That’s When I’m Happy
“There are some days when I’m very happy… and there are some days when I’m a little bit sad. But now, on those days when I’m a little bit sad… I try and find my way back to being happy.”
As one of my son’s favorite stories (That’s When I’m Happy) begins, when I get a little bit down, I just remember my passions to get me back. It isn’t that I’ve necessarily been sad lately, but with quite a bit of pain from having my wisdom teeth cut out and the subsequent dry sockets, it helps to recount the joys in my life.
Photography
I adore taking photos, and while I still have so much to learn, I love practicing and learning. There’s nothing better than being outside on a warm day with my camera and nothing to distract me. Of course, I also love taking photos of my kitchen creations, but sometimes those can get a little rushed because there are hungry people waiting to eat. I guess what I’m saying is, I hate being rushed when I’m spending quality time with my camera! I’m sure I’ll get more confident with that in time, though.
Creating in the Kitchen
I undoubtedly have a passion for food. There’s just something truly satisfying about taking those raw materials, ingredients, and turning them into something spectacular. I fervently believe we’ve let food get too far from our own hands, and what the masses are consuming is not, in fact, food. I love how there is always something new to learn in the kitchen, and in my lifetime I’ll never run out of ingredients to combine in different ways. I have a tendency towards these creative outlets that cannot be entirely mastered and have countless “right ways” for any given task.
Bicycling
I’m not going to pretend I’m a fantastic athlete or anything. There are some days I give hills the evil eye for their mere existence. But I truly enjoy being on my bike and love that it’s something my little family can enjoy together. There’s something wonderful about feeling the sunshine and breathing in the fresh air rushing past your face. After I had knee surgery, leaving two metal screws in my shin, I never thought I’d find a workout I could enjoy (almost) pain-free, so I’m very grateful my husband got me that bike.
Cats
I have a particularly strong bond with my first cat, Tiger. That’s not to say I don’t love our other cat, Mkzr, I do, but it’s kind of like in cartoons, when you have an anthropomorphic talking cat and an ordinary cat… The ordinary animal ends up seeming like a pet to the anthropomorphic animal and his humans. No, I don’t think Tiger talks to me. But it’s kind of a John and Garfield situation and Mkzr is Odie. You know what I mean? Anyway, Tiger is the first one there to comfort me when I’m sad, hurt, or lonely. If he thinks I’m any of those things, he won’t leave my side until all is well again. He’s very protective over me and our family, so much so that sometimes we have to keep him away from company, especially male company.
Literature and Film
I have such an affinity for the written word, but literature and film are by far my most neglected passions. I’m a lover of the classics, both print and screen, and luckily, I was able to take a lot of literature and film in college. I’m also a huge documentary junkie, and for some reason, that’s the addiction I find the most time to feed. I’ve always said if they could just bottle up the scent of a book store, paper, ink, and fresh coffee, I’d bathe in the stuff. Or at least buy the scented soy candle. I love how a great book or movie can take pull you into another place for a short while, making you think from a different perspective. We need that!
Family
You knew I it was coming. I talk about my son as though I’m raising the reincarnation of Gandhi meets Einstein, and yet you all still put up with me. Thanks for letting me brag a little! My family has become more important to me than I ever thought possible. I’ve always been a rather independent human, or maybe I just have attachment difficulties, but I’m so lucky to have these wonderful people in my life to take care of and to take care of me. And my little man. Oh, that boy melts my heart. I would do absolutely anything to make sure that child has the happiest, healthiest life possible. It breaks my heart that I won’t be able to protect him from everything life throws his way, but I’ll do the best I know how to raise a happy, confident individual, ready to take on those minor (or major) heartaches.
Of course, there are more things that make me happy. I love shopping for groceries, a cute new outfit, the cozy feel of a new sweatshirt… laying in the grass and watching the sun twinkle through the leaves, a great conversation, stargazing, feeling the sunshine on my skin, quietly stalking butterflies, a soft blanket on a crisp autumn evening… and of course, veganism is a huge part of my life.
What makes you happy?
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I Eat Trees is a blog featuring my adventures in all things vegan. My favorite recipes, snack food finds, and restaurant trials are all on the menu so enjoy!
Beautiful post, Keri!
I’m happy when I’m healthy.
I’m happy when I’m creating.
I’m happy when I feel valued.
I’m happy when I value others.
Thank you, JL! Lovely answers!
I agree JL!
thats a great post. terrific way for me to start my day. the pictures are fantastic.
Thank you, Brian!
I agree with Brian, this post was perfect for this morning
That bird on a wire picture is amazing! You have a great eye.
I am happy when I’m teaching. I am happy when everything (myself included) is quiet.
This post makes me happy! I love your list (and that you give hills the evil eye). Stopping to realized how blessed we are, to focus on the many good things (and not the bad things) is such a powerful way to improve our perspective.
Hot tea, my kid’s laughter, my husband’s love, my family’s sense of humor, the smell of kids after a day in the pool, the ocean, something warm in my lap (either a child or animal), new (nice) blog comments and the movie Noting Hill make me happy. Among other things.
Great list, Michelle!
Lovely post, Keri! You definitely brought a smile to my face.
Gorgeous photos, too!
I’d put all your same things on my list of what makes me happy, actually! Except replace cats with dogs (specifically, Mabel
). Not that I don’t like cats because I do, but I have a terrible allergy to them, so dogs have always been more my thang.
Thank you so much, Jess! Aww, Mabel looks like such a sweet dog!
I am happy when I am balanced. My relationship with my Creator in heaven is the most important for me to be happy and for my life to have any meaning of order. Everything else in life falls into place when that is established and balanced. Beautiful post Keri. I love your pictures.
Thank you, Noelle!
Your list is very similar to my list of things that make me happy. When I’m stressed at work, I look at a picture of my cats looking out the window. The world is their oyster, and I smile just thinking about their tails twitching as they watch birds and squirrels. At home, after a long day, seeing them and knowing my arrival makes their day, I feel as though every weight has been lifted and I’m truly where I belong.
I love your pictures. Thank you for posting this.
Thank you, Monika! My cats do the exact same thing at the window!
Your photos are so beautiful.
It’s obvious that you take great care with them to produce such amazing shots, especially the nature pictures.
I love creating in the kitchen, too, whether I’m following a new recipe or trying to veganize an old favorite. Books and knitting make me happy in my leisure time, and I like going to church functions and hanging out with positive people!
Thank you so much, Sam!! I agree; there’s nothing more refreshing than spending time with positive people!!
I totally love this post!
Thank you!
That’s such a great idea – thinking of things that make you happy. It reminds me of that song in The Sound of Music (“raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens”).
As for me, I’m happy when I try a new type of food or recipe, perform in an orchestra, hug my friends, and finish a calculus exam!
Thank you.
Now I’m definitely going to have that song stuck in my head all day!
Just found your blog through JLGoes VEgan. I will be adding it to my Google Reader! Was feeling a little down myself today – too much late Spring coolness and rain, I guess. Now, I’m feeling better! A bike ride is what I need!
Keep up the beautiful work! Carrie
Thank you so much for subscribing, Carrie! And I’m so glad you’re feeling better!
This was a really cool post!!!
Keri, these photos are beautiful. To look at them is like taking a mini vacation! Thank you for sharing them and for all you’re doing to make being vegan more delicious!
Sharon
Keri,
I just read your post and felt like I wrote it , not because it was beautifully written but because I feel the same way about photo, cooking & cats… You have such a cute way of telling things, i do feel joy after reading you!
Thank you!!!
OH, and please continue the photography, you’re gifted!