Too Happy.

I've been working really hard recently
on finding JOY.
As in, pure, deep, true, lasting happiness.
That usually comes from things like
soul searching, service, and creating something.

Buuuut, there are a few things that make me happy....
...like real happy...

...that are trivial and not meaningful at all...
...but they bring light and color and beauty into my days...
and make me soooooo happy:

1. Painting my nails blue in the summertime,

and black in the winter.

Don't ask me why, I just always do.

2. Rumbi Grill salmon and veggie rice bowl.

And mostly because if I'm eating it,

that means I didn't have to cook.

1. When pumpkin flavored recipes,

and outfits with scarves 

start popping up on Pinterest...

...because that means FALL is coming.

4. Red,

Pink,

Rose,

Burgundy,

Orange,

Salmon,

Coral,

Peach,

Crimson,

Blush,

Ruby Lipstick.

5. Saltwater Sandals.
Because they're kids shoes.
That come in adult sizes.

6. Diet Lemonade
from Chick-fil-a.

7. Hot air balloons.
#magical

8. Star-shaped Watermelon
and blueberry salad.
It's just so darn patriotic.

9. Barbara Streisand movies.
(But we all knew that already)

10. Sparklers.

These things shouldn't make me so happy.
But I just can't help it.

Two posts in less than 24 hours.

I have lots of wonderful friends.

Tonight I had another lovely conversation with another delightful friend.

We came to the conclusion in our discussion, that our interests and talents are gifts given to us by our Father in Heaven.

We talked about how we are given them to bring us joy.

That joy is what then gives us the courage to go out and do good things.  Help other people.

These are some things that make me happy:

Painting the frames of shelves gold.

Bins blissfully full of lovely flowers and fabrics and tulle to make cake toppers.

My "studio" (or comfy bed) covered with sketchbooks, idea books and CRAYONS.

Lampshades re-covered with prints of Van Gough paintings.

These are some things that make me happy.

They are things I would stay up to the wee hours of the morning to finish.

Things that I can create with my own two hands.

Things that beautify the space around me and bring a smile to my face.

My suggestion if you're having a rough day?

Find time to fill it with a hobby.

Paint.

Sew.

Sing.

Play the piano.

Garden.

Bake cakes.

Study nature.

Write a story.

Use your imagination.

Quote of the night: "Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of the creative effort." --Franklin D. Roosevelt