Pretty Simple

January 3rd sneaks up on me every year. It's tucked in right after the holidays so easy to miss. I have been joyfully puttering most of my life...but 11 years ago today I started writing about it here. (Thank you Clarke!) 

This is my 4002nd post. It always feels like I should be a bit reflective and maybe say something profound. But the truth is....joy is pretty simple. 

I've been out of sorts for a couple days....I think it happens to us all from time to time! But as I was handling a precious handmade ornament and tucking it away for another year...I was reminded that the small stuff matters. Handling something precious matters. And things that matter bring us joy.

My aunt Beverly made this felted bubblegum ornament....and it's one of my favorites. Beverly is my mom's only sister and the only living relative of that generation on my side of the family.

After I packed her ornament away....I picked up the phone and called my Aunt. 

I was tickled when I held Beverly's ornament next to my actual yellow gumball machine filled with marbles that came from my sister Angie. Angie and Beverly were close....so this pairing felt just right. (pun intended)

Yup! Joy is pretty simple if we allow ourselves to see it in our everyday lives.  Even when we're out of sorts.

Thank you for following along and sharing your joy with me. Here's to the start of year 12 of our collective joyful puttering!