A few years ago, I read somewhere that one way to lighten up your workspace at the office is to add a Willow Tree figurine that represents happiness. At the time I was shoved in a corner of an office filled with all men, one who called his mom every morning, another who was there part time and spoke mostly German, another one who wore shorts and white athletic knee socks with loafers and yet another who immersed himself daily in a vat of cheap cologne and hated "young kids."

And I was the "young kid" in the office. He made it pretty clear he didn't care for me. If ever I needed a bit of Willow Tree happiness, it was then! A few months later, I found myself back at my old job with a desk that was also, in a corner, but had high visibility and no privacy. So at that point I decided it was time to break down and buy myself a Willow Tree even though times were tight. I considered it an investment really. Then a rogue mouse cord took out my Willow tree figurine, and I found it wedged between the wall and the desk, with it's little birds broken off.

It was a sad day.

Fast forward a few months, I was Christmas shopping with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, and we were in a Christian bookstore and I saw the Willow Tree figurine. I mentioned to my sister-in-law (okay technically she is Mike's sister-in-law but she is more of a sister to me too!) the sad story, because she also shares in my love for Willow Tree. At Christmas a few weeks later, what do I find wrapped up for me from said sister-in-law and brother-in-law?! Happiness :) I was so touched!!

I moved desks shortly after I received my replacement figurine and the first thing I did was put this on the shelf of my cubicle where it has been ever since.

Unfortunately, after this picture was taken, I accidentally knocked the figurine over and it's birds broke off AGAIN. I was able to do some minor surgery with a glue stick and salvage it.

Anyway, this is a long post for such a little figurine - but the point is this - what a great gift to get from someone! Every time I look at it, I think of my family. I am grateful for them :)