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Tuesday
Dec022008

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 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)

the birds are beautiful!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterjillian
They are just the cutest. very happy-making.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterMama DB
I surround myself with magical little pine cones. Photos of, baskets of, trees of... They remind me of fairy houses and magical beings and lands.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBria
wow!! new fan over here...
beautiful.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterandrea scher
This makes me happy!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterwakinguplate
so so sweet!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterTina
I've been visiting this site on and off for several months, admiring the pictures others have taken and posted on this site. The artwork looks beautiful!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSandalola
I love the simplicity of her work. There is always room in my life for more beauty!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterThe other Jen
what sweet tweeties! love her stuff!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterEileen
i love the birds.
i have a glass blue bird (called the blue bird of happiness i think) and i just love catching a glimpse of it throughout the day.

i know i need to put out more gentle reminders to slow me down a bit.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterjill scripps
those birdies are singing. i love them
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered Commentermamie
It's funny how hard I work to be 'inspired'... only to find a glimpse out the window just enough. Thanks for sharing.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLindseYaya
I love these! Not only would they be great to own, they`d make fantastic gifts!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJill
In this house we light a candle every night when we eat at the dinner table, to remind us that the simple things keep light in our lives. I also have a string of colored lights decorating my kitchen because it reminds me of my childhood, it lights up these dreary Seattle days, and there's something quite magical about the way the tiny lights glow when everything else is dark.

Thanks for the giveaways! It's amazing to see how many people are here reading each day.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterShawna
Beautiful artwork!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterHeather
That's cute stuff!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKristin
cute birds! luv a give away.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterliz
my garden is where my heart sings.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered Commenteramy
Our house could definitely use one of those! Very pretty!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterFirda
Those are beautiful. I will definitely mosey on over to Amy's site to have a look-see.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJune
those are perfectly darling!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterChristina
hooray for giveaways!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterkatie anaya
her works are really cute, I like the birds :3

but my favourite artist, at the moment, would have to be Kareena Zerefos:

http://www.kareenaz.net

she's adorable!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered Commenternintendoom
Count me in, so lovely!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterPuanani
How cute!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJosie
Those are very cute. I don't have any little collections like that (unless wine corks count), but I'd be happy to start one. :)
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterToni
absolutely beautiful! Love it. Thank you Amy, and Tracey!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJill
Swooning from the cuteness.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterAngie
whimsical and lovely.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKate B.
What a beautiful sight in your home. I love those little birdies too!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterDenae
i'm in.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterjody
Birds are so sweet! Amy's work is so heartwarming.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBetsy
Yay!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterBunny
Even if I don't win, I'll still feel like I won for being introduced to this artist. Thanks!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSherry
How charming and magical!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterCatherine
Amy's birds are so charming!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterMary Ann K
Loving the birds and the blog!!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJenny
Oh I want to fly like a bird...
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterdiane*v
Oh these birds are so sweet! I am a collector of "natural, found artifacts" as I like to call them. My house is always filling up with bits of weathered wood, beach glass, shells and shell fragments,rocks, bark and and leaves to name a few. They end up on windowsills, and side tables and occasionally find their way into my light box. Here is a favourite which is still gathering dust on my dresser.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10751420@N07/2764218471/in/dateposted/
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterSuvarna
Wow, I really like her owls.

One of the things I love about blogs like this is all the fabulous artists shared. I have a vision of my (non-existent) retreat home decorated with some of the modern, fun art from folks like Amy and over at Etsy. It's one of my happy places.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterAngela
My magic reminders are actually my photographs and my family.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterAlli
precious, just precious!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLindsey
Those birds are beautiful...I want them!!!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterGdevilla
love these little birds. i have a thing for art with birds too.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterspread your wings
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJodyangel
Such sweetness....

In the pocket of my favourite sweater I carry a paper clip my daughter bent into a heart, and Yogi Tea teabag tag that says "Love what is ahead by loving what has come before." Every time I feel them, I remember love and blessings and the rightness of life. Such rememberances make life sweet... I hope we all have some.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered Commentermel
Oh, I love those little birds!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterElaine
Surrounding myself with things I love is my absolute decorating style. I can admire a room in Better Homes & Garden until the cows come home, but I love to fill my home with things that mean something to me.
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJust Jinny
Oh, What darling "Amy Birds" you've collected :) Amy's work is delightful!
December 2, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterStephanie
Love, love, love these little birds.

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