Bountiful Beauty

Given that the holiday season is upon us, and I find myself in the midst of Nutcracker preparations, I found myself quite happy to play along when Susan posted this fun little exercise.  I say exercise as anything that challenges my brain these days is worthy of such a title.  The instructions:  Leave a comment and I’ll give you a letter. Post ten things you LOVE that begin with that letter.  Then give a letter to anyone who leaves a comment for you… and the cycle will continue.

Ironically, Susan gave me the letter B. I don’t think she realized that the letter B is something that fills my life.  There isn’t a day that goes by without a B being involved – mainly in the form of… Ballet!

Ballet aside (oh, can I please not think about ballet for just a few minutes) this is about my favorite things that start with the letter B!

Beaches… This was the first word that popped into my head (after ballet that is) when I read the letter.  Beaches – warm and sun lit beaches.  Playing in the waves with the sun warming my body… *sigh*.  I would guess that I thought of the beach due to the freezing temperatures that greet me when I venture outside, but I do so love the beach any time of the year. 

Breezes, I mean the light spring and summer breezes that kiss the skin, tickle the neck, and send the leaves and the grass into a light and graceful dance.  The breezes that lighten the spirit and whisper tales from exotic locations.  They are the ones that carry the scent of garlic sautéing, outdoor grilling, and nature blooming.  These are the breezes I love. 

Butterflies with their brilliant colors and graceful poses.  The way they flit here and there alighting before taking off again in their wonderful winged dance.  This beauty, grace and strength remind me of my daughter.  She is bright and colorful, with the ability to move with grace and poise.  Like the butterfly, she is strength hidden within a brilliant body.  The butterfly, in its own way, reminds me of what it is to be feminine – to be natural and beautiful and diverse.  It is to be strong and yet beautiful; stolid and yet graceful.  The butterfly reminds me to enjoy life regardless of the form it takes or the form I take!  Life is short, but brilliant.  

Books would top my list regardless of the letter that I was given.  I would find a way to put books on my list.  My life is not complete without them.  These volumes of information, stories, history, humor, and enlightenment.  There is so much to be found within the cover of a book.  They thrill my imagination, spark my curiosity, quench my thirst for knowledge, and encourage my love of language.  A book is a source of pleasure and relaxation.  It is a means of finding adventure without ever leaving the comfort of my bed. 

Boys, again something that has topped my mind in recent weeks.  Little boys are amazing.  They have this rough and tumble charm that melts my heart.  I have no doubt that I would spoil sons like nobody else if I had them, but I don’t.  So I have to settle on spoiling my nephews to the extent possible and finding great pleasure in the company, friendship, companionship, and love of their adult counterpart… grown up boys!  Boys of the adult variety!  Sometimes it seems as if these grown up boys (men) get the short end of the stick.  They are a great punching bag for society at large.  When, in actuality, they are an amazing and enriching part of life.  Just think about it… these are our best friends, our dance partners, our companions, and the yin to our yang.  In my life, men often provide a sense of balance (another B word I really like).  The provide something to my work and personal lives that make them that much more full, enjoyable, and yes… challenging.  I can’t imagine a life or a world without these older, and perhaps more mature, boys.  Their love of life and sense of curiosity, the sense of humor, their perspective and energy… *sigh* how I love the boys (adult kind that is)!

Baths, bath bombs, bubble bars, bath salts, baths with grown up boys… yes, I do like baths!

Berries are nature’s perfect fruit.  I am not sure that there is much more that can be said about a berry – especially the fresh, in season, fresh off the stem variety.  Yum! 

Boats have to be one of the most fun ways of getting around.  (There seems to be a warm weather, water, summer theme happening here).  I love the water, the gentle rocking of the boat, the wind whipping through my hair.  I love the speed, the waves, and skiing off the back.  The sail flipping in the breeze is a wonderful sound.  There is nothing more sad than a sailboat washed up along the coast just as there is little more peaceful and beautiful than watching the sun rise or set from its deck wile on the water. 

Boxers and sleeveless tees are the outfit of choice when it comes to bed time.  You see, boxers aren’t just for men or for boys… they are for girls and women too.  In my house, boxers are the best kind of summer pajama.  Not only are they great for sleeping, they are great for lounging too!

Backpacks are a carry all.  If it doesn’t fit in a backpack, it doesn’t go.  That is my travel philosophy.  I traveled through Europe various times this way and again through Australia.  It goes on the back.  And one would be amazed at what can fit in a back pack! 

Bliss because all of this and so many other things add bliss to my life.  Bliss because I have so very much for which I am grateful.  Bliss… because it is a wonderful word that rolls off my tongue and lightens my spirit.  Because there are times in life that are pure bliss!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving which brings me to an extra B and the title of this post – bountiful beauty because I am grateful for it, it is everywhere in my life, and it is something that I love to share!  Happiest of Thanksgivings to everyone!

(Now, can someone pass the beans?)