Snippets of SnapDragon

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A Re-Issue from The SnapDragon Archives: Originally Posted in March of 2019.

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I read somewhere that making lists can be therapeutic, especially in this ridiculous age of multitasking.

It’s quick. It’s easy. It feels like a tiny yet victorious accomplishment.

So for my first post in this Like It or Love It section, I’ve decided to compile a list of ten simple things that have recently brought me joy.

(clears throat)

10 Little Pleasures  (in no particular order)

#10. Freshly Ground Coffee

Ahh, yes. This extra step in our morning grind (sorry, couldn’t resist) has been well worth the loss of counter space. It elevates a humdrum routine into a ritual. I enjoy the scent, feel the freshness on my tongue, and it reminds me that I deserve The Coffeehouse Experience here in my very own kitchen.

#9. An Empty Calendar

While I love having family and friends, there’s something satisfying about having absolutely no plans. There’s a certain freedom in not knowing where the day may go. And sometimes that quest is to the couch, curled under a blanket, watching reruns of Frasier. You know you want to.

#8. Seasonal Weather

Being a Pennsylvania native, I’ve come to depend on the predictable changing of the seasons. Sure, I commiserate with the neighbors over yet another snowfall, but the truth is that I love it all: the snow that transitions to the budding trees, to flip flop outings and the first crisp autumn day. It means that Mother Earth is alive; she’s made it through yet another year.

#7. Driving

I’ve done more than my fair share of driving over the years. Our family and friends live all over the state (as well as all over the country) and we really don’t think twice about packing up the car and hitting the highway. Yes, gas prices suck, but the open road has always called to me. I like to settle in, listen to my favorite CDs, and treat myself to a $7 rest-stop iced coffee. And gummy worms.

#6. Funky Jewelry

Who says you’re too old for elephant earrings? Not me! I love finding one-of-a-kind necklaces, pins, earrings, and bracelets. Because I say life’s too damn short to choose formal over funky.

#5. Chipped Plates

I like actually using my things. I don’t believe in packing away The Good China (is that still even a thing?) or preserving items for Special Occasions. Fuck that. Everyday is an occasion to be celebrated. So even if the wine glass cracks or your tea kettle rusts, it means you’re making memories, Dear Reader. So party on.

#4. Candlelight

Similar to the freshly ground coffee, lighting a candle can work wonders. Take the 20 seconds to trim the wick, wipe the glass, and see it transform your space. Because those little things add up, and you deserve some ambience after a long day.

#3. A Hot Shower

I promise I’m not a weirdo. I included it on this list because I believe it truly can be healing. Bathing’s a necessity, sure, but it’s also a small moment we can take for ourselves each day. I remind myself to slow down, and focus on the warmth of the water. It’s my time: to clear my head, take care of my body, and face the day feeling fresh.

#2. Will Ferrel Movies

We watch a lot of television. As I’ve mentioned, there are a ton of high-quality shows, and we take full advantage. That said, many are heady sci-fi stories or full-out dramas. So sometimes I just need a laugh, you know? So I’m vowing to watch more Will Ferrel movies. They seem to get better with every watch. There’s always a bit of dialogue I didn’t catch before, one that makes me laugh like a drunken walrus. And who doesn’t want more of that in life?

#1. Being Me

So I know I said this list was in no particular order, but after all this I felt the need to make this last one really count.

I have never met anyone quite like me before. Yes, I have common traits with family members and with my dear, sweet friends, but I’ve always felt like the outsider. This can be alienating sometimes (why don’t people get it?) but now I’m choosing to embrace this fact.

Because I’ve never wanted to be like anyone else. I love my curly hair. I love my short stature, even though I sometimes get mistaken for a high schooler, which is annoying as fuck. I love how I obsess over Paul McCartney, Willy Wonka, and my own handwriting.

I’m a bizarre creature, yo. And I’m here to stay.

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SnapDragon is a writer, artist, and dreamer of vivid dreams.

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