I realize I am late to this contest by a day. I had a crazy week and tend not to enter too many contests because that would take away from the effort I have to pour into my real life business, and I enjoy watching friends scoop up the prizes rather than fight em all for it.

I do love the #powerhousecreatives contests and the subject of this one makes me think it is a good exercise in being present and mindfulness. You have to think back to the fun times and dedicate your brain to exploring ways to love and be happy. What better way than expounding upon and sharing 5 things that make you smile?

Music

Neither of my parents were overly musical but I remember music class as a kid, being taught harmonies as a choir singing One Tin Soldier. It inspired me and I have always been such a fan of music ever since. I think that is the first part that helps you become a musician. Being a fan.

Every Monday, @perceptualflaws and @jaynie post their versions of the track of the day post and help spread and celebrate music on the blockchain. (I would follow both of those folks if I were you.) Whether it is searching for an interesting track to share, playing music like we did this weekend, Karaoke or even singing songs while driving......Music makes me smile.

Seeing a nice spike in the crypto market

This is what happened to my Litecoin over last week. It was identical to many other coins which tend to follow bitcoin's lead so I am sure there were many smiles around here. It means the stake I have has increased in value, an alternative/augmentation to the current financial/monetary systems is gaining strength, and the STEEM stake my friends here have inflates and rewards for past dedication and content creation gets rewarded just a little more.

I am learning this neat phenomenon and working to make it part income diversification and part retirement to buy me some more freedom so spikes make me smile.

Beer

Hey it's Zeke you are reading here. You had to know that was coming! This is a beer from the weekend jam studio that made me smile a little as I love Rainhard Brewing Company https://rainhardbrewing.com/ and you know how I feel about music. I like a beer to wind down at night and play some games. I like a beer after sailing. A beer with friends is such a great vehicle for socialization and #beersaturday on STEEM makes me smile too. I can simply enjoy a brew, discover some new ones, snap some pics of the label and golden goodness, and share it with all the folks here. Some day I will get to meet more STEEMians like @detlev and have a beer with you all at some blockchain gathering.

Beer really makes me smile.

Outdoors/the cottage

There is something extra special about escaping the urban reality and jetting off to a rural wilderness for some change in perspective. It feels like really living. To be away from the grind and technology and regular routine, and celebrate what could easily be forgotten is cathartic. I read this week here that 30 minutes a day in nature decreases stress. We all need that. It is a dream of mine to own a family cottage to share, create memories, and have an escape.

Camping and cottaging and canoeing and a dozen other natural C words make me smile.

Kids being kids

This has to be one of my favourite which is why I saved it for last. The memories I have from childhood freedom, fun and discovery are the best. It just automatically makes me smile to think that the wonder of the world is creating those memories that will sooth the adult spirit for these kids. I try and balance out the lessons of hard work and success and discipline and respect by encouraging the kids to be goofy, playful, active and just have fun for the sake of it. Never stop learning. Never stop making mistakes otherwise you are not trying hard enough or learning anything. Explore, discover, question, redefine, and go boldly!

Even looking at that picture with the saggy bathing suit, held hands, adventurous strides and wondrous gazes off the path makes me smile.

What Makes you smile?