Things Making Me Smile This Friday

Welcome to Friday….and the end of an up-and-down week for me.  The week started busy but I had some time to catch my breath on Wednesday even though I felt a winter cold coming on.  Things quickly went south and I woke to complete laryngitis yesterday.  Not the worst thing in the world but I really (REALLY) need my voice for practice tomorrow and our children’s program on Sunday.  This could be interesting.  Nevertheless, there is so much making me smile lately….amidst all that the enemy is doing to upset my joy.  I thought I would just share a few today.  In completely random order and all just because:)

A few years ago, my husband began collecting Santas…or Father Christmas.  We would happen upon one while browsing second-hand stores or antiquing.  A few were gifted to him. Although neither of us knew exactly how it started, his collection grew quickly.  Last year, we admitted that we had more than enough.  But last week, well, we just had to buy this guy.  No idea why but they just make us smile.

Found him, again, while antiquing.  We even considered putting him back but we are both glad that he made it home with us.  I love his reindeer sweater!

Last weekend, I came around the corner headed toward home and my neighbor had a large pile of things on the curb.  There was a sign taped to the stop sign above it –  FREE.  They have been purging like wild people lately in preparation for an upcoming move south.  There have been many “freebies” placed at the corner and, quite honestly, most of it is not worth a second look.  But last weekend, a large picture caught my eye!  Once home, I asked my husband to go pick it up off the curb.  Huh?  He thought I was joking.  Um, no.  Imagine my surprise,  when there were actually two pictures.  A pair.  In perfect condition but, apparently, not appropriate for Florida decor (the neighbor’s words).  Granted, they might not be everyone’s taste but they sure do make me smile every morning while I make my coffee!

My husband (sorta/kinda) collects Santas (he probably would never say that) but I, for sure and for certain, collect sheep. And enjoy doing so! I have been picking them up here and there for years but I really do not buy new ones that often anymore.  However, I’ve never confessed to having too many; although I probably do.

I did, however, find this cute guy during that same antiquing adventure last week.  This little sheep is rather unique – almost like a paper mache – and I knew he would fit right in with even the Christmas decor.  Maybe he needs a little Christmas wreath around his neck.  Either way, he makes me smile each morning.  Well, hello there:)

How does one take a photo of slippers?  Or pictures of your feet?  I tried but it was definitely not working for me.  So here are my new house socks/ crocheted slippers…simply sitting on my footstool.  (You can thank me now for no photos of my oversized feet!)  I bought these at the German Christmas market we attended last week.  One of the officers’ wives made these and they were all different, unique, bright, and colorful.  They immediately caught my eye.

The friendliest lady was helping me make a decision as I went through the entire basket.  I was not that concerned with the design or color; however, there were no sizes and every pair looked, well, small for my feet.  She was rummaging through and picked up the largest pair.  I was just about to say, “I’ll take them” when she gasped, “My goodness, these would fit a basketball player!!”  Oh, yeah, right.  So, I took the next to the largest ones and I was so pleasantly surprised when they fit!!  They make me smile and make my feet happy all day!

This last one really is my favorite.  This is my view at the top of the stairs – looking into our guest room.  It had a recent refresh.  The twin beds are gone and a new metal bed is off to the side.  I like it.  We moved the loveseat in there from my office.  It looks much happier there.  The clock on the wall was a wedding gift from my grandma….yes, it makes me smile.  And I like the newly painted accent wall.  It is hard to tell but it is a comforting shade of green.  But what is really making me smile lately is that new oil painting above the loveseat.   No idea exactly why – but it just makes me happy.

I found it at (can you guess??) the same antique store!  Yes, we were having way too much fun (and luck!)  It was in a booth that was going out of business….and I scored that signed original for fourteen bucks!  C’mon, what’s not to smile about??

I’d love to know one thing that has been making you smile this week.  Share in the comments – I look forward to reading about it.  Thanks for stopping by…..here’s to a blessed weekend ahead!