day.

46. A hot bath at the end of a long day.

45. Preserving food with gratitude.

44. Seeing God's hand in my life.

43. Watching seeds sprout and grow.

42. Counting my blessings.

41. Playing "Pop Goes the Weasel" on the piano for my kids to dance to.

40. Street musicians.

39. Dancing with a great partner.

38. Dressing up for parties.

37. A deep long massage.

36. Being debt-free.

35. Fudge from Boehm's candy shop.

34. Surprise bouquets of flowers.

33. Sleeping in.

32. Singing

31. Authentic Italian food.

30. Watching my daughter dance.

29. A clean house.

28. A friend who loves me in spite of knowing all the bad and stupid things I've done.

27. A friend who knows me so well that we don't have to talk to understand each other.

26. Doing a secret good deed.

25. Watching deer in my backyard.

24. Watching ducks on my pond.

23. Working undisturbed in a garden.

22. Dancing with my kids.

21. My favorite songs.

20. Listening to a virtuoso perform.

19. Playing a well-crafted grand piano.

18. The contagious laughter of little children.

17. Serving a delicious dinner that is...well-received.

16. Being in great physical shape.

15. Going for a long run outside.

14. The birth of a baby.

13. Misty mornings after a rainstorm when clouds are trapped against the mountains.

12. Early mornings on the beach when no one else is awake.

11. The silence at the top of a snow-covered mountain.

10. The obvious delight when someone opens your perfect gift.

9. Finding the perfect gift for someone.

8. Going inside a temple.

7. The smell of rain falling on a dusty sidewalk.

6. The smell when you've just peeled an orange.

5. Brilliant summer sunsets accompanied by a light warm breeze.

4. Sudden summer cloudbursts.

3. Watching children opening gifts.

2. Valentine's and Mother's Day cards made by children.

1. Sticky Hugs from chubby toddlers.