I have always been fascinated with words.
Since I can remember, and from the video and photography my father collected of me over the years, I've loved to read and write. Dad has videos of me as a two year old flipping through newspapers and books I couldn't read. As a five year old, I was sitting at a desk in my room, scribbling on paper, furiously working on some imaginary project. Not drawing, just line after line of squiggles.
Those squiggly lines have evolved and I now have a career as a professional writer. The writing I do for work however, is a bit limiting. I have specific messages I need to deliver and projects I need to promote. Although some of it is really fascinating, there are parameters I can't breach. So, in order to channel some of my creative impulses, I've taken to doing some crafts in my spare time.
I've always enjoyed making things for people - scrapbooks, stories, homemade cards or little gifts inspired by someone's unique personality. I've always had a difficult time with verbally expressing how I feel about people I care for, so this has been a popular solution for me!
The sentiment reminds of something Michael Scott said on the Office:
Since I can remember, and from the video and photography my father collected of me over the years, I've loved to read and write. Dad has videos of me as a two year old flipping through newspapers and books I couldn't read. As a five year old, I was sitting at a desk in my room, scribbling on paper, furiously working on some imaginary project. Not drawing, just line after line of squiggles.
Those squiggly lines have evolved and I now have a career as a professional writer. The writing I do for work however, is a bit limiting. I have specific messages I need to deliver and projects I need to promote. Although some of it is really fascinating, there are parameters I can't breach. So, in order to channel some of my creative impulses, I've taken to doing some crafts in my spare time.
I've always enjoyed making things for people - scrapbooks, stories, homemade cards or little gifts inspired by someone's unique personality. I've always had a difficult time with verbally expressing how I feel about people I care for, so this has been a popular solution for me!
The sentiment reminds of something Michael Scott said on the Office:
But it's more like, I love you this many hours worth!
Over a year ago, I was taking a shower and thinking about nothing and everything (check out this really cool article about why we have our best ideas in the shower.) I had been trying to find a way to support a friend, mentor and colleague who was going through some tough times. I thought to myself, how can I bring a bit of happy into her life while she's going through this? The idea came to me in a flash - a scrapbook that you could take apart - something that would last a long time, was personal and fun. The idea for the Box of Happy was born.
I've now made three, and the first recipient made one for me as well. It was the best gift I ever received. I keep it in my office and pull from it every now and again. It makes me smile - every. single. time. It's pretty much a box filled with love. Check out the awesome cover and a sneak peak at the inside (yes, that's Sporty Spice on the cover):
Over a year ago, I was taking a shower and thinking about nothing and everything (check out this really cool article about why we have our best ideas in the shower.) I had been trying to find a way to support a friend, mentor and colleague who was going through some tough times. I thought to myself, how can I bring a bit of happy into her life while she's going through this? The idea came to me in a flash - a scrapbook that you could take apart - something that would last a long time, was personal and fun. The idea for the Box of Happy was born.
I've now made three, and the first recipient made one for me as well. It was the best gift I ever received. I keep it in my office and pull from it every now and again. It makes me smile - every. single. time. It's pretty much a box filled with love. Check out the awesome cover and a sneak peak at the inside (yes, that's Sporty Spice on the cover):
And here's one I made for one of my dearest friends for her birthday last year:
I have a person or two in mind to help inspire these crafts in 2015. If you're interested in putting one together for a friend or family member, I would love to help you with it! It really is a wonderful thing to do and you can keep adding to it over the years. A colleague of mine suggested I sell them on Etsy, but I didn't know what an etsy was at the time so I don't think I'm quite there yet!
Creating beautiful things is so good for the spirit. Isn't it uplifting to channel your energy into something you know will make someone smile? Even if it's just thinking of and sharing a really good fart joke. You are never too old for a good fart joke.
I will leave you with this - a quote I read while seeking a distraction one longer-than-usual afternoon. It's something I've realized over time, but hadn't put into words:
The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention
That's a lesson I learned from my very best friend, Ashley - and it's how I met Scooter. But that's a story for another day.
Creating beautiful things is so good for the spirit. Isn't it uplifting to channel your energy into something you know will make someone smile? Even if it's just thinking of and sharing a really good fart joke. You are never too old for a good fart joke.
I will leave you with this - a quote I read while seeking a distraction one longer-than-usual afternoon. It's something I've realized over time, but hadn't put into words:
The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention
That's a lesson I learned from my very best friend, Ashley - and it's how I met Scooter. But that's a story for another day.