Before we begin, a quick introduction: I’m Steph, an American writer. I believe experiencing joy cultivates optimism, inspiring us to build a brighter world. I founded Sending Smiles to create a positive community. Thank you for taking the time to read. I’m happy you’re here!
I live in Arizona, a southwestern state associated with saguaros, deserts, and heat. However, if you drive two hours north from my house, you’ll find a plethora of wintry mountain towns. On a quest to see snow, Erin, Kyle, Bruce1, and I spent a weekend in Flagstaff. Spending the majority of the day in the crisp air with friends cleansed my soul.
Steph’s Style
Joy Journal
Believing I had to wait another day to watch Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, only to learn that episodes are available on Wednesdays.
Drinking my latte.
Watching chefs toss pizzas into the brick oven.
Receiving my chai latte in an owl mason jar.
Joking with Mom.
Reaching 50 subscribers.
Starting off my day with a successful gym session.
Reminiscing about the good old college days with Maddy.2
The barista charging me for one small coffee instead of two mediums.
Interacting with the kind One Stop Nutrition employee.
Playing laser with Apollo.3
Watching the Summer House season 9 premiere.
Valentines Day hand massages with Susanna4 at Lush.
Marching around the Arizona State Capital in protest.
Cuddling with Apollo until I fell asleep.
Steph’s Suggestions
Music, television shows, films, and books I adored.
Roman Holiday
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Medium: Film
“‘And what, in the opinion of Your Highness, is the outlook for friendship among nations?’
‘I have faith in it…as I have faith in relations between people.’”
Bored, incognito Princess Ann escapes her royal tour in Rome. She meets an American journalist, who accompanies her on a day of spontaneous adventures.
I spent this Valentines Day exploring Rome with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn…all from the comfort of my bedroom. I felt like I was eating gelato, throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain, and causing chaos in a Vespa right by their side. This film brings the comedy to romantic comedy. I couldn’t help but laugh during moments of brilliant comic timing and slapstick humor. This just might be my favorite romantic film because it depicts my fantasy, falling in love with a tall, dark, handsome stranger on holiday in Europe.
The Truth of You: Poetry about Love, Life, Joy, and Sadness
Genre: Poetry
Medium: Book
Author: Ian S. Thomas
“It kills them because each of us is made of a different kind of light and we shall shine in different ways And we all deserve our light.”
The Truth of You is a series of reflective and deeply personal poems that delve into the intricacies of identity, love, and authenticity.
The poems are arranged into five chapters, Love, Sad, Someone Leaves, We Find Each Other Again, and Hope. Each chapter builds into the next, creating a poetic character arc. My favorite section was We Find Each Other Again. Reading Thomas’s poetry was like looking into a mirror. He offered deeper insights into some of my past experiences.
I’d love to know, what books, films, and music did you enjoy during February?
Sending Smiles,
Steph
P.S.
My friends and their dog
My friend
My cat
My sister
Very lovely pictures!!