It's always about the simple things.

Luckily I have a "vault moment" almost on a daily basis. It's my new goal in life. I used to be so full of bitterness and sorrow - Now I choose to focus on the sweet and savory.

Like those little tiny moments when Princess OTR looks me in the eye with that twinkly elfin grin, snuggles in close, and says "Mommy, know what? I love you." for no apparent reason, other than the fact that she too is content at that given moment in time.

I was recently listening to the episode of Radiolab where they discuss human memory, and in one segment a neurologist was explaining how memories are not accessed in read-only mode when we remember them...each time you recall something, the memory can be modified a little...or a lot. Over time the stored memory may be altered so heavily that it scarcely resembles the original event. Such is how two people can recall the same event with starkly contrasting stories.

The episode even discusses how fake memories can be inserted into people's minds using strong contexts. Neat stuff, but a bit unsettling.

Despite all this, we humans trust our memories, and often take great offense when the accuracy of our memories is called into question. Humans are big bags of contradictions.

I'm trying to keep a little book of good moments - maybe not daily, but trying to preserve some along the way.

The kids and I went bowling today on a whim. we had 3 hours to kill, and the boy suggested it. ( I kicked their asses ) ...but i asked at the desk when we were leaving if they sold old pins...and the girls said, no....they don't sell them, but i could have a couple for free.....

http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...%3B42345nu0mrj

a couple more errands found us at home despot...and this thing:

http://images2.snapfish.com/23232323...36%3A345nu0mrj
then on to the real business of the day>

http://images2b.snapfish.com/2323232...3A%3B345nu0mrj

and

http://images2e.snapfish.com/2323232...47%3B345nu0mrj

What a great day. You are so fortunate to have such a beautiful family.

Thats so great. Good times, good memories...

You can really see both of you in those younguns

Beautiful post jim! I remember when I last felt that sense of contentment! I had trouble figuring out what the feeling was, then I realized: wow...I am content for this moment! I did exactly as you have suggested, I decided to contain that memory and keep it safe.

It's funny, when I consciously decide to be content it doesn't work. The moment happens of its on accord. I can tap into the feeling, but not make it manifest by imposing proper conditions.