It was a joy to have lunch yesterday with a long time girlfriend; we met at the cutest roadside diner in Bowden called the Starlight Diner which is a new diner car with an otherworld retro feel. We sat and chatted for hours and caught up on life and love and happiness. It is always such a pleasure to visit with her and she always brings me gifts. I always forget this and have to get better at bringing her gifts as well when we meet.
Yesterday she presented me with a tiny candle in a silver pumpkin holder, the scent was warm and cinnamon inspired which I’m sure led to us ordering pumpkin pie and coffee after lunch. It was a lovely gesture and it warmed my heart; there are many ways we can bless our friends and loved ones during these first fragrant days of autumn without it costing the earth.
Tiny candles – how much do I love these (as of yesterday), minute glass jar candles with simmering and fragrant fall scents. They can be taken when you travel to fragrance a home away from home such as a hotel room or camper.
Napkins – my mom used to bring me beautiful and seasonal napkins, they are so wonderful and so practical. Scout around dollar stores and specialty design shops for something warm and fall inspired. The next time you visit with a loved one, gift them this seasonal surprise and watch their face light up.
Coffee – Nothing brightens a persons day than you showing up with a steaming coffee or tea in your hands, it shows people you love that you are thinking about them and want to make them happy. Usually the time someone pops in with a random coffee is the time I was craving a hot cup and the timing is always perfect.
A note – Absolutely low cost and wonderful. Buy a pad of pretty paper and keep it nearby at your desk or workspace. If a friend or family member comes to mind, take a moment to jot down something you appreciate about them then be sure to drop it off. Mail the note or be sneaky and leave it on their windshield, it will be a lovely surprise when they get into their car.
Muffins – If you are a baker, I would like to be your friend. A girlfriend back home in Medicine Hat would leave baskets of muffins on my porch from time to time and it always made me smile. I am not a baker and fresh homemade treats are a sure way to bring joy to my life. A single cupcake works the same magic. My sister baked me homemade buns for my birthday last month and it meant as much as if she had bought me jewelry.
No matter how you bless people, the time taken speaks volumes about how much you care. We will never look back on our lives and regret time spent with people we care about. The smallest effort can have an enormous impact on a friends day. Take a moment today to place a tiny fall inspired gift into some ones life, you will bless them and give back to yourself when you see the joy that you have caused.
Kim Lewis is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre. Contact her at 403-343-7711 ext 227 or email her at klewis@carpetcolourcentre.com.
