by Beauregard Fox

Created on: November 07, 2009

There's so much in the world not to like, that it can sometimes be refreshing to sit back and look not at what's wrong with the world, but what's right. As such, I shall attempt to come up with a list of ten things I love about the world.

1) Sunsets.

I adore watching the sun set in the evening. The way the sun paints the sky in hues of pink and yellow and orange is truly a thing of beauty. Seeing it in the mountains is an especially exhilarating experience, watching the sun slowly dip behind the peak.

2) Snow.

It's a good thing I like snow, or living in New England would be awful, particularly in the mountains. There's just something magical about seeing that layer of white coating the ground. It never fails to instill me with a sense of wonder, and hope for the spring thaw.

3) The Berkshires

There's a certain charm about Berkshire County that makes me glad I'm living here while I pursue my degree. Perhaps it's all of the quaint little towns I drive through on the way here, the main streets lined with little shops and the town commons, guarded over by Congregational Church, a link to the history of the region. Maybe it's how pretty the mountains look - the burst of color in autumn, the dazzling white snow of winter, the renewed life in spring. Whatever it is, it's truly lovely.

4) Autumn in New England.

Does this really need explaining? I love everything about autumn! The vibrant colors of leaves, the crispness in the air, the sound of the wind pushing leaves. It's a lovely experience.

5) Cloud Gazing

This is best performed in summer, but can be done year round. I prefer summer (or late spring/early fall), while the weather is still warm, so I can just lie on my back and stare up at the clouds. There aren't many things more relaxing than just sitting outside and watching the clouds roll by. It reminds you of how big the world is, and how lucky you are to be a part of it.

6) (Old) Churches

I may be an atheist, but that does not mean I don't appreciate the architecture of (old) churches. Stained glass windows and elaborate columns and statues stand as testaments to the craftsmen's prowess as much as they speak to the religious images. The cathedrals at Wells and Salisbury in England are particularly stunning, at least among churches I've visited.

7) Dogs

I never met a dog I didn't like. Sure, some can be mean, but most of them are really cute, and I LOVE to pet and snuggle them. At times, dogs can seem like better friends than humans. It's nice to curl up with a little dog in your lap, or a big dog at your feet. Through thick and thin, that puppy will be there for you.

8) Folk Music

I absolutely adore folk music. The simplicity and honesty of the lyrics, the sound of an acoustic guitar providing harmony, is some of the most moving music out there. A good vocalist is really nice, too, where possible.

9) NPR/PRI

Public radio is, I think, one of the most important, if not the most, important media institution in the US today. I get a good portion of my news from there, and of course, it provides me my favorite radio program, "This American Life."

10) Love

Yes, the final thing on my list is love. It's such a beautiful emotion, especially when it's shared. There's nothing in the world quite like curling up in the arms of your lover and just holding each other close, feeling the warmth of their body, listening to all the little sounds they make, and just basking in the glow of your mutual affection.

I don't claim this to be a complete or comprehensive list, but I don't know what I'd do without them.

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