Sure I could live without it, but...

 I was discussing comfort food the other day with my mom, who, along with being my perennial pick for mom of the year, is a fabulous cook.  So in reality, my chat with her was a cleverly disguised ploy to get invited over for the very definition of comfort food - her obscenely delicious and not at all heart- healthy oven fried chicken.  Later, I reflected on the idea of comfort food, along with other comfort stuff...

 I took a mental look around and came up with an eclectic inventory of things I  treasure, and take comfort in knowing they're around - even if I rarely use or as much as look at them.  The term "prized possessions" doesn't apply here, as I'm not referring to things like trophies or items of great monetary value.

 For example, you can have your pots and pans - your precious silverware and electric appliances, all the granite counters and sun catchers you like ... but it's not a kitchen worth walking into without Oreos. Original Oreos.  And a backup package if there's less than one row left.

 Leaving the kitchen for the bedroom, two things can be and I expect will always be found.  A pair of Chuck Taylor high tops with knots at the ends of the laces, because they never get tied.  Hanging in the closet, my thrice worn and memory washed "birthin' shirt.  Yes, the same shirt I wore at the birth of each of our three children.  I no longer ever wear it, but it would be the very last shirt I'd get rid of.  Comfort food on a hanger.

 Taking a listen to my music collection you'll notice a good sampling of Elton John.  Through all the changes in format over the years, albums to cassettes to cd to digital downloads, one musician has always been there...Sir Elton.  Sometimes there's just nothing to compare to the comfort found along the Yellow Brick Road.  There is plenty of music I listen to more often, but none has a more secure spot in my lineup of tunes.

 And finally we arrive at ( wait for it...) the bathroom. Saved for last so that my lovely wife can get in a good eye-roll just when she thought I was done with this bit of foolishness.  Indeed, my list of  treasures would not be complete without Bathroom Monkey.  Since I was small enough to swing my feet while seated on the toilet, Bathroom Monkey has been there to oversee things.

 I'd love to hear from others about their list of essential non-essentials.  I think the list can say a lot about a person...except for Bathroom Monkey...don't read too much into that.  He's a bit of wierdness passed along from mom of the year.  There's probably a story there, but some stones are best left unturned...