Oh, just a Lotta of Good Stuff

First, I gotta say I am totally stealing this post from Lauren. Sorry Lauren! But I was up all night thinking of a meeting I had the other day. We were talking about what it takes to be happy and so on. When it comes down to it,  E.E. Cummings said it best when he said “Happiness is best kept when given away.” Seriously, I would much rather put a smile on someone else’s face than mine. Maybe it is because I have been so fortunate all my life to know I am loved and wanted.  Or I guess maybe it is because I knew in my heart what I loved and wanted. I knew that I would not sacrifice for any less. Yup, I remember when I decided to do art fairs and some of my “friends” pretty much thought I slept in my van and lived off the land.  Maybe to some they would see that as an insult cuz the ” big corporate job” is what you strive for in college. But to me, heck, if I did sleep in my van or live off the land it was because I loved it. And that was my happiness. (I can feel myself going on a tangent so I need to stay focused. I just love talking about Art Fairs so much that I will go nuts!)

Anyhow, happiness! So last night I was thinking of all the things that make me happy and I always come back to my Grandma and Grandpa. (Be sure to click on links so you can fall in love too!) I’m sure I have shared it time and time again but heck, how can I not? I grew up across the street from my grandparents which just makes me smile with memories. One of the my favorites is how they would always surprise me with the unexpected. We could go up to the grocery store and I’d be walking out, little did I know my grandpa had bought me candy. He’d sneak  it into my pocket telling me not to look till I got home. I remember making a trip in high school, at the airport my grandpa gave me a huge hug and tucked something (money) in my pocket and told me not to look till I got on the plane. Oh, they were so good at that.

The element of surprise. The thing is, it only works when you don’t expect it. And in my opinion only, happiness doesn’t happen when you expect it nor plan for it. It is always when you least expect someone to tuck something in your pocket,  you get great note in the mail or you get  a sweet compliment at the store. The  unexpected makes me smile.

And this is where I say “Let’s Spread Some Love for Mother’s Day!” And this is when you  email [email protected] with your nominations. We will need complete name, address and size.  All packages will be sent anonymously with a sweet note. So think about someone, anyone that makes you smile. And someone you want to see smile!  Maybe it is a teacher, a friend, you mom, the lady that lives down the street that always waves to you as you drive by?

And while I was reminiscing about things I love I went back to my old blog and fell in love all over again. But do you know what with? The old banners. I loved seeing all your kids on top of the blog. It was so fun! After talking to Sam about it, we decided to open up [email protected] and start using your photos for the new banners every week. So start sending us your pics! We are excited to start sharing your girls again on our blog and banners. Why I ever stopped doing this I have no clue. I am always on Facebook checking out photos. It is one of my favorite parts of my jobs, seeing little girl be little girls in their Matilda Jane.

Well, Joe is screaming my name so I gotta tuck him in. I really wish my boys would just walk downstairs instead of screaming my name! Oh, I sound so much like my mom.