The Small Things

I once read that anyone can love a rose but that it takes someone special to love a leaf.

A friend recently lost her son, a toddler who left this life far too soon. He was quite the little adventurer who delighted in exploration and treasures big and small. He embodied the thing I preach most here which is to enjoy the journey and look for the interesting things around you – no matter where you go.

On my walk last night I collected a fistful of leaves, nuts and tiny flowers as a quiet way to remember him. It’s a small gesture but one that brought me joy.

There’s wisdom in finding beauty in the ordinary and joy in the everyday. In general, you’ll be more satisfied with life and live a bigger life if you can fully embrace your surroundings.

On this walk I embraced the day like a toddler with a fistful of colorful leaves and pinecones from the ground. I need to do that more.

Happiness Is . . .

Happiness is discovering treasures you forgot you own. Before heading to Asheville last month, I downsized to a smaller wallet and only took what I would need for that trip. That meant leaving behind a wallet stuffed with receipts and store loyalty cards.

When I went to locate some work receipts yesterday, I discovered a treasure trove. Mixed in with that wad of receipts was a $1 winning lottery ticket, two tickets to Franklin Park Conservatory, a punchcard for my favorite place to get a cheese and veggie sandwich, and a $20 bill.

Best of all, there was a card for a man I encountered in a very unusual conversation at a tire shop earlier this year. THAT is a story for another time but trust me when I say the memory made my day.

While some of these things have monetary value, that card simply holds a memory of a lesson and a conversation. Yet it was more important to me than the money.

There’s no accounting for happiness!

Found Treasure at the Old Shoe Factory

The Old Shoe Factory Antique Mall is one of my favorite stops in Lancaster. I saw lots of things yesterday that either had never encountered in person or that are just a bit uncommon in this area.

One was this bicycle built for three in a gorgeous yellow.

And another was this cute cookie jar – it’s a magician’s rabbit in a hat!

No bargains for me yesterday but it was fun to browse as the blistering heat beats down on us for the umpteenth day in a row.

Cooler days can’t get here soon enough so hiking and other outdoor activities can resume. Meanwhile, it’s ok to just browse antiques and search for treasures unknown.

Happy Sunday, kids! Stay cool!