The warm water, bordering on hot, cascading,
forming a curtain of balmy (barmy?) wellbeing…. aahhh! That morning shower invariably
makes me smile and I’m reminded of other things which create that slightly
goofy smile and absolute comfort.
So I’ve decided to share a few of the things on
my list … maybe there are some that resonate with you as well.
Comforts
(and feel goods)
Having just waxed lyrical about that lekker morning shower, I must confess
that it was not always the case. I used to think that a shower is cold and
recently figured out why … When I opened the taps to get the water to
temperature, some of the (then still cold) drops splashed onto my feet leaving
me with the impression that showers were only to be had on very hot summer
days. Fortunately I saw the error of my ways, while the luxurious evening bath is
still a fixture, the morning shower has taken its rightful place on the
list of comforts. Gratitude abounds.
In winter, a warm bath is followed by donning
the fluffy gown or curling up under a fluffy blanket (those small very soft
ones). With a hot beverage in hand, life doesn’t get much better. However, a
few special words need to go to goose down or silk duvets. The fact that they adjust to body temperature
no matter which season it is, is an obvious bonus, but what I really enjoy is
how deliciously inviting they look when the bed is made – all fluffy and
luxurious! Mmmm.
If you have read my ‘Ode to the bean’ post you will
not be surprised that the smell of freshly brewed coffee makes, no wait,
probably tops the list of comforts. It conjures up the cosiness of
conversations, the feeling of wonder when visiting faraway places, of life –
uhm, let me not get too carried away, but I trust you got the gist of that.
The smell of books1, now that is another comfort I do not get tired of.
Walking into a bookshop and inhaling the smell is an instant pick-me-up and the
best part is you don’t even have to buy a book to enjoy it. A very nice freebee
indeed.
Popcorn! The smell. The taste. True courage
being able to eat only one popcorn. And that (if I may borrow from Forrest), is
all I have to say about that. 2
Then there is the smell of fresh earth just
after a flash thunderstorm … never fails to make me pause, take a deep breath
and relax for a bit.
I love butter! With that said, let me explain
toast. As soon as it pops out of the toaster (golden brown and firm), I slap a
thick wad of butter on one corner and sink my teeth into it 3. Warm melting butter, the hot,
still crunchy bread and the lingering smell of the toast. Feel-good deluxe! [*
contented sigh*]
Before I continue, let me just point out that
the list contains my favourites and by that reasoning, is in no particular
order.
Slightly runny, oozy brie or camembert on a
savoury biscuit - rich and creamy as it creates a silky taste sensation 4 … [* une moment
s’il vous plait *]
The next one is really a category and it deals
with those special things mom and ouma
used to make when I was still a ‘children’! It is so much more than food, it is
an entire sensory memory bank. Good times!
I fear that if I get into books, music and
movies that this blog will never end. Perhaps a blog post for another day… Suffice
it to say that these all give me a measure of contentment, and the great thing
about the many genres is that there is one for every mood and occasion. ‘Nuff
said. 5
Finally, in the visual department, waves and
fire … I’ll let your own inner voice guide you on this one. Lastly, I find it
mesmerising and strangely comforting to watch raindrops as they trail down the edge
of the windscreen, sometimes changing course, merging with other drops until
these small streams are chasing to the bottom. (Strict warning: do not get too carried away when
you are the operator of the vehicle at the time!)
Cheap
thrills
Without much ado (as you, being very observant
readers, would’ve noticed from the subheading), my top three cheap thrills.
As long as I can remember, I’ve been thrilled by
the sight of a ‘wishy washy’ 6. Getting the car aligned
to the track, moving towards the wall of turning and swirling brushes ahead.
Then, as the car gets close enough, the brushes sweep aside and allow the car
into the cavern. And for the next few minutes, I am completely alone, closed
off in my own little world with only the sound of spraying water and the swishing
of brushes to keep me company. Love it!
In the centre of Pretoria there is a building 7 with the most amazing
lift. The front and side panels are glass, but where one enters on the ground
floor it looks almost like a regular lift as it is enclosed in the shaft. The
trick is this – when you enter the lift, select the top floor and stand facing
the glass panel opposite the door. You see only the wall until around the
eleventh floor, when the lift suddenly exits the enclosing shaft and it
literally feels like the world falls away around you. In addition to the
exhilaration, you’ll have the most beautiful view over the city. Cheap thrill,
excellent value.
A few years ago, I offered to take friends’ sons
with my youngest daughter to Centurion mall one Saturday morning. After our
hearty Wimpy breakfast (always a winner with the kids), I saw that there were
giant trampolines set up in the arena overlooking the lake 8. Long story short, the boys were keen, my daughter
needed a bit of cajoling but in the end the kids all enjoyed their jumps. While
waiting for them, I decided to get myself a ticket as well. Having spent
holidays on the family farm where there was a trampoline (regular with no ropes),
I figured, why not. As I was jumping, I asked the young man who assisted me 9 whether I could
make somersaults and he said yes, but will have to give me a bit of extra
momentum. The first one was very strange because the ropes make for a very slow
turn, but then I got the hang of it and went all out! Quite the adrenaline rush
and the look on the people’s faces when we walked away were priceless. Well
worth a try!
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1 When I
recently told a friend of mine about this, I got a
“are-you-completely-out-of-your-mind” look, so I guess this could potentially
be a surprising entry on the list. Who knew that not everyone thought that
books smelt good…
2
In
one of life’s little ironies, my husband is one of the people who actually
don’t really enjoy popcorn.
3
As
evidenced in the photo…
4
Megs
and Natha, this one’s for you!
5
The
photo portrays some of the favourites.
6 My
expression for an automated car wash…
7 When last I
was there it was called the Fed Life Forum Building.
8 The lake
was still something to look at and a lot of the restaurants had tables outside
facing the arena and the lake.
9 There are
trained personnel on every trampoline to help give people a bit more lift and
to make sure the young ones do not get a fright or bounce around uncontrollably.
