The Ceramic Planter
Last Update: June 19, 2026
Last week I met a woman named Jill while scheduling an appointment.
There wasn't anyone waiting behind me, so we visited for a few minutes.
During our conversation, I shared a fun and completely true story about why I've always loved the name Jill.
When my son was a wee tot, he decided one day that the tooth fairy needed a proper name.
After giving it great thought, he settled on Jill.
Ever since then, the name has made me smile, and whenever I meet a Jill, I usually end up sharing the story.
While we were talking, I noticed a ceramic planter hanging on the wall nearby.
It was one of those whimsical pottery heads where flowers, greenery, or trailing vines become the hair.
If you've seen one before, you know exactly what I'm describing.
If you haven't, they're delightful.
For some reason, it caught my attention.
Maybe that's because I've always enjoyed noticing things.
People.
Expressions.
Small details.
The little touches that make a place feel a little more like the people who spend their time there.
Often, these are details many people walk past without ever seeing.
A couple days later, that ceramic planter found its way back into my thoughts.
What began as a simple observation slowly became inspiration for a piece of artwork.
Then the artwork became a card.
Then a card with Jill's name on it found its way into the mail.
The version in my shop doesn't have her name on it.
That part was just for her.
But the message remains the same.
The world is brighter because you're in it.
Some people leave every room a little brighter than they found it.
Sometimes they don't even realize they're doing it.
A warm smile.
A welcoming conversation.
A few extra minutes spent making someone feel seen.
I suspect Jill is one of those people.
And if we're paying attention, we encounter people like that almost everywhere we go.
Sometimes all it takes is slowing down long enough to notice.
To Jill, if you see this post, thank you.
Want to see the card?
A few days later, that simple observation became a card.
If you'd like to see the finished artwork, you can find it here:
• The World Is Brighter Because You're In It Encouragement Flat Micro Art Greeting Card Gift
• What to Write in an Encouragement Card
• What to Write in a Friendship Card
About the Author
Hi, I'm Joy, creator and founder of Scatter Joyfulness Greetings™. Along with my Chief Cuddle Officer, Bunny the dachshund, I enjoy noticing the small things people do that make life better, then finding ways to celebrate them through art, words, and unexpected encouragement. Maybe we'll run into one another someday!
Where will you scatter joyfulness today?
