My Fascination with Happiness Led to Personal Commandments

I have always been described as a happy smiling person. When I was a little girl I remember my Mother's friends at church commenting on my smile. Now that I am no longer a little girl (at least on the outside) I gravitate to people and things that make me happy! This little cartoon was floating around Facebook - without an author (if anyone knows the source please let me know). I love it because it is simple and so right!

You can imagine my delight to find a book all about happiness! I was ready for a quick read and a quick dose of tips about creating happiness. (Note: this is an affiliate link. See my disclosure.)


Was I ever wrong. This was not a quick read for me. This was a savor every single chapter type of book. It totally appealed to my analytical side with up-teen examples from  Gretchen Rubin's research and personal stories! I was in HEAVEN. Of course I love words (most writers do) and she appealed to me as a reader with definitions and the bonus of antonyms (opposite meanings). She also had me hooked with her organization. My many years as a technical writer trained my brain to look for headings, bullet points, and structure that tells me I can depend on the content to unfold in a logical manner. 

I read a lot of books - many are in the self help category and others are "escape" fiction. This book - was exceptional - it inspired me to journey with Gretchen. She shared her Personal Commandments and how they influence her life and happiness. What a terrific idea!

I created my personal commandments and have printed and displayed them in my play (office/craft/sewing) room. 

My Personal Commandments (composed January 29, 2019)

1. Be Esther
2. Challenge ANTs (automatic negative thoughts)
3. Capture memories
4. Accept others
5. Finish projects
6. Learn and grow
7. See the little
8. See the big
9. Recognize seasons
10. Look for fit
11. Pass it on
12. Go outside

Following commandments 3, 6, and 9, I am once again blogging! 

Comfort Writing

It occurred to me today that I am being drawn to comfort writing - you know, just like comfort food, comfort writing feels good, homey, and gives me the sense that all is right in the world.

I just read The Kitchen Linens Book by EllynAnne Geisel (actually I read it again!). This is a great example of comfort writing. My daughter gave me the book for my birthday and I took it with me when I recently stayed with my 90 year old aunt. My aunt really enjoyed the book and brought out some vintage linens to give me, including a hot pad that is a cluster of oranges made by my grandmother! The book has a "purple" example that is a cluster of grapes. The orange "grapes" are crocheted around cork-lined bottle caps. I am sure that the choice of orange over purple was an easy one. Orange and browns and yellows and greens were some of my grandmother's, and are my aunt's and my favorite colors.

I have been "rescuing" vintage linens from thrift shops and yard sales for a number of years. I am thrilled when I find a piece that has a interesting design or a great feel to the fabric. When I told that to my aunt recently, she laughed and said that is what my Mom called it, rescuing, when she bought quilt tops and pieces from thrift shops and yard sales. My appreciation for fabric and handwork comes directly from my Mother who was an accomplished seamstress and quilter. My Mom and her handiwork is a great topic for future comfort writing.

Vintage linens are treasures and writing about them is very comforting.