creature comforts

Through the years I have collected things here and there that make me feel happy inside. Little gifts from Mother Nature, significant bangles, handmade treasures and other various objects of affection surround me in my day to day life and serve as little reminders. My Superhero beads remind me of my power. My ‘relax’ candle gently beckons me to be still and breathe. My heart collection reminds me of how much love I have in my life. I could go on and on.

 Some of these items have been gifts given to me by exceptional people in my life, some are found objects while others are special purchases I have made for myself with because, darn it, I am worth it. There is something really exhilarating about buying something for yourself. Something that isn’t practical, or really needed. Something that makes you happy just because.

A few years ago I discovered Amy Ruppel. I don’t remember how I found her but ever since I stumbled upon her online home, I have had a love-affair with her artwork. It began by buying myself one of her delightful bird paintings –I picked one out for myself on an online sale she hosted. And then I was lucky enough to receive one as a gift from a dear friend. Then came a third (I had to get one for my 40^th birthday). And just recently I treated myself to a pair of her newest, smallest offerings. That brings my total to 5 Amy Birds (the term of endearment my kids and I have given them).

I cherish my collection in a way that is indescribable. Each sweet bird sings to me of simple pleasures and joy reminding me that I deserve a little extra sometimes. Embracing that truth has been not only empowering but comforting as well. My birds share songs with me about the beauty in my life; about being grateful and content, about being curious and courageous and about remembering to fly.

Do you surround yourself with the magic reminders that make your heart sing? We’d love to hear about them.

We are fortunate enough to have Amy Ruppel giving away one of her lovely little works of art today in keeping with A Giveaway a Day here at Shutter Sisters. Thank you so much Amy! Just leave a comment here and you’ll be included in the random drawing. Good luck!

Congrats to the winner of yesterday's Flash Bulb necklace giveaway Lilia (aka Pumpkinoodle) at Babymoon Photography who commented "Oh, dreamy hooray!". Well said. 

Comments

[AppleTree]

Lovely.

[Lu]

thanks for sharing her birdy collection. these are truly wonderful.

[hanna]

those are too precious!!

[Amanda]

Oh, how sweet! Love them!

[megan]

love that five-bird collection!

[emily]

What lovely pieces.

[Dennylyn]

I think the word for Amy's birds is clearly "sweet" in every way. They definitely belong in the meaningful object category!

[Jenna]

oooooooooh. I love little birds. My kids are both named after birds. Amelia NGAHUIA- that's a bird in New Zealand (she's part maori) and Owen CROWE. So, i think I really need this ;)

[Holly]

would love those darling birds!!!

[divrchk]

Such peaceful art! I could use a bit of peace in my life right now.

[mfj]

Hi! What a nice giveaway--the birds are beautiful. After some work on our home, I am just beginning a little collection of birdhouse things, inspired by a salt and pepper shaker set and a print I bought at DC's Crafty Bastards Fair... they remind me of coziness, and safety, and being with my little family.

[@my ruppel]

Thank you all so very much! Such a wonderful thing to wake up to, all of these kind words. I'm so glad you like them. I certainly like making them, and hope that they can bring a little spot of happiness in. You've inspired me to paint all day ;) Enjoy!!

[Kristina]

I absolutely do this very same thing.
Thanks for a great post!

[Tracy]

way cool. i love birds!

[Kelly]

oooo I love the little birdies! Another cool giveaway!!!!

[Lynn]

Wow, what magical little birds!

[Sebrina]

I just love her work! I would love to enter the contest. Thank you!

[Bonnie]

Quirky little vintage things seem to collect in my home, and they make me very happy. Love the birdies!!

[kosenrufu mama]

wonderful work, i love it ....
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/
thank you for sharing....

[Kacey]

Those birds are adorable! I know what you mean about surrounding yourself with things you love.I just wrote about my addiction. Collecting milk glass. CanNOT get enough of it!
http://www.wineonthekeyboard.com/2008/12/01/conquering-addiction/

and this beloved piece with the small crack in it. Had to have it.
http://www.wineonthekeyboard.com/2008/11/18/milk-glass-antique-finds/

[Rachelle]

Stones, leaves, branches, and birds these are a few of my favorite things.

[michelle]

Beautiful!

[Chocolate on my Cranium]

I love to surround my self with my collections of old vinatge chocolate signs. I also collect bees and beehive decorations. They just make me happy!

[Robin]

i love these. my husband makes them out of champagne cages and we decided to use them in the wedding. sadly we were not able to make nearly enough but a few were used, whenever i see them around the house i can't help but smile.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hismuse/3076710809/

[sarah costa]

love the birds and the colors

[raina]

Those are really cute tiles. I love that and am definitely checking out the website.

[Kyla]

Those birds are adorable! Cute, cute, cute!

And I'm actually enjoying seeing my children collecting the same things that I collected as a child . . .

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thekreativelife/3076922489/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thekreativelife/3077764136/

[Sandra]

Oh, these are lovely!

[Regina]

I just love those little birdies. They are such delicate, but capable little creatures and remind us of many great qualities we'd like to foster in ourselves. I tried taking some pictures of a beautiful bird I saw this weekend, but I didn't do her justice. I'll keep practicing!

[Erin]

They are beautiful!!

[Stacy]

So pretty! It would be hard to decide whether to keep it or give it away.

[Stephanie Fox]

The birds are very cheerful, perfect for the season.

[jenifer]

lovely words; i have one amy bird and do love it indeed :)

[lisa in nebraska]

love these and the flash bulb necklace, too.

[Lucy]

Oh, the amazing flight of birds...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/3077038883_d24aa07a91.jpg?v=0

[Aia]

love,love, love these little birds, so darling! they would match the birds in my daughters room so well...gonna check out amy's site!

thanks for sharing!

[christine]

Oooh, I have been a big fan of Amy's for quite a while.
I would LOVE one of her birdies.
xo

[Gail]

I love birds and collect them also! Lately I have been giving my daughter most of the birds I collect but have kept a select few for myself....here is one little bird on another of my special gifts to myself...an old mini bureau...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22733432@N08/3077052301/

[Jeanine]

Those birds are magic. I too surround myself with little treasures collected from nature - acorns, smooth stones, seashells, feathers... it helps to keep me grounded and connects me to something sacred.

[Emily]

Those art pieces are gorgeous.

[Chrysanthemama]

What a wonderful giveaway, thank you for offering it!

[vivienne]

beautiful birds!
i've never seen her work before
but i love it!

[Sierra]

Gorgeous! My love affair with bird prints is never-ending.

[Sharon]

I love those birds! Adorable!

[whitney]

whimsical and joyful!

[Jennifer]

So beautiful!

[Krista]

Sweetness! I'm in.

[Krista]

sorry, I had the wrong e-mail posted

[stacey / create a balance]

I just found your site via the SuperHero Journal. Count me in!

[Sharon]

I love the sentiment of remembering yourself in small ways.