Happy Lights by Ginny Baird

I have a sister who’s dear to me. We’ve been through a lot together. In an ironic and poignant way, ten years ago this summer we both found ourselves single again after two relatively long marriages. While romance novels are about promise and “happily ever after,” we learned firsthand that sometimes anticipated happy endings can have unexpected outcomes. And yet, we each went on to build stronger futures with wonderful new partners we cherish. It’s been like a dream come true. Hope and faith renewed. Hooray – for finding love the second time around!

As my sister and I struggled along, managing careers and families, we couldn’t help but wonder if we’d ever spot a rainbow beyond that stormy horizon. To maintain positive outlooks, we each did two things. One, we wore pedometers to chart our progress in moving forward. Because, when you’re counting steps, you know you’re forging ahead. And two, we both burned happy lights. Those glorious, some might say frivolous, things people string outside their homes during the holidays.

My sister had them everywhere… in her house and adorning her lawn, while I contented myself with a vivid display, draped from my deck. They reminded me that life draws us outside of ourselves, and we gain energy by celebrating light: all that’s good in the world, things that bring us happiness and peace. The cool part is I discovered happy lights are contagious. Soon, they began appearing on other decks nearby, until much of the neighborhood bloomed with light.

I still love my happy lights, and enjoy their bright twinkles to this day. Though I moved, I carried the concept of happy lights with me, and hubby is fully on board. He even put up the set in the picture. They lend a festive air to our dining room, and complement the candlelight. Each time we plug them in, they make us smile.

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How about you? Do you hang happy lights indoors, or outside your home? Are there other decorative items you use that brighten your spirits? Comment here and/or share a picture on our Facebook page. J

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Ginny Baird loves her happy lights and uses them year-round, making every day feel like a holiday in her home. Help her celebrate Christmas in July by checking out her discounted boxed set: The Holiday Brides Collection (Books 1 – 4), now on sale at Amazon for $0.99.