Five Things That Made Me Smile (October + November 2023 Edition)

I enjoy creating these posts about things that make me smile.

They serve as a reminder that, often, it’s the little things that produce the widest grin on my face.

Of course, life is not always sunshine and lollipops.

But for today, I’m sharing some of the sunshine and lollipop moments that made me smile over the last two months.

Five Things That Made Me Smile

Snail Mail

I got snail mail! Twice!

A few weeks ago, I received an envelope from one of my brothers.

He included two drawings by my 6-year-old nephew and a few photos in the envelope.

We live in an age where I could have received the pictures and drawings on my phone via text immediately.

And that would have been a sweet gesture.

I would have been excited to receive the text, kept the photos on my phone, and looked back at them occasionally.

But this act required something extra.

It required time.

And with time being such a hot commodity these days and with ‘I am so busy’ being the go-to line for many of us, I was touched when I saw the envelope's contents.

It reminded me that they took the time to put this together.

And that made me smile.

The second piece of snail mail was a handwritten letter for my birthday.

That letter may go down as the best birthday gift. Ever.

When I noticed the letter was multiple pages, I wanted to sit with it over coffee and savour every word.

And so I did.

While reading the letter, I went through various emotions.

That’s the beauty of a letter.

The writer has time to take you through everything from happiness to joy, sadness, and grief.

Then I reread the letter. And I smiled.

So, if you were thinking about doing something thoughtful for someone you care about, maybe this is a nudge to send them snail mail.

Imagine the smile on their face when they find your letter nestled somewhere between all those Amazon packages!

While both might bring them joy, I can almost guarantee that how that letter will make them feel will stay with them longer than that Amazon purchase ever would.

My Birthday

I celebrated my birthday in November. And my aunt made me a meringue cake, a pavlova.

Baking/cooking for people she loves is her thing. It is her love language.

I’ve known this about my aunt, but I have witnessed it more often since moving to Makarska.

Her thoughtfulness made me smile.

Her cake made my tastebuds smile.

Meeting Someone I Follow

Last Tuesday, I made my way to Zagreb for a few days.

I watched the Croatia-Armenia soccer/football match at Maksimir Stadium.

Before the match, I met Steve Tsentserensky.

I recently subscribed to Steve’s newsletter.

He lives in Zagreb and writes about the writing business and the nomad life.

When we met, I did not know he was that Steve Tsentserensky.

At one point, Steve mentions that the Hajduk Split soccer club was founded in Prague, and I think, hey, I just read about this.

I put two and two together, realizing that I had recently read about it in one of his posts; I smiled and told him I subscribed to his newsletter.

Steve’s most recent post about authenticity being a superpower is excellent.

It serves as a reminder that being authentic online is a work in progress.

Don’t I know it :)

Without giving it all away, check it out here.

Meeting up with Steve and AnnMarie at the Croatia-Armenia soccer match

Hiking with Ivana

Since moving to Croatia, I have taken up hiking.

It has been a great way to explore Croatia, meet like-minded people, and learn more about myself.

In October and November, I went on two hikes coordinated by Ivana Rakuljić.

She is an integrative body-oriented therapist and an Outward Bound Instructor.

Ivana’s hikes are exactly what my heart and head needed.

Her approach to hiking and therapy means that you may shed a few tears (and no, not because you might fall).

I especially loved her exercise encouraging the group to let out our loudest scream/expletive on the Mosor mountain range.

Yes, it made me smile.

Connecting with Friends in Zagreb

This city girl has been missing the sounds of a city.

And so last week, I leaned in and made my way to the capital of Croatia: Zagreb.

In addition to watching the Croatia-Armenia soccer/football match, I stayed with a friend and caught up with her and another friend during my visit.

The get-together made me smile.

The exchange of stories, challenges, and opportunities all made me smile.

Being on a tram made me smile.

The buzz of city life, yes, you guessed it, made me smile.

Those are just some moments that have made me smile over the last two months.

I appreciate all your comments and support as I continue learning to navigate what it means to share my Adriatic Adventure and to do so with authenticity.

Your feedback, in all its forms, makes me smile.

Thank you for taking the time…