An Unexpected Surprise

 Last week when I went to the post office to mail a package and to check the post office box, I found an unexpected surprise in the box.

You're saying, but surprises are supposed to be unexpected. That's why they are a surprise. Yes and no. When I was a kid, Ma wrapped and hid our Christmas gifts. The Brother knew where to look so while Ma worked and before she got home, he would take me on a hunting expedition to find the gifts. He showed me how to very carefully, and patiently remove the tape from one end of the package and to gently remove the wrapping. We'd look at our presents with glee. Then slowly and carefully put the gift back in its wrapping. On Christmas morning finding all the packages under the tree, we'd open up everything and act duly surprised. Ma was never the wiser.

The USPS offers a free service called informed delivery. Each morning, I get an email showing me the mail that will be coming to the house and the mail that will be arriving in the post office box. Usually the only things in the PO Box are ads and circulars for the person who owned the box 40 years before me. So to find a package in the box when I didn't expect one was a real surprise.

Jan Sokoloff Harness, from Creative Instigations, sent me a copy of her new book Look Up. I don't remember how long I've been reading Jan's blog. Her blog is about finding the creative in you. I find Jan's writing to be very uplifting filled with stories and anecdotes from her muse, Lillian (Jan's mom)

The book is about finding beauty and happiness through the murk of a chaotic world. It's also a lovely tribute to Lillian. If you haven't been to Creative Instigations, pop on over and poke around.

Jan, thank you so much for the book. I'm enjoying it immensely. I cry. I laugh. Thank you for introducing me to Lillian through your blog and the pages of your delightful book. Lillian was a remarkable woman and so are you.