Gratitude Brings Happiness

It's really true that the more a person concentrates on being grateful, the happier they become.

We can be thankful even for the little things that bring smiles to our faces.

When a pretty crystal/glass cover called out at a yard sale, I bought it.

Probably, originally, it was a cover for cheese. 

Available at a dirt cheap price, how could such a lovely piece be passed up?

So now, it's used as a cover for butter. 

Flanked by the "new from eBay" salt and pepper shakers, the little set definitely makes me feel gratitude.

Here's to a great Friday the 13th, without any of the negative folklore behind it!

New Sunrise, New Day of Life

There are certainly times in life when problems and worries seem to weigh down the human heart.

The important thing to remember during these dark moments is that each new day brings new hope and meaning.

With every new sunrise, we have a chance to do things differently.

New thoughts, new actions, and new ways to start all over again come with every  new day of life. 

Wow, sometimes it's hard to comprehend all of the above but it's true that many people will not be given the chance to live this day.

They went to bed but never woke up.  

So today, it's good to know we have another chance at the immense gift of life.  

As the skies turn color and the sun peeps up over the horizon, choosing gratitude will be paramount. 

Here's hoping you have a really good day!

Enjoy Your Hobbies

Maintaining interest in special hobbies is one way of bringing joy to your heart, one day at a time.

As the years tick by, often at a fast pace, some people let their hobbies go by the wayside and that is a big mistake.

One of my own life-long hobbies has been collecting dolls, dollhouses, and miniatures of all kinds.

For instance, there have been many blog posts, through the years,on my Tiny Tears doll.

She happens to be a doll cherished from childhood days.

While the whereabouts of the original doll is unknown, my daughter found an exact replica of her online.

She bought the doll and gifted her to me several Christmases ago.

Michele, (that's what my Tiny Tears goes by), received a gorgeous dark cranberry colored velvet dress with lace this past holiday.

Oh, she looked like the pizazz.

An ebay purchase, it turned out to be absolutely perfect.

However, it's now February and Michele needed a change of clothes.

Now, she's in a white dress with tiny roses all over it.

Because it's still very cold outside, she's wearing her red knitted hat.

It makes her look very sassy.

DO YOU HAVE A LIFE-LONG HOBBY YOU ENJOY? CAN YOU SHARE WHAT IT IS? 

Lunch Out Despite the Cold Temps

The outside temp on the car dashboard said "seven degrees." 

That was not enough to stop a dear, long-time friend and I from going out to lunch.

We went to an Asian restaurant in western Massachusetts that has delicious food and a nice atmosphere, two prerequisites for a short time out.

The vegetable tempura tasted fabulous as did a cup of hot and sour soup.

Within view from our table, a big statue looked impressive.

A plant on a table in front of the statue caught the sunlight and it lit up our spirits as well as the plant. 

There is nothing like lunch out with an old friend and delicious food to beat the winter blues.

Dreaming of Spring

Okay, single digit temperatures have got to go.

We have had enough of the deep freezer temps to last several winters.

It's time to think about warm sunshine, flowers, bird songs, and fresh air.

Here's to a lovely Monday in February!

I hope your day goes well!