5 Good Things

It’s been a long, long time since I’ve written 5 good things. I’m sure there are many good things going on in my life, but I seem to have misplaced my rose-colored glasses. So, I’ve made an executive decision to force myself to look for 5 good things. Since I’ve been a glass half empty person lately, I’m hoping this exercise will help.

1. Pearls. Entrepreneur gave me this cultured pearl necklace with earrings for Valentine’s Day this year. The luster of the colors is beautiful, and it goes with just about everything. I’ve always wanted to play around with photographing something on a mirror, so as an added treat, here’s my attempt at jewelry photography.

2. My students. A few of my students have thanked me for being their instructor. Many say they believe they’ve learned more from me than any other. Their kind words truly make all the late-night marathon grading sessions worthwhile, and keep me coming back year after year. In my opinion, this trumps any title, award or recognition out there. After all, they don’t really need to say anything. Just fill out the required course evaluation and wave bye-bye. I always hope to hear from them after they pass through my life. Many have kept in touch, visited and a few have even become friends.

3. Out-of-the-way places. From the outside, Claysville Store doesn’t look like any place you’d want to eat. Trust me. You want to eat here.

Originally a stop on the Missouri river and MKT rail line, it doesn’t look like much has changed with the exterior. Clear down to the entrance door. (Kim, this one’s for you!)

But what’s inside will surprise you. Waiting for you in the cozy interior, are hand-made quilts, antiques, good ol’ fashioned country hospitality and lots of food. Pan-fried chicken and country ham is served with family style biscuits and applesauce. Sides of green beans, baked beans, mashed potatoes and cole slaw round out the meals. It’s only open Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Get your reservations in early when they have bar-b-que ribs because the place fills up faster than a hot knife cutting through butter.

4. New, little horses. Okay, they’re called colts, but I like my title better. One of the many perks of living outside the city limits is you have things like horse farms/stables for neighbors. Every year a new generation of cuteness entertains us as we drive to and from civilization. I stole a few minutes for myself and went with camera in hand to see them. They always make me smile, even on the bad days. How could you not smile looking at this?

5. We may (and I strongly stress the “may”) have hit the motherload at work. If just a couple of the new vertical markets we’ve been chasing hit, our financial worries could be history. I’m crossing fingers, toes and anything else I can find to twist. If it does, you’ll see us jumping around like the new little horse above!