#262: Staying up way too late with your favorite people on the planet

Reason to Be Happy #262:
STAYING UP WAY TOO LATE WITH SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PEOPLE ON THE PLANET

Nothing like an impromptu party that ends up welcoming the wee hours. Especially when you get to introduce some of your favorite people to each other, and they love each other as much as you love them! Ah, life...

#261: 50th Wedding Anniversaries

Reason to Be Happy #261:
50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Today marks such a milestone for my crazy, wonderful, generous parents.
A celebration of compromise, communication, forgiveness, and a sense of humor.

"The more I live, the more I think two people together is a miracle."
—Adrienne Rich

#260: Four Leaf Clovers

Reason to Be Happy #261:
Four Leaf Clovers
Can you believe I haven't missed a day since July 1? For those of you just now tuning in, I vowed on July 1, 2011 that I'd list a reason to be happy every single day for a year. So far it's been easy. I'm in no danger of "running out." 105 days left!

Happy St. Patrick's Day in advance, everyone!

#259: Cinnamon-Sugar Toast

Reason to Be Happy #259:
Cinnamon-Sugar Toast

A childhood treat, I still occasionally indulge in. The trick is to have slightly butter-soggy toast, but for it to crunch with sugar. Oh, and double-check that label on your cinnamon before you sprinkle it—I once took a big bite, only to realize I was eating cumin-sugar toast. NOT the same thing. At all.

#258: Plunging your hands into a feed bin of corn

Reason to Be Happy #258:
Plunging Your Hands Into a Feed Bin of Corn

This is a lovely, tactile pleasure. Like playing with sand, you can just sit and chat, and run corn through your fingers for a long time. Is that weird? I used to love to stick my arm into the feed bin up to my shoulder. It was cool, and had that silky corn dust…

#257: Ducklings

Reason to Be Happy #257:
DUCKLINGS!

I mean, really, how can you be blue in the presence of ducklings?

Mallard ducklings, with their black and yellow fuzziness, remind me of bumblebees, especially since they're oh so busy all the time—waggling their little butts, waddling around, peeping up a storm, moving in a swarm.

It's their season. Go find some. You'll be glad you did.

#256: The Aroma of Brownies Baking in the Oven

Reason to Be Happy #256:
The Aroma of Brownies Baking in the Oven

Seriously. Is there a more comforting scent? It envelopes the whole house, it drapes over you. If an aroma had texture, baking brownies would be velvet.