Feeling List-ful

I've been a list-maker nearly all my life.  It's my preferred way to capture both long and short term goals as well as the odds and ends in-between.  One of my more recent lists is a Gratitude List.  It lines up well with my most recent read and my journaling, but it also fits into one of my list categories of "no guilt" when I review it.  There are no items on this list that I have not done (unless it was with intention), but rather it's a reminder of a happiness experienced because of something I have done (or chosen).

After the Camino and a lot of time spent in other countries, my list includes some basics:  finding the same butter dish that I had in the US (which, as a baker, is something I use A LOT).  Weight, durability, closure, with a hint of vintage style all went into the original equation and I was more than delighted to find the same dish in Argentina.  Gratitude.

Yesterday, I encountered my first two North Americans in my barrio.  I think they were as surprised to meet me as I was to meet them.  It was joyful talking about places and cities we both shared (and who can be unhappy when you're talking about Dollywood?!) and just to speak in English for a little while was a Sunday gift.  It took 42 months and 1 day for this happenstance; it went on the list.  Gratitude.