In 1959, Rodgers and Hammerstein composed My Favorite Things as part of their Broadway production The Sound of Music. The 1965 movie adaptation made the song a beloved classic, known across generations. Years later, Oprah Winfrey brought renewed attention to the song’s theme by gifting her studio audience items she called her “favorite things” of the year.
This inspired me to reflect on what stirs my own heart. What are the things, events, or experiences I look forward to each year? What brings me joy, peace, or gratitude?
To deepen my own sense of self-awareness and cultivate a spirit of appreciation, I created a photo book of my favorite things. It includes photographs and reflections on the moments, objects, and experiences that have meaning to me. My hope is that this book will inspire my children to recognize the blessings in their own lives—and give them, and my future grandchildren, a chance to know their mother and grandmother more intimately.
I titled it Grateful for the Art of Life.
Here’s a glimpse of one page in my book:
“There are many beautiful trees that deserve recognition, but one located just across the street stands out above the rest. Fall in Texas brings relief from the long, hot summer, and this tree becomes breathtaking during that season. On sunny days, when the air is dry and crisp and the temperature hovers around the mid-60s, its brightly colored leaves shimmer in the breeze.
If I can teach my children to pause and admire a single tree that changes with the seasons, then I’ve accomplished something important. I’ve helped them recognize beauty in the natural world.
If they can learn to gaze at the wonder of creation and internalize the quiet blessings of nature in everyday life, I’ve given them a lifelong gift—one that brings joy, grounding, and peace.”
Children learn from our example. They are naturally drawn to the things that bring us joy. Rather than focusing solely on what our children are doing right or wrong, why not show them how to live well—by living well ourselves?
Let’s teach our children to appreciate life as an art. Let’s inspire them to find beauty, meaning, and gratitude in the everyday.
Stay tuned for the next post, where I’ll share ideas on how to cultivate a love for artful living in your children—one beautiful moment at a time.