Loved

Feeling the love! There’s nothing quite like being showered with gifts on an ordinary Monday, with no birthday, no special occasion, and absolutely no reason other than someone simply wanting to make you smile. A big, beautiful bunch of yellow tulips, a pretty gift bag filled with lucky Mahjong socks, and a fun bag of Halloween candy… all for me! Talk about lovely surprises to brighten an otherwise ordinary day.

No wonder I love people so much! The truth is, most folks are thoughtful, generous, and kind, but unfortunately, the bad apples have a way of stealing the spotlight. We hear so much about what’s wrong with the world that it’s easy to overlook all the goodness happening right under our noses. Sometimes, all it takes is a few unexpected gestures to remind us that kindness is alive and well, and that we are a whole lot more fortunate than we sometimes realize.

These thoughtful gifts were a sweet reminder of just how lucky I am to be surrounded by people who think of me, make me smile, and add a little extra sunshine to my day. And really, isn’t that what it’s all about? It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or an expensive present. Sometimes, it’s a bunch of yellow tulips, a pair of lucky Mahjong socks, or a bag of Halloween candy that says, I thought of you, and I wanted to make you happy. Those little things can mean an awful lot!

And speaking of gifts, the next few months should be full of them! Between the upcoming holidays and all the fun traditions that come with them, there will be plenty of opportunities to give, share, and spread a little happiness. You certainly won’t hear any complaints from me!

In fact, a group of my friends and I are getting together in a couple of weeks for a little gift exchange with a fun twist. We’ve decided to put together baskets filled with our favorite things. Each of us will bring five things we love, and we’ll fill six baskets with goodies to share with one another. Think of it as a little collection of our personal favorites, all wrapped up and ready to introduce our friends to things we enjoy. It should be so much fun discovering what everyone chooses to share. Who knows? We might even find a few new favorites of our own!

Of course, I’ve already been working on my contributions. And if you know me at all, you can probably guess that narrowing things down to one favorite isn’t going to be easy...I've already got two in mind.  I have far too many things I love, and naturally, I want to share them all! I can’t wait to see all six baskets come together and discover the little treasures everyone has picked out. It’s a lovely way to celebrate friendship, share a bit of ourselves, and spread the kind of happiness that comes from knowing someone took the time to choose something just for you.

Meanwhile, as I look around my house, I’m realizing that fall decor might just be getting skipped over this year. I know, I know… we haven’t even made it through Halloween yet, but my mind is already wandering toward Christmas. What can I say? Some people ease into the holiday season, while I'm ready to haul out the glitter, twinkling lights, and Christmas cheer before the Thanksgiving leftovers have even been put away. 

I’m already thinking about bringing out my beloved old Santa, who will once again take his prominent place in the house to welcome the holiday season. He’s been part of my Christmas ever since I can remember and it just wouldn’t feel like Christmas without him. There’s something about unpacking those familiar decorations, rediscovering treasured pieces, and giving them their moment to shine that makes the season feel extra special. And if there’s one thing I can never have too much of, it’s a little sparkle and a whole lot of holiday magic.

Of course, there’s one small problem with my plans. All my outdoor plants have taken over and I’m not entirely sure there’s room for another Christmas tree in this house!. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and I’m already considering whether one or two of my outdoor hibiscus trees might need a little extra lighting to join in the festivities. 

So here I am, feeling grateful for thoughtful friends, looking forward to sharing favorite things, and mentally skipping right over autumn as I dream of Christmas lights and glitter. Life is sweeter when we take the time to appreciate the little surprises, celebrate the people who make us smile.

Kindness is a gift that keeps on giving, and I have a feeling the next few months will offer plenty of opportunities to give a little, receive a little, and spread a whole lot of love. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I might just have a date with my Christmas decorations. After all, a girl can never start spreading a little holiday cheer too early… can she?

Sometimes the smallest gifts leave the biggest smiles, and the simplest gestures remind us just how much love surrounds us. Here's to thoughtful friends, unexpected surprises, and finding a little magic in every ordinary day....even a Monday.

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop