Happy Little Things

Daily writing prompt

What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?

View all responses

My family. My husband, my children, my daddy, my siblings-in-law, my mother-in-law, all of them. I don’t know where I’d be without any of them. They fill my life with so many emotions, but happiness is the biggest one.

My pets, and all animals really. My sweet Henry (Dalmadoodle), my Ali cat (shorthair tabby, Alice), and my Sonny boy (shorthair orange tabby). They are just like my children. I spoil them just as often. Toys, treats, games, switch up their foods so they have variety. I also have several birdfeeders around my home because I absolutely love birding, and watching any animal in my yard really. Or just going out with my camera to see what I can find, even the smallest of cool creatures.

God and Jesus. It brings me happiness to know I always have someone on my side. Someone I can talk to about my feelings, the worries on my mind, ask for help when I don’t know where to turn. Because of You and the strength You give me, I have not given up on this life. I have pushed through all of my demons and continue to shine with You by my side.

Helping anyone any chance I can. I may not always be able to help anyone with money issues, but I will try. I will help in any way I can, even if it’s just something as small as grabbing someone a coffee when they don’t have any money. It’s not hard to make someone’s day and it usually starts with a smile.

Busy work. I know that sounds crazy and you’re probably thinking, “Kris, really? Who get happy with busy work??” I do! I like cleaning, and organizing and stocking. I like errands and making lists to check them off. Now that I know more about myself, it all makes sense. So I give in to those cleaning desires, because why put myself through the distress of just not cleaning it when it is in no way at all hurting anybody that I wipe my white walls clean 12 times a day and clean my bathroom 4 times. It’s not hurting anybody and my house looks and smells nice. So, I indulge in the things I like. And that brings me joy. because at the end of the day, I feel accomplished, the house smells nice, my chores are done, and I’ll sleep like a newborn after all that work.

These are only 5 things that bring me happiness, of course there are plenty more. But those are for a different day.

Did we have any of the same answers? If so, which ones? What brings you happiness?

Passtime Activities

What activities do you lose yourself in?

When I get the chance to, I always lose myself in a good book. I haven’t had much time here recently between doctors appointments, work and the kiddos. But when I do, it usually sucks me in.

I can lose myself in the art of baking or cooking. I just get right in my zone and whip stuff up! I enjoy it so much. Turn up some tunes and start slicing and dicing!

Travel around for photos of wildlife or nature. I could literally do this for hours, if we can afford the gas and have the time for it. I could drive around for hours just looking for little critters or birds or water fowl or anything beautiful and natural just praying for a chance at one good shot with my camera.

This last one kind of falls in the same category as the last block of this blog, but standing at my back kitchen door watching all the birds at my feeders. I could do this for hours with or without my camera, and have on days where I went to work a couple hours after the kiddos went to school. I love watching them land in the tree near my feeders and look around while they inch closer and closer to grab a bite. I have gotten several photos I’d love to show with you all. I’ll have to make a separate post for that.

Wildlife Photography

Do you ever see wild animals?

Nature is one of my biggest loves. Everything in it is inspiring, beautiful, unique. Photography is one of the ways I enjoy capturing those moments of breathtaking awe. Enjoy a few of my favorite wildlife shots.

Pied-Billed Grebe

Osprey Parents Guarding Their Nest

Northern Shovelers

Warbler

Merlin

Belted Kingfisher

Juvenile Raccoon

Down To Business

What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in?

I have been thinking about this a lot lately, actually. My husband is currently going to school for what he has always dreamed of going for. Me, on the other hand, have no idea what I want to do. It’s a hard decision to make for me. Unlike some people who have known since middle school or before, and stuck with it.

But how did they know? How did they know for sure that that’s what they wanted to do? I have so many things I would love to be able to do, but which one do I love more? How do I decide?

I love cooking, art, photography, animals, and trees, and so much more. How do you decide which one you want to start with at least?!

I’ve been considering Wildlife Conservation because it covers a few of those areas I love so much. I’m a “fun fact” or “did you know..” kind of girl. Wildlife Conservation covers animals, plants, and their environments. Which is the biggest interest of mine.

Major in Wildlife Conservation and minor in Photography..? I think that might be the route I’m going. For now.

Wish me luck in deciding!

https://smellykat6812.scentsy.us

I also have started a business on the side to help with the upcoming holidays and birthdays in my family. Let me help you fill your home or office with scent-sational scents! Or host my party for a FREE kit of your own!!

Peaceful Living

AI Generated by Kristopher

What does your ideal home look like?

My ideal home would be something similar to the photo above.

I want the feel and look of a farmhouse on the outside. The wrap around porch with a swing, a huge kitchen with everything I need, and lots of land.

I want big windows for lots of sunlight. I want a 2 car garage or more. Several other buildings on my land, as well, for any projects or animals we have.

I would prefer to have an open floor plan type for the lower level. Upstairs would be for my kiddos. A finished basement area for our master bedroom and bathroom.

There are so many goals for our dream house that I’m sure will change with time. But for now, this is what we want.

Montana Dreams

Tell us about the last thing you got excited about.

The last thing I remember getting excited about is our trip to Montana. I’ve been struggling with depression more in the past few weeks and haven’t had much energy for anything else or joy.

But our trip to Montana was something my heart sung for. It was the number one thing on my bucket list. Something I’ve dreamed of seeing since I was a little girl.

Seeing those magnificent fields and large rock formations was just incredible. It will be a trip I remember for the rest of my life.

Pieces of My Heart

List 30 things that make you happy.

1. My husband

2. My children

3. My cats

4. My daddy

5. Reading

6. Sparking up

7. Car rides

8. Trees

9. Good food

10. Anything free

11. Coffee: hot, iced, or blended

12. Music

13. Art

14. Photography

15. Random facts

16. Me time

17. Learning new things

18. Cooking/baking

19. The smell of fresh cut grass

20. Making enough money to pay bills

21. Helping people any way I can

22. Seeing an animal in the wild I haven’t seen with my own eyes yet

23. Sweaters/cardigans/sweatshirts, etc

24. Giving someone a gift they wanted

25. Halloween

26. When sequels are just as or better than the first (not remakes!)

27. When snow melts away

28. Feeling appreciated

29. Pushing through fear and actually enjoying myself

30. Jesus and our relationship

Photography History

Who is your favorite historical figure?

Ansel Adams would have to be my favorite historical figure. Some people might not see it like I do, but without the determination of Adams, photography might be viewed way differently than it is today.

With tons of hard work, a keen eye for details, and the shutter click of his camera, Ansel Adams changed the course of photography by securing it as indeed fine arts.

Country Hopping

What countries do you want to visit?

Traveling the world is one of the top contenders on my bucket list and my husband’s. We’ve talked extensively about traveling the world, seeing all the sights and places, and just experiencing all the different cultures and food.

There are so many places to roam and see, but narrowing it down to only a few countries was still pretty challenging. I’d really love to see them all, see how other people live, and breathe in the beauty that the world has to offer.

I know for sure I’d love to visit these places with my camera. Australia, France, Germany, Brazil, Japan, Egypt, Thailand United Kingdom, Columbia, Spain, Ukraine, Canada, Madagascar, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Greece, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Switzerland, Ireland, Fiji, Iceland, and the two I know for sure would be Slovenia for me, I must get my eyes on that cliff top castle above Lake Bled. For my husband, Luxembourg. I know in his heart he wants to see the circuit track with his own eyes.

There are so many places I have yet to see in the United States. But I plan to. I want to have photos from all over the world to showcase my traveling. The feeling I have when I have my camera in my hands is just incredible.

Self Love

What’s your favorite thing about yourself?

I have come to love a few things about me over the last couple of years. I’m learning more and more about myself and finally figuring out who I am.

The one thing I have always loved about myself has always been my eyes. I was blessed with my daddy’s blue eyes, but the weather and sky manipulates the color from time to time. Some days, my eyes are gray. Some days, they are sky blue, and other days, they are a deep saffire blue with flakes of gold, making them look like like worlds.

I always get compliments on my eyes. Everywhere I go, from men and women. Even some kiddos. The only problem with my eyes is that they can barely see. I have terrible eyesight. Have since I was a baby. But I’ve embraced wearing my glasses. Even found a few that I like on my face. I hated wearing glasses as a kid. Kids can be so cruel.

Another thing I love about myself is my drive for work. I throw myself into work no matter the place and put in 200% effort. I always have. My work ethic comes from my Shirley, my maternal grandmother. She worked every day of her life and even got a job two days into her retirement because she couldn’t stand to just sit at home. That’s definitely me. I’m not a home body, I need to move around. Once everything is clean here, I’m bored.