100 Things I Love & Are Grateful For!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Life

When I read Brian’s post at WritingfromtheheartofBrian where he shared a list of 100 things he loves, it really touched me. Brian’s posts and the essays he writes are always moving, humorous, and authentic. Please pay him a visit if you haven’t met him yet. Anyway, I picked up my loyal journal from where it rests on the coffee table, and began making a list. I seamlessly wove together things I love and things I’m thankful for. Perfect timing because here we are with Christmas just around the corner. The spirit of the season seeps into our hearts. For the sake of time, I tried to narrow my list down to 50, but I couldn’t. Now this says it all! And I went a few over! 🙂 These are in no particular order.

  1. Family time.
  2. Sharing life’s adventures with my best friend, my husband, for almost 36 years (37 since we met).
1989

3. My dog, Copper. He’s 14 years old and doesn’t go fast and far anymore, but he’s doing well.
4. Good health – this is no laughing matter, as my dad used to say. I don’t think I grasped the profound meaning when I was young, but now I get it.
5. Baking – carrying on my mom’s tradition.
6. Singing – my passion since I was 9 years old.
7. Barbara Streisand – my vocal idol who I was fortunate to see in concert – the most magical evening!
8. Elvis Presley – I was only a teenager, but his voice was incredible and he was so handsome. 🙂 I was lucky to see him in concert with my family two years before he passed away so young.
9. Redwoods – I feel a sense of peace and reverence whenever I’m in their company.

10. My childhood cabin – memories of Yahtzee nights and Mom’s lasagna!
11. Chocolate chip cookies made from scratch right out of the oven!
12. Sunsets, especially at our favorite lake.

13. Writing! Poetry, Fiction, a children’s book – trying new genres for a challenge.
14. Reading – getting lost in poetry that resonates or in the pages of a compelling book!
15. Poetry of Mary Oliver – I feel deeply moved by her poems.
16. Beautiful gardens – the colors, the life, the connections, the honey bees!
17. Addictive Netflix shows – Virgin River, Schitz Creek, Grey’s Anatomy, Gilmore Girls, & New Amsterdam.
18. Long phone chats with my daughter in TN.
19. Long phone chats with my son in CO.
20. Chardonnay on a Friday night after another work week has come to an end.
21. Going to the movies – the whole experience of relaxing in the recliner chairs and munching on popcorn.
22. Music – singing, dancing, listening, going to concerts.
23. A quiet drive on country roads.
24. Wine country in the spring and fall.
25. All animals, esp. dogs, and elephants – After I read two non-fiction books about elephants, I fell in love with the magnificent creatures.
26. Chocolate!

27. Hawaii.
28. Camping in a tent – I don’t mind roughing it and getting a little dirty.
29. Campfires in the wilderness.

30. The color blue like the clearest sky, a tropical ocean, and my husband’s eyes.
31. Musicals – The Sound of Music with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plumber top the list.
32. Small, charming towns.
33. Reminiscing through old photo albums. The memories…
34. Moving furniture around in the house.
35. RomComs: Pretty Woman, While You Were Sleeping, Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, The Proposal, When Harry Met Sally

36. A hot shower after tent camping for a week.
37. Air conditioning on a 100 degree summer day.
38. A fun day at the county fair. I have great memories of going as a family, checking out the art exhibits, the pig races and petting zoo, riding the ferris wheel, and eating fun fair food: gyros and chocolate mint ice cream.
39. Noisy holiday gatherings with children’s laughter that evoke wonderful family memories of when my parents were still with us.
40. Christmas decorations inside and outside.
41. Coffee with hubby no matter where we are.

42. Typing.
43. A great sense of humor 😂
44. Kind people.
45. Ethical politicians.
46. Tacos and a margarita.
47. Jeans and t-shirts.
48. Hokas – my saving grace to mitigate foot nerve pain.
49. Jewelry – Silver, gold, beaded, all kinds. Necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets. I love to accessorize!
50. Blogging and the wonderful friends I’ve made!
51. My Apple watch – changing the photo & using for exercise. It’s simply fun.
52. The moon!
53. Visiting my daughter in TN.
54. Visiting my son in CO.
55. Technology when it works! LOL
56. My white Mazda CX-5.
57. Disneyland – Childhood memories of having Disneyland in my backyard. I love Disney!
58. Compassionate and trustworthy doctors – I am grateful for the care and treatment my family has received at Kaiser over the years.
59. Purses.
60. Backpacking with my husband! The tranquility, carrying all we need on our backs, the photos, the memories!

61. Hiking.
62. Holding a book in my hands. There’s something special about the feel of the cover and pages.
63. When Paxlovid kicked in during Covid, even though the metallic taste in my mouth was unpleasant for a week.
64. Organization.
65. Playing in the snow: sledding, snow shoeing, tobogganing, tubing.
66. A lush, green lawn.
67. Carrot cake. Did you know it counts as a vegetable? 🙂

Made by my son for my birthday a few years ago.

68. Sitting on our patio on a summer evening, watching the hummingbirds.
69. Stinson Beach.
70. Heat in the house on a cold winter’s morning.
71. A live Christmas tree adorned with ornaments the kids made and ornaments that were given to us.

72. A new roof that cost too much but that keeps us dry.
73. A house we call home.
74. The feeling of euphoria I had after giving birth to my daughter and son.
75. Walking hand in hand with my husband.
76. Paying someone a compliment.
77. Waking up early in the morning and enjoying quiet time to read, write, or blog.
78. Reveling in the joy when my husband gets home from an awesome motorcycle ride.
79. A simple walk around the neighborhood. Each time, it’s a different experience.
80. When my kids tell me they love me.
81. Receiving Christmas cards.
82. Getting together with friends.
83. Motorcycle rides with my husband.
84. Lucille Ball. The laughter never ends!
85. Enjoying a day at the beach.
86. Attempting a new creative endeavor and succeeding.
87. Reading the blogs I follow.
88. Listening to the rain from inside my cozy home.
89. How comfy my bed feels at night when I’m tired.
90. Any body of water.


91. The excitement of a new year’s possibilities.
92. Riding bikes in Lake Tahoe.
93. Weekend getaways.
94. Having something to look forward to.
95. When my children graduated from UC Davis.
96. Self-publishing a new book.
97. My poetry and stories getting published in literary magazines.
98. Opening all windows in the house on a beautiful spring day.
99. Emojis ❤️🥰🎉🤗🙏 What can I say? They’re fun! 😍
100. Bodega Bay.
101. Pain-free days and nights.
102. Samuel P. Taylor Park.
103. Point Reyes.
104. West Marin.
105. The Cheese Factory.

Could any of these land on your list? I’m sure some from Brian’s are the same for mine. And that’s okay. Like- minded individuals!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Thanks for taking the time, and for stopping by today!
I appreciate you all for visiting my little corner of blogland. ❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

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160 thoughts on “100 Things I Love & Are Grateful For!”

  6. A whole bunch of these would be on my list too, Lauren. I loved how broadly you looked for the things you love and are thankful for. I imagine your list could have easily expanded. A beautiful tradition for this time of year (or any time of year.) And thanks for the introduction to Brian! I’m heading over to say hi.

    1. Awesome, Diana! Like I said to Maggie, many are universal, but some are specific to me. 🙂 What’s funny is I’ve already thought of more I could add! I’m sure yours would be just as long and never-ending! I’m happy to introduce Brian to you, and I know you’ll enjoy his authenticity, creativity, and humor. Hugs ❤️

  8. Love your list, Lauren…so many nods and smiles as I read. I feel as if I know you so much better…and what a lovely way to embrace a friend. Learning about what matters most. xo! 🥰

    1. I’m glad you loved my list, Vicki, and I’ve already thought of more to add! So much to love and be thankful for without taking for granted. And I suppose this is a good way to get to know me too. Thank you so much for your lovely words. I value them very much. 🥰💞

    1. That’s great to know, John! And many of mine are blanket ‘things’ that I love, so I’m not surprised. The specific things, well, if any of those resonated then that’s cool! 🙂 Thanks for your lovely words which I feel deeply. The meaning of being rich goes so much deeper than money in the bank. 🤗

      2. Oh, of course, John, because you know this area! Awesome, and someday when we move for our next chapter, I’ll miss these special places. I just remembered that I forgot to add West Marin & Pt. Reyes and Samuel P. Taylor Park and The Cheese Factory. I’m losing it! I may have to add to the list! LOL

  10. What a nice way to show gratitude! The one about hot showers is on point because my shower just stopped working and being forced to take cold showers till it’s fixed really made me appreciate hot showers more 😅

    1. Thanks, Ernie, and I love that you let me know which ones resonated with you! I see motorcycles are included. My husband loves his two! And #96, yes! Thanks again! I’m so glad you enjoyed this list. I’ve never done this before, so I’m happy I saw Brian’s post for inspiration.

  17. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar D.L. Finn, Author

    I see a lot of similar things on my own list, Lauren:) Love your wedding pic! Laughed out loud with tech when it works, too. Xo

    1. Thanks, Edward, and I’ve had my friend’s mom’s recipe ever since I got married. She made it for my bridal shower. It’s divine! And yes, it counts as a vegetable because the magnet on my fridge says so! 😁😁

      1. Stinson Beach served as one of my escape places when I was a student at Berkeley in the mid 60s. A bit different then. Grin. And I think I may have mentioned to you that my summer job when I was in college was driving a laundry truck from Placerville to Lake Tahoe 6 days a week. It paid for my college education.

  23. Thank you so much Lauren for the shoutout. I love your list. Phone calls with the kids. Nature. Weekend Getaways. Pets that become family members. Having things to look forward to. And oh yes, technology when it works. I can so relate to these and many others. Love the mix of serious things, humor and items filled with family and love. Thanks so much for sharing!!! Reminds me to be grateful and appreciative of everything I have. 😎😎😎😎

    1. You’re very welcome, Brian! I’m glad you loved my list and found some items that resonated. I added a few more like you did, so like you said, sue me! Haha! I’m glad I saw your post to be inspired. Like Ian wrote, writing this list was a way to focus on the positive with all the awful events in the world and country. Cheers to be thankful! 😁🎉

  24. I read Brian’s and it triggered me to start a list, now I really need to stronger on it! I love your 100, so much to be grateful for ❤️

  28. Lauren, this is a cool list. What a fab idea, think I’ll try it!

    We share many loves.

    Thank you for this, and give Copper a pet for me!

    (I see he’s quite high on your list)

    🕊🤍🎄🌟xo

  30. petespringer's avatar petespringerauthor

    It’s the perfect season to focus on gratitude instead of focusing on material things. I enjoyed reading your list. Do you and your husband live in the redwoods? We live in Northern California in the redwood country right on the ocean.

    I kept many of the positive cards and thoughts from my students and their parents during my career. Whenever I had a bad day (all teachers do), I used to pull my stack out and remind myself how lucky I was to be able to make a positive impression on children each day.

    1. I agree, Pete, and I’m glad you enjoyed my list. Yes, we live in Marin County, just north of San Fran. Nowadays, we spend more time visiting the places I named and driving locally into West Marin than we do going to the city though.
      I think it’s wonderful to revisit the cards you had received. My choir teacher in h.s. nudged me out of my shell and into doing solos, so he really made a positive impact on me, as well as for all of his students in the music dept. You’ve accomplished something really special to be able to make a positive impression on your students. Thanks for reading and for sharing!

  34. I remember reading and enjoying Brian’s list — and your list is also enjoyable. Lots of nature in here, with camping and hiking. Wonderful stuff 🙂 And your mention of pig races as the county fair made me smile. I saw those a couple of times when my daughters were younger 🙂

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed my list, Dave, and I’m glad I saw Brian’s to get inspired. 🙂 I’m happy the outdoorsy stuff resonated, and who doesn’t like those pig races? The pigs are too darn cute! 😊 Thanks for taking the time to read this long list!

    1. Dear Klausbernd, I’m glad you enjoyed my list and found some items that resonated. From serious to fun, there are so many things to love and be grateful for. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend! 🤗

  42. I loved reading through your list, Lauren. So many wonderful things to be grateful for. It totally made me smile. I especially connected with the bits about family time, music, and those little comforts like hot showers after camping and cozy beds.

    1. Thanks for taking the time to read my long list, Ritish! 🙂 You’re right, there are so many things to be grateful for and to love, and from serious to fun. I’m glad you could connect with some also. Anytime I can prompt a smile makes me smile too. Have a wonderful day!

  43. Hi Lauren, I found myself saying, ‘Me too’ to so many items on your list including ‘moving the furniture around’. Lol. I can’t believe it made it to the list. Also ‘ coffee with my husband anywhere anytime’. The Netflix shows except ‘Schitz Creek’ 😁. Calling and meeting the children. You tempted me to make my own list💛

    1. Hi Smitha, thanks for reading my list and I’m glad I tempted you to make your own. It’s fun and gratifying, so I highly recommend doing it. 🙂 I’m also glad you found some things that resonated. 🙂 Have a good weekend! 💞

  44. What a fabulous list Lauren! I love it! It’s such a great thing to do and you can be sure I’ll take my pen and notebook out this weekend to note some of the thinks I love and am grateful for. Part of it will be reading your blog and revisiting your poetry ❤️❤️

    Wishing you a great weekend!

    1. Thanks so much, Marie, and I hope you’ll share your list someday! Compiling this list was fun and gratifying. Aww, you are so sweet, and I appreciate you so much! That’s close to my #50. 🙂 I wish you a lovely weekend too, my friend! 💞🤗🙏

  46. A very extensive but interesting list to know the things that make you happy because happiness allows us to achieve a balance between physical, mental and social health.

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed this list, Nigel! I don’t have it memorized 🙂 so I had to scroll back up to read the items you mentioned. Carrot cake and musicals? Wonderful! Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful weekend!

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