On a daily basis, I watch for ways the universe delights me. It’s a new practice that I began a couple of months ago once I started listening to the teachings of Abraham-Hicks. When I pay attention, I’m blown away at how often these daily delights occur and I’m a happier, more grateful person. It’s been a big lesson (I’d even say a delightful lesson!).

Here are some recent delights:

My friend Lisa and I have gone on the Historic Oakwood Candlelight Christmas Tour 3 years in a row now (click here to see the post about last year’s tour and then here for the 2017 tour). That’s us, above, striking a goofy pose. Spending time with Lisa is always a delight.

Lisa’s roommates from college flew in for the weekend and enjoyed the tour as well. That’s Michelle on the left of Lisa and Michelle on the right. Lisa calls them “My Michelles.” Going on the tour with them was a delight. It’s fun to show out-of-towners our beautiful city!

The paint colors on this house were a favorite. Just looking at it makes me happy. That black brick looks so good with the saturated red!

This was the prettiest bathroom of the 12 houses we toured. Yes, we toured all 12. It was dark by the time we finished. That light fixture is even better in person. You can click on the photo for a closer look.

Every house had volunteer docents - some of them were the homeowners. The houses are mostly very, VERY old. Small rooms were typical, and the homeowners embraced colors and patterns in a way that was a great design lesson to all.

Here’s another view in that bathroom. That wallpaper! A delight.

It was a delight to see these sweet deer on a dresser in another house on the Tour. I’m sure they were from Form and Function, a terrific shop in Raleigh. My friend, Carole, owns Form and Function and she carries a beautiful selection of these deer every year, so they can be collected. I just started my collection this year!

A great idea is always a delight - and this one proves it. The homeowners hung an old door between the toilet and vanity in this bathroom, providing a bit of privacy and a lot of charm.

I wanted to be sure you can tell how they installed the door. In the photo above, you can see it’s just attached to the wall with an L bracket on the bottom.

In the photo below, they attached the top of the door to the wall in the same way. Brilliant!

They did a variety of things with the panes in the old door. You could do whatever you want, depending on the old door you find (at a yard sale, flea market, Habitat’s reStore, etc.). This is a very budget friendly project.

One of the houses had this very charming back yard with a pond containing the biggest koi I’ve ever seen.

Words are often delightful to me. Let’s all say “pom-pom” as often as possible, okay?

A day or two later I trudged to the mall to visit Macy’s. Finding these richly color pajamas for my mother-in-law was a delight! Ralph Lauren never disappoints me!

My newly updated fireplace is still delighting me. My Christmas decorating is NOT particularly delightful—holiday decor is just not my jam. But this year’s mantel theme - handmade crafts - made me happy. Glass from Cedar Creek Gallery, a bowl from Arizona, choirboys made by a friend’s mother and that modern looking piece of pottery on the right by local artist and friend, Gretchen Quinn. And I made the feather wreath a number of years ago.

The mantel needs some taller items flanking the wreath, but it’s not going to happen this year.

Here’s the handmade piece de resistance - a funky piece of pottery made by Grandboy. He did this not all that many years ago, so I’m not sure he put much effort into it. However, grandmothers love (and keep) everything their grandkids bring home, so here it is, on the mantel with other artists (who put a LOT of effort into their work, LOL!). It’s another delight!

I hope you all have a peaceful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

I can make this promise to you:

if you watch for the daily delights the Universe brings, pay attention and give gratitude to each one as they come, you will be amazed. Life is so good.

With sparkle and texture,

Anne