Happiness and solitude

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it. - Groucho Marx

A disused railway cutting near Hexham

This quote made me wonder where it is I go when I feel down, or I want to improve my mood, reflect or just be quiet.  I came up with the following list:


1)Anywhere with running water - streams/rivers
2) Beach - preferably somewhere remote, my favourite being Holkham Sands, Norfolk
3)Nearer to home - my study and listening to 'Om mane padme hum' always makes me feel happier, calmer and ready to face the day
4)my white sofa, snuggled into soft throw, scented candle burning
5) Hot bath, warm towels, good book, glass of wine,
                                                           6) and last but not least - laughter!

Too much; too long;

So much has been happening in my life that normality got put on hold. Today all I want to share are some things that gave me pleasure:

drifts of nodding snowdrops, wobbling in the breeze
the smell of sage as it crisps up in the pan
clean linen on my bed, the lines of the cotton straight and smelling like spring