Wednesday, April 2, 2014

My New Wall Art: Puzzles, Books, & Friends

I love putting together puzzles every Christmas. It's become a tradition in our family. Recently, someone I met through the Southern Magic Readers Luncheon and online wanted to meet me in person. She had a present for me that she thought I'd appreciate.

I couldn't meet Carol empty handed, so I brought her a gift as well.

I put together an author tote bag with a personalized author post it note pad. She'll be getting a copy of THE MAVERICK'S RED HOT REUNION when it debuts in June 2014 from Entangled Publishing.
Carol Bibb sent me a little picture of her gift. A puzzle that she'd glued together and framed. It has all kinds of cool titles on it. More about that later. The Physicist and I drove down to Birmingham a couple of weeks ago so I could attend the meeting and visit with my chapter mates. We stopped just outside of Birmingham to meet Carol and her husband at a McDonald's parking lot.
Carol Bibb and me at the McDonald's parking lot. Isn't that picture super cool?

We had such a lovely meeting. I smiled all day. Carol is a wonderful, beautiful person. I'm glad we got to visit .

Sometimes people do special things and they don't even realize how much they impact other people's lives. I lost a dear friend on March 4th and I was heartbroken. But meeting Carol and her husband just outside of Birmingham brought me such joy. I truly appreciated this gift, not just the puzzle picture, but the person who took the time to think of me and give my spirits a lift. 

I put the puzzle picture smack dab in the center of my Happy Wall. Every morning when I sit down to write, I look at this and smile all over again.

Acts of kindness and generosity can make a difference in people's lives. This one sure did make one on me and reminded me about what is important in life. Bring joy to others and you will be given the same in turn.

How do you bring joy to other people? Did anyone ever surprise you with a random act of kindness on a day that you really needed to be reminded about what is good in this world?

3 comments:

Carol Bibb said...

Thanks for including us in your article.

I have always heard that the best things in life are free and believe me, it is true. I always give things away to make people happy.

I read on Facebook the other day, that you should accept what a child/person gives you no matter what it is. It may be the only thing that they have to offer and they chose YOU. Think about it.

I gave away a puzzle and gained two friends. I came out on the good end of that deal, don't you think?

Carol BIbb said...

When a child gives you a gift, even if it is a rock they just picked up, exude gratitude. It might be the only thing they have to give and they have chosen to give it to you.

Christine said...

I totally agree with you Carol. I remember my daughter bringing me acorns and rocks when she was a toddler. Once she gave me her crayons. I still have this little blue "squirrel" she made for me when she was in elementary school. It's special. Thank you so much for your gift and your friendship. It means a lot to me. And you really did help lift my spirits :)