During the pandemic, during our isolation, during our loneliness, there is lot to not smile about. Now that I’ve had both my Covid-19 vaccine shots, had my new septic tank installed, and finished my tax prep and met with my tax man, I have reasons to smile. But there are smaller things that are a part of my life and make me smile on an ongoing basis. So, I decided it was time to do an upbeat post about what makes me smile.

A while back, I was sorting all the “free cards” I’ve received over the years from various charities and found hidden among them two cards given to me by my friend Theresa Baer many years ago that I thought I had lost. I don’t save all cards I get, but these were priceless. I was thrilled to have found them.

One card is of a cat with a hat filled with fly-fishing flies, and he looks just like the cat I had at the time—Jetson. I had just returned from a trip, so this card let me know that Jetson had travel plans of his own.

The other is of a cat, obviously not happy, looking through the smoke of a fire that charred his cupcake. Look closely to see bits of flame still burning. The inside message is perfect: “Another year . . . Another blaze of glory! Happy Birthday!

At the moment, they sit on the dining room table, where I can enjoy them throughout the day.

In my walk-in closet is a poster showing a male lion in his most ferocious look trying to impress a female who looks totally disinterested. The caption really fits: “If the macho bit doesn’t work, try a little tenderness.” One year, during the years I was teaching first grade, the sixth-graders were selling posters. I couldn’t resist this one. And I’ve enjoyed it ever since, which has been about 45 years. Did I mention that when I like something, I keep it.

In 2015, I was selling my books during Rhody Days and my canopy was set up next to a young couple selling wind spinners. I bought one and put it on my upper deck where I could see it through a sliding glass door. It was the perfect place. I just loved it there . . . until it started hitting the sliding glass door when it got really windy. Then it started showing signs of corrosion. So, I brought it inside. I went all over the house and could find no place to put it. There was only one spot that would work, but I didn’t like it hanging there. So, I hung it on the back of the closet door in the bedroom. I didn’t like it hanging there, either.

After five years, I got tired of seeing it where it couldn’t spin and was hidden from sight. So, a few weeks ago, I got it out and hung it in the one possible spot. Since there’s no wind in the house, I have a motor that I turn on each morning that spins it continuously until I turn it off at night. I love watching it, and it always makes me smile. Although I would prefer it outside the sliding glass door on the upper deck, it didn’t work out there. It spins just fine in its new location. So, this is its new home

On the kitchen counter, I have a notepad from the Shannon Martin line of products. I like absolutely everything in that line of products but only buy my favorites. The notepad has a gal saying: “You probably didn’t recognize me without my cape.” And I also have a Shannon Martin refrigerator magnet that has a dour looking gal saying: “I can only please one person a day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow doesn’t look good either.” I’m a Scorpio, and both of those just crack me up! I love ‘em.

There is also another magnet on the refrigerator that always elicits a smile. This time, it’s not humor. It’s because it’s so sweet. I saw the original painting by Fernand Khnopff of Jeanne Kefer 1885 at the Getty Museum in California a few years ago, and everybody who saw it, stopped and smiled. When I saw the magnet for sale in the gift shop, I couldn’t resist. And whenever I see it on the fridge, I can’t resist smiling.

And lastly, yesterday morning, when I was opening the drapes in the bedroom, I saw a brief but glorious sunrise. Of course, it made me smile. And I grabbed my camera before it faded.

I hope there are moments or things in your life that make you smile. We need it––especially now.