creature comforts
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 by Shutter Sisters 
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 40th 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.
Reader Comments (214)
I've always love things that people have made for me and have kept them all -- both in kind but especially deep within my heart. My mother died a year and a half ago and I still struggle with the grief. One thing I've finally been able to do is bring out a number of things she has given or made for me over the years. When I packed up and cleared out her house I also saved a few of her favourite things to take home with me. She collected frogs of all sizes and shapes and I have many of them. They sit inside her Christmas Cactus, a great big giant frog sits beside me in my home office as a daily touchstone to her, and so on. I treasure them as a connection deep in my heart to my dear mother. I miss her so.
Diane
(although it may be too late for this day's post, I WILL add a few photos on my blog tonight or tomorrow morning.)
xoxo, Lilia
(p.s.please don't take this as an entry for today's giveaway...I'm not greedy like that ;-)
http://pixels-n-pen.blogspot.com
http://pixels-n-pen.blogspot.com
i surround myself with books, spilling out of corners, photographs and artwork and painted rocks and a big heart rock found on my favourite coastline by my husband :)
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the featured collection !
PEACE !
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hippyhappyhay/2941182544/
my pooch
http://www.flickr.com/photos/_nikkole/3072525459/in/set-72157610491093245/
These were mass-produced, but each piece is hand-carved and hand-painted, and whenever I use them, I think of their designer, Kay Hackett (who wrote to me when I sent her a letter telling her how much I loved her work) and I also think of all the talented New Jersey artisans who worked on each piece.
I love to have things around my house to remind me of my childhood, married life, or motherhood.
When it comes to the holidays though...I'm having some trouble feeling the magic this year: http://umbrellablog.com/holidays/in-search-of-merry-bright/
I got a gift from ZukZuk a while ago, one of her "jellybean birds" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/2805969485/). I hang it in my livingroom (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/2806838758/). I love it. It's a reminder of how many nice, warm and creative people are out there, even if there is such an uglyness in the world all around too.
He can have the big screen tv, the furniture, et al.
But i would be broken if i lost my little momentos and collections!