Last month, we asked our readers to share with us their answers to this question:

When was the last time you looked around and said “It just doesn't get any better than this!”? Where were you and what was going on around you? You know, the person who can say that the most times in their lifetime has won!

We were surprised and pleased at the diversity of the answers and we thank all those who responded. We hope you enjoy sharing these moments as much as we did:

The hummingbirds are gathered around the feeder outside my window where I do my artwork. It is quiet except for the soft sounds of windchimes outside my door. My husband has gone fishing for the morning. The sun seems to make everything sparkle in the garden and patio area. My coffee cup is filled with great tasting coffee, I am in bare feet, shorts and t shirt. I am completing a collage which I started the day before. My scissors, glue, paints, papers are all around me. My hands work magically to place images in just the right spaces. I have such a sense of intense joy and I think, “it doesn't get much better than this.”
Thanks, Josie Rodriguez
Artist Retreat, San Diego

I just said that the other day. My husband and I were on the beach in our sand chairs. It was a beautiful sunny day with a breeze blowing, the waves lapping up on the sand. There were umbrellas as far as the eye could see. It was just a beautiful day and I was relaxing with my love.
It doesn't get any better than this
Cathy

My husband and I married twenty-two years ago and created a new “blended family” combining my three children and his two. The first years were so difficult at times I wondered just what I had gotten myself into! Now the children are all grown with families of their own and we are the proud grandparents of six beautiful, intelligent, terrific boys. Over the 4th of July weekend we spent time at the beach with son Tim, his wife and two of our grandsons. As I sat on a blanket on the beach I realized just how fortunate I am: the sun was shining, Tom and his son and grandson were laughing as they threw a football to each other, my lovely daughter-in-law was excited to watch the seals playing in the water and my three-month-old grandson gurgled and smiled at me as we played together. How could it possibly get any better than that!
Connie McDowell
Oregon City, Oregon

Yesterday I attended a wedding here in Kununurra, West Australia. It was held on our beautiful Ord River on a boat. A small gathering of about 20 guests. The bride is a Thai lady and so the back drop to the service, a local landmark called “Sleeping Buddha” was very appropriate. It’s magnificent stretch of rock that looks as it name implies. After the ceremony, we motored along as the sun set and the colors reflecting in the waters were breathtaking. All our countryside in the Kimberly is rich ochres browns reds - made more brilliant when the sun hits on the hills. I have lived here 29 years and appreciate the beauty each day. I am looking forward to having my photos processed tomorrow to see if I have captured any of it.

NOTE** The memory of this pleasure has overflowed into today and I thought I would like to share it with you...It doesn't get much better than this!!.
ndawn@bigpond.com

Several nights ago we arrived home around 5:30 to discover that, following a roaring thunderstorm, our electricity had once again gone out. My husband suggested we take the opportunity to have dinner at one of the many local restaurants that don’t charge an arm and a leg. We chose a small neighborhood Italian spot.

Upon arriving we were told the only table was the “small one in the corner.”

“Perfect,” we both exclaimed almost simultaneously.

We settled in, ordered a bottle of wine and started talking, with the conversation slowly drifting to our adult children, their children and our future plans. Two hours later as we still sat and talked I realized that in the hustle and bustle of our lives, our dinners at home are never like this. I found myself smiling from the inside out. I felt so much at peace and pure joy filled my heart. How very fortunate I was to have found this man who loves me so deeply and considers our life together to be one of God's many blessings.
As we got ready for bed that night (by candlelight), my husband took my hand and thanked me for “our date.”
Pat Reeves
Southfield, MI

My cousin was expecting her second child at the end of May, 2002. She approached me to take care of her two-year-old while she gave birth. I was hesitant to say the least. A two-yea-old little boy has a lot of energy. But I accepted the challenge and I am so glad I did.

This little fellow, Brian, reminded me of the joy that children bring to life. Of course, I brought along crayons, oodles of wonderful paper (including all my scraps) watercolor paints, glue and kewl stuff to glue. I watched Brian as he effortlessly created wonderful works of art. I noticed his wonderful, free abandonment as he went about creating colorful “art” for his Mummy and new baby. I learned a lot by just sitting and observing. No instructions or even suggestions. I wanted to learn from him.We had huge messes and he loved every minute of it.

On the day Brian's baby sister was born, we raced to the hospital for this joyous event. Shenley Anne Grace was just 35 minutes old when her big brother held her in his arms and kissed her forehead. I was once again in awe of his free spirit and kind heart.

In three wonderful days of helping out I learned so much from this little fellow. I am so grateful that I did not pass up the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful time in my cousin's life. Her life is full and rich with love and caring and yes, a budding little Piccaso. Brian's art hangs on my refrigerator, a gallery where the walls have been empty too long.
Jan Williams
Toronto, Canada

Our emphasis is on new directions, so we would like to see new techniques and new uses for tried and true art supplies.

So, email us with article ideas and we'll talk about it. You will only need to submit the parts and communicate with us, and we will edit them into a cohesive whole that fits our magazine.