a diamond. a precious and rare gem of sorts.

a caddy-corner victorian home built for a warm and delightful family.

a swing set that creaks in the lonely nite-time winds.

a sword fight where both contenders die.

a blushing young schoolgirl about to hit her prime.

a pissed off feminist who won't take no for an answer.

an 18 wheeler slow... riding into the sunset.

a tangelo.

a baby sea-turtle extravaganza.

a pile of clothes in the thrift store dressing room.

a stinky foot resting on a soft shoulder.

a ripe tomato.

a parade with candy and stalkers amist the crowd.

a moment that a couple cannot resist to fuck.

a happy child on her 6th birthday.

a keg of beer overflowing in college kids' cups.

a triumphant hero, hiding in the crowd.

a million bucks.

a dreamer that never awakes.

a cloud made out of silver linings.

a tender kiss during a honeymoon.

a torn up druggie pan-handling on the curb.

a haunting.

hi. my name is laurie. i am 21. i will be 22 in ___ days. i am delighted by: quiet time, soft music, sounds, bananas, friends who talk to me more than an hour at a time, dancable parties, hugs, the idea of one day experiencing love with a man or a woman, overcoming challenges, dresses that are old, the smell of my father's aftershave, books about the occult, how-to articles in magazines, sitting in town squares while eating pb&j sandwiches, meeting new people, actively participating in things i feel must be acted upon, saturday nights, washing dishes, hot baths, letters in the mail, money to buy strangers' drinks, holidays, sassy boys, conan o brien, movies about anything, space flight, horoscopes, one-night stands (when i can emotionally afford them), cocoa butter lotion, lip gloss, my cat chet, sleeping in every day, coffee with lots of sugar and a little bit of cream, writing short things like poems and essays and..., smutty novels, historic landmarks, bridges, walks, records, collecting things like old pennies, making the most of things, talking to friends on the phone at night that i haven't talked to in forever, missing things, the thought of what happens when i die, colors, my blankets i wrap myself in at night, low wattage lamp lighting, smells like vanilla and nag champa inscents, board games, trivia, holding hands with someone for the first time, my parents, my friends, apologies when they are really meant and truely accepted, the 20 minutes i look in the mirror every day as i put make-up on and play with my hair, locking doors when leaving buildings, the feeling i get when i leave a good tip for a waitress or bartender or stripper, hunger when i am in a good mood, a cigarette when i am hungry, yellow flowers that some think are weeds, my new roommate stephanie, curly hair, piles of papers with my writing on them, the library, and i also enjoy road trips home, oh. and books.