Why Polka Dots?


I have been thinking about things that make me happy lately. What are those little things that bring a smile to our faces, but we don't really appreciate?

I was out for coffee with my friend Heather last Friday. She wanted to stop in a nearby store before leaving the mall. As we walked through the mall, some brightly colored wrapping paper caught me eye. They had florals, stripes and, yes, polk dot papers in wonderfully cheery colors : mango, magenta, citron, aqua, purple. I just couldn't help but think "aren't those cute"? I especially liked the citron polka dot paper and thought it would brighten the bookshelves in my new craft room. Heather told me that her daughter Molly always says that "polka dots make her happy".

You know, she's right. Think about it, would a polka dot ever make you feel sad, crabby or anxious? No! They are fun and whimsical. I dare you to look at something with polka dots and not feel your inner child smile. So that's the theme of my blog. Everyday I plan to find that little something that makes my inner child say "ooo, look at that!" and brings a smile to my face. I hope you do the same!


Thursday, March 31, 2011

Being A Tourist In Your Hometown


A year ago this week, I took my youngest son Will on a trip to France. Will has been going to a french immersion elementary school since he was in kindergarten. The trip was a celebration of that accomplishment.

Well, I can't afford to go to France again this year, but I CAN rekindle the France experience by pretending to be a tourist in my hometown. So, I went with my friends to a new french bistro in southwest Minneapolis called Patisserie 46. Just like a tourist we had to find it on a map, get lost a few times on the way and figure out where to park (Minneapolis has lots of rules about parking - not all of which are posted).

What a delightful find! The atmosphere reminded me of all the little Patisseries we discovered all over Paris. Very cozy with local art on the wall. The clientele included groups of women, grandparents out with their grandchildren, and people working on lap tops or reading books. The breads and pastry displays were absolutely beautiful and they even had those cute little sherbet-colored french macaroons that are so yummy.

Best of all I got to spend a couple of hours with friends talking about everything from our kids, to upcoming travel to funny family stories.

What made you happy today?

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Lost Treasures



I am working on organizing my craft room and came across a box of my son Will's art projects. This was Will's first art project in Kindergarten, a picture of his school bus. I have it prominently displayed on my desk.

What made you happy today?

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Almost Spring



Wow, after 84"+ of snow, the spring bulbs I planted last fall just poked through the mulch! I can't tell you how happy I was to see those little green sprouts.

Updates as the season progresses.

What made you happy today?