Monthly Archives: December 2024

I have rarely enjoyed a morning more.

When I arrived at the retirement place for my massage this morning, the lobby was jammed full of people, so I waited in the parking lot in my car. My massage therapist, Lynn, and I waited for several minutes, discovering that the reason for the ‘jam’ was local school kids singing Christmas carols to the residents! As they came out, there must have been over 100 of them. What a wonderful idea for the teachers to have and carry out. The kids were obviously pleased at the reception they got and learned how important it is to give joy to others.

I saw my dear friend, Linda, and her son, Jeff, who had flown in for a visit from The Villages, FL. I hugged both of them, relieved to see that Linda recognized me and was able to stand and be thoroughly hugged – several times. We healed the broken parts of each other. She liked the personalized bookmark I had made for her. I also gave her a hand-painted memory box to store her keepsakes. I left, not seeing her again after my massage, not wanting to encroach on her time with Jeff.

Lynn gave me a wonderful massage, as usual. She handled the parts I told her were hurting, and found several others I didn’t know I had, and fixed those, as well. I was limp as a noodle when she finished. If she had let me, I would still be asleep on the table there. I gave her a bookmark and a special check, and she gave me a beautiful, delicate glass flower and butterfly piece which is sitting beside my keyboard on my computer counter as I type. It makes me happy each time I look at it. She also gave us a gift certificate for our favorite restaurant in Greenwood.

I talked to the lady who runs the retirement place, explaining that I wanted to give the bag of memory boxes I had brought to the residents, putting them on a table so people could choose one they liked. She was really pleased with the idea. She said they were having a Christmas party next Wednesday and that she would make sure the boxes were put out at the party. :0)

While I was talking to Linda and Jeff, a lady complimented me on my tee shirt. I told her I had painted it. I also had to admit that, since I was a slob and tended to spill things on shirts and then couldn’t get the stains out, I had started painting my plain tee shirts. (Embarrassing, but true.)

When I got home, I found a package had been delivered by UPS. I didn’t remember ordering anything, but opened the package. I knew in a second that this was a gift from my wonderful sister-in-law because it was a painting of sandpipers on a beach.

It’s called, “Rockhampton Sandpipers Beach Ripples” and is by artist P. Brent. Can you see me grinning as you read this? I AM THRILLED. My cheeks hurt I have grinned so much. I had to decide where I wanted to hang it. I wanted to be sure to be able to enjoy it every day, maybe even several times each day. The decision was between my office and my art room. I opted for the office because there are days I don’t make it up to my art room and I spend about half the day, on and off, in my office, as I am now, typing this to you.

It’s on the wall to the left as I sit at my computer. I’ve been grinning ever since I opened the package. What a great present! An instant trip to the beach for me. Instant memories of when we drove down Highway 101 and I got to stop and watch the sweet birds skittering across the sand on their long, long legs, moving super fast, making me laugh. Instant memories of the nice video she took when she was at the beach, trying to give me vicarious enjoyment of her vacation. I kept the video and play it again each time I need an escape. THANK YOU, MARYLOU.

So, it’s 5:01 pm now, and I’m just writing my second blog post of the day. Sorry for being late, but I’ve had such a good day. I wish you could have been here to share it with me.