The Next Chapter: Treats

It's time again to make my post for the book club for bloggers to which I belong founded by Jamie Ridler. We've moved on this week to another chapter in Martha Beck's book, The Joy Diet: 10 Daily Practices from a Happier Life. The chapter is called Treats and focuses on being kind to yourself and treating yourself to life's simple & not so simple pleasures as a way or nurturing your soul.

T R E A T S

I'm going to share the weekly assignment I had with you. It's called the Catalog of Sensory Delights and the task was to fill in the blanks:

1. I love the taste of:

*an extra sharp cheddar cheese

*ripe, fresh peaches

*fine dark chocolate

*my morning coffee

*my homemade panna cotta with chocolate sauce & raspberries

2. I love the sight of:

*twinkling Christmas lights

*my boys....anytime!

*lilacs in bloom at Highland Park

*the foliage on a sunny fall day driving across the Bay Bridge

*the Sunday paper and my breakfast on the coffee table in the morning

3. I love the feel of:

*my favorite soft cashmere sweater

*warm fluffy towels right out of the dryer

*crunchy leaves beneath my feet while taking a walk

*warm hugs

*having my hair shampooed at the salon

4. I love the smell of:

*gardenias

*apple pie baking in the oven

*vanilla beans

*coffee brewing

*Rubino's in Irondequoit...it just smells good in there!

5. I love the sound of:

*our children playing and laughing

* an excited crowd at Yankee Stadium when they team is winning a big game

*the dog galloping across the wood floors

*seagulls flying over the water

*the peaceful quietness in the library