The Little Things No. 45

Dear friends,

The queen of flowers, the sunflower, is my favorite and it also happens to be the flower of Ukraine. My heart feels so heavy since the Russian invasion and my days have been consumed with the news of what is happening. My heart breaks for the people of Ukraine. I cannot begin to imagine how frightened people in the Ukraine are feeling. At first I doom scrolled the news and updates in disbelief. Together the world was in shock. A few days later as the world stepped up and sanctions were made I began to feel hope. I have often been told that people don’t make a difference, but how empowering to know that is untrue. People can and do make a big difference simply by speaking out, protesting, and pushing those in power to do more. Watching most of the world unite has been a balm for the soul in these difficult times.

I do not yet know what will happen and I am hoping for peace. The fate of so many lays in the hands of a select few. Over the past week I have stayed off most social media as it has not felt right to go on as if no one is suffering.

I am thankful for those who are using their skills, power, and abilities to make a change. With the start of the year looking so dismal, I’m putting time looking more inward and doing my best to practice gratitude where I can. In days like these, the little things feel so big.

I hope that wherever you are reading this, that you are safe and feel loved. You matter, your voice matters, your future matters.

 

Here are the little things….

 

This brave Ukrainian woman who told a Russian invader to put sunflower seeds in his pocket so that when he dies he’ll at least plant the flowers where he has bought them war.

 

The snow that keeps melting and then coming back when we least expect it.

 

This new morning routine and my morning word search. I admit that I also look forward to Wordle each morning now too.

Appreciating our rental kitchen, flaws and all.

This beautiful vintage 1940s fabric that I plan to repurpose into a window curtain for our guest room.

 

This thrifted vintage vanity chair I found for $6 at Goodwill.

 

Mindfulness Meditations with Winnie the Pooh.

 

These new window curtains in our kitchen that transformed this room into a cozy and cohesive space.

 

This thrifted book by Daphne Du Maurier. Learning about this incredible author has been a gem.

 

Making the time to read.

 

Reupholstering this vintage chair I bought last year for $4. The fabric to cover the seat cost me only $3. Such a small change made a big difference.

 

I used the extra fabric to cover these mix matched pantry jars.

Madeleine, of course. She is an extraordinary little cat and brings so much joy and love into our home. We love her plucky and sometimes prickly personality.

 

 

With appreciation,

Courtney