Simplicity - Deriving Joy from "The Little Things"

I was happiest in my first home - all 850 square feet of it - rather than the 3,500 square foot house I own now.

Expensive gifts make me yawn, but I'm moved when given something from the heart, which is also free: hand-written letters.

Having my husband brush my hair is far more pleasurable than visiting a salon or having a manicure.

Eating mashed potatoes and grilled cheese sandwiches on a make-shift table by candlelight was more romantic (and memorable) than dining at the Country club.

Giving my husband a foot bath and massage when he came home from the field did more for intimacy than any diamond ever could.

Attraction was easy when camo paint, combat boots and a little dirt were involved. Suits and ties only reminded me of men with soft hands and being in church.

As a teenager, running through sprinklers with my husband on our impromptu wedding night was far more special than having an expensive wedding.

Finding a five dollar bill in a coat pocket when we were broke newlyweds warranted a celebration far sweeter than any anniversary when we were able to splurge on two cokes and two candy bars.

I felt more pride for my little red bug that had no heat or air conditioning than I have for any vehicle I've owned since then.

The cosmetics bag purchased on sale and given to me by my dad just because was far more special to me than any Christmas gift ever received. Why? My dad was a single father, saw something pretty and thought of me.

Riding in an old truck on "date night" and having the sun roof collapse while rain poured in on top of us brought more laughs than many other moments combined.

Our "poorest" years seem to have the best memories. I'll have more fun telling those stories than I will in recalling the vacations we went on. It's the simple moments that build character, make memories and are the real adventures.

Quotes
In the end, what affects your life most deeply are things too simple to talk about.
- Nell Blaine

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
- Robert Brault