First of all, I want to say that I’m what you would call a very happy person. It hasn’t always been this way. As a matter of fact, I spent most of my life feeling very unhappy. Oh I had many reasons why, which don’t need any explanation as I choose to put them in the past. I no longer have a need to keep retelling my story and hanging on to all the reasons why life was not good.
If you know me now, you know that I have much joy in my life, hence the name of my blog. I have a fantastic husband, wonderful children, step children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and two of the best pups in the world. I’m rich in friendship, and enjoy an abundance of all good things. Little things bring me joy.
Having said all that…. I was wandering around the house today and looking at some of the things that make my heart smile.
I thought I’d share them with you.
I love my tea pot collection.
I got my teacart at a little antique shop in Missouri. I love the picture of the tea cups and teapots above.
My coffee table in the living room
Here is another little table I love
Here is my guest bathroom. My daughter in law put this up on the wall for me –
“Everyday holds the possibility of a miracle.”
This is in my office/craft room.
My mother made this cute little dress for me when I was 2 years old. That’s 60 years ago! On the side is a picture of me wearing it. Don’t you just love the rickrack? I think it’s so darn cute.
Love my family pictures. I have so many more I need to get up there.
This is the guest bedroom.
I love the little shelf with the plate and little girls that match. So adorable.
No blog post would be complete without….
Sugar Plum and Meeka
So these are just some of the things in my house that make me smile. I saved a lot for another time.
Have a most wonderful day!
In Joy In My Life 
Beverly @ Beverly's Back Porch
/ April 30, 2012I so love your teapots. You have so much stuff to bring you joy. I noticed you saved the best for last. Have a wonderful week.
timchildress1
/ April 30, 2012I love the little dress! It’s incredible how homemade things can withstand the test of time, but somethings you buy in a store won’t even make it a year! What a gorgeous collection of tea cups and tea pots, too! Hope you have a super week 🙂
Jan
/ April 30, 2012Awww!!! I LOVE you “collections” 🙂 Today YOU are one of the things that made me smile!!!
Oh ! and of course those sweet mischief makers of yours!!! It is hot today and I wondered if they take a dip in your pool on hot days…. Don’t forget to put ice cubes in their water dish! >.<
XOXOXOXOX
Jan
jaz
/ April 30, 2012what a nice post! it is so important to love your surroundings!
Eva or sometimes Priscilla
/ April 30, 2012You have so many beautiful collections and I love everyone of them. Those teapots are so pretty and they reminded me once a friend took me to a restaurant which was full of all sorts of teapots from big to small.
How lovely you still keep the little dress, there is so much love in it both from your mom and you!
Thanks for giving me lots of smiles early in the morning!
tweedles
/ April 30, 2012I love all the pretty little things that make you happy. And I love to know that you love being happy.! Your wonderful family- who could ask for more…. and of course sweet Meeka and Sugar Plum too!
love
tweedles
Barb
/ April 30, 2012Your home is just lovely! It looks so warm and inviting. You and I are on the same page. As a Hallmark movie says it well,”The Magic of Ordinary Days.”
yuki and rocket
/ April 30, 2012that little dress is adorable! anytime i feel sad or depressed, yuki and rocket will cheer me up in some way. i think it has to do with chemicals released when you pet your dog/cat. i know anytime i’m stressed i will pet one of them and it really helps calm me. it’s no wonder many vets are now using service dogs to help them deal with ptsd.
ibcgalveston
/ May 1, 2012Hi Ellen! Looking at your id snap, I would never think you’d had anything but joy in your life. Joy sings out of your eyes. What a sweet post to share how you’re blessed and what makes you happy! Love your pretty tea pots and I have always wanted a tea cart like yours! Oh, that little dress is just darling – and look at your tiny little self wearing it. What a treasure!
My mother sewed for me too and then I carried on the tradition and sewed for my daughter! 🙂 Thanks so much for popping in to see me.
be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
akalauni
/ May 2, 2012The little dress is wonderful! How lucky you are to still have it. My mama sewed for us when we were little too, but there’s nothing left of it. I am in LOVE with your gorgeous tea set. Do your grandbabies really leave it alone? So beautiful. :}
Kitty
/ May 2, 2012Thanks for taking us on a tour of some of your favorite things that make you happy! I have a tea wagon, too. I love your collection of teapots…so pretty! Wish we could share a cup together.
Carolyn @ Sweet Chaos
/ May 4, 2012It’s so nice to surround yourself with things that make you smile! How special that you still have the dress your mother made. I love that!!
Pip
/ May 5, 2012This is a lovely post. Sometimes, we have to choose to let go and be happy and live in joy. This is something I am still working at, not quite there, but I am definitely getting closer! Pip helps!
I love your teapot collection. I agree that surrounding ourselves with things (and people) we love is very important. Also, love the quote. A similar one that I love is “don’t quit before he miracle happens” – meaning don’t give up because you just never know what might be around the corner!
Kristin (Pip’s mom)
Pip
/ May 5, 2012Oops, meant to say “don’t quit before THE miracle happens” Sorry for the typo.