I listen to a fair amount of podcasts- the usual playlist of politics, story-telling, food, and quirky sociological shows that is a characteristic of leftist progressives everywhere. Many of these shows have some kind of a segment at the end where the hosts get to Recommend, or Wonder, or Cocktail Chatter, or Endorse things in their lives they’re thinking about, or finding make their lives better, more enjoyable, easier, or more thoughtful, or informed. And I find I really look forward to that part of the show, and I’ve discovered more than one amazing thing by following someone’s recommendation on one show or another.

Not to imagine for a second that the things that make me smile will also be things that make someone else smile, but I like thinking about these little things, which makes me smile, which helps me feel happy, which also makes me smile. And by writing about these things, I get to think about them even more, thus, continuing the cycle. And these little things deserve to be celebrated. It’s a tough time out there for smiling.

#1- Snoop Dogg listening to “Let It Go” in his car. See it here. There is something so gentle and heartwarming about this guy having his alone time, listening to a Disney princess song.

#2- Wordscapes-  The Girl has played Wordscapes on her phone on our long drives to and from school for years now, and every so often she’d ask me to help her on a level. But I didn’t think too much of the game until being soundly beaten by Her during a Christmas Boggle tournament. I vowed then and there to up my Boggle game, and I downloaded Wordscapes that very night. It really is the perfect game for me- finding as many words as you can, from up to 7 jumbled letters. Take all the time you need, try as many times as you need, and the words you make that aren’t in the puzzle still count as points. No penalties. No time limits. No pressure. And such satisfaction! Making meaning out of a random mix of disorderly letters. Just wonderful.

#3- Torani Salted Caramel Coffee Syrup- I have always been a “coffee flavored sugar milk” kind of gal, and in the past year, I’ve decided to treat myself to a fancier cup of the morning brew. I live 40 miles from the nearest Starbucks, and the only coffee I pass on my way to school is the ubiquitous brand-named pump pot at the village gas station, complete with choice of powdered creamer, and various sizes of styrofoam cup.  Purchasing a ready made, steaming latte was certainly out of the question, and who has the patience, space, money, or time to commit to an actual cappuccino maker? But to my delight, all I find I need is my trusty coffee syrup. So I can’t replicate the steely strength and rich flavor of freshly pressed espresso, or the ethereal wisps of perfect clouds of milk foam I would have on a commercially made coffee product. But with just one teaspoon of my beloved Torani Salted Caramel Coffee Syrup, I get something even better- a deliciously sweet (but not too) and creamy start to my day that I can enjoy from the comfort of my well-lived in and well-loved couch. In my bathrobe. Without having to tell anyone my name, or needing to make small talk at the pickup counter. Smiles for days.

Just 3 things at a time, I think. More to come.