Happiness Is...

Source

What makes you happy?

I am a self-proclaimed cheap date. I can get so much happiness out of something that some people may not even bat an eye at. I've been lucky to have happy hit me upside the head countless times in the last few weeks.

Exhibit B  &  Exhibit A

Exhibit A: This totally adorable vintage thread holder was a surprise gift from a very sweet friend whom I met through blogging. Turquoise, thread, vintage... what can I say. It makes me smile every time I look at it. The gift was such a fun surprise and our friendship is a constant source of happy. Thank you Vickie. :)

Exhibit B: Crocheted Barbie ballerina slippers. My beloved maternal grandmother made delicately crocheted Barbie ballerina outfits for each of her then seven granddaughters in the 1960's. The outfit is one of my most treasured possessions. My grandma passed away when I was just 10, but I have wonderful memories of her and think of her often, especially when I'm crocheting.

Grandma & Grandpa Becker and Me, circa 1962

Camping with Grandma and Grandpa on a trip in 1966 when we took Grandma back to her childhood home near Spokane, Washington.

(That's me with my trademark pose: the fork near my mouth.)

One of Macy's Barbies models the outfit in my craft room, next to the thread holder and a mug that belonged to my great grandma on my dad's side. Don't look too closely, you'll see that the crocheted panties are missing!!

(Who hasn't had that happen at least once in their life?)

Dwayne, Helen, Me, my Sister and Mom

Grandma's ballerina outfit has always had a special place in my heart. So does my mom's friend Helen, above, circa 1969, on one of our many snowmobiling outings. She is the sweetest, kindest, funniest person. Last fall she gifted me with TWO big bags of crochet and knitting stuff. You know, the kind of stuff you keep forever and wonder if you'll ever use again and finally end up giving it to someone you hope will use it? That stuff.

When I spotted the variegated green crochet thread that I must have for St. Patrick's Day I was prompted to rummage through the rest of the bag. First on my list to peruse was the vintage craft magazines at the bottom. So many good ones and then...

I could not believe my eyes...

Do you see it?

 It was literally a dream come true. The Barbie ballerina pattern!! In my hands. In pristine condition. I giggled out loud I was so happy. I have always wished I could find this pattern. Now I can make replacement panties and the wee little flower that goes in Barbie's hair. I emailed Helen immediately to tell her how happy I was... and just for fun, threatened to make her those fancy blue sling-back slippers.

These are just two of the many happy blessings I can count in the past few weeks.  I'd share more right now but I really must get busy. I am certain that Vickie needs that lovely hair spray cozy lady with the green hat. Off to my crochet perch I must go!

Thanks for visiting!

Linking up to:

Common Ground