Happiness is....

I often think about how happy I am that I began blogging almost two years ago.  A friend's teenage daughter came over and taught me all I needed to know (or so I thought at the time) and a blogger was born.  Blogging has opened up a whole new world for me.  I have read so many stories that have inspired me.  I have learned about vision boards, taken classes, and met people that I would have never met had I not had a blog.  Some people have
 have tons of visitors each day who leave lots and lots of comments.  That would be wonderful and if it happens to me I think it will be very exciting but that is not why I blog.  I blog because it is a creative way to express myself and I have something to say that I hope will inspire others.  So this week I thought it was time to acknowledge how happy blogging makes me.  There are four bloggers whose sites I visit often and who have all been so kind to me.    I have learned so much about photography from Gina who's blog is called Here and Now.  I've traveled to many places with Gina through her beautiful pictures and it has been a pleasure to get to know Gina.  I've recently met Sara at A Sharing Connection.  Sara encourages me to write and asked me to be a guest blogger on her blog recently.  It was such a wonderful experience.  And this week I took my first painting class with Erin on Skype.  Erin is an incredible artist.   You can see her work at Erin's Art Journal.  I had no idea how an art class on Skype would work but I was so pleased with my first lesson.  Erin is not only a gifted artist but a very encouraging and patient teacher.  And last but definitely not least is Jamie Ridler at Jamie Ridler Studios.  Jamie is a creative life coach who is so inspirational.  I've worked with Jamie many times and I always learn so much from her.  In a coaching session she asks just the right question to help you find the answer to what you are looking for. 
Bloggers talk about the importance of building a community of people who understand and support you.  I am fortunate to have that in my "real" world but now I have expanded that community to people who live in all different places. It takes time and effort to do that in both worlds but it is so worth the effort.  So this week I want to thank all of the people who take time to read my blog.  You have truly helped me grow and have enriched my life.  "Thank You!!"
I truly believe that we become happier if we take the time to stop to acknowledge and share with others what brings a smile to our face and a flutter to our heart.  What made you happy this week?