Loving Lambie

A couple of years ago, while shopping for a gift, the wooden block of art shown in today's post came to my attention.

One of my sisters loves sheep so this turned out to be a perfect mini-gift for her.

I loved it so much that the decision was made to buy one for me, too!

It's a comforting image.  

The bigger animal is a symbol of love and security for the little lamb.

It definitely made me think of the Heavenly Father with one of His "little lambs" down here on the earth.

He protects. He loves profoundly. He cares for every sheep and lamb in the flock, especially the lost and lonely.

The art piece currently sits on the end of a bedroom dresser where it reminds me every day where to go for peace and protection

What Am I?

There is a plant that belongs to one of my sisters that she grew from a leaf.

She soaked the leaf in water until roots grew and then planted it into potting soil.

Every time I see that plant when visiting,  it has grown bigger and spread out more.

There are no flowers on it.

It sits in front of a window and seems to be looking out into the light and sun.

A dear friend looked up the plant from photos taken of it and said it is a "minor begonia."

Now that was a big surprise since the plant does not look like any other begonia ever seen.

It is currently in a season where it has no flowers, I guess.

It sure it a beautiful plant.

 My sister offered to give me a leaf of my own to put into water at my next visit to see her.

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A MINOR BEGONIA?

Gratitude Is Always Welcome

Practicing gratitude is a real life-changer.

Several years ago, I wrote daily entries in my very first gratitude journal. 

Even the smallest of things landed in the journal, like seeing a favorite bird in the yard or receiving an unexpected phone call.

Before the journal's pages were completely filled, a new journal had already been found and was ready to use.

Since that humble beginning, many, many more journals have been filled from cover to cover.

Finding gratitude in thousands of ways has had a huge life impact.

One realizes how tremendously blessed one's life is, even on the bad days.

Also, when one is thanking, one is not complaining and that makes a huge difference in one's life.

The card shown at the top of this post is so colorful and spring-like. 

It came in yesterday's mail from an aunt whose 98th birthday our family just celebrated.

While on the topic of gratitude, I'd like to add how grateful I am for each of you, beloved followers and others randomly reading this post.

You mean so much to me.  

You are kind to read these humble posts and yes, I am grateful that you do.

So thank you !

Indonesian Basket Comes Home to Roost

 

Looking through magazines, it's always fun to see how others decorate their homes.

Our tastes are different and that's okay.  

In one photo, I saw a palm tree inside a basket.  

It looked so darling.  

So while buying a birthday gift at Homegoods, I scooted over to the basket clearance section.  

Sure enough, I found a favorite and it was from Indonesia

The tree looks so pretty and I love moving it around by its handles.

I am very grateful for the Indonesian basket, the palm tree, and every little gift life brings.

Tiny Tears Makes Smiles

 

A long time ago, a Tiny Tears doll touched a child's tender heart and made her happy for many years of her childhood.

That little child was me!

My Godmother, who had no children of her own, used to make magic every year around my birthday and holidays.

She'd always tell me, "What would you like me to buy you, honey?  You can have anything your little heart desires."

Can you imagine what a joyful question that was to one of five children whose parents had very little spending money for presents?

One year, when I was about six years old, I got my Tiny Tears doll.    

She had thick, close-cropped brown hair and, sure enough, cried tears after getting her "bah bah."  (She did pee, too. ha ha ha)At what point in life she disappeared from my life, I have no idea.

A few years ago, in my seventh decade of life, my daughter found a Tiny Tears doll online that was an exact replica of the original doll.

Of course, by now, the doll is an antique, which makes me one, too!

My daughter bought her and gave her to me as a gift one Christmas.

Receiving that childhood doll opened my heart as wide as the Grand Canyon and brought back a slew of happy memories.

Of course, I burst out crying.

This past weekend, Tiny Tears got changed into a deep pink dress with white flowers on the bodice.  It's perfect for spring.

Added was a pretty white bonnet.  (Yes, Tiny Tears has a bag full of clothing I've picked up at thrift stores!)

She's as pretty as a picture and is ready for spring!