My happiness is...

My happiness is...:ds105
Originally uploaded by Tehlanna

Today's photography assignment is a challenge for me. The assignment is to convey happiness; not just show it but to invoke it in the mind of the audience.

I don't do so well with relating to other people; I don't know how to invoke happiness in other people. For me, the first image that sprang to mind was that of a child playing (I can hear you laughing); on a playground swing-set, swinging with absolute abandon: hair flying back, laughter stolen away by the wind, smile big and bright - the sort of smile we have before life teaches us to keep it small, unobtrusive, hidden.

My own happiness is most often invoked at the library. Even just the sight of the building is enough to push that button in the centre of my soul that releases a special sort of calm.

The library makes sense to me, with its simple order and quiet routine. No decisions need to be made at the library (except, possibly, "how many trips will I have to make to get all these books to the car?"), and that's a peaceful sort of thing for me.

I didn't get to the library today (despite the fact that I have, in fact, one nearly-overdue audio book); I didn't make it to the park today to photograph other people's children playing happily (I know, creepy).

But I did settle down with a book and a cup of tea. I don't know if I managed to convey it for you lot, but it makes me exceedingly happy.