When John and I decided to get married four years ago, our five collective children lived in 5 different states and because of one thing and another, we were unable to set a date and place where all of them could be there. After agonizing over this we decided to elope in Las Vegas. Both of us were disappointed, but that's what we did. The officiant was a happy person who wanted to make it special. The long monologue of advice for a happy marriage included an offering about the "Shopping Cart of Life". We were admonished to only add things that were good for us, happy things that would enrich our life and nourish our marriage. Never put anything in that could spoil or cause decay to the rest of the ingredients in the shopping cart. We were very emotional during the ceremony and didn't listen carefully. Later when we talked about this advice we started to laugh at the analogy and wished we could remember all that was said. Instead we have adapted what we think was said to fit whatever is currently going on with us. It has grown and been elaborated on way beyond (maybe way beneath) what was meant to be good advice. It has become fodder for much good natured mockery. Actually the advice was very good. Recently we saw this little shopping cart and had to have it to remind us of our wedding day.
Five Things That Make Me Happy Today
1. Watching John set up his workshop. He has set up a back storage room of the basement with all his various saws and other manly tools and pegboard and cabinets to make it all convenient. He added ceiling lights bright enough to work under. He added a vacuum system for the dust he creates. He is happy. It makes me happy.
2. Facebook. Say what you will about it being a time waster, but I find it wonderful. I have grandkids,nieces and nephews. in-laws, old friends from high school and various other people in far flung parts of the US and Europe who normally would not have time to stay in touch. FaceBook makes it easy to say hi, drop a comment, see the pictures of the various kids, gardens, projects, performances, whatever that might have been missed.
3. The holidays are coming! I love Thanksgiving. I love Christmas. I love family.
4. I am so enjoying the current book I am reading. It is Centennial by James Michener. I read decades ago. My brother did sets for the mini-series on TV way back when. I enjoyed reading it then and even more now since I have been to the areas where the story is centered.
5. I am so grateful to my customers. You buried me in orders the past few days! Thank you! I am all caught up now and will resume my blogging.
Beautiful picture. Is that wood? Is that your work?
Miss you lots!
Posted by: Leslie Gfeller | Wednesday, 11 November 2009 at 06:27 PM
I get a big kick out of the idea of trying to remember the "advice" given on your wedding day and changing/guessing/adding to it. That's awesome. :) And a wee little shopping cart? Awwwww, I saw a little shopping cart at World Market one time, I drooled but passed by.
Seems like you could do a whole bit for the shopping cart of life, fill it with little phrases and quotes and love notes etc.
I love facebook as well. I've said it before, I'll say it again, I've seen more family photos in one year since joining facebook than I have 10 years prior, no joke. haha There's something about the ease of it, for people to post photos and stuff. Very cool.
Do you have a facebook fanpage for SmallStudio?
Posted by: TACE | Thursday, 12 November 2009 at 12:21 AM
That is good wedding advice! Love the little shopping cart - and love the wall too! Looks like it's padded? Like I could run up and throw my body against it and I would just bounce off? My kids would love that - oh heck, I would too!!!
Posted by: Rachel Greig | Thursday, 12 November 2009 at 02:07 AM
oh i love that shopping cart story! i think we can all use good advice like that.
Posted by: NotSoccer Mom | Thursday, 12 November 2009 at 02:35 PM
Tace: The little shopping cart did come from World Market. When I had my store we had a party annually for our top 25 customers and the #1 customer received the "Shopping Cart" award which was one of these little carts filled with coupons and goodies and their name where the ads usually are on a real cart. Few showed their husbands the award. I wonder why!
Posted by: ginnycartersmallenburg | Saturday, 14 November 2009 at 10:14 PM