Defining Beautiful

1. The tulips blooming in our yard. We can't live there, but those proud flowers are standing tall and showing off their beautiful red, yellows and pinks. This evening, I cut a few to put in a juice glass on our kitchen counter. H. digs and plants the cloaked bulbs in winter, when things are cold and barren. [My job is usually to buy them, at places like Whole Foods.] And then they push forth, so lush and fertile. He tries to add more every year.

2. The memory of my Grandma Rosie's hair. When I was in fifth grade, she lived in our house for a few months. She rotated among her three sons' homes. My parents put a third twin bed in Sis's and my bedroom. I don't know if it was just once or many times, but she asked me to help braid her long hair. It was soft, so soft, and yellowish white. She wore the braid pinned up in a circle.

3. Freckles on the people I love, because to me, it means they've been out in the sun and getting some fresh air. And I've probably been out there with them.

4. Tree branches, bare or not, gnarly or straight. Especially the ones all covered with pink, purple and white blooms right now all over Montclair.

5. The NYC skyline at night. We have a beautiful view from the condo.

6. Babies. Children. Their hugs and kisses. Their tiny feet and tiny toes.

7. The bond of friendship, spoken and unspoken. Mostly, the latter.

8. Warm rays of water and Ahava Mineral Shower Gel. And especially how it leaves your skin.

9. The scent of Krigler Lovely Patchouli. Completely intoxicating.

10. A big lavish [yet still old-fashioned] birthday cake made with my own two hands. And pink candles to put on it.