bloom with hope...the paper plunge #2

hi tracey, momma, friends old and new!

the first week at the paper plunge was a huge success with nine entries and over 700 views!  i'm pretty proud of us!  the second week is off and running...the challenge-round.  we have asked for crafters to create art that incorporates circles in some way.  here is what i came up with-

ink:  tuxedo black momento, crumb cake

cardstock:  black, crumb cake, typeset and watercolor 

misc:  blendabilities (old olive, pumpkin pie, cherry cobbler, daffodil delight, and bronze), cherry cobbler seam binding ribbon, black candy dots, sponge

the new blog-the paper plunge- has given me a new zest for my crafting/personal pursuit of happiness.  however, i have found, when you keep happiness to yourself, it's not that awesome.  spreading some sunshine is what it is all about.

a nice woman, jodi mckinney, commented on my blog just recently, so i decided to check out her blog in return...Life in Between.  i came across a post entitled, "the world needs more henrys".  it's about a man that jodi and her friend came upon at the strip districts meat, in pittsburg, pa.  she wrote about walking into this wonderful butcher, when all of a sudden, "enter delight.  enter zest for life, passion for his job, expertise, dedication, knowledge.  enter warmth and kindness."  after reading the whole  character study of henry, i was speechless.  i had goosebumps that told me that i, too, should be a henry.  yes. the world needed more henrys!  i went to school the next day, pretended to be henry, and loved my job and the children i teach.  it was no longer about common core or standardized testing...it was about loving my job and helping my students love being in our room.  i felt different.  they attended differently.  it was wonderful.  

by being a henry, i was reminded to enjoy something in every day...whether it was the way my students hung on my every word, a kind comment on my blog i will cherish, or just knowing that i made someone smile.  

i am so grateful i have this outlet...this time i can spend making pretty things, that maybe someone may copy and actually put in the mail to make someone else happy.  believe me when i say, i am not happy 24/7.  a smile that lasts all day just makes you looks like a psycho...but finding joy in the everyday moments that are not spectacular-just regular-is a gift.  choose happiness.

thanks for stopping by-

i appreciate you.

until next time,

peace be with you-

leslie