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)
beautiful.
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.
Thanks for the giveaways! It's amazing to see how many people are here reading each day.
but my favourite artist, at the moment, would have to be Kareena Zerefos:
http://www.kareenaz.net
she's adorable!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10751420@N07/2764218471/in/dateposted/
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.
I love blue. All things blue =)
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.