Who doesn't need that once in a while? Here's a few that have certainly made me smile lately. First up... this new yet old necklace.
When I was growing up, my sister and I made many happy memories at my Grandparent's farm. One was playing with my Mom's old dishes from her childhood. For hours and hours we played with her pretty tin dishes. We played restaurant, we took them to the soybean bin and served soybeans to our imaginary customers. Ah, the best. So when I saw this necklace on Etsy recently I had to have it. The dishes we played with were just like the one in the center of this necklace!
Of course the necklace looks even better in person, but it also came with the dearest letter. Reading it made me so deep down happy. The Artist wrote a thank you to me for inspiring her two years ago when she attended Silver Bella. She went on to say that not only did she have a great time that weekend but she "bloomed" artistically and was inspired to move forward and develop a jewelry business. And she did.
Not knowing her story, I bought her necklace. So we totally went full circle there. Very cool.
Secondly, spending time with my son's class volunteering with Junior Achievement. Those kids just twist a frown into a smile in 30 seconds flat. Not that I was frowning, but I definitely feel like they do more for me than I do for them. Hope it's reciprocal...a little anyway!
Thirdly, perhaps you recall a few weeks ago a special weekend was planned with my Mom, Sister, Daughter and myself. We intended to see Joel Osteen speak and then go do some shopping in Kansas City. Well, my daughter got sick and we couldn't go. I sent out a plea on my blog to anyone interested in purchasing our tickets to the Joel Osteen performance. The Executive Director of Joel Osteen Ministries, commented on my blog...so professionally and heartfelt. Well, yada yada yada....and yesterday I got a handwritten note from the Director, along with an autographed copy of Joel's book, a Joel's Free to Worship CD and a refund for our tickets. Wow! I was so touched. I hope we get to go see that performance at some point.
Fourthly, the little tune that's making me happy..."Freckles", by Natasha Bedingfield. Love her tunes.
Okay I thought that was it, but...also the weather...it's so great outside right now. It's finally safe to declare "Spring" in our area. I can't seem to get outdoors enough and fill myself up with every ounce of it. I've been so busy, so busy insanely busy lately, but hopefully today I can get outdoors and enjoy the long awaited arrival of Spring! Even if I have to take my laptop out on the deck...I'm going outside!
What is it that brightens your day? I'd love to know!
you sweet thing teresa!!!!! yep, full circle yet again because you just made my day. if you're ever in iowa city look me up i'll take you to the most wonderful, inspirational, fabulous store that you would adore!
enjoy your necklace. i really like knowing why you 'needed' it!
jennifer
Posted by: jennifer | March 12, 2008 at 10:35 AM
What a darling necklace. I have my Grandmother's blue willow dishes. Not childsize though. I wonder if blue willow was an Iowa thing?
Posted by: Cindy | March 12, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Brightening my days recently is the insanely beautiful weather we are finally having here in TX, being busy making Easter pretties and selling my first item in my etsy shop. Life is good.
Posted by: Alisa | March 12, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Oh my gosh that little tin plate, well I would need it to. Clarice
Posted by: clarice | March 12, 2008 at 06:11 PM
I started doing Junior Achievement in college (well, I guess I'm not really that far out of college), but it's been a very rewarding experience for me - sounds like that's the case for you too!
Posted by: Shirley K | March 12, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Hi there! It has been such a joy reading your blog these last few months! What an ispiration you are! Thank you for sharing from your heart and life the gifts God has so graciously given you! I was wondering what program you use to put creative clipart/frames around the photos you post. (i.e. under posting "Up early".) Thank you so much and God bless! Holly
Posted by: Holly Hansen | March 12, 2008 at 07:15 PM
I'm finding the increasing light energizes me and brightens up my day! Spring is indeed on the way!
Lorrie
Posted by: Lorrie | March 12, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Well for the past 3 days 5 baby bunnies found in my yard have brightened my day. I discovered their little den on Sunday and have gone out once a day to check on them and gosh are they just the cutest. I have a few photos on my blog.
Posted by: Lisa M. Pace | March 13, 2008 at 12:55 AM
It all comes back. All of it. To know you have helped someone on the journey to becoming who they are and knowing their true self is the greatest gift we can give not only others but ourselves as well. This is my greatest day brightener... when I get that chance. Especially for child or young adult. Now for that necklace... I LOVE that tiny little plate! I'm a "tiny" girl. Not figuratively speaking of course, Heavens to Betsy no. Not in the figure sense at all, (specially "my" figure) but definately with things. What a great story. Makes me wanna go make something and give it away.
Just have a plain ol' great day!!
Posted by: Sonja Chandler | March 13, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Reading your fun blog brightens my day! Thank you for sharing such neat stories. I appreciate you!
Posted by: Melissa | March 13, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Love your wonderful necklace!!! I happen to own several pieces by this amazing artist, and am never disappointed by the quality and beauty of her work.
Posted by: Barbara | March 13, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Teresa , the sun is shining here , birds singing , and God loves me -- I thank him for that the greatest gift -- Of course my family and friends -- but the joy of blog friends , creating , seeing those baby bunnies a fellow blogger mentioned in your comments , a new idea on the New Bellatoria -zine , a piece of old ribbon or old flower --all simple pleasures --but make my heart smile today ! Thank you for your blog -but most of all the heart behind it -Kathy - GA
Posted by: lKathy Lowry | March 13, 2008 at 10:06 AM
The first trees in full bloom sighted on this gorgeous sunny day!
Posted by: Deborah | March 13, 2008 at 03:16 PM
today it is 55 and sunny...some of the ice and snow is melting. that is totally brightening my day :)
Posted by: christen | March 13, 2008 at 03:49 PM
So pretty T. Looking forward to seeing you wear it :-)
Posted by: Carolyn Peeler | March 13, 2008 at 07:35 PM
right now i love the 9 bradford pears in full bloom in my back yard! that makes me happy!
love your very cool necklace & great story too.
thank you so much teresa, for leaving such a beautiful note for lil--i know she is going to be so touched.
xo
Posted by: paige | March 14, 2008 at 07:13 AM
You just took me back in time. My grandfather built me a play house and I had a set of dishes like that in their! What a cute piece of jewelry. Good find!
Terisa
Posted by: Terisa | March 14, 2008 at 03:27 PM
My day is brightened by the smiles and giggles of my children! They all have beautiful smiles and I love it when they get to giggling and laughing till it hurts! ;)
Hugs,
Shan
Kuddos to you setting new "office" hours for yourself!
Posted by: Shannon J | March 14, 2008 at 06:11 PM
teresa...
i had to write~~Becuz i love the blue willow
tin toy dish~~fashioned into jewelry----how fun!
Love Joel too...was inspired by him when he visited here!
Never thought i'd go for a crowd like that...
but I enjoyed his words.
come visit when you are here again!
Posted by: cgs | March 16, 2008 at 02:46 AM
that makes me like Joel even more.
peace
Kim
Posted by: Kim Bolyard | March 19, 2008 at 08:19 AM