gearing up

It's no secret that the candidates are gearing up for the 2008 Presidential election. Sure, it may seem a bit early to make any judgement concerning these candidates, but I have to admit that I am somewhat less than overwhelmed by the names being tossed around right now. I think there are a few guys that have strong potential. There's just a great deal more to be learned about the frontrunners, and I'm sure we'll hear every sordid detail of their lives in the coming year and a half. Let's be honest- none of us are looking forward to the mudslinging. Is it too much to ask for that there would be a candidate that I will be able to genuinely stand behind? Moral fiber, integrity, authenticity, wisdom, compassion... Are these qualities too much to ask for?

more delights

sunsets
sunrises
losing track of time
getting Girl Scout cookies
doing nothing at all... nothing... not a thing
happy endings when "The End" scrolls across the movie credits
a job well done
taking a deep breath of fresh country air
catching a whiff of freshly cut mint
smiling for no reason
the first realization that an acquaintance has become a friend

simple delights

dew-kissed grass between toes
a cool breeze on a hot day
hot cocoa with mini miniature marshmallows
sitting next to a wood-burning fireplace
fresh buttered popcorn
an incidental touch
the cool side of the pillow
randomly breaking into song
rich cheesecake with a graham cracker crust
a spot of coffee after dinner
a chill on the noise while enveloped by a warm blanket cocoon
pruned fingers after taking too long in a warm bath
pruned fingers after taking too long in a hot shower
finding a great sale
sunshine beaming in through a window and warming my back
the first time holding hands with a loved one (and the second, and the third, and so on...)
soul cleansing tears
big belly laughs that hurt your sides
the twinkle in some one's eyes
stars... countless stars
catching the right card on the river
the smell of old books
puppy kisses
ice cream that you let linger on your tongue as its melts right down the throat
hearing a song that says what you're feeling
a tender kiss
a first kiss
a great hug
working up a good sweat
a blazing bonfire in autumn
fat flakes of snow floating all around
hearing your first Christmas song of the season
romantic comedies
clean sheets dried on a clothesline in the summer
a glass of cold... cold milk
seeing a great concert by your favorite musician
getting freaked out on a crazy roller coaster
receiving a hand-written letter... in the mail
standing in awe of God
the fragrance of fresh flowers
children
catching the sweet aroma of perfume in the air
seeing an artistic masterpiece
marveling at an untouched natural landscape
taking in the scene from a mountain's summit
exhilarating conversation
learning

more addyson