A Wonderful Surprise

Not long after her mother passed, a Facebook friend from across the sea reached

out to me. She said that, if I was willing, she’d like me to have some treasures that 

she had first given to her mom.

I was touched by her kind offer, especially when she told me that Chartres, where the 

items were purchased when they were visiting there together, is a church dedicated 

to Our Lady (Mary). I was deeply grateful and delighted to accept her generous Gift.

As an aside (or is it?), her daughter has been very, very sick so I had no idea when 

her package of care might arrive.

Well guess what?

It came today!! I knew to expect the labyrinth book and beautiful blue sun catcher. 

I did not expect to find Love, Peace, and Faith all tucked in as well, or the words on 

her card “unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice.” I’m so struck by the timing of 

their arrival, right a group call for an online class that I'm taking that focused on 

Love and Faith. Smiling softly because my secret wish for our earth before Freedom 

emerged was Peace.

Hmmmmm... she says playfully. 

My guardian angel stopping in

to give me the big hug I longed for?  

Yes, I believe so. 

Blessed be.

.            *            .

Auntie Joy Delights and Surprises . . . Again

I’m happy to report that Auntie Joy continues to surprise and delight!

Riffling down to the bottom of this drawer where I keep my external cd drive, it 

brought a big grin to rediscover the cd set on the left. Without realizing it, I found 

myself letting out an audible “huh!” and curiously crinkling my brow as I picked 

the plastic case up and turned it over, getting reacquainted.

And that would’ve been quite the lovely, gracious plenty all by itself. 

💕

But just as I was fixing to close the drawer she winked at me once more, this time 

from the back of the drawer where the movie on the right was tucked long ago.

.    .    .    .    .    .

Hmmmm, her girl says with a playful twinkle, 

I’m beginning to wonder if 

“Hide and Seek” 

isn’t one of Auntie Joy’s favorite games!

Blessed be.

💕💕

#DelightinInTheDance

.            *            .

Savouring January - Day 18 - Drink

Slaking this morning’s thirst 

while keeping the icy chill at bay 

with a hand-warming mug of creamy chai tea.

Rediscovering an old favorite cup 

tucked in the back of our kitchen cabinet 

has me smiling big 

as I bask in the wonderful, Joy-filled surprise. 

Blue!! 

Purple!! 

And sweet flowers!! 

(All my favorites)

Throughout my day, 

I almost always have 

a cup of cool water to drink nearby. 

A couple of other 

reliable thirst quenchers for me 

are a lit candle 

and writing in my journal, 

all while under the gracious sheltering presence 

of Mama Grace’s gentle gaze.

Delighting in the dance.

#SavouringJanuary2018

.             *             .

Christmas Happy Mail

Today I received a thoughtful Gift 

from a dear friend

that couldn’t be more perfect! 

 From the label, 

the giggles from the styrofoam pillows 

(clever recycling!), 

to the wrapping papers - 

both silver and powder blue!

And the actual, 

deeply thoughtful Gifts themselves!! 

I’m smitten by the idea of 

“the holy mess of my beautiful life” 

and embracing it 

(as best I can in each moment)

 is where I will be sure to find 

Auntie Joy waiting for me. 

And while I’ve had my eye on it, 

no, I didn’t have the book! 

What a wonderful, 

Joy-filled surprise 

on the chilly, damp January day!

So grateful for my precious friend.

.              *              .

Savouring January - Day 7 - Read

Intentionally selecting a book or two 

who’s theme is my chosen word for the year 

has become an enriching part 

of my treasured practice. 

Not only do the books teach me about my word, 

they are also a lovely way to help companion 

and honor our time together.

Grinning big as this year’s word 

continues to surprise and delight. 

One of these books was a Christmas gift 

and I recently rediscovered the other 3 

winking at me from my bookshelves. 

(The tag line for the bottom book is 

“A Buddhist Inspired Guide to Navigating Joy and Sorrow.”)

Seems Auntie Joy has been waiting for me all along.

Blessed be and delighting in the dance.

#SavouringJanuary2018

.           *            .

Snowman Surprise

Since it turns out that we won't be decorating this year 

I thought it might be fun to have some cute Christmas napkins. 

I found this jolly fella today and thought he was perfect.

..

After a late afternoon of baking, 

I sat down to enjoy a couple of my "Chips Galore" cookies after supper. 

I even took a picture of them on my napkin before eating them. 

..

When I finished and went to wipe my hands, 

I grinned so big to discover that 

Auntie Joy was twinkling up at me ... 

again! 

⛄️  .  🎄  .  🍪

(I had *not* noticed her before.)

..

.            *            .

Sweet Surprise

Received a sweet surprise from a kind stranger today.

Turns out, she says with a warm smile,

she's from my sister, Aimee, 

and her family.

.           *           .

Outlet

A few quiet moments enjoying my swing

on another perfectly lovely fall afternoon

is a fine way to unplug and recharge.

Recover, too.

.       .     .     .     .

Smiling because when I took this photo,

I honestly thought our prompt for today's 

#BreatheSeptember2017

was Outlet.  

In looking back, no telling *where* I got that prompt!

It wasn't anywhere on our list.

I then double-checked my August Break list, 

which was still handy and it wasn't on there either.

I did need the break from screen time today 

so it was actually pretty perfect.

Maybe the angels whispered it to me?

Yes, I think so.

.             *           .

Happy Birthday, Honey

Happy Birthday to my favorite guy!

🎂  .  🍦  .  🎉

I've been sick and pretty wiped out

so haven't got his birthday cake made.

So I slipped out and bought him

some balloons

and some of his favorite 

Lofthouse sugar cookies.

Delighted to report that he was quite tickled.

.          *         .

Happened Upon Love

.         *         .

Sisterly Synchronicity

Yesterday's mail held the wonderful surprise 

of a new "fridge friend." 

I'm still smiling this morning, 

so touched by my sister's thoughtfulness 

and treasuring this sweet memento of their recent visit. 

🌻  .   💚  .   🌻

The timing was also a gift... 

the day after my vulnerable post about one sister, 

this wonderful surprise from another sister 

was tucked in our mailbox. 

Before taking a photo, 

I held it up next to my silk sunflowers 

as a secret reminder to myself 

to keep my face turned towards Grace, 

practice remembering that I am Enough, 

and to go where the love is. 

Yes.

🌻  .   💚  .   🌻

.           *          .

A New Friend

I'm so delighted to introduce my new little friend, 

lovingly hand stitched by a dear friend,

and all the way from Australia! 

 Isn't she a cutie pie? 

💜

I do love her so!

.          *           .

Sweet Surprise

Received this sweet surprise from a friend today.

And she is one of the best letter writers I know

so mail from her is always a treat!

Blessed be.

.          *          .

Southern Summer Treat

My favorite partner, who's Love Language is Gifts, 

left another treat for me on my desk this morning. 

🎁

When he stopped by later, 

he said they received 3 identical copies this month 

so he thought I might enjoy one of the extras! 

♥️

.           *           .

Sweet Surprise

So this little darling 

has been sitting in our amazon cart for awhile now, 

patiently waiting for me to decide.

. 🌸. 

In the meantime 

hubby placed an order 

and, rather than "save her for later" 

as I fully expected, 

he invited her to come home and live with us.

. 🌸. 

Blessed be. 

#HisLoveLanguageIsGifts

.          *            .

Delightful Care Package

I'm really enjoying this care package offering 

by Liz Lamoreux. 

Along with a small silver, hand-stamped talisman 

that can be slipped into a pocket, 

each box has delightful surprises 

tucked in to support the month's practice. 

"Find your center" 

feels like another invitation 

to practice my word for this year, Grounded. 

This was such a wonderful way 

to spend some Christmas money 

and how fun that the gift keeps on giving. 

💕

.          *          .

Hope will Find You, Deb

So I picked up a small navy notebook that's been sitting on top of this little stack of books 

for a good while now. Having looked up what I was wondering, and not thinking too much 

about it, I put the notebook down and went on with my afternoon journaling.

Taking a pause to look around between thoughts a few moments later, I was taken by 

surprise to find just the words of comfort that I need during this time of transition and 

struggle with the unknown at work (our company was bought out the first of the year).

Smiling softly as the uncovered message felt like a secret treasure and very well-timed 

gift of Grace. Right here next to me, below my mandala that I named "Sheltered in the 

Cave of the Heart," the two books were offering me their quiet assurance: "Hope will 

find you", Deb. Just remember - "Present over Perfect" and All will be well.

.

Ah, blessed be. 

💕

.          *          .

Happy Loveable Mail

So delighted to receive 

an autographed copy of Kelly's book, 

Loveable. 

❤️

.             *           .

Let it Be

March's Talisman of the Month box arrived today!

(I was so hoping it might!)

Liz has such a thoughtful Gift for sending care packages.

So many little delightful surprises tucked in.

.   .   .   .   .

Smiling because I have to say

when I saw the deep pink tissue paper 

and sweet navy organza bag, 

my heart let out a big ol' sigh of contentment.

*These* colors nourish me

(and feel like "home.")

Another wide smile spread when I saw that this month's mantra is

Let it Be.

Yes.

(I love everything about this one)

.           *          .

Trust and Hope

Over here Orange continues to surprise and delight 

by peeking out and waving at me from the corners of my world..

..

Yesterday afternoon it was this lovely card that captured my attention. 

Mailed over 1-1/2 years ago by a Love Notes pen pal, 

it's been laying on top of my jewelry box ever since. 

Along with a sweet Orange feather and picture, 

she put two of my very favorite words on it 

- Trust and Hope -

 which is why it's stayed there ever since, 

fading into the background of my life.... 

Until now.

Blessed be. 

🍊.     . 🏮

#grounded2017

.            *            .