We asked five local celebrities a simple question: What makes you happy?

Gregory Maguire
author of ''Wicked"
''Seeing the kids get on the school bus in the morning and get off the bus in the afternoon."

Amanda Palmer
singer-pianist of the Dresden Dolls
''I am happy when I am alone, reading or writing, in a warm and dimly lit cafe surrounded by happy talking people who I don't know."

Mike Dreese
CEO of Newbury Comics
''Watching my daughter play softball . . . and playing chess with my son."

Ken Oringer
chef-owner ofClio, Uni, Toro
''Cooking at any of my restaurants, traveling, and gathering new ideas. What really puts a smile on my face is my fiancee, Celine."

Keith Lockhart
conductor ofthe Boston Pops
''Spending time out amidst nature by myself." -- Bobby Hankinson