Just this weekend, my blogging buddy Leah penned a thought-provoking post called “My favorite things and what’s up with that?” I read it once and then read it again and lingered on how her thoughts have inspired mine.
So, Leah shared what she’s loving right now (Vitamin water, new music, eating outside and Instagram) and things she’s not so sure about (juicing, the book I wrote about the other day, and the Olympics.)
So with that, here’s my top 5 Fuss-worthy delights of late:
Walking barefoot in the yard. Remember how, as a kid, we’d run around barefoot all the time? I do. As a kid, the soles of my feet were as tough as leather; I could walk across gravel, straw and dry prairie grass without so much as a flinch. Over time, my feet became soft. Going barefoot in the grass and out on the patio takes me back to summer days of old.
Fireflies. I grew up too far north for those little guys to live so I don’t have childhood memories of catching fireflies … but boy I do ever feel like a child when one alights near me now. Magical.
Finding a new (old) tune on Amazon. I’ve rediscovered my country roots by downloading some vintage classics like Mel McDaniel’s “Lord have mercy, Baby’s got her blue jeans on.” I know it’s corny as what but when I hear that song I can’t resist belting out the lyrics and working it just a little.
Color. I’m not a confident decorator and have tended to favor neutrals and old standbys that I grew up with: country blue, rose and linen. But lately, the World Market look has tempted me with colors like paprika, lime, spice and robin’s egg blue. And I don’t spend much, just a few $$ on a pillow or a new throw. What a difference!
world market pillows; google.images.com
Shopping my closet. I’ve mentioned how exercising and eating healthier (translate not: being an idiot when I indulge) has brought about positive changes in my shape and size. And that’s great, ’cause who doesn’t love to see results? But sometimes, when we’ve been one size for a while, our minds forget what those other sizes felt like. And then come days when you think, “oh what the heck” and go for it. I pulled a top out last Thursday and paired it with an older wrap skirt and netted a ton of compliments. Why? ‘Cause it’s flattering, fits well and looks new. And I hadn’t worn either in 8 years.
Put your blue jeans on and work it with Sammy Kershaw’s cover of Mel’s hit song:
And now to the “I don’t get what the fuss is all about” stuff:
The Olympics. Leah, I am with you on this one. I hope all athletes do well and I will catch a highlight or two but I’m just not that into it this time.
TomKat. Since when did a celebrity split = news? Katie takes Suri to lunch! They eat! And that’s a headline? Please.
Expensive brand names. I’m sure it’s the farm girl in me but I find a certain satisfaction at snagging a purse on clearance for $12.00. I’ve never carried a $200 designer bag and I never will. Why? Because if I don’t have $200 to put in the bag, I don’t need no $200 purse.
Pilates. Tried it. More than once. Can’t. Do. It. Jessica Rabbit was not designed to move like that. The end.
Starbucks. I have never understood the appeal. When I have to pretend I know another language just to order a large coffee, I’d rather .. not. Venti-latte blah blah blah makes me feel like Thurston Howell the III. Luvveeee! Plus, it’s just not that good.
How about you? What things are you having fun fussing over this summer? Which could you easily throw by the wayside?
I can’t wait to get home and decorate my AirStream with stuff from the World Market… I’ve decided on limes and oranges… should be a hoot!
Can’t watch the Olympics since I’m in China and they only show the Chinese highlights. Starbucks… I’m a Dunkin’ Donuts girl. I love walking barefoot in Florida… it’s not advisable here. I’m loving all the fresh veggies that are available to me here in China right now… fresh and yummy!
You have an airstream? You are beyond cool Miss Sandi
I can understand why you’re not walking barefoot here and, to be clear, I only do it in my yard. Loving the farm market veggies myself 
MJ
I do have an Airstream… when I move back to the States in September, I’ll be living in it, by the river, a 10 minute bike ride to the sea… can’t WAIT!!!
you’re like .. my hero!
MJ
LOL… when I do my cross country road trip next year, I’ll stop in and we’ll have a slumber party
The Olympics? I KNOW!! I don’t see what the big deal is, though I will disagree with you about Starbucks. I get just a plain black cup of coffee…a TALL…which is their small…which makes no sense…but neither does much of anything else…but it’s great coffee.Tall Pike for me….though my 13 year old Ford truck is the minority in that parking lot filled up with Audi’s, Cadilacs, Lexus and other high end vehicles.
Our store had your song on the other day…I wondered how many folks were paying attention to the lyrics…catchy tune with a great hook.
Yeah but you have to order a tall to get a small. It’s just stupid!
Next time you hear that song I hope you get jiggy with it, RR
MJ
Barefoot is the only way to go! Until I step on something like a bee or a slug. Haven’t been stung in years, because now I heed my mother’s advice (most of the time) to wear shoes out in the yard.
I love decorating with color, but hubby’s favorite color is gray. Is that even a color??
I would watch more of the Olympics, but don’t make the effort to find out what is on, when and where. Besides, there are too many other things I’d rather do than sit in front of the tv, like sitting in front of the computer!
Have a great day!
Patti you crack me up (( I don’t make the effort to find out what’s on, when and where )) — that’s me, too. Thankfully I haven’t stepped on any bees b/c I’m allergic but I’ve had a few wasps land on me WITH shoes on – augh!
Bring on the orange, lime and cinnamon!
MJ
Summer = Barefoot
I love summer sunrises and sunsets – here in the desert both are spectacular1
We are currently “fussing” over 20 holes in our back yard for the fence across the back of our land
The desert has caliche/hard-pan – we dig a little – soak a little and start all over again
We have 9 of the 20 holes done – fussing and fussing!
God Bless
I’ll bet your sky shows are amazing out there in the desert! Happy digging
MJ
Good Morning
I’m trying to find the right set up for my blog so I can post pictures – so far I am finding only premium set ups
Any ideas?
Go through Themes and use the filters set to the right … or preview ones that show photos. I like Pilcrow a lot, that was my first set up. You could also try previewing Bouquet, Shaan, Forever or Twenty Eleven.
I use the filters to find ones with 3 columns b/c I prefer that format … Good luck
MJ
Oh thank you so much
I’m still learning to get around Word Press
Thanks again
You are very welcome. If I can help you further, just ask
MJ
I, too, have had fun shopping in my own closet this summer. Lose a bit of weight, and there are so many old options that become new again. Love it!
Hugs,
Kathy
Yay on you! I love to shop my closet and being able to do it put a little kick in my step
Cheers! MJ
Ah, I love this! You’re feeling good this summer and it shows. And thanks for reminding me of a favorite oldie. Love that Mel McDaniel song and I’ve never heard the Sammy Kershaw version. So fun.
I’ll think about your questions… maybe turn them into a post of my own soon…
Aww, thanks Terri. Love that song, played it last night
Like everyone, I’ve had lots to distract me but I’ve tried to also find what brings me joy and do more of that. Please… post away 
MJ
I like your list! And just this afternoon, after reading your post, I heard the song “Baby’s got her bluejeans on” in the grocery store (stocking up the RV). I hadn’t heard that in forever! Brought a smile to my face as I immediately thought about your post! ~ Sheila
Excellent! Now you’ll be humming it today
MJ
I LOVE your list! So glad I could inspire! And let me say that I too love fireflies and I so wish we had them in San Diego. I feel like putting them on my list because I love the idea of them so much. And I also love old country songs. They’re the best! I have to disagree with you on Starbucks as I’m a junkie. And I do like pilates (not that I’ve done them in a while).
Thank you, Leah .. you did indeed inspire. I think the firefly season is nearly over but this year it seemed to last longer than usual. Or maybe I was outside at that time more than I used to be? They’re the neatest! Thanks for your comments and for the inspiration, too
~ MJ
What a fun post, MJ! I’ve always like that “Blue Jeans” song, and haven’t heard it in years. I’m also not into the Olympics, never been into Starbucks (but I’ll take a Large Diet Coke at McDonald’s for $1, thank you.)
And I have some clothes that are at least 8 years old!
Thank you for your comments, Dianna. You always have so much to add
Shh don’t tell anyone but I have clothes 8++ years old 
MJ
Love your list. I am loving sticking my feet in water of lakes, rivers and streams. Not loving the hot, hot and very dry days.
Oh yeah, sticking the toes into cool water? Can’t be beat
MJ
I liked the “shopping my closet”. That is sweet that you were able to go back into your own closet, pull out an outfit you haven’t worn in years and bank so many compliments.
I gotta say though – Starbucks is where it’s at.
Although I am less than thrilled with the price, they provide one of my all-time favorite beverages: Mocha Frappuchino. MMMmmm yummay!
It was sweet to shop the closet but a good reminder that there’s work to be done in there as well … too much in there that will never get looked at much less worn… that’s definitely a fall project.
MJ
I bet! I’ve been purging myself. I’ve sold some clothing items on Craigslist and at Plato’s Closet. I also plan to stop By Urban Exchange to see what “professional” clothing of mine they would be interested in. Lastly, I’ll list a few things on eBay. It’s definitely a time consuming project, but is also fun to get a thrill from the sale.