The Little Things

October 3, 2010 By 9 Comments

Holding Pure Joy! Thanks Chris!

Some time ago, I came across a saying

It’s the little things that make life Big

and instantly I fell in love with it, because my heart has always celebrated little things.  I even asked my mom recently if I had always loved the little things in life as a child and she recalled that I did.  That the small, wonderful and simple things were always amazing to me. Learning that made my heart smile.

Many that know me, know I love Reese Cups and the picture here is me holding a “GIFT” from a student that had just attended the concept of Spreading Joy presentation at their school. I held it up to Angie, saying in my mind “LOOOOOK what I just got!!” I was so excited because I came to the school that day to GIVE to the students, not expecting a single thing in return and he put what he had just heard to work by spreading joy MY way.  Those kinds of unexpected little things will make my heart float through the day!

Inspired from a calendar of 10 Happy Things a day I purchased as a treat for myself last year, I started keeping a list in the back of my journal of the wonderful little things that make my heart smile.  I’ve decided to share them with you here, hoping that as you journey through your day with a million little joys floating around you, you’ll take time to notice them as well as appreciate them.  Who knows, maybe you’ll start a list of the little things that make your life BIG too! (I’m ordering the 3,650 Things To Be Happy About Calendar again this year. Click the link and you can to ;) )

In no particular order at all – Some of the little things that make my life BIG!

Coffee Reesecups Hugs Diet Coke Twinkling Eyes
Smiles Missionaries Gum Books Rainbows
Ocean Sunrise Sunset Full Moon Gel Pens w/Bright colors
Cloud Shapes Bright Stars Playdoh Bible Blowing Bubbles
Singing Music American Flag Sunglasses Handwritten Notes
Chuck Norris Soft Carpet Favorite Jeans Monkeys Roasted Marshmallows
Favorite Tennis shoes Riding a Bike Walk along a river Roasted Marshmallows Hot Chocolate w/marshmallows
Holding Hands Blue Roses Teddy Bears Soft Kleenex Over Sized Sweaters
Watching My kids sleep Laying in grass alone Sound of crashing waves Laying in grass w/a friend Catching snowflakes on tongue
Fresh Snowfall Long necklaces Wizard of Oz Fireballs Splashing in a puddle
M&M’s Cute Socks Technology Toe Socks Unsweetened Iced Tea
Breakfast Christmas Green LIghts Soldiers Heart dangle earrings
Standing Firm Blackberry Disney World Nurses Handmade bracelets
Jukebox full of Oldies Lightning across the sky Crossing a bridge w/out stopping Police officers Friends who call in the middle of the night
Roller Coasters Puppies Slinkies Card games Instant Messaging
Board Games Cute Note Pads Sticky Notes White Out Unconditional Love
Steady Rain Rolling Fog Crisp Breeze Hot Soup Waking to a kiss
Forgiveness Cute Purses Quotes Poems Making Cotton Candy
Belly Laughs Pictures Scrapbooking Opals Eating Cotton Candy
Sleeping Babies Audio Bible Audio Books Skype Thunder in the distance
Lemonade Circus Cute Sunglasses iTunes Precious moments
Face Painting No Spill Days iTouch Hair Spray Hot Cookies out of oven
Hugs from nieces/nephews Watching when NO one sees Overstuffed comfy chairs My Heart Ring from Daddy Hot Cake w/melted icing
Swinging on Swing HUGE sliding boards Empty Tomb of HOPE Being SAFE in Gods Arms Breakfast for Dinner
Choices Triple Coupons Coming Home Operas Hugs for NO reason
Walking Barefoot Random Photos Happy Endings Roses Little Debbie Cakes
Plants surviving in my house Growing up to be my Mom Being only ONE in the movie theater Meeting new People Sitting sideways in comfy chair
Ice Cold Slushies Animal Cookies Disney Classics Hope Always having music
Spreading JOY Opportunities Water Slides God’s Power Chuck Norris Bookmark
Golden Sunsets God’s Plan Safe flights Free Dinner Bath & Bodyworks
Smiles during tears Toasted Bagels & Cream Cheese Watching a merry go round Movie Theater Popcorn Social Media making world accessible
Hope Restored New Watches Misprints Paper Clips Kids that talk &talk….
Sparkles of love in eyes of friend Kisses from Todd & Megan Snow that is soft on day 2 Listening to the Rain Watching my kids make the RIGHT decisions
Unplanned vacations Full moon hanging on a cloud Long lingering WARM hugs Seeing Todd for 19th Bday Hearing Harry Connick JR Sing in PERSON!
Blistex Journey Perfume Care Bears Curve cologne Monkey Bookmark
Sleeping to sound of ocean lapping at shore PB&J Sandwiches w/Milk Extra HOT Cinnamon Dolce Latte Laughing thru nite w/a friend Sleeping just after alarm goes off
Free Anything Niagara falls Contentment A quick exit Beach Trips w/Mom
Passing w/A “C” God’s Character God’s Promises God’s Power Free Audio Books
Golden Grahams Curve 4 Women Tweet-ups Candid photos Meeting Chuck Norris
Kids Praying Being Welcome Being Paid Up …….Instead Dreams Coming True
Singing YOU are my sunshine! Power of Holy Spirit Overhearing kids say something nice Chocolate covered pretzels Being held close as I sleep
Texts from my children Sitting w/young people Blowing bubbles w/gum Kisses on the forehead Chocolate covered Marshmallows
Seeing Dad in my dreams A day of “To Don’ts” Beauty in the Ordinary Being loved as always Saved messages in my Voice Mail
Unexpected help Reesecups in mail Being Found Being Trusted My Flower garden living
Angels Among us Hugs from Santa Being Noticed Guidance Ocean at Midnight
Not giving up Pondering Finishing Soaring Fireplace at 1 am
Cute Coffee Cups Saying Thank YOU Treasures of the heart Courage to step out Making a Difference
Smokies of TN Cobblestone walkways Firefighter friends in Boston Acceptance of situation Frequent Flier Miles
Early Morning Smiles Loving with No Boundaries Great things HE has done Appreciating NOW Learning to live again
Phone calls of thanks from ocean Love that lasts forever Realizing love hurts and it’s ok Brightening MY corner of the world Unbridled laughter of Teen girls
Meg sitting upside down Todd’s time beside me talking about nothing Noticing a smile & glance from across the room Getting items donated for others Discernment right on time
Getting what you need Hearing what is NOT being said Computer prayers answered Sitting in Church w/mom Being happy -regardless
Seeing Hearts Grow My moms unconditional love Winning the heart of a shy child Hair blowing in the wind Learning a friend is a true American Hero
Happy gatherings for no reason Getting the gift that seemed ridiculous Realizing the headache is easing up Texts asking are you OK after horrid day Kisses from my almost grown children
Laughing while others wonder Unexpected gifts in the mail Printing off cute photo hugs Sight for sore eyes Little Debbie making it easy to give by giving
Falling asleep immediately Whiffs of old spice Being prayed through Color making my day bright Laughing at myself
Friends Praying Walmart @ 5 am One More Day Protection Getting to the Point
Certainty String cheese 2 hour naps Another Chance My John R. Rice Bible
Wild Flowers New  Journeys Simple pleasures Moments Keeping things going
Giggling…a few days later Honest Communication Inspirational words Listening…really listening Being accepted just as I am
Being Believed in Joy after the Pain Blueberry Muffins Family Cookout Surprise phone calls
Strawberry yogurt Extra night for free Believing in my children Brighter days ahead Sharing my passion
Marie Pong A car to borrow New purse 4 free Messages Peace, glorious peace
Stress free ping pong Cool nights after hot summer Resources at fingertips Hot apple cider w/cinnamon Guilt leaving the heart
Passing with flying colors Fasting & being close to God Finding out you’ve inspired someone Msg of Praise for blessing Psalm 6 Todd in suit & Tie for me
New book in mail No bake cookies Privacy!!! Stickers Knowing this isn’t all
Being inspired Cool Sandals Encouraging texts Milk duds 1895 House a B&B
Learning from an expert Being a persistent little booger Beach all to myself Emptying my heart of guilt Trusting even when I don’t understand
m&m minis Stickers in journal Stickers on FB Coming Home Being a Homebody
Jesus – Always Wanting to…. Gifts to myself Silence Cool sunglasses cheap
Todd saying “its perfect mom” Foggy Quiet mornings One of these days…being today Exploring new places Shaking hands w/40 military personnel
A smile that dries the tears Bright paper to write on Breeze from an open window Sounds that brings smiles Opportunities in another state
Going before security comes Praying without ceasing Travel and exploration Coming home to a clean kitchen Strength for tomorrow
Sweater when you need it Moon hanging in the morning sky Mountains every where I look Recognizing simple miracles Kids having the Bible I gave to them from 2nd grade & they are in 5th grade now
Friends sharing pics of beach & mountains Visiting a new ice cream shop Letting my light shine Christmas Stockings Watching a wall of rain approach
Lance cheese &pb crackers Compliment from Princess Megan Famous Author commenting on blog Warm comfy Christmas sweaters Phoning a friend, asking for help & getting it
Phone call from Todd Contacts & Corrective lenses Praying at Alter & a friend joins unexpectedly Surprise Videos in email from friend Unexpected knocks at door
Cool Journals Chocolate Milk Plums Peace Lilies Fixing a problem easily
Cool Whip Sprinkles on top Remembering IT Heroes Wonder Woman
Fresh Roasted chicken dinner Fav Worship song being sung live Dinner, movie & Bookstore date Friends pics on FB Watching my brothers with their Grand kids
Saying Yes to God and trusting Muffins in the Mail Mustard seed faith Blissful UNeventfulness Sausage Egg & Cheese McMuffin
Bewitched Cool Boots Blue Ridge Pkwy Promises Kept When the stars line up
Cake Icing Wars with Todd Meg Blocking goals in soccer Reading under a tree Warmth from Fire Place Cream Cheese Brownies
Sesame Chicken Bundling up Emergency Exits Par 3 More than Enough
List making Anklets Bracelets Cool shells Stove Top Stuffing
Wireless Internet Lucky Charms Winter Olympics “Getting” It Hands free Headset
Laughing till I Cry Del Sol Nail Polish Mailing Gifts Sleeping In Hot hush puppies
Free E Books Signed Book Silly Book marks Silly Putty Chuck Norris Facts
Cute Stickers Worship Songs Balloon bouquets Happy bunny Key Chain from friend
Special Olympics & the smiles Matching Hair color Sugar free Lattes from McDonalds Burger king Onion Rings Weekend alone at beach
Scotch Tape Sharpie Markers Love Songs Oldies Paper Jam Free Days
Extra Strength Tylenol Mechanical pencils Chocolate cupcakes Secrets of the heart Finding lids for bowls easily
Faith Oranges Strawberries Ranch Dip Late nights on Twitter
Seizing the Day Being Needed An Extra Hug Inner Strength Living your Passion
Soothing rain Bacon Phases of moon Bounciness Upgrades for free
Wooden swing on tree w/ropes Extra suite for guests Sitting in warmth of sunshine Kids doing what is asked on first request Thinking of a friend late at night, calling and they answer
Exactly enough cake Kisses from slobbery babies Unexpected calls that make you laugh Knowing what faith can do Peanut Butter sticks
Messing with song director in church, during service Wonder Woman to do book Missionaries coming to visit church Sitting with Angie in church Minute maid sugar free lemonade
People Watching Tip toeing Wall of windows Chips & salsa Napping in the sun
Cute post it notes Barefoot in grass Romantic table for 2 Slow dancing Love songs being sung to you
Laying in his arms Children that prayin…believing Laughter through troubles Emails Finding true love
Splitting a banana split Ending the day with a friend Arriving safely Easter baskets Sharing JOY with others
Facebook friends God’s Strength More than 1 bestest friend Hot fudge brownie sundae Starting a chain of yawning
Pony tail holders Secret paths Schoochin Clean windows Pimento cheese
Pig tails Face paint Challenge free trips Corn dogs Gazing at sky
Perseverance Funny people Something worth waiting for Early morning thunder storms Time capsules
Welcome home flowers Watermelon Emailed hugs Feeling better after crying Waking to roses
You Tube qued up Help through the rain Swimming Being prayed for & not even knowing it Deep, peaceful sleep – through the night

 

Whew…. that is a lot, I know.  but trust me. this list will continue grow.  Maybe the next set will be in color…as I do love writing in color.  All of these things listed in my journal are in different colors.

What are some of the little things that make YOUR life big?  What JOYS do you see daily that make your heart smile?  I hope you’ll take the time to tell us! You never know who YOU will inspire!

{{{HUGS}} yall

 

 

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What Makes You Happy?

March 6, 2010 By 20 Comments

A Daily Treat for Myself!

When I treat myself, I love an extra hot Venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte (sugar free) from Starbucks or a Diet Coke and Reese Cup.  These simple little things bring me great joy and are truly a treat.

Last year, I was looking for a journal (a treat for myself) and stumbled upon this cool desk calendar. 3,650 Things to be Happy About, by Barbara Ann Kipfer.  Being a lover of the million little things that bring joy to my day, I was intrigued.

One was opened, so I began to flip through it.  10 items a day, everyday. How very cool! Giggling with excitement, I decide to treat myself to this wonderful little treasure.  2 months have passed and I must say, it has been one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever given myself.  I love tearing off the page, anxiously awaiting the next 10 things.

I have not always agreed with some of them, but that is to be expected as everyone does not like the same things.  And then, there are the things that I have to “good search” to see what they are.  (Sorry Google, Good Searching makes sense, as they help out my little non profit.) I have learned something new from this calendar nearly every other day! For instance, did not know what a Yurt was.  Go on…Good Search it, if you need to. I did.

I decided to try and list 10 things a day for a week to see what I would come up with.  Some have to do with things that happened on that day – others, are just random things that popped into my head.  Here they are in no particular order:

Monday: Full moon hanging on a cloud, Gel Pens, soft Kleenex, board games, belly laughs, waking to a kiss, cool sunglasses, soft carpet, Atomic Fireballs, White out.

Tuesday: American Flag, rolling fog, cute note pads, making cotton candy, cloud shapes, Hot chocolate with marshmallows, Handwritten notes, roller coasters, forgiveness, Reese Cups with a Diet Coke

What is Wrong with this picture? It would be better if it were a BIG Cup Reese Cup!

Wednesday: Cute Socks, Chuck Norris Facts, Free Books, Puppies, Statue of Liberty, heart dangle earrings, unconditional love, hot soup, cute purses, lightening bugs

Thursday: Watching my children sleep, Anticipating Christmas morning, huge sliding boards, Ringling Brothers Circus, itouch, Animal cookies, listening to rain, Long lingering HUGS, Hope, Blue Roses

Friday: Little Debbie Cakes, homemade lemonade, reading poetry, Old books from the thrift store, Service Men & Women, Breakfast for dinner, Choices, PB&J with Glass of Milk, Disney Classics, hot peanut butter cookies out of the oven

Saturday: Toddlers that ask millions of questions, Being safe in God’s arms, Singing loudly in the car, Sitting sideways in overstuffed chairs, quotes, Falling asleep listening to the ocean lap against the shore, Watching my kids make the right decision, reading poetry, Policemen & Firefighters, Riding with all the windows down in the car

Sunday: Coconut Cake, Having the Bible ready available in hand or online, Universal Studios, Unsweetened Iced Tea, Monkeys on anything and everything, See sawing with a friend, Blowing Bubbles, Cute adorable socks, m&m’s, handmade bracelets

The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.–Henry Ward Beecher

These are just a few things that make me happy.  What about you?  Can you list 10 things a day that make you happy, so that at the end of the year you’ll have your very own 3,650 things to be happy about?  What about listing 10 things a day that are simply happy things?  For example, spaghetti dinners do not make me happy, as I do not like any form of pasta.  But – being at the spaghetti dinner with smiling friends and getting warm hugs – now…that is happy stuff.  See what I mean?

If you blog, I challenge you to list 10 happy things a day, blog it and then link back here.  I’d love to read it as well as share it with others!

If you don’t blog, consider listing your 10 happy things a day for the week in the comments below.  It will be wonderful to see the things that make YOU happy!

Again, I ask – What makes you happy?

{{{HUGS}}}

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Moonlit Beauty

December 13, 2009 By 8 Comments

The light from a full moon (or any moon for that matter) simply amazes me. Especially if it is a full moon over the vast ocean! If you know me, you know that I see things different than most people. I love cloudy days. From the gigantic black clouds to the gray clouds that just stretch across the sky. That does not bother me. I love the rain, where as most prefer the sun shine.

Just the other day, I was heading to my car and it was pouring. My first thought was to run to the car, but then it hit me! Why? So, I walked at a normal pace, loving every step and enjoying the rain that was just flowing from the sky! Amazing! I’ve reminded you of all of this to tell you that the moon light is an amazing source of beauty for me. I can sit and gaze at the moon for hours. It captures me in a way that nothing else does.

The brightness of the moon lights up the blackest sky. The fullness of the moon illuminates everything with such softness. That soft, calming effect leaves me gazing with awe each time there’s a full moon. The light of the moon transforms the dull darkness into brilliance – even in the fog!

The moon is majestic, handsome and simply glorious when it is full. The brightness dances across the dark sky – perfect, whole and stunning. This always reminds me that there is always light in the darkness and that shadows are not always a bad thing. I’m also reminded that even with clouds hanging around, the light from the moon is amazing to behold.

Then I wonder. Am I that kind of light? Amazing to behold, when the clouds are looming overhead? Do I continue to rise – slowly and steadily above the clouds so that I can illuminate everything around me? Or, when my clouds are hanging low, is the light suppressed, does gloom abound?

The skies will be pitch dark, the clouds will stretch across the sky but the moon will still give off its brilliant light! May I always remember to shine like the moon in the dark, to give beautiful moonlit hugs, to always illuminate those around me.

Moonlit Beauty….may you always shine brightly, even in the dark!

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Keeping it Real about ME

May 19, 2009 By 49 Comments

Psssst...didja know.......

I have a horrible problem. I do. When I’m on the phone with a help tech person or am “waiting” for someone to help me – I tend to ask questions. Seriously. I always want to know where the person is, are they near a beach (so I know if I need to be jealous or not) how old they are etc.

I just like to know these things – maybe it helps me to remember they are a real person with real feelings or maybe, just maybe it satisfies my curiosity problem. Either way, I like finding out things about people.

In honor of that, here are some things about me. I’m just keeping it real and they are totally in a random order. Just as they pop into my head. You might want to check back from time to time as I’m sure I’ll add things to it.

1. I have frizzy-naturally curly hair.
2. I’m afraid of heights but will fly in an airplane in a heart beat
3. I’m addicted to sugar. Especially Krispy Kreme…hot donuts – But Reese Cup RULE!
4. I want to visit and do something in all 50 states.
5. I adore small versions of the real thing. For instance – have you seen the key chain version of board games? Very cute.
6. I’ve wanted to meet Chuck Norris since I was 17. (Really, can you help with this?) 5/15/2010 **This Dream of more than 25 years has come true!! Check it out here!
7. I enjoy walking in the snow. Nothing like a fresh blanket of snow to destroy!
8. While I love spreading joy, I’m a horror flick chick. I love the suspense, the drama and the kill. Just as long as it isn’t a horror movie about bugs, spiders, creepy crawlies…etc. I’m good.
9. I will enjoy being a size 16 again one of these days. Never thought it was a “happy” size before, but – it is.
10. I wish I scrapbooked more.
11. I want to capture a picture of a full moon when it is cheesy orange and appears to be sitting right on the earth.
12. I miss my Sega Genesis.
13. I adore my husband and children. Would give up the world for them.
14. Funerals make me sick to my stomach.
15. I’m not a morning person, but I’m at work most days around 6 am.
16. I’m the happiest when I’m giving and doing for others.
17. I love the rain. Love watching it, listening to it and don’t mind getting wet as long as I’m not going some place important.
18. I hate pumping gas. I do. Really. OK, I detest it, avoid it – truly hate it!
19. I go to the beach every single chance I get. There is nothing like the ocean to me! Calming, soothing – I love it. Here is my view of the ocean.
20. I almost always buy from kids.
21. Reading blogs saves me mega bucks! I love finding new blogs.
22. I think coffee just before bedtime is so soothing.
23. I can’t wait to own one of the small itty bitty 8 inch computers. I must resist until they start putting more memory in them though. **Alert** ohhh..I do love my itty bitty computer!! Must get it more speed though!
24. I’m very random. Things just pop into my mind randomly and I must act upon them.
25. I love quotations. They inspire and motivate.
26. Stay up all night on most weekends. Usually average 4 hours of sleep Friday night and then again Saturday night. Can not make myself do that during the week no matter how hard I try.
27. I love books. Especially older turn of the century books. Cans sit and look through books for hours in a bookstore.
28. I’d love to live in a loft type home – over looking the ocean. Can you imagine the view of the sun rise from that?
29. I love choices. The more the merrier.
30. I love monkeys. When I was little – there weren’t monkey shirts, stuffed animals etc. Now they are everywhere….journals, pens, pencils – they are everywhere! One can never have enough monkey stuff.
31. I think museums are such a fun place to learn. Helps us to remember what we’ve seen and learned.

What about you? Please feel free to use the comment section to tell me a little more about yourself. If you are on Twitter – please tell me (and others) who you are. I am @spreadingJOY. (I like that way that sounds…don’t you?) Come on – you know you want to tell us! Besides, we want to follow you too.

May 2010

 

32. When I can’t update this post, I think of 37 1/2 things to add to it!
33. I want to be spreading joy all across the USA and the world one day!
34. When I drive I look at shapes in the cloud. I know, not safe for those driving around me, but love seeing neat shapes.
35. I do not feel comfortable on bridges – especially when 18-wheelers are passing and shaking the bridge.
36. I LOVE singing in the car. I do. My kids don’t appreciate my talent, but they do tolorate my gifts!
37. I don’t want to grow up, I’m a toys R us kid!
38. I’m a persistant little booger! No, really…I am.
39. I love talking, chatting (just ask anyone on twitter) and being with friends – but I really, truly L-O-V-E doing things by myself.
40. There is nothing like going to the movies and being the ONLY ONE in the theatre! Love that!
41. I am a Daddy’s girl, but am proud to have “turned into” my Mother!
42. I love the sleep I get when I’ve just turned off the alarm and I’m supposed to get up. That is the most relaxing sleep ever!
43.  I’m a music loving, horrible singer kind of gal that always has music on. From sappy love songs, to golden oldies, to big band and Praise&Worship – I love it all! Oh, and around Halloween, the Christmas music starts playing in my house!
44.  I can sit and gaze at the moon, especially when it is full, for hours.  So handsome, reassuring and always lighting my way. Moonlit Beauty - there is nothing like it!
45.  Laughter is the best medicine.  Lightens the load and wraps the heart with a reassuring hug.
46.  Cartoons of yesterday are my favorites. Pooh and Piglet still make me smile and the roadrunner has my number! I just don’t do things slowly, not sure I even know how.
47.  I’m a hugger. Hugs are awesome.  I love that my 19 yr. old son will let me hug him as long as I need to, without pushing me away.
48.  I cry.  Simple fact.  May be tears of joy or because love hurts.  But I firmly believe that tears are healing.
49.  I love working in the dark with only the light of the laptop to guide me.  Having music in the background (or total silence) and everysingle light off  – very peaceful.
50.  I’m a simple kind of gal. I don’t look for nor expect fancy rings, earrings or necklaces. I love $5.00 watches that look like bracelets and cute dangle earrings!
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