happiness is not like chewing on pebbles

you know the cliche question, "when are you the happiest?" i think i actually have an answer to that, or i have the parameters for simple happiness. i had a dream last night where i entered franklin heights (the neighborhood in pa where i grew up) via gurney street. the trees were reminiscent of fruity pebbles. the sun shone brightly through holes left vacant by fallen leaves that now crunched beneath my feet as they lay orange, red, and yellow on black pavement. my steps kept time to the rhythm of my hummed tune. the air was clear and cool as i strolled around the bend. there are no houses on that bend. i heard my best friend call to me through the trees, beckoning me to come play. i had to consider it, because i knew that mom was home cooking dinner. my mouth watered as i imagined the roast beef and yorkshire pudding on my tongue. and that was the moment. all five senses were alive with good things in the same moment i felt love.

it happened in a dream, but i've experienced it many times while awake. thank goodness. this is why i love holidays like halloween, thanksgiving, and christmas. there's always festive music, full stomachs, warm homes, and family. if one of the six things mentioned is absent or unfulfilled, my happiness is less than it could be. am i 5? is it really that simple? no i'm not 5, and yes it is that simple for me. simplicity doesn't imply increased frequency. but i do notice those moments with more appreciation for timing and life and beauty.

addendum: what a day to post about happiness! two events have me so excited i can barely sit still. deborah found tickets to the swell season in november, a concert that to my knowledge was sold out! AND i ate lunch today at a chilean restaurant mere blocks away from work called pantrucas. ricardo is the new raul. sorry, la villa!