Once upon a time I found this sweet little metal bear pepper shaker for cheap at a flea market.

Once upon another time I was given this miniature chair. The bear fit nicely in the chair, I thought!

Very often when I am busy and my house is a mess (which is very, very often of late), I have certain knowledge that I have too many things. Too many objects for which I have taken on responsibility. But then on a morning like today, I walk into my kitchen and see this little bear on his chair and I am tickled. Stuff — and nonsense — makes my heart so very glad sometimes.