Smiles, surprises and daily blessings

Funny carrot person is one of the simple things in life that brings joy!

My gardener husband Stan pulled a surprise out of the ground yesterday. As he washed off the soil, he recognized the funny carrot person shown below! Later, I was putting away the groceries and was delighted to find her relaxing in a bowl of veggies. Comically entertained, I grabbed the camera to share this whimsical moment. I posed her on a zucchini bench by my vintage blender.

God is in the details. —Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Funny carrotman relaxing on zucchini bench at Hamilton Beach

The electric mixer in the background of this picture reminds me of the day I wandered into a thrift shop during my lunch break. I found this vintage Hamilton Beach® blender which is exactly like the one Mom had! Memories rushed back to me of kitchen time spent with her and my sisters.

Stan and I keep and use some of the old items we find, others are available at Mud Creek Antique Mall in Abilene, Kansas; and I offer some worldwide at FreshRetroGallery.

Dad and Mom added a couple rooms and remodeled the house the year I was born. Dad built the kitchen cabinets. Their design included a special drawer dedicated to cake; and the mixer was on a spring-loaded retractable shelf that popped up out of a cupboard which hid it when it was’t in use.

Those were good times together in the farm home in Hegbert Township where I grew up in a family of eight.

Count 20 of God’s blessings

1. beauty in nature
2. humor in imagination
3. kindness in friendship
4. accomplishment in work
5. strength in trials
6. expertise in professionals
7. wisdom in elders
8. unity in family
9. inspiration in the arts: visual, performing, music
10. courage in creativity
11. enjoyment in entertainment
12. exploration in travel
13. talent and skill in practice
14. health in exercise
15. flavor and nutrition in foods
16. meditation in quiet times
17. knowledge in books
18. rest in sleep
19. harmony in love
20. humility to renounce sin; forgiveness and peace in Jesus

Focusing on positive things allows you to realize the blessing list goes on and on. Shake off sad. Get rid of mad. Be glad for life itself, today and everyday with thanksgiving!

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

Thanks for reading this blog post. Have a great day!