Country Mouse Monday: glitterati

I freely admit to a love for all things glitter, and at no time of year is this on greater display than now -- in the lead-up to my favorite holiday.

There's glitter everywhere, in my hair, all over the floor, glinting in the hall runner, even on the dog.

And I couldn't be happier.

Every year, every card I make is really just one big glittery valentine to Valentine's Day itself, oh great celebration of love and friendship. 

But this year was the best ever, because this year I did what I've long wanted to do (and what is #44 on my 100 Things To Do in 2014, thanks, Leonie Dawson):

I hosted a Valentine Making party.

OK, so a little silly thing, but let me tell you, it might have increased my personal happiness level TENfold to have this excuse to stock up on paper and stickers and, of course, glitter. To make a little invitation on evite and send out to friends. To prepare a light lunch and use a heart-shaped stencil to decorate, with powdered sugar, a pan of gluten-free brownies.

And then -- oh joy of joys! -- to sit for four hours or so with my sweeties and talk and sip and snip and glue, hands busy, hearts light.

It might have been the funnest afternoon I've had in a long, long time. 

Honestly, it was such a great way to kick off this beloved time of year for me, to be in company with lifelong friends and make things together. Such a sensible, right start to what is about to be a whole new chapter in my life -- giving up my dreaded 9-to-5 and trying to find a new path for myself, ideally a path that includes a whole lot of autonomy and, above all, creativity.

Because if I've learned anything recently, it really is this:

I'm so much happier in the Making.

All day Saturday, during the little party, I was so content, just humming with ease and generosity. All day Sunday, in the midst of all the glittery reminders, still so content, still happily making more cards, reveling in the flow of it.

That's the feeling I want more of. 

And if there's glitter, so much the better!

XX