Gifts From the Heart!

We often get so caught up with the commercialism this time of year, and I wanted to take a step back and share a post with you today, of an extra special gift I received last night.  Time, love,a little paint and a canvas was all that was needed to bring a huge smile to my face!

Let me set the scene:

At the end of a busy work day yesterday I get this text message:
"Hey are you home?",  my reply "No, I'm at work about to walk out the door, what's up?"   response, "Cooper was asking."

When I left I called my little Mini Cooper and he said "I have a surprise for you"  I said "oh yeah,  is it good?"  Jokingly I added "Is it a new car?"  He replied "NO IT IS BETTER THAN A NEW CAR!" Better is right!  

When I got to his house, he wouldn't even let me out of the car. Hands crossed behind his back and grinning ear to ear!  I said "Let me get out of the car, first  - hang on."

He was having NO Part of me getting in the house.  He pulled this gorgeous canvas from behind his back - and said "I painted this for you. Do you  like?"  HELLO - OF COURSE I LOVED IT!  Who Wouldn't?  I said "this is such a Treasure!"

The fact that he took the time to paint this gorgeous canvas for me, melted my heart.  He was so right - this is better than a car, diamond, or anything found in a store.  Gifts from the heart - say "I slowed down to think of YOU! I took time from the hustle and bustle of "my" life - AND SPENT TIME ON YOU - BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!" As I get older, I realize that TIME and LOVE are the two things that money can not buy. TIME is so precious, and love well - Love is PRICELESS.  This is truly the BEST GIFT EVER!

These last few weeks, I have really been down. I've had a lot of pressure to get TONS of obligations full filled. I have a super busy career, family commitments,  designer responsibilities, volunteering for youth sports and a demanding sports photography business. All of this combined with very little sleep has taken its toll on my psyche. On top of that, I have been super emotional.  I don't usually let people see the vulnerable side of me.  Instead I hibernate, and withdraw.  Sunday,  I posted that I was approaching burn out.  I needed to find a way to "recharge".  

This one Random Act of Kindness - did this for me!  Cooper gave me back my MOJO.  He reminded me that creative play is an important part of who I am.  I have to find time to get my fingers inky, and let go of perfection.  Step away from the computer, and just PLAY without the pressure of a deadline. Spend time doing something I love for someone else. 

With all my nieces and nephews I have always made time to nurture their creative side. The first thing they always ask is "can I come to your house and play?"  Playing with a child, is the BEST way to recharge the batteries, spark your creative mojo, and make a memory that could never be bought.  NO ONE is as free at creative play as a child.  

For those of you who have followed me for years,  you met Cooper several years ago on YouTube when he helped me make "Steampunk" birds.  

Here is his crafty debut:

As the visit went on, Cooper asked me for a date!  He wants to go arts and crafts shopping, then maybe to Starbucks for cakepops and hot chocolate (LOL)!

Limor asked the question yesterday "Have I made a difference?"  With this one simple gift, I got my answer to this same question.  YES, I have made a difference. My art has inspired and influenced so many. I'm always humbled by your stories and support.

Today, I want to remind you that it doesn't take money to make the holidays special.  It just takes time, and love.  The best gifts come from the Heart!

Thanks for stopping in today,
Tonya

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