Hello Stranger

It’s been a minute...or like 5 years… but I started to receive notifications of comments being left and new followers on my little corner of the internet here. I started going through some old posts and getting nostalgic for the creative outlet and inspiration. I’d love to try to start posting semi-regularly again - she says, lacking confidence. I had started to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of direction and tutorial posts floating around and had felt like there was nothing of value that I could add. I still don’t know that I have much value to add but there’s always room for more encouragement and inspiration, especially in these crazy pandemic times.

A few things while I’ve been gone (A glimpse of things to come):

1. I got married

Jeff and I got hitched in October of 2017. We’ve been living in Wisconsin for the past few years but are preparing to move on to the next step for us in Georgia, or back to the warm Hint: the flowers in my bouquet pictured here are a few of over a hundred crocheted by yours truly.

2. We got a dog

Meet Pippy.

She’s a rescue so we don’t know exactly how old she is, maybe 5 or 6, but she’s a hot mess sweet girl. She and Smudge have a tolerant, occasionally sweet relationship. Pippy is completely in love with Jeff and just accepting of my presence. It’s fine, I'm fine *sniff*. Smudge is still my baby. Somehow she’s already 6!

3. Workin’ on my fitness

I’ve had some health challenges over the past few years that have encouraged me to be more thoughtful and careful about health and fitness. My diet had been okay, but I really struggled with exercising… okay, not so much struggling as just completely avoiding it. In the past 2 or 3 years in particular meal planning and regular exercise have been a big focus that I’m eager to share with others who may have similar feelings and challenges.

4. Back to school

Once upon a time I thought I had too much free time while Jeff was in residency and I should use the opportunity. Thanks to encouragement and support of the people around me, I decided to get an MBA while still working through the evening program at UW-Madison. I’m ⅔ of the way through the program now and have learned SO MUCH. I’m often the only person in class wearing pink, braids, and/or a cheery floral print and I've learned not to be self-conscious about that.

I think those are the big things! Many things haven’t changed and some things just keep getting better with time. I've got some updating to do around the site of course. It's tough out there right now and we all need a little extra thought-provoking material. What's new with you? What's been inspiring you? I'd love to know :)

Sheila

Honest Alert: Everyday Happiness

I thought it would be fun to share a subject with you that's near and dear to my heart: happiness.

As you've already heard, I'm not totally certain what is happening after my service term ends in less than a week. I'm all packed up for the most part with most everything in storage, including the majority of my crafting goodies. I've made a few projects ahead of time in anticipation, but I'm guarding them like tiny baby birds and only letting them leave the nest one at a time. For the next few weeks, pickings around here may be a little slim BUT I promise to make up for it with all kinds of  awesomeness once I get settled on the other side of this hurdle. So please stay with me. I need you in my life!

In the meantime, let's get back to talking about happiness.

I don't mean walking around oblivious to the world and what's happening around you, I mean choosing to be aware and alert and still express happiness over sadness, or bitterness, or jealousy--you name it. Finding sources of happiness in all the little things is one of the most important lessons a person can learn in life, in my humble opinion. Because I'm a helpful person, I made you a list of things in which I find little everyday happiness.

1. Little kids wearing sunglasses
2. Elderly people holding hands
3. The word "frolic" or the action, for that matter
4. When I trip but don't completely fall (Take THAT, gravity!)
5. A random call or text from an old friend
6. Breakfast food
7. Thinking I ran out of something, and realizing there is one left
8. When my current jam comes on the radio
9. Finding heart-shaped things in nature
10. Sidewalk chalk
11. Anything in miniature form
12. A happy news article
13. A good hair day
14. Getting to wear the same outfit 2 days in a row because I won't be seeing the same people
15. Thinking something must be done, then remembering I already did it
16. Afternoon walks
17. Randomly thinking about Christmas
18. Surprise free food
19. Finding something that was lost
20. Having the right thing to say at the right time

What would you have on your list of everyday things that make you happy? Would any of these make your list? I'd love to know!

Sheila :)

P.S. If you're interested in more on everyday happiness, you should check out the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp. A friend gave it to me a while ago and I've loved it ever since.