my favorite things!

I have spent the last week compiling a mental list of some of my favorite things in life. Now, I have to give you my exact definition of a "favorite thing". I narrowed down and crafted the definition to "something that makes me literally or mentally clasp my hands together and exclaim in an excited voice something like this, 'I absolutely love [xyz]'." On top of that I am also taken to a place in my heart and mind where I am longing for heaven while also enjoying my journey here on earth with [xyz]. I want to eventually have a column in my sidebar where I update my favorite things list, but I do not know how to add to my sidebar (any of you fellow bloggers have an tutorials you could provide?).

Here goes.......In random order, some of my favorite things!

1. Dog, The Bounty Hunter-(Not recommended for children) First of all, I must start with my recent addiction to the t.v. show "Dog, the bounty hunter." Check out their website www.dogthebountyhunter.com. This show is not for the faint of heart or "curse word, outward vice sensitive" viewer. The show documents a bounty hunting family that lives on Hawaii and tracks down criminals who have skipped out on their court appearance. It is the most radically redemptive show on television right now, while also being incredible offensive in so many ways. The husband, wife, and adult children are all in on the bounty hunting, but the husband and wife in particular are so committed to the redemption of hardened, drug-addicted criminals theyhunt. They pray to Jesus before their hunts and with their criminals after they are caught. Amidst all of the junk of the show, it seems really apparent to me that they are in love with Jesus. I am addicted. (no pun intended)

2. Irish Music-(Don't try this at home) The second favorite thing I have just been able to put into words in the last week. I love Irish music, of any kind. I was listening to an irish music mix last week. The slow ballads are so mournful and capture the sorrow and groaning on this earth , and through this I am driven to dwell on the glory that will one day destroy all sorrow. I love the fast ballads which make me dance a jig during my daily chores because it is the music I picture we will all dance to in heaven. By the way, I tend to love most music that comes out of the British Isles (whether it be British, Irish, or Scottish). Check out K.T. Tunstall, a new scottish folk singer...very fun and "make you want to dance!"


3. The Moon- (Recommended for children, although they might already be in bed when it is out) My next favorite thing is something I have had a lunar crush on for most of my life. I can remember in high school looking up in the sky and being mezmerized by the different phases of the moon. I am always struck by the moon and left gazing at it longer than anyone else around me. I am always shocked how whenever I tell people to "check out the cool moon" they casually glance and show little interest. I have realized that this is because the moon is not one their favorite things, as it is mine. My favorite type of moon is the low-hanging, orange moon, which some call a harvest moon. (point of interest, the other night Matt and I were outside with Keller and there was a circle around the moon with a rainbow hue. It was very cool and I tried to take a picture, but it didn't turn out.) This picture posted here is one of the moon rising above the oak tree on the hill behind our house...it didn't quite turn out but I still kind of like it in its blurred beauty.

4. Good photography-(Recommended for children of all ages) My last favorite thing I am going to share is that of good photography. I love to check out photographers websites, particularly really good ones. I have two favorite local ones right now--www.ingallsphotography.com and www.saraheinrichphotography.com. Check them out...I think they are really amazing local photographers. It is inspiriting to see how other photographers look at the world and the beauty that they capture through their equipment. And here I must thank many of you guys for sharing your photography on your blogs--Ande, Matt and Amy Claire, Maryanne and Pat!! Do you guys have any cool websites to share?

Thanks for hanging with me on my version of "These are a few of my favorite things!"