What's Your One Thing?

As the Content Manager at CreativeMornings, bringing a bit of joy into your inbox with our Weekly Highlights newsletter truly makes me happy every week.

But with my upcoming vacation, I faced a dilemma. “Should I skip a week?” Instead, I had a dumb idea and decided to do more work for a special edition.

I asked our readers to leave me a voicemail in the editor’s sign-off at the end of the newsletter.

I was really tickled when some of you actually did! So, I asked Finn Evans, our Design Apprentice from the Adobe Creative Apprenticeship program, to turn a few of them into this video.

(If you want to call me and tell me about one thing that makes you happy, I’d still love to hear from you. But I can’t promise that Finn will animate any more of these.)

HERE ARE THE VOICEMAILS I RECEIVED THE DAY AFTER THE NEWSLETTER WENT OUT. THEY’VE ALL BEEN SO LOVELY.

^{“Hi, you’ve reached Brian Thompson at CreativeMornings. Please tell me one thing that makes you happy. And leave your name and where you’re calling from. Looking forward to it. Bye.” BEEP.}

“Hi, this is Tina. I’m calling from Minneapolis. One thing that makes me happy is spending time with my best friend because no matter what were doing, I know were going to laugh through it. Have a good day.”
Listen to Tina’s voicemail

“Gardening. My name is Svetlana calling from Ottawa. Bye.”
Listen to Svetlana’s voicemail

“Hi, my name is Felicia. I’m calling from Philadelphia Pennsylvania. One thing that recently I noticed makes me happy is when I’m on the trolley to work in the morning. And the drivers wave to each other or tinging their bells at each other in greeting. Yeah, I just really like that. Because their work is so independent, but they find a way to build community. Thank you. Bye. Bye.”
Listen to Felicia’s voicemail

“Hey Brian, this is Naomi. I’m calling from Denver Colorado. And one thing that makes me happy is that I woke up this morning. Yeah, thanks.”
Listen to Naomi’s voicemail

“Well, actually, it’s two things Brian. The first is seeing the designs that my students make. And the second, is that you asked this question about joy. I feel like so many people want to know what is wrong. So, thank you. And that brings me joy. And I’m calling from sunny and hot and beautiful Gloucester, Massachusetts. Thanks so much. Bye.”
Listen to this voicemail from Gloucester

“Hi, its Olga calling from Denver, Colorado. And one thing that makes me happy is when my teenager puts together a good outfit. Pretty great. Bye. Bye.”
Listen to Olga’s voicemail

“Hi Brian, my name is Megan. I’m calling from Sacramento, California. And one thing that makes me really happy is when I’m about to start a new book that I’m really excited about. And just like receiving it and opening up those first few pages. And like settling into wherever I am able to enjoy those few moments of solitude. But it’s the excitement of being about to begin. And the latest book that Im excited about is Adrian Marie Brown’s Ancestors which is the third in a series of three books. Which is sci-fi, afro, futuristic, queer oriented romance. And I’m so excited that moment of starting a new book especially when it’s by a writer that you know and love. But anytime someone gets you a book and you get that joy of a fresh page. So, hopefully that answer wasn’t too long. I hope you have a wonderful day.”
Listen to Megan’s voicemail

“Hi Brian, this is Gabe from Atlanta. And lately, EDM has made me very happy. I’ve started going out to dances at quite an advanced age in life. I’m a little older than most people in that crowd. So, Gen X representing at the EDM party.”
Listen to Gabe’s voicemail

“Hi, this is Jennifer from Toronto, Canada. And one thing that makes me happy is hanging out with my toddler and hearing all the silly things he says. And I’m correcting us half the time because he likes to be very precise. Anyways… and thank you for your little notes in the CreativeMorning newsletters. I always enjoy those. All right. Thanks. Bye.”
Listen to Jennifer’s voicemail

“Hi Brian, this is Courtney in metro Atlanta. And I’m kind of breaking the rules a bit. I know you said one thing but I’m going to give you three cuz it’s hard to choose just one. I absolutely receive joy from books. I have hundreds of books and I organize them by color. I also find joy in farmers markets and artisan fares because I can go and get fresh produce and eggs and get fun earrings for my earring collection. The third thing that brings me joy is that the weather is warming up. So, I’m going to say nature. I’m really excited and looking forward to kayaking and long walks and just enjoying the warm weather. The sun on my face. I hope you have a great day. Thanks for asking for this.”
Listen to Courtney’s voicemail

“Hi Brian. This is such a cool and quaint thing to do. Like before internet, what did we do? My name is Cynthia and I’m calling from Baltimore, Maryland. And one of the things that brings me joy, makes me happy, is this newsletter. You know, it’s so adorable. But no, like really, going through the week and the hustle and the bustle and sometimes you can get so caught up in everything. And just having this moment, where I open this email. I know it’s going to be filled with lots of good vibes. Lots of good intentions, lots of ideas, and just hearing about other people and other parts of the world who are also just contributing good and creative, and everyone supporting each other, and encouraging each other, and sharing their great work. It just brings me that few moments, where I just know I’m going to smile. I’m going to enjoy what I’m reading. And yeah, a lot of happiness. So, thank you guys for all that you do. Keep doing what you do and you guys are enough. You’re enough and we love you. Have a great day.”
Listen to Cynthia’s voicemail

“Hi Brian, my name is Becca Duran and Im from Seattle, Washington. I love cooking in the kitchen with my husband. Well, actually, I hate cooking in general. But something about my cooking; it becomes really happy with my husband is helping me. And when we are listening to Jazz on our little echo in the kitchen. My husbands a jazz musician and just listening to the music and cooking together is a great joy. As Seattle is a real Jazz town. All right, Bye. Oh, and I love doing the same thing at breakfast time too, but he doesn’t help me then cuz he’s getting ready for his day. Bye.”
Listen to Becca’s voicemail

^{So, what’s your one thing? BEEP.}

Waving from CreativeMornings HQ, Brian

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BEHIND-THE-SCENES-BONUS: Check out Finn’s initial storyboard sketch.