A Nod to the Thank You Note

This article was originally published in Bella Grace Issue 2

I am a huge fan of Jimmy Fallon. I love his Friday night segment called “Thank You Notes.” I have created a few notes of my own to show gratitude to my muse and what inspires me to look again. I am collecting my notes and might share them someday on my blog.

Thank you, Muse, for gracing me with your childlike presence and following my footsteps daily. I love that I am not alone on my walks and how you play tug of war with me. You see things I might not. I love the silly faces you make in the windows of shops I frequent for inspiration. I see you winking at me and teasing me with light and shadows. Without you, I would be lonely. You make aging fun, even though I sometimes get breathless chasing you. Thank you for walking down the path with me, energizing my thoughts, and sharing your enthusiasm with me. Thank you, Muse, for sharing your world within mine. P.S. Your impish grin makes me smile.

Thank you, Pencils, for sharing your names and colorful thoughts with me. I love to dance with you across a piece of paper and see where you take me. Sometimes we create a bouquet of beautiful flowers, but I love it most when we draw eyes. These windows offer insight into my thoughts. I love how you glide into my gray garden and wake my imagination. Thank you, Pencils, for waking me and giving a voice to some of my dreams.

Thank you, Mirror, for showing me insight and reflection. I have rediscovered my rose colored glasses thanks to you. They were broken for awhile, but seeing my kids grow up and what you show me daily has allowed me to rediscover that my heart is the home I need to preserve. I have hung you in many homes and I believe we might move again to a cooler climate. Don’t worry, you will like it there. I will wipe the fog off of you and put you somewhere pretty, perhaps where you will reflect the sea. As you greet me in my foyer, I am reminded that I don’t like my short hair, but it will grow. We all must grow as we journey onward into our walk of life. Thank you, Mirror, for showing me new paths to tread as I spiral inward.

Thank you, Books — your words illuminate and touch many hands and hearts. Thank you, writers, for your struggle to bring words to life. Your tiny seeds inspire, delight, shock, and offer us pause. Thank you, Books, for your embrace. When I discover you, I think of your labyrinth leading to my memories. You offer a chance to time travel, a sea to sail, and a journey to one’s moral compass. You usually tangle one’s inner world with the outer. I know I crave holding you, but sometimes have to tuck you away, to move into my day. You are a nightlight into my soul. Thank you, Books.

Thank you, Tree, for sharing your beauty with me. Your leaves in my yard resemble hands. I love how your wardrobe changes and you often wave to me. You have offered shelter from many storms. Your zen-like pose reminds me to stand tall. I hope my actions are worthy to take root in my heart like yours. You remind me to bend, go with the flow, and reach for the stars. Thank you, Tree

Ella Wilson is a mixed-media artist, who explores and finds magic in the everyday. Her nickname is Elf. She loves email [email protected]. You can visit her at ellasedge.blogspot.com.

For more inspiration, peek inside our journaling magazine, Field Guide to Everyday Magic