Pondering beautiful

Breast cancer survivor Christina Applegate made the cover of People magazine's 100 most beautiful people issue.

Others included on that list: newcomers U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and "Twilight" heartthrob Robert Pattinson.
 
But, that list got me thinking, are these people beautiful because they’re famous?  Because they need the publicity?  Because they’ve gained notoriety?  What is it that makes a person beautiful?  (and really, there’s no wrong answer)  In fact, we could take this further and ask what deems something – anything – beautiful?
 
So, here is one ordinary person’s (me) list of most beautiful experiences, people, and things, in no particular order.  If you feel so compelled, send me your list!
 

1. An Arizona sunset
2. Smiles
3. Eyes that tell a story
4. A good love story
5. Innocence
6. The cloud formations during a monsoon storm
7. Laughter
8. Justice
9. The sound of the ocean
10. A clean house
11. Butterflies
12. Getting lost on purpose
13. A great adventure
14. Sleeping in
15. Stars
16. Good cheese
17. Cheese in general
18. A mother’s hug
19. A father’s advice
20. Getting straight A’s on a report card (with no cheating!)
21. A great workout
22. Reaching a goal
23. Learning from failure
24. Coming home
25. Warm sand and palm trees
26. Cookie dough
27. My aunt Phyllis
28. My brother’s mind
29. Christmas
30. Perfecting a pina colada
31. Runner’s high
32. Going fast
33. Kindness
34. Health
35. Wit
36. Ballet recitals
37. Dry heat
38. Homemade food
39. Making friends
40. Knowing you did your best
41. Inspiration
42. Grande peppermint mocha, extra hot, no whip
43. 33
44. Mastering how to drive a 5-speed
45. Dogs
46. My aunties
47. Powder and no lift lines
48. Sushi
49. Candlelight
50. Comfortable heels
51. Putting on sweats
52. Getting stuck behind farm equipment on a 2-lane road
53. Finding $5 in a pocket
54. Penticton, BC, Canada
55. Riding a ferry and bringing bread for the seagulls
56. Singing in the car
57. Waking up early and realizing you still have time to sleep
58. Getting over an illness
59. Photo albums (not the digital kind)
60. The concept of “go see”