happiness is...

       late-night talks with good friends; sleeping in on rainy sunday mornings; banana pancakes and ripe, juicy pears for brunch; new-found genius playlists on iTunes (currently based on the fray's "you found me"); slight day-after soreness from a 12-mile walk/jog; endless possibilities for the afternoon.

       self-discovery; being struck speechless by the kindness and openness of new friends; old friends who still love you despite your incessant flow of crazy; the touch of a beautiful stranger's hand at the movie theater; a whisper of beginning to be comfortable in your own skin -- despite everything else; looking on the bright side... or at least trying to.

       favorite songs that speak to you in new ways; sprouting herb gardens; feeling creative; music from another room; re-reading old favorites; being excited for the next one; crossword puzzles; used pink iPods that hold half my music collection (my last mp3 player held about 20 songs ); feeling infinite and connected.

       slightly manic episodes.