C’est véritablement utile puisque c’est joli...
Ah, what a precious quote from one of my favorite books, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Le Petit Prince. After reading it this weekend, for what I believe is the 100th time, I was inspired to make an A-B-C list of things I find truly useful because they are beautiful.


Ampersands - This little logogram guarantees that any one thing need not be solitary or alone: Macaroni & Cheese, Boy & Girl, Lion & Lamb, Salt & Pepper, God & Lucifer, You & Me.


Ballet - For me, this is an outlet for any pent up feelings, a unique and special way of expressing every human emotion through the simple sweep of the arm, extension of leg, tilting of the head, twisting of the torso, or morphing of a dancer's body.



Crying - There's something so cathartic about letting it all out. Believe me, I've had more than enough experience with this.



Departure Boards - Whenever I'm at an airport, train station, or bus depot, I can't help but stand before this listing of destinations. I swear, I spend a good five minutes browsing the cities and wondering, "Where's my next adventure?"



Endings - These are often more heartbreaking than they are relieving. But there's always a sense of growth when reaching an ending. Though there's sadness in the closing of one door, there's also the endless (?) possibilities in the opening of a new window.



Falling Slowly - A poignant song from a beautiful movie, which always gives me hope by demonstrating that love can be found in unexpected passing instances throughout our lives.



Growing up - It's not the easiest thing to do, but it's the only way I've discovered who I am and why I am here and what more I need to learn.



Heart - “If your head tells you one thing, and your heart tells you another, before you do anything, you should first decide whether you have a better head or a better heart.” - Marilyn vos Savant (I think I have a better heart).




Imperfections - These are the things about myself that I'm always trying to improve upon. But sometimes, our imperfections are what make us unique; sometimes they are what make us beautiful.



Jane Austen - This Englishwoman's words have probably given me an unrealistic vision of what true love should be. Because of her, I will always be looking for Captain Frederick Wentworth.



Kisses - I learned yesterday that if you eat something SUPER spicy, pop a couple of these in your mouth and all will be okay. And those other types of kisses, especially those of the passionate kind, are not too shabby either.


Lyrics - I really have no idea how some artists have that uncanny ability to take whatever I am feeling in my bruised and broken soul, and turn it into simple syntax which I could never have expressed myself.



Misty Mornings - For me, the dewy smell of a misty morning in the Pacific Northwest always humbles me and proves that nature is much greater than I will ever be.



Nesting Dolls - We are each such mysterious and complex beings, and it is only a select few who receive the privilege of knowing all of our layers.




Oία - Heaven on Earth. Literally.





Primavera - This happens to be my favorite painting. It is also my favorite season of the year, since it is commonly defined as a time of rebirth, renewal and regrowth... an opportunity for me to begin again.



Questions - Life would not be worth living if there were no questions to answer. And since I'm a scholarly type, I'll be dealing with these for the rest of my life.



Red Velvet Cupcakes - I knew I had to include at least one type of food on this list. These fill your tummy and make you happy. It's even better when you baked them from scratch and share them with others. You will be loved.


Smiles - How do you feel when you give these to others? How do you feel when others give these to you? I think that's enough to say about this one.


Taboo - This is probably the most fun I've had with the English language. Yes, more fun than actually teaching it. It gives you an appreciation of what great things our words can do. I'd like to play a round with Noam Chomsky.




UP! - Not only amazing to watch, but also amazing to feel.




Vintage Travel Posters - These little works of art inspire me to keep on traveling. I miss living out of my backpack. I miss being immersed in different cultures. I miss the feeling of being completely anonymous in a foreign place.



Wishing Upon a Star - There is something very childlike and romantic about doing this. It keeps me young at heart. But I think I'm doing it incorrectly, since that one wish I've continually made since I was twelve years old, has not yet come true.



Xylophones - That magical sound this instrument makes remind me of dreams upon waking.




You - Because you look at me that way. Because you listen during both the joy and the pain. Because you forgive me for the mistakes I have made. Because you accept and love me for exactly who I am.



Zeal - If all people approached life with this degree of enthusiasm, we'd be living in a happier and more beautiful world.