GUILTY PLEASURES (Patricia Potter)

My feet moved a little faster, and a tad higher Friday night when I left my mom’s nursing home. For the first time in months, she greeted me with a smile and a “I really had a nice day today.”

The secret: a friend of mine went over and gave her manicure and applied a pink polish to her fingernails.

She couldn’t wait to show me her nails. If I had known the effect of nail polish, I would have given it a try of my own weeks ago. But I’ve never cared about nail polish for myself, and I simply don’t think about it. It’s not that I dislike it, or that I don’t admire it on others, but it’s just never been high on my priority list.

I know in the past she’s gotten manicures occasionally, but not on a regular basis. I have tried to keep her nails clipped, but polish?

Magic. Pure magic.

Resolution: more manicures, although I fear my efforts will be poor.

Alas, Mom fell asleep about five minutes after the good day announcement, but it was enough to brighten my day.

Enough, in fact, to indulge in my favorite guilty pleasure.

I have several guilty pleasures, but I’ve especially missed one sorely these past few months of running frantically from one responsibility to another.

There was a perfect setting for this one. Friday was a cold, blustery rainy day in Memphis. When I arrived home after the nursing home visit, I headed for the bathtub. Usually I’m drained and head for bed, but this time my heart was smiling, and I was going to celebrate.

I’ve just about given up my bathtub for quick showers. I used to live in the bathtub. Studied there in college, sometimes nearly all night (strange, yes, but it worked). Celebrated there when I sold my first book. Mourned when my dad died. For most of my adult life, I started the day with a pot of coffee and a newspaper in the bathtub, usually accompanied by music. Great way to begin. A shower? Who would want to take a shower when they could have a nice long soaking bath?

And then I got out of the habit. A shower was quick. No temptation to lounge a while.

Tonight I’ve rediscovered the pleasure of a long bath. I had a really good book (suspense), great classical music, an aromatic candle and bath oil. And a whole hour. Pure heaven.

So I’m feeling cheery today (especially after reading Lynn’s blog, although I’m deeply envious). And I’m wondering whether you have a guilty pleasure. A television show? A particular type of movie or book? A special food (mine is homemade mac and cheese)? A place that draws you back over and over again when you're happy or sad?

Nail polish?

Share them with us.