practice 'Happiness Manifesto' periodically

-my new contract at the place I used to work, but I’m working a 4 day week, which is perfect and much more civilized
-the beauty of the snow covering the trees, and the Christmas lights at night in our neigbourhood
-having 4 wheel drive and snow tires now that winter is really here
-having an office to myself, with windows, at my new job(same company, different manager and team)
-finally selling a painting through a reputable commercial gallery, which resulted in the gallery owner wanting more of my work!
-homemade pizza with artichokes, spinach, black olives, tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, grated cheddar…oh my god so good. om nom nom
-feeling like I’m finally back to being my old self-determined, confident, strong, creative, productive self

-the sunshine and gorgeous fall weather we’ve had the past few days
-raking leaves, getting exercise at the same time, and breathing in fresh autumn air
-my new art-minded friends in the neighbourhood, who make me feel happier in suburbia and make me realize not all suburbanites only care about what new curtains will match their sofa
-G’s smart mind and hot body…what an enticing combination! wicked grin
-good novels to gobble up
-the luscious time I’ve had off until my next contract begins at the end of the month
-a cool new screen divider (made in India) I bought at half price to close off the view of my messy studio from the living room

-not having to cook when I truly don’t feel like it because G doesn’t mind doing it
-not having to cook alone because G usually cooks with me, unless he’s tied up with something he can’t put aside
-not having to cook because there are such lovely things as restaurants
-not having to cook because I don’t have kids to worry about feeding
-not having to cook because there is a bowl and cereal in my cupboard

-the lovely fall weather-I wish it would stay like this and winter wouldn’t come
-the chickadees that come to the feeder in the backyard, flitting around with a built-in air traffic control system
-getting a pass to a yoga studio near by, and finally going to a few classes
-my new vehicle, which is bigger and can easily carry lots of my large paintings
-finding out a painting I had in an exhibit sold to a couple from France, and they’re shipping it back home with them
-a really nice dinner out with two girlfriends
-G’s patience and kindness

-a wonderful lunch with two artist friends at the restaurant where my paintings are exhibited, and learning a 3rd piece sold
-supportive friends who have been encouraging me in my creative pursuits
-G, for so many reasons
-the walk in the woods two days ago that left me feeling rejuvenated
-Rosie the rat, who delights us with her industrious building and renovating of her nests, and likes to come out of her cage to explore and hang out
-having my brother back in town
-the smell of fresh country air
-fresh mint leaves in fruity green tea

-being able to attend a wonderful party my friend had in her renovated church that she uses as an art studio…the church celebrated its 125th birthday, and it was so exciting to see Greg Wyard play guitar…I have one of CDs and love his music…plus it was even more exciting to meet him in person and talk about all sorts of stuff
-Rosie our rat, who has a new swanky cage with 3 levels and is loving it!
-being able to test drive some great SUVs and learning more about them so I make an informed purchase (good on gas)...I hate big SUVs, so I’m trying to find a smaller one so I can tote my paintings around
-grilled salmon with wasabi/soya sauce/garlic/maple syrup marinade
-our new all natural memory foam bed with no harmful chemicals or off-gassing…those big companies that manufacture harmful mattresses can kiss my butt
-breaking into some of the wines we brought back from our stay in Prince Edward County…yum!
-the book I’m reading by Guy Vanderhaeghe…it’s fabulous
-an afternoon spent with a good friend, visiting some galleries, chatting about art and life

-a really good movie (2003, A&E) “The Mayor of Casterbridge” that was a wonderful adaptation of the novel…it made me cry and I’m still sad
-having G’s shoulder to cry on
-a bike ride on a really windy day…the sound of the wind through the trees, the clouds moving across the sky…all so dramatic and life affirming
-finally figuring out what a painting needed to make it ‘right’
-cleaning my mom’s car so it looks amazing for a 1996
-a peppery gamay G and I brought back from Prince Edward County and drank with tonight’s dinner
-a cute rat named Rosie that I babysat for a few days…she’s adorable

-the wonderful but short getaway to Prince Edward County with G: excellent wineries, fabulous meals, great B&B that serves gluten free breakfasts, OENO Gallery and finally getting to experience a real Alice Teichart painting
-finding out a painting at my current exhibit sold while we were away
-delicious herb encrusted chicken I made with herbs I grow in the backyard
-knowing I didn’t have to go to work this morning, and still have plenty of time off
-the master bedroom decorating project with G…it looks great so far and we’re really enjoying it, even if it means shopping for stuff (which I hate)

-seeing Danny Michel at a free concert at WestFest last weekend…he’s amazing and one of my favourite singer/song writers
-a wonderful annivesary dinner with my G at a lovely little restaurant in Westboro
-the gorgeous summer days and walk in the woods
-seeing a deer just 10 ft away on my lunch time stroll through the nature trails near work
-a couple of new friends in the neighbourhood…makes living here in the suburbs so much better
-seeing how beautiful my gardens are looking
-the huge purple irises at a garden near where I work…my favourite flower
-my mom recovering nicely from her broken ankle surgery
-G’s mom pulling out of critical condition in the hospital after two major surgeries
-my health, which is so far, so good

Today I am grateful for so many things (it’s been a while since I had time to jot them down):
-my mom finding out that infection is not setting in, and she’s out of the danger zone with her broken ankle
-having my brother in town again after 13 years of living in the USA
-SPRING!!! the smell of lilacs, cute goslings, gorgeous flowers everywhere
-buying and planting some perrenials in the front garden, and annuals in the pots for the front porch
-a much improved digestion after 6 days with no wheat products
-my contract NOT being renewed, but knowing I can go back if I choose when there’s more work, and being offered another position with a better team and product that I will decline anyway
-feeling so positive about pursuing yoga, painting, tutoring…fulfilling things that make me happy, but probably not rich ha!
-encouragement from G, who doesn’t tell me what to do, but supports my choices and just wants me to find my place in the world
-friends who want what’s best for me (which doesn’t mean a lucrative job in a big corporation), and tell me to take the leap
-some wonderful feedback from a couple of strangers who saw my work in the city and commented on how much they like it
-selling two more paintings recently