For our God is a consuming fire.

-Hebrews 12:29


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Sunday, September 19, 2010

Idiosyncratic Joys

Everyone knows what to call small things that annoy us. They are "pet peeves", right? I think it's a shame though, that we don't have any well known phrase to describe the small things in life that bring us smiles over and over again. Isn't it here, revelling in the details, allowing subtle pleasures to sustain, that makes living an elevated experience? So, for lack of a better term, I'm going to go with "idiosyncratic joys".

I'll give you a look see into my brain for examples of unique items that bring me glee!
  • Nouns with an "i" plural and using them in sentences. Catcus multiplies to cacti; we've all heard that one. How about foci, carci, octopi, sarcophagi, PLATYPI? Even typing that last one gives me pause to grin. Now to figure out a way of offhandedly dropping platypi into conversation. uh-huh.

  • My favorite colors orange & purple used together in nature, decor or food.

  • Pet names with meaning. I've no hard feeling towards the Fluffies or Snowballs of the globe. But I adore an animal (& their owner) who has applied a more layered approach to the naming convention. I took this so seriously that both our ten-year-old felines have 2 literary-ish meanings relevant to their names (which are Parker & Ezra. Parker for Dorothy Parker the poet, and Parker Posey the actress; Ezra for Ezra Pound the poet and Ezra the Biblical prophet). Perhaps that's overkill in the precious department, but what can I say? It gives me joy and that's the point!

  • Maple Nut Goodies.

  • Hearing a song you've not heard in decades, and somehow your memory recalls most lyrics! Even a crappy song, recalled in full, can have this redeeming quality. Now if I could just recall an old song with platypi used, I'd be happy as a pig in poop....which brings me to my final one for now:

  • Similes. Love 'em. I love 'em like I love a pumpkin spice soy latte.

What aspects of life bring you idiosyncratic joy?