1. When a perfect character name appears out of nowhere.
2. Having someone say, yes! I get it.
3. Laughing so hard that no sound comes out, tears run down my face, and how that makes my kids laugh even harder.
4. Breaking circles that were meant to be broken.
5. Seeing an old couple walking side by side.
6. When you don’t want to write, and you follow where the scene takes you to find out that was meant to happen all along.
7. Feeling my kids’ bodies relax when they’re upset and I hold them long enough.
8. Remembering that life is not static, and whatever is difficult now will be gotten through one way or another.
9. Stories may sink or swim, but no one can take away what you’ve learned from each writing.
10. The seriousness with which children take their play.
11. The look my husband gives me when he knows I need to talk, but don’t have the words. The fact that he rarely says, what’s wrong, but rather gives me a look that says he’s waiting to hear me.
12. Hope in all things, no matter how dark.
13. A book that you don’t want to end.
14. A cup of coffee with just the right amount of milk and sugar.
15. Teachers who love our kids.
16. My love.
17, 18, 19. My Minions.
20. All of you.
number 14: YES YES YES (said in the same tone as meg ryan at the diner with billy crystal)
Reading this is a great way to end my evening before sleep. And may I say your number 3 is one of my favorite things of all times. The only thing I like better than hearing my kids laugh together is laughing with them, as well.
Laugh with, laugh at..tomato, tomahto, no?
Great list Lyra. My daughter does number 3 and we love watching her – after we’ve checked that it is indeed laughter!
It’s funny, I think it’s genetic. Myself, my dad and his sister, who is now in her seventies, when we laugh really hard the sound stops coming out and we jostle about, tears running down. The first time I saw my aunt do it, made an entire room go into a fit of laughter, my sister saying through her own laughter, “She does that weird thing too!”
Beautiful list. I live by #12 and I’m floored by #10.
10 is one of the best things in the world. If we could harness that intensity, that focus, there’s no limit to what we could accomplish.
I’m personally fond of 12-19……
Yes, yes on all of these! I’m particularly fond of #4, breaking circles that were meant to be broken — often so hard to do, but most rewarding once it’s done.
I’m going back to read them all again.
I thought of you, Teri, and your love of lists.
Funny though, I only intended to have 10, but, well I even write these big.
You’re right there, Lyra. Give me list (or 10 lists) and I’m a happy girl.
Your number 5 is one of my favorite things in the world. Old love is the best kind of love.