Favorite things...

First, I'd like to thank Mary Christine for the tag of my favorite things.  I think.

Mary doesn't know that one thing I hate about going out with my wife is when she asks me at a gallery: "So, what's your favorite piece?" or, after a concert, "What was your favorite part?" or, well, you get the idea.  I had a therapist who I made completely insane (I don't think this is an exaggeration) with my inability to commit to a favorite color, favorite movie star, favorite car - anything I would choose a selection, I would rationalize conditions where I would prefer something else.  I really, really, really hate to pick "favorite things."  But, it's not that big a deal, really.  ;-)

Seriously, I'm grateful to MC for remembering me and including me in this rotation.

So, here's what comes to mind for 5 favorites tonight:

1. Mountains.  I live in the foothills of Colorado's front range and, if I can't get to the "real" mountains every 2 weeks, I feel withdrawals.  My soul is fed best on a tundra just a bit above timberline where we've got 360 degree vistas of craggy peaks.
2. The ocean.  I love beaches.  I enjoy snorkeling and SCUBA dives. I sense power and strength in the oceans of the world.
3. AA.  I think I've found a home and a family.  It's every bit as imperfect and perfect as any family I know.  I owe it my life so why would I not have and hold it as one of my favorites?
4. Marriage.  A good friend said at her husbands funeral - at the end of a eulogy where you kind of got it clear that they had fought a lot and she might still think that he was something of a s---- and that they'd fought a lot - but she'd declared the marriage "perfect": "If I could wish for anyone, I would wish them a 'perfect' marriage - as forged through the crucible of commitment."  I spend many of my days personally frustrated, disappointed or, lonely.  I am absolutely clear that my marriage is the greatest blessing and learning opportunity God has given through his grace.  I only wish I could do it better.
   
5. A child's laughter.  There's something so infectious in listening to my g'kids laugh.  It just feels like the world will all sort itself out when I can hear their peals of laughter.

And, as with every time that I do this exercise in a gallery or a museum, I know I could put many things in this list.  Maybe life is OK after all...

As to who gets this next (I really don't know where this has been so far and, again, I could choose many): Mary, Syd, Lou, Prayer Girl and, Doc-in-Alanon.  As they're tagged, so let them enjoy the choosing as much as I do.

Life, on the whole, really is good.