Monday, February 22, 2010

Day Makers

Today began like almost every day does.

First, consciousness.
(Wow that sun is bright....must get window treatments at some point)

Then my laptop.
(Wonder how many new emails and blog comments there are?)

Then a glance at Kevin to see if he's still asleep.
(Which he always is)

Then a glance at Max to see if he's awake.
(Which he always is)

Then the question he loves to hear me ask him, "do you wanna go outside and go potty?"
(Which, of course, he does.)

Then layers of clothes.
(Our heater broke earlier this month.)

Then outside with Max.
(Brrr!)

Then back inside for a bowl of Chocolate Cheerios, and a tiny glass of orange juice.
(Mmmmm!)

Same old, same old. Nice, but nothing too exciting.

Then all of a sudden, after a trip to the post office around noon, today quickly turned from same old, same old to supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

I received the coolest little work apron from my new friend Polly...





I put it on in the car on the way home from the post office, and I'm still wearing it as I write this post at 11:00 at night.

:-)

I love it.

Thank you so much Polly!

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Polly's sweet gesture really got me thinking today.

Thinking about all the special, creative and thoughtful people I may never have the opportunity to meet in person, but whose thoughtfulness and talents will positively impact, contribute to, and influence my life.

We all know people like this.

They're risk takers, and "day makers".
They give and give, and expect nothing in return.
Their shiny, happy people.

:-)

My blog friend Erin is one of these people.
She inspired me without saying or typing a single word today.
She simply sent me an email with a smiley face in the subject line, and a photo of a page from this book in the body...


"She" by Kobi Yamada

She sent me the page that reads,
"She turns her can'ts in to cans, and her dreams into plans".
Isn't that the best line ever!?

I immediately forwarded Erin's email to my Mom, with hopes that it would have the same positive effect on her day as it did mine.

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Then, while browsing the blog-o-shere tonight, I "bumped" into another friendly soul who brightened up my night with the strokes of her paint brush...


By Trish at The Old Post Road

They say that art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and that if you look closely enough, you can see angels in every piece. I certainly agree with that statement when it comes to Trish's beautiful paintings. This pretty picture brought me so much joy tonight!

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Well, it's close to midnight now, so I guess I better go crawl into bed.
But before I sign off, I'd like to send out a big ol' virtual bear hug to everyone reading this. It's an honor to have you visit my blog, and I hope you have a very happy and inspiring week!

:-)

Layla

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PS-

Just for fun....

70 comments:

Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife said...

Your post was day-making! (I guess it's night making now, huh?)

Love all of the happy thoughts. And what an adorable apron!

Sjn said...

thanks Layla for your inspirational post. xoxo right back at ya!

The Little Red Shop said...

Thank you, Layla! That apron is sweeet! And you know what? YOU inspired me this past week. Yup, you sure did! You inspired me to eat an entire bag of Marshmallow Mateys!!

: P

Happy Tuesday!

Julie M.

Amy Kinser said...

Hi Layla,

I have never left you a comment before, but have been following you for quite some time. Tonight, I wanted to leave you a quick note.

Isn't it wonderful how on time God is? He puts people in our lives at just the right time, with just the right words or even just the right gifts, to make us smile. He knows when we need a little extra and I am so thankful for that.

Let me tell you that your smile and your pleasant and kind way of communicating is also a lifter up for people who read your blog. We reap what we sow, and you are sowing into people's lives all across the world. We all need to be doing that.

Blessings to you, Amy

DustyLu said...

Go Day Makers! Great post! ~Lulu

TheVirginiaHouse said...

That was sweet. You are one of those people too. You have inspired me over and over. Thank you!

My Cottage Charm said...

You know you've inspired me........heck, I have a blog because of you! :-) Hope to inspire you someday my friend. :)
Thank you!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Love the apron, book (which I think I'm going to buy for some people) and Trish's art (which I think I'm going to buy for me!)

You always have the best info and ideas!

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

Love chocolate Cheerios. They make up for my not being able to find chocolate Lucky Charms anymore! Your new Work apron is adorable! Erins's book looks fantastic. I think when you give so much positive to others it is bound to come back to you. You give so much to all of your readers. Your blog is so fun to read. Congratulations on all your successes! (your most recent in
Flea Market Style magazine) I think more and more great things will be headed your way! Have a great day!

Unknown said...

LOOOOVVVVEEE the book! Thanks for making MY morning!

Trish @TheOldPostRoad said...

You are so precious! Thank you for posting one of my paintings!
-Trish

Anonymous said...

What a great friend! Such a lovely apron the fantastic details. Loving that quote... I'm writing it down to remember.

http://minivanlife.wordpress.com

Erin @ The Impatient Gardener said...

That apron is amazingly cool. What a sweet gesture.

Hana said...

Thanks for the happy thoughts! Hope someone makes your day today as well!! Love that apron btw! Super cute!! Lucky u! Happy Day!

xo
Hana
MomTog Diaries

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous way to start the day. Thanks for such a "day making" post!

and what a fabulous apron! I'm sure I would have kept it on all day too!!

southerninspiration said...

Cute apron, and yes, you ARE an inspiration!!!

suzanne
Hugs!!!

Anonymous said...

Sending you a virtual free hug. ((( Layla )))

Love the apron.

- Deborah

TanyaLea said...

Oh Layla,

AS USUAL your post has lit up my day again. Some of your days may seem a little ordinary...but the example you and your hubby live out is reflected through your beautiful blog. You are a testimony of God's love simply through living...and that's one of the best kinds there is!!

LOVE this post. And the video... well, I guess I'm a big ol' sap, cuz it totally made me cry. It's just neat how a gesture as simple as a hug can have such a great affect on so many. I think smiling has that affect, too! Thanks for share'in the love!!

Blessings and Hugs,
~ Tanya

p.s.>>love the work apron...colors are GREAT!...and I love the tree painting with the verse out of Thes. God bless!! <><

julie said...

you made my heart smile....
thank you!!!!

just call me jo said...

You made my day sooo much better. I'm a little misty-eyed. You're lucky to see things sunny even when they might be cloudy. I envy you, but am glad there are people who do that to help the rest of us.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Layla, for making me smile this morning!!!

Stephanie said...

That apron is super cute- but so is the cutie pie wearing it! What a sweet post - love it!
Best,
Stephanie

Unknown said...

Well you are certainly my 'Day Maker". What a sweet post. I'm so glad you love the apron, and I hope you'll be using it for your projects. I also LOVE the picture collage you created. (Can I use that?)

I have to go find that book. Growing up, every time we said "I can't" my mom would say "You can if you drop the 'T'". I'd love to read each page of that book.

Thank you again. Have a big ole virtual hug on me today!

Sondra said...

You've made my day! Think how wonderful the world would be if we all would give and take free hugs.

Geezees Custom Canvas Art said...

I love the apron, and you look so cute in it!!

geri said...

Layla.
As my grown son will sometimes say" They bring nothing to the table".
That saying would never apply to Layla Palmer.
Layla you bring arms full of love for everyone you know and everyone you touch. A heart filled with passion for God, and family and life. A mind full of ideas, ,compassion and inspirations to share. Hands that know work, and stenght and have an enormous talent for creating.
The way the book, the apron, the cheerios, and the beginning of each day touches you and fills you with joy, you do that and more with your words and generous soul for all that follow you and your life at the lettered cottage.
I love and look forward to reading everything you post and seeing all you do each day. It really helps me to see that I can try to do the things I love and still be able to help pay bills and not frett over the small stuff.
Hugs always. geri.

GerryART said...

Isn't blogland The Best!

Great Apron, Great Friend !

Great motto, Great Friend !

Hugs,
Gerry

Lindsey said...

Oh my! Where do I begin! I guess with the work apron! Too cute. It's so fun to get things in the mail! This post has made me smile. I really like that book, too cute. The painting is beautiful, God knows what we need and exactly when we need it! I needed that. Layla, I just absolutely enjoy your blog. You have been such a great inspiration to me. Thank you!

leafLet said...

That was beautiful, thanks for sharing.

Amy R said...

Thanks for sharing the video! You are a daymaker too~

ZoeB said...

Guest bathroom reveal ?????

Sandy said...

Every time I come here I am inspired! Yup! :)

Sheila said...

Absolutely love the apron. It is adorable.
I myself am an apron person. i love to wear them when I cook. My grown children and my husband..thinks it make me look all domestic and stuff.
It's the little things....

Anonymous said...

ADORABLE apron!!!
And great post... definitely made me smile! :)

Liz said...

I needed this post today! Thanks for your inspiration!

Liz
Loving This Mom Stuff

Faded Plains said...

I love that song...and the video...gotta go now...I need to give somebody a hug.

Jessi said...

I love the apron!

I always laugh that the first words out of my mouth every day are "Go Potty! Marley! POTTY!"

angie said...

oh my gosh, layla, that is such a great post! i JUST LOVE your apron! i want one! you have a nice Polly.

And that video is so great!

thanks!

Darija said...

I am literally sewing up a work apron right now. I was just taking a break to check my blogs and email. I have to say yours is better than mine! I love the charms on it. Great detail.

Angela said...

Very nice. Am doing a forward (don't normally) on this one. Know you're spreading smiles.

Anonymous said...

Layla

My heart and my physical being ached for a hug today after having been to the doctor for a very difficult appointment. All I could think about on my way home, tears streaming down my cheeks, was how much I needed my hubby to hug me when I got home. It's funny how a hug can just put you right, even when things seem there worst.
I watched the video
and....well.....I just got all emotional....scoozay (must wipe eyes and blow nose)! However, it made me realize just how important hugs are for humans as connection, support and grounding. In all sense, we feel loved and comforted when we hug, and in return are hugged!
I want to thank you for sending out so many hugs with such a riveting mind opener. I always thought of myself as a hugger. I always thought, when I was younger, that everyone was that way. Clearly, not everyone gives hugs freely. If we all did, would it not be the most remarkable planet to live on.
Sending you many hugs in return sweet lady!

Sue

Serendipitous Home said...

Hi Layla,
Erins comments are beautiful.
Many of us like myself can only lurk (really hate that word) but cannot blog due to ill health. We can only sit at the sidelines and watch others playing the game of life, living the dreams you want so desparately to live.
Thank you for sharing with us all that can be done when good health returns.

Sandra

Samantha2818 said...

I love the apron. I've just checked out Polly's shop and going to put one on my wants list!

Unknown said...

That video was hilarious- in a creepy sort of way! I loved it! Consider this a virtual hug for your great blog! (And I'm not creepy- pinky promise!) And I love the apron- just wish the pic was a little bigger so I could make me one!

The Old Painted Cottage said...

Layla, YOU are my SUNSHINE.

oxox
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Don't you just love an adorable shorty apron? You can wear them in the garden, the kitchen, to the post office--yes you can--to the grocery store... A good apron commands respect (and a little envy) everywhere it goes. :)

Lindsay said...

So inspiring! Thank you! :)

megs said...

Thank you so much for sharing that book by Kobi Yamada. It was just what I needed today. I think I will order a copy. Thanks also for all of your posts. You are so inspirationl.

Bohemian chic said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bohemian chic said...

I have been blog stalking you for a while and I need to shamelessly come clean. I have coveted your wall baskets in your kitchen for some time and about peed myself when I came across them shopping the other day. I finally hung them and copied you exactly. I mean you did it just perfectly that I could not help myself. I thought I should come clean.

Thanks for the inspiration and happy nesting!

Laurie from Laurie Jones Home said...

You are an incredible writer, the fact that you can make a stranger smile and giggle just from reading your words is a gift! I don't think I'd take that apron off either!!

Caroline said...

Thanks for the post - it was so lovely and definitely brightened my day!

Andi @ Love Like Crazy said...

Layla,

I read this to my 6 year old Laila this morning before she went to school and she said that this was a 'sunshine reading place'. I thought I would share with you how you touch so many people...even your littlest readers! Thank you for all you do and how happy you are while doing it!

Blessings today!
Andi

Unknown said...

Thanks for the great post Layla. The video is cute. Great message.

I have admired those aprons and Trish's art for some time. Lucky you to have a personalized work apron.

Paula Barin said...

It'll be an inspiring week now.... after reading your blog. What a great start to the week.

Thank you.

Cottage Dreamers said...

That is the cutest apron. ☺ Celeste

pogonip said...

I love her work aprons! How fun to look tres chic whilst making our homes shine.

I gave out some free hugs of my own today--thanks for the video inspiration.

Unknown said...

I love that video. This was such a fun post! And may I just say that you are quite the inspiration yourself my friend. HUGS TO YOU!!!

Kelly said...

I just love your blog because of posts just like this one! It always inspires and leaves me feeling a little bit lighter at heart. You made my day today! :)

The Weathered Cottage said...

Layla I love this! I'm going to repost it if that's ok with you, and hope it gets passed around, because I think we all should get to read this! Amazing!

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Like you, I have "met" so many new friends in blogland who bring joy to my life each day! I love each and every one of my blog friends. Your post was so sweet. Love your new apron. Love & blessings from NC!

Anonymous said...

Layla, you always make me smile and give me something to think about! Thanks...:-)

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Layla...you look adorable in your new work apron. What a cute, cute apron! I'd be afraid to get it dirty, it's so darn cute!
Your breakfast sounded like one I'd like, except I'd have this giant sugar crash and be asleep within the hour. :-)
Hugs,
Susan
P.S. NO heat? Seriously? :-(

Unknown said...

Loved this post, loved hearing about your normal morning similar to mine, loved, loved the book and the paintings. Thanks for inspiring me, again.

Deb

lizziefitz said...

You are QUALITY!:)

Things That Inspire said...

I saw Trish's work in person at an Artists Market last week, and it is even more beautiful and inspirational than the pictures depict!

Day Dreaming And Decorating said...

What a great song and video

Unknown said...

Boy oh Boy...
Do I love your blog..YES!!!
I'm going to follow you...see what you are up to along the way.
It's nice to meet you,
Kevin & Layla
I'll be back...

Mrs. Billings said...

Found you via the nester (www.thenester.com) and what a DELIGHT your blog is! I'll definitely spend some time catching up when I get home!

Roeshel said...

Great post Layla. Blog friends are some of the best day makers! I love opening my email box and seeing notes - makes me smile every time. :)

Love the apron!

~R