Today is Anna’s 31st birthday! Happy birthday, Anna! I haven’t visited you since your 21st birthday in 2009, and it’s due time for another visit (and I love Greenville, SC). I hope 31 brings you everything you have wished for and more. Thank you for being a friend for the past nineteen years. 🙂
2009 seems like it was so long ago – I’m 19 (4 months shy of 20) in these photos – I look like a baby! Ah, good times! I still keep in touch with Lindsey, the other girl in the photo.
Oh, Anna used to be a professional piercer and worked in a piercing shop. She pierced my cartilage and started my love for piercings. Wow! My ears looked so naked back then!
On Monday, one of my co-workers at my full-time job came back from her two week trip to Mexico. She is first generation American and her grandmother died last year; in Mexican tradition, each year for the first five years after death, living relatives have to travel back to Mexico and spend time with the deceased for a few weeks. It’s almost like Day of the Dead. She surprised me with a beautiful gift, to thank me for my kindness. I was shocked and I placed the beautiful treasure, which both were handmade by local craftsmen, in the makeshift Happiness Box.
Tonight I took photos of my Happiness Box Project display with my DSLR camera; much better photos! For the past week, everyone I work with has complimented my display, my artistic vision, and the project is such a great idea. Even the public has liked it and I am thankful that I have the opportunity to not only display my projects year after year, but I am allowed to showcase my vision. This is the first year for the Happiness Box Project and I do hope it inspires others.
Last night I heard from my Irish cousin and we have shared what’s been happening in our worlds. I am grateful she still keeps in touch and I’m grateful that I’m getting to know my Irish family more. It was wonderful hearing from her last night!
Yesterday, mom dropped me off at the train and dad continues to drop me off in the morning. I am grateful for my parents and all that they do for me. Mom also bought me a GF cake from the flower show on Monday. It was delicious!
What are you grateful for?
The Happiness Box Project 
Hi, Jessica Marie!
Happy birthday to your friend Anna down in Greenville! That’s way up north to me. 🙂 You’re right, dear friend. 2009 seems like a long time ago, and people can change a lot over ten years. It’s good to know you and Anna are still friends and stay in touch. Maybe you will get to visit her this year. It was lovely that your co-worker brought back a hand crafted gift from her trip to Mexico, another item for your Happiness Box. I am delighted to look at the pictures of your display and to know it was a big hit. It certainly is laid out nicely and it’s no wonder it draws the attention of passersby. I am also happy to know you reconnected with your Irish cousin. How thoughtful of your mother to surprise you with a gluten free cake! Always give thanks for your parents and all they do for you.
Have a happy Friday and a great weekend, dear friend JM!
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