Dear Reader:

Every time I see this little plastic frog it brings back bittersweet memories. A friend and teaching colleague of mine, Theresa Winders, was diagnosed with breast cancer around the same time I was.

And when I started my blog she became my ” editor” -checking my early ones for grammatical errors-she was kept busy!

She gave me one of dozens of plastic frogs that she carried with her everywhere… giving them to surgeons, doctors, nurses, and other patients. She would tell each receiver that the acronym for F. R. O. G. was ” Fully Rely on God.”

Today Theresa lives with God but her frog reminds me Whom to turn to in troubled times… plus it just makes me smile.

I have two boxes that always lift my spirits when I am feeling low. The first one contains notes, letters ( some from you readers) quotes, inspirational anecdotes, grandchildren’s pictures and cards…. plaques and pictures.

The whole idea of keeping happy collectibles for “rainy” days ( though it is finally raining today and I am ecstatic… Hallelujah-) is a terrific one!

It started when that adorable Colby and grandmother Jo made me a Winnie the Pooh box and filled it with all kinds of fun things…along with this note.

” This is your happy box”

” Whenever you feel down, open up your box for instant joy. When you receive a note or an object that brings you joy, add it to your box. It is up to you what you add. This is your happy box. Fill it with love, hope, laughs, joy, beliefs, prayers, and encouragement. Enjoy Your Box! With love, Colby and Grandma

So until tomorrow… Happiness is homemade so make a box ( es) for all your uplifting keepsakes for those days when you need a reminder how precious life is!

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

And oh what a terrific day! Honey was in town and we had time to eat lunch and hang out together! Ashley called and after some more procedures things are finally turning around- she is free of tubes! Hallelujah! Honey was heading back up to the mountains and could hardly wait to stop by the hospital again for encouraging news!

Just having Honey around made me happy and she brought me a pink flamingo for my garden! Lots of smiles!