Here’s another edition of the Thursday Evening Post. ❄️

May this post find you well. 💙

It’s been very, very, very cold lately.

It’s a great time to do some crafting indoors! ✂️

I just finished putting together a Japan-themed book nook kit.

I LOVE the sakura in it! 💛I enjoyed painting the cat sitting in the window, the people inside the train, the train tracks, and the metal pieces on the train. 💙

Putting together this scene took a lot longer than I expected it would. 😅

I do LOVE how it turned out though! 💜

Have you ever completed a book nook kit? If so, tell me about the scene you built! 😃

With everything that’s been going on lately, my heart has been breaking. 💔

Music can be so healing during difficult times.

The song “Smile” has been stuck in my head the past few days, and I’ve found that singing it brings me a sense of peace.

Although I wrote about how much I love the song “Smile” in an earlier post, this week I wanted to share Josh Groban’s cover of it.

Lyrics:

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Josh Groban’s voice gives me the goosebumps! 💚

A sense of calm washes over me when I listen to his voice.

His cover of this song is so beautiful that it makes me want to cry. ❤️

How do you feel about the song?

It gives me hope.

May this song inspire you to spread love and kindness throughout your day. 💜

Spreading love and kindness can be done through simple acts.

For example, Dr. Rick Hanson shared this story that moved me.

“Hustling through an airport, I stopped to buy some water. At the shop’s refrigerator, a man bent over, loading bottles into it. I reached past him and pulled out one he’d put in. He looked up, stopped working, got a bottle from another shelf, and held it out to me, saying, “This one is cold.” I said thanks and took the one he offered.

He didn’t know me and would never see me again. His job was stocking, not customer service. He was busy and looked tired. But he took the time to register that I’d gotten a warm bottle, and he cared enough to shift gears and get me a cold one. He wished me well.

I can see his friendly eyes as I write now, a week later. It was just a bottle of water. But I feel warmed by his kindness and buoyed by his good intentions.”

That man at the airport performed a tiny action that not only positively impacted Dr. Hanson’s life at that moment but continues to positively impact his life today! 🧡

Does Dr. Hanson’s story remind you of an experience you have had? I would love to hear about it! Please share it below. 💜

Please remember to shine your light amidst this darkness. 🕯️

May love prevail. ❤️

If you’d like to support my mission to share my passion for music with the world and spread joy, love, and positivity, you can do so here. Thank you so much! 🤍