Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Little Things

When I was a little girl, I can remember a few discussions about "being rich." Not philosophical discussions about how our religion makes our lives rich. I am talking about hypothesizing what we would do if we had lots of money.

My answer, the answer I can remember decades later, is that I would have store-bought hangers in my closet. My mother pressed on, suggesting I could buy more with millions.

I thought for a second, cocked my head, and said, "I would also want some cedar blocks to put in my closet." And I was completely serious.

As a middle schooler, I thought that the little things were what was important. Okay, I had not had a class on finance, economics or common sense. But still, I would purchase hangers if I became rich. Yeah, I am a big spender.

I have traveled to Europe, and although I did see many nice things – castles, churches, artwork – I can remember the taste of an Italian Ice, the feeling of relaxing like a Parisian in a park, the smell of lavender in the linens in a B&B near London.

Even my college days, I remember the little things. I remember the type of ball-point pens I used, the feel of writing in composition books, dancing in dingy bars, the sticky beer making squeaky noise between loud songs.

The smell of rain five minutes before the sky opens up.

The taste of my first meal in my first apartment. The turkey sandwich tasted so sweet because it was my turkey, my whole wheat bread, my tomato and my new apartment.

Today I remember the little things. And when I get home, I will offer up three little words to my husband. After all, it is the little things that count.

16 comments:

LORD MANILA STONE said...

Just like you are, little things also matter to me. Nice to have visited your site. I am sure, I can also get some tips here on how to improve my writing skills.^^

LarryLilly said...

And those three words are:

Lets have sex

or

lets order takeout?

I vote for lets order take out

but the sentimental vote goes to

I love you

have a great day

kathi said...

That's the way I am, too, and it's one of the things I'm most grateful for.

mal said...

interesting. I never considered it in that light but it is true, the small things carry the emotional impact we do not impart to the larger events

Sheri said...

Nice post. I agree it's the little things that count. Smelling the roses, a touch, store bought hangers, or shoes and watches in every color of the rainbow (that's what I want when I'm rich)

Tim said...

A really nice post to start the day. Thank you.

Leesa said...

stone: I have several skilled authors who leave comments. Perhaps one could offer some writing lessons.

larry: the three little words when I was growing up: "Wheel of Fortune." My father loved Ms. White. The three little words for my husband? "Let's order out." No, it was the "I love you" phrase, but I did not write it in the post.

kathi: often, you and I have traits in common.

mal: thanks, sweetie. For some reason, I think our brains are wired that way.

jippeeskip: or the soft summer breeze that you welcome on the beach.

t: I wrote this just for you.

Joe said...

I love the rain thing, too. And fresh tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and salt and pepper.

You're right. It's the little things.

kathi said...

Yeah, well, don't let that scare you. ;)

Tim said...

Here is a quote that I've thought of more than once over the years.....

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
Robert Brault

Southern (in)Sanity said...

The little things...very well said. Too many of us forget to appreciate the little things these days - myself included.

Anonymous said...

Last night I saw Logan's Run. I don't think it was a great movie, even forgiving the cheesy effects (it came out a year before Star Wars entered the scene and showed what Hollywood could do) - the main character's shift from dedicated fascist to revolutionary seemed too quick and inexplicable, plus a lot of the concepts could have used more thought and less action. For one, I'm tired of the bad guys always being dressed in imposing black uniforms while everyone else dresses in pastels. I'd like to see a fantasy movie where the gestapo-like guys wear pink dresses festooned with flowers, while the oppressed leather-clad masses whine "You only dress that way to intimidate us."

The part that reminded me of your post today was the concept that they lived in a perfect society, apart from the bit about having to die at 30. Living in a utopia would be a lot like being rich from birth - you can have whatever you want whenever you want it, so unless you are raised in an environment with a code of ethics you'll likely grow up to be an empty, spoiled brat. I wouldn't mind being rich now, but if it had come at an earlier age of development, it could have been bad for me. Having money reminds me of America's obesity problem and the proliferation of quick, oversized meals available everywhere - just because we can overeat doesn't mean that we should.

- Grant

Leesa said...

joe: I love the taste of salt, after salt water has evaporated from my lips. You know, after a swim in the ocean.

kathi: not scared at all.

t: never heard that quote. Thanks.

rwa: well, little minds like mine really appreciate the little things.

grant: Giant Atomic Chickens (TM) are three of my favorite words, but I can't type them on my blog, as my blog generates no income and I can't afford the royalty payments. I have not seen Logan's Run, but I sort of know the story. I sometimes think the killing people at 30 thing was a nod to Jack Weinberg.

boxer: not sure I am smart. I just appreciate the finer things in life. Like children laughing at dusk.

Prata said...

I'd have responded to your comment today on my blog; however, my ISP is just now getting to transferring my account over to the newly merged services (it's been like a year???) and I've lost connectivity to one of their screw ups about what kind of plan I have/had prior. I should be up and running in 1-4 hours riiiiight.

Anyhow, you're absolutely correct that the little things matter. Little things create big things. You can't have big without little. I just tend to look at everything as if it were a little thing, it helps manage the stresses of the day. I suppose. ^_^

I liked Logan's Run; however, nice to see you Grant! I think that in general you're absolutely correct about good and bad. Isn't it more true that the bad blend in and the good stand out? I think that's typically the case.

Ian Lidster said...

It's always the little things that count, dear Leesa, and those are the things we miss when we're either away from them or when we lose them.
You made me feel quite nostalgic. When my second marriage ended acrimoniously over a decade ago, I was bitter and never wanted to go back. Yet now I can wistfully recall Sunday dinner, Mrs. Ex, stepdaughter and me, sitting down to a good meal and chatting amiably about the day or weekendm, and it feels good. Thanks for the trip. My first B&B in London smelled like curry because it was right above an Indian restaurant.

Leesa said...

prata: when first reading your comment, my brain read "ESP" instead of "ISP" - so I thought your ESP was on the fritz. I was happy to see grant responded as well.

ian: I love Indian food, and London, as I recall, has a really nice Chinatown. Great food. And I am nostalgic as well. For a lot of little things.