I don’t know about you, but I’ve been struggling a bit lately. Not only does the pandemic continue to make life stressful, but here in Texas we’ve now added 100+ degree days into the mix. My condo is feeling more confining than usual these days, and I’ve found myself wallowing in “I wish” and “If only.”
So lately I’ve been trying to notice the things around me that make me smile. Perhaps they will make you smile, too. Or maybe they’ll inspire you to look around your own space and discover your own list. Whatever the case, I’m sharing the top 5 things in my house that cause me to smile at the moment.
Pictures of my family—I’ve not always had a lot of pictures of my kids on the walls of my home, but I when me moved in here I chose a wall to use for pictures now that we live away from all our children. I used to forget to change out the photos, but I recently updated my wall and it makes me smile. And my brag board always brings me a grin. As does this old collage of my three kiddos.
My books—just looking at my bookcases overflowing with books makes me happy. I can’t help but smile knowing that every book on the shelf means something to me or to my husband. Those books have entertained us, taught us, changed us. And they continue to do so. Books always make me smile, whether its the memory of having read them or the excitement over what awaits in the books yet to be read.
My Bible—when we moved to Austin four years ago, we gave each other new Bibles for our anniversary. The ones we used every day were marked up and falling apart. I didn’t really want a new one. The old one felt like a dear friend. And yet there was something about the thought of those fresh pages waiting to be read, to be marked in new ways as well as old. But it was hard, at first, looking at all the pristine pages. Now, four years later, it flops open of its own accord and most pages are marked up. It finally feels like mine. And that makes me smile.
Pioneer Woman Instant Pot—first you have to understand that I hate to cook. I just do. So when I look at my instant pot you’d think I’d cringe. Except that it has made dinners so much easier! But the truth is that isn’t the main reason I smile when I see it. You see, when I chose to get one I opted for the Pioneer Woman version of the instant pot because it is so pretty! I love the bright flowers, the pop of color in my otherwise dark kitchen.
Lemony Kitchen Towel—I like to change my kitchen towels to match the different seasons and holidays, but I realized this year that my summer towels weren’t really anything special. So thanks to some Kohl’s cash I had accumulated I ordered something more summery. The lemons always bring a smile to my face. Why? Maybe because lemons remind me of lemonade and long ago summer memories. Or maybe it’s the yellow/blue combo. Or then again, maybe it’s just that splash of yellow that makes things feel bright and happy.
Those are the things making me smile in these days of of isolation and stir-craziness. What is making you smile?
Latest posts by D'Ann Mateer (see all)
- The Cheer Squad - May 7, 2025
- Guest Post: Crystal Caudill - April 16, 2025
- D’Ann’s Favorites - April 13, 2025
I love your joy in simple things, Anne. My porch swing makes me smile.
Oh! That would make me smile, too!
Similar to your list, my Bible and my books would definitely be on the list. The view of my backyard from my living room French doors and window brings me great pleasure. I like to park myself at a table near the window and read there, participate in Zoom meetings there, play solitaire while watching television, etc. because the lighting is good and I can watch the birds feeding and flitting about and the squirrels feeding and romping around the patio and trees. I can even watch the patio garden grow–tomatoes and all.
That’s awesome! A backyard–and a view of it–would definitely make me smile right now, too! Enjoy!
I love the things that make you happy! Even the little things that make you happy is wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
Things that make me Happy
Number one my Baby Brother every time I see him I smile
By books make me very very happy to my Dog Naomi always makes me joyful as well!
Baby brothers, books, and dogs are wonderful things to smile over!
I love this post, D’Ann! How easily it is to get caught up in the blahs and forget to see the blessings right in front of us. A few days ago I ordered some new family snapshot prints and they arrived in the mail yesterday. Today I’ll be updating my family photo collage frame that sits on my office desk. It hasn’t had a face lift in 2 years, so it’s about time. I’m smiling already, just thinking about it.
Yay! Time flies so fast and suddenly the photos are ancient history, right? I’m glad yours are getting updated!
Our grandson, who will turn 3 years old this month, gives us joy and makes us smile every day. He is full of imagination, curiosity and love.
How sweet! Three is such a wonderful age!
Family and friends pictures have helped me get through these crazy days. Several years ago my sweet daughter in law Gave me a SELPHY color printer. It prints 4×6 color pictures. Check it out on Amazon.I love it because I can print pictures of my great granddaughter when her mom
And dad post them. I’m not the best at getting pictures printed so this has been great. I have a frame with clothespins where I hang special family and friend pictures.
I have an Insta Pot (not as pretty as yours) and would appreciate recipes. I’ve only used mine a couple of times.
So glad you can print your pictures right away! One of my favorite Insta Pot recipes is spaghetti and meatballs. Here’s the link: https://www.simplyhappyfoodie.com/instant-pot-spaghetti-and-meatballs/ I usually just do an online search for whatever I want to make and add instant pot to the search line and get all kinds of great recipes!
Thanks!
Real-life problems intercede even during a pandemic, but these are some things that still make me smile amid the stress. That first creamy sip of coffee in the morning. Finally finding the exact, right phrasing for a clumsily-written line in my manuscript. (God-given, I know.) Getting together via Zoom with members of my RWA chapter or my smaller writing support group. Even better, a video call with my kids, who are far away. Having my remaining kitty beg for a tidbit of cheese in the morning. Going out with my husband for a soft-serve ice cream cone, which has been one of the few normal things about this summer. Hearing from my fellow church choir musicians.
That enough for you?