there have been so many things to smile about over the last two weeks, so i thought i’d condense them into one post to round out the holiday break- because let’s be honest, it can feel like a never-ending jumble of days, and that’s another reason to smile.
-i haven’t had to set an alarm in four days. it would’ve been longer but i had a doctor’s appointment. and that’s okay because..
-my migraine clinic has a headache support dog now!
it’s my p.a.’s dog, and sometimes she brings him in.
her dad made business cards for tiger.
-finding a song from 2007 that sounds like it’s from 1987:
-christmas was lovely this year. last year, grief consumed us, and everything felt heavy. this year, it felt like old times- just missing one person- but it also felt like he was with us in spirit. now i totally understand that analogy.
-but i did get little signs from him along the way. this one got to me the most:
-watching the carrier glide into port, sailors standing at attention, the radar turning slowly above, i felt so emotional. my dad was in the navy, stationed on an aircraft carrier, and my parents were married in 1968. this song had special meaning for both of us, and seeing that scene felt like a sign—like he was right there with me, even now. it still makes me cry when i watch it.
and finally, i love pinterest. i always have. i know it’s not as popular as it once was, but i still enjoy wandering around, pinning things, and gathering inspiration. i do this at the end of the day while listening to music. it’s become a ritual that’s helped me heal more than i realized over the last few years.
last night, i really noticed my home page for the first time. it’s filled with pictures of the content i’ve created – the blog posts i share there, the cover photos from the past year- and it felt like a small, unexpected slide show of my own work. it made me smile, so i thought i would share it here with you.
here’s to the little things that make us smile.
i’d love to hear about a little thing that brightened your day.
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A Grace Full Life 
I love your Pinterest page! I have an account too, but I haven’t logged on in years. I’m pretty sure my profile pic is at least a decade old, ha. I only ever really used it to find recipes, and nowadays, I default to the Paprika app.
I was hoping Sloan was a reference to “Ferris Bueller,” but she spelled her name with an E on the end. Regardless, all places should have a support dog!
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Happy new year, Kari! This post brightened my day and made me smile. I’m so glad Christmas was better for you this year, and that your dad was with you in a way that felt good. Your Pinterest images are so you. Totally get the end of day scroll with music. And total yay for your reading last year! I’m proud of you, too.
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Happy new year, Kari! This post brightened my day and made me smile. I’m so glad Christmas was better for you this year, and that your dad was with you in a way that felt good. Your Pinterest images are so you. Totally get the end of day scroll with music. And total yay for your reading last year! I’m proud of you, too.
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A headache support dog? I love that!
And the photo of the ship coming in is lovely. I’ve waited for a few of those to port myself…
💕
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45 min at tbe gym made me smile
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Headache support dog!!
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Wow, the headache support dog is so neat! I hope Tiger helped ease your migraine a bit.
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I’ve been without an alarm for a few days and it is indeed, dreamy. (Literally.)
My most recent smile was just an hour ago when I met my friend for lunch downtown to enjoy a Friday fish special. We split two things on the menu and caught up on life. We both remarked walking back to our cars that it might’ve been the best fried fish we’ve ever had. (And she grew up near a coast so that’s saying something for Ohio!)
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Your Pinterest homepage is LOVELY! It makes me wonder what mine looks like as I’ve never noticed it before. I still enjoy Pinterest a lot too and scroll it frequently at night for just 20-30 minutes after dinner pinning travel ideas, card/scrapbook inspiration, and lots of yummy recipes. I’m so glad to hear this Christmas was a good one for you and your family!
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Happy New Year Kari!
As always, I love the glimpses into your life.
I agree, it was a jumble of days. There was one day when I thought “Oh great Kari will have posted something” but then realized it wasn’t a Monday.😂 Happy to see your post today and hear you had a nice Xmas.
I wish you a wonderful 2026!🎈💫❣️
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Oh, I am SO happy to hear about your Christmas. Yes, someone is missing physically, but he’s there in spirit. xoxoxo
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Happy New Year, Kari! I’m starting to catch up with blog posts today because I’ve been working my butt off for the entire month of December. I only had TWO days off for the whole month, so I am enjoying this break time!
LOVELY post!
OMG, Tiger is ADORABLE! And I’m definitely smiling looking at that photo of him!
“-finding a song from 2007 that sounds like it’s from 1987” – yes, it DOES sound like something from the 80s!!!
I’m so impressed by your 75 books read last year. WOW, I haven’t read a book in over 10 years. LOL!
I freaking LOVE your photo collages!
For me, last year (and this year so far), several things made me smile. But what always does it for me is seeing a small child (baby) in a carriage, all bundled up in comfy, cozy clothing and a snuggly blanket during these winter months. And I saw a great deal of that where I work throughout the season.
For me, I enjoy Christmas through the eyes of a child.
Wishing you and your family a faaaaaaaaaaaabulous 2026!
X to you, my friend!
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