Friday, March 20, 2015

Happy Everything!

My favorite things in life don't cost any money. It's really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.
Steve Jobs

On Thursday I gave myself the gift of time by taking a personal day from work.  It's not in my nature to do so; I've never even taken a sick day, but I was feeling like it was time for a mental health break.  
Three day weekends really are wonderfully relaxing, that is, if you take the time to actually rest and recharge.
Yesterday morning I was so very happy when I stepped out on the balcony to see this.
A hummingbird moth.  It's the first time I have ever seen one in Kuwait.  And the only other time I've seen one was in Durango, Colorado this past summer.  To me, they are just the most amazing little things, mimicking the hummingbird.  You can see how fast the wings are flapping.  Just incredible.  And I would have missed it if I had been sitting in my windowless office at work.
We had a nice hard, but quick rain on Wednesday night so all the flowers still had raindrops on them yesterday morning.  My geraniums don't usually last once the heat sets in, but with the tarp we've added to the other balcony, perhaps I can keep them around a little longer than usual.
Happy March Equinox to all of you in the Northern Hemisphere.

Today is also the International Day of Happiness and I have received several things recently that have made me so very happy.  

First, a big thank you to Teresa for the lovely card and beautiful crocheted heart I received by snail mail just the other day.  I LOVE hearts and heartmade gifts. Thank you so much, Teresa.  I will add it to my collection -- there's not a room here that doesn't have some sort of hearts.
Just today I received belated handmade birthday gifts from a friend in Lebanon
A scarf, necklace and a framed design (the flowers are made from cocoon).

I've had time for quiet mornings, coffee and crochet, bird watching, and just being in the moment. 
And tomorrow I get to do it all again.

Leo Tolstoy

Happy Friday!

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like the perfect way to spend the day.

The hummingbird moth is amazing! It really DOES look like a hummingbird.

Betsy said...

What a wonderful day you've had! I love the little hummingbird moth. I've never heard of one. I love seeing and learning about new things like that. It's amazing.

I'm so glad you got to take this day for yourself. I worked full-time from the age of 14 until a couple of years ago. I was so grateful for every day I had with my family and for myself. I don't take my current life of a homemaker lightly. I cherrish every day and I'm so grateful to my dear Hubby for letting me be home without guilt.

Lovely, lovely gifts you've recieved lately. You are a special woman and it looks as though many people know it. :-)
Happy weekend Tammy!

Blessings,
Betsy

Kit said...

I am so glad you took a day off. It is so good for the soul. :) Kit

Pradeepa said...

Beautiful flowers and beautiful gifts! Happy weekend!

Susan said...

Hi Tammy...Oh, what a delightful day you described. And I've never even heard of a hummingbird moth. How utterly amazing.

Your flower pictures are beautiful. And Jingles-----oh, sweet Jingles. The most beautiful cat in the world!

Hope you have more personal days ahead! Susan

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Tammy,
You show us the true treasures in life; little things indeed and they do provide tremendous joy!
Hugs,
Mariette

Simple Home said...

Lovely photos Tammy! I thought it was a real hummingbird. It is good to take some time for yourself. It looks like it was a perfect day :)

Gracie Saylor said...

Thanks for sharing your time out with us, Tammy...as a result I feel refreshed, too, and I appreciate seeing the lovely gifts you were given as well. I have never heard of a hummingbird moth either, and am amazed. May you and yours have happy days. xx

Teresa Kasner said...

Dear Tammy.. I'm o happy that my heart reached you and that you like it. I think you are a very special and generous friend and I'm glad we met up in this crazy big land of the internet. I love that necklace with the flowers and pearls.. so inventive! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Tanna said...

You deserved a day and every bit of this wonderful "happy" mail! I LOVE that necklace... so very, beautiful and HAPPY! Wishing you a glorious day! blessings ~ tanna

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning Tammy, so glad you took a day off for yourself-sometimes we really do need those mental health days when one works full time.
I have heard of the hummingbird moth being in Europe from my friends there but have never seen a photo how special that one is in your area of the world too and came for a visit.
Lovely gifts-I love snail mail the best.
Hugs Kathy

Mary said...

Happiness is always special - international sharing of happiness with friends far off in places perhaps we've never seen, is even more special. Darn it, if only we could have met that time when I was in Dubai - that was a close chance - and I'll never get there again! Next time you're in the States we must try harder to meet up!

Meanwhile Tammy dear - apologies for being absent with comments - sometimes life does get in the way of blogging and lately health issues/bad weather have kept me under the radar, lame excuses I know! Now with Spring here and the promise of brighter days, like you I'm anxious for more time to enjoy nature. Love those amazing moths and we often get them when the moonflowers blooms as they love them.

Hugs and hearts coming your way - glad you are thinking of YOU these days.
Mary x

linda said...

Sounds like a lovely day Tammy what sweet gifts you received. Have a great weekend. :) xx

Laurie said...

Everyone deserves some downtime now and then. I'm glad you got to experience some with some gorgeous views, too. Have a great weekend!

Maya Kuzman said...

I wish I could take a personal day off work - that would be something. I also don't take sick days,and I use those when my kids are not well.
This year, we also had the chance of filming a humming bird moth for the first time- truly amazing!

Mosaic Magpie said...

Good for you for having a day to just enjoy yourself. We have hummingbird moths here, but I usually only see them at dusk...almost when it is too dark to see them.
Deb

Preeti said...

Lovely gifts!!
It's good to always have some time to relax and that could happen only when you take a day off because weekends also turn out to be busy sometimes than relaxing.

Mereknits said...

I am so glad you took a mental health day, we all need those don't we? Lovely gifts in the mail, I got a card from Teresa, too, she is just the best! And I love that necklace, with the beads holding the flowers in place it is a brilliant design.

Sending you a hug and hope this week goes quickly so you can have your Spring Break.
Meredith

Dagmar said...

Everything, dear Tammy about this post is lovely. did you make the flower necklace? Love the post about the Secret Garden as well! Xo
Dagmar

CatieAn said...

How wonderful you took a day off just to enjoy.......love the hummingbird moth first time I have heard of one. Your flower pictures are so pretty. I too collect and love hearts. Your heart gifts are so pretty and special.

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