I love small details. I even have a whole section on this blog devoted to minutiae. I recently told friends that some of those tiny things are, I believe, hugely telling about who someone is (for example, I love to ask what people, if they’re married, have engraved inside their wedding bands). I think often of the Gail Godwin quote, which I’ve written about before, that “the more you respect and focus on the singular and the strange, the more you become aware of the universal and infinite.”
I don’t know whether our preferences are innate, learned, or some amalgam of both. Some of them probably fall into each category. I know that Grace and Whit, who are growing up in the same kitchen, have strong views on certain foods that are almost entirely opposed. Which would argue, of course, that we are born with our biases (at least towards food).
Things I love:
the smell of laundry
books
flowers, especially peonies, ranunculus, parrot tulips
the mail (I still get ridiculously excited when I hear the mailman on the porch)
libraries
playground swings, bobbing in a pool, or skating circles around a rink (repetitive activities that I find soothing)
the smell of pipes (reminds me of childhood)
the Quiet Car on the Acela
the words luminous, archipelago, inelectuable, ineffable
Christmas carols
chocolate
Things I do not love (and I don’t say hate, because my grandfather used to say, “takes an awful lot of energy to hate”):
black jelly beans
flat gladiator sandals
broccoli
salmon
listening to the radio while driving with other people (or, frankly, often, alone)
strong lotion/soap/candle smells (Bath & Body Works is one of my nightmares)
the smell of cigarettes
rap music
fruit desserts of any kind
I’m curious, what are some things you love and some things you actively dislike?
LOL on the flat gladiator sandals. I have the same dislike, mostly because my feet are so long that I could never pull those off.
With you on nearly ALL of it except I’ll always be nostalgic for the smell of cigarettes and I love rap music. Those gladiator sandals are an abomination. Unfortunately I have a child who loves strong fragrance & have promised her a trip to Lush today. I will likely wait outside!
xoxo
Sending you strength. When G comes home from Bath & Body Works it is a trial for me!
What a evocative list! Right there with you on the black jellybeans. ICK.
I love cheese of all kinds, the cheer of the crowd when they realize it’s a home run, the smell of fresh-cut grass, ice-cold beer on a sweltering day, the laughs my kids save only for each other…the list goes on. In fact, I think you’ve just planted the seeds for a new post. 🙂
I really do not like Abercrombie & Fitch, the smell in the mall is horrific. Also, green peas. Ew.
I do like:
cardinals popping up in the backyard
fireflies
bookstores
foot and head rubs
creamed spinach
green tea
the scent of the woods
I really enjoy these posts – both for your thoughts and to read the comments. Here are my thoughts.
I love:
– Coffee with lots of cream and sugar
– An empty dishwasher
– The first time I step on a freshly washed bathmat
– Whiskey Sours, Side Cars, and Hemmingway Daiquiris
– Fresh blackberries, cherries, and peaches in the summer
– Walking through bookstores and just looking
– Monograms
– Pilot Precise Roller Ball Pens
– Mother of pearl
I don’t love:
– Tank tops
– Beer
– Humidity
– Out-of-season tomatoes or peaches
– Kid clothing with snarky slogans
– Chick lit
– Reality television
I love an empty dishwasher, monograms, and looking in bookstores, too! And loathe humidity and mealy tomatoes/peaches … xoxox
Right? I can’t bear that smell!!!
I look forward to reading it!
I’m curious. Does Hamilton speak to you at all? Or not – given you don’t love rap? I wouldn’t say I love rap music, but I thoroughly enjoy listening to Hamilton.
Ha ha! I hate flat gladiator sandals too:) As well as Crocs. I love your “love” list.
Love your list. I don’t like: cracked iphone screens (which I currently have), cold offices (central AC), the waiting room in the doctor’s office; my loves: greeting my boys in the morning when they wake, blank pages in my journal and iced coffee with whipped cream.
What great lists. I also love Christmas carols, the word luminous, and the smell of laundry. And the mail!
I also love strong black tea with milk and sugar, a scone in the morning, the smell of rain, ripe tomatoes, red autumn leaves.
I agree on Abercrombie & Fitch – can’t stand the smell! I also don’t love rap music (though man, do I love Hamilton). Might have to do my own post!
I haven’t seen Hamilton though I’m pretty certain I would adore the music and it would upend all of these views!! xo
xoxox
Agreed on the cracked screens. Oh, yes. xox
I hope you will write a post, and I look forward to it! xox
This was fun to read – both your post and the comments! I agree with so many, especially the gladiator sandals (not for those of us with cankles) and Abercrombie & Fitch. That cologne! Blech.
I Love:
Outdoor showers
Hammocks
The sound of an owl in the early morning
Plantain chips from Whole Foods
The smell of the marsh
Freckles
My husband’s t-shirts
Post beach no-shower happy hour
I Don’t Love:
Beets
Rum
Fox News
A blaring television
Spanx
Strapless Bras
The elliptical trainer
Sunday nights
I love:
Getting mail (but not bills)
The first sip of coffee
Tulips
Books and bookstores
Fresh cut northern grass
The beach
The sound of my children’s laughter
Raspberries
The smell of Shalimar ( reminds me of mom)
Road trips
I could go on…
Dislike:
Traffic
Salmon
Frogs
Rudenes
Men who wear hats indoors
The smell of cigarettes
Not being able to find my keys
Fun!