#unexpectedjoy

A "Too Minion" intruder on the promenade! 💛👀

After the sweetness of the Easter farm, I headed to Promenade Bellerive for my dose of fresh air! 🌊🍃 And look what I stumbled upon! 😂 It was impossible not to smile at this lost beanie, standing guard facing the river. 🕵️‍♂️ I find it truly 'Too Minion' (cute), don't you? 😉 A funny and unexpected little moment captured during my walk! 📸✨💛

“The Unexpected Joy” icon of the Mother of God is one of the most precious gems of our antique Russian icon collection. The image dates back to the 19th century and encompasses the scenes of the Old Testament prophecies and Marian Feasts pictured around the central part of the icon with the Holy Mother and Jesus Christ. It is valued for its high-class artistry and distinct concept. Visit our blog to find out more about the rich history behind the piece and the origin of its name.

Sunday, 12/07/25

Strolling through the plaza tonight, taking a moment under the old, sprawling trees. Everything was relaxed until two small kids walked up, asking for coins.

I was teasing them back, pointing out the coins they were already clutching and jokingly extended my hand, asking them for a gift.

To my genuine surprise, the littlest girl, who was holding a Fita biscuit, didn't hesitate for a second. She placed it right into my open palm and said, It's yours!

My heart melted. ❤️

It was such a pure moment of innocence and kindness… they didn't understand I was just joking. In their world, if someone asks, you share what you have, even if it's the only treat you're holding.

I immediately handed the biscuit back to them and we gave them a small bill to share. Seeing their faces light up was the perfect end to the night.

Sometimes, the smallest people teach us the biggest lessons about generosity.

Sometimes, the greatest lessons come from the smallest hands. Every step, every smile, every moment shared that’s where Unexpected Joy lives. 💙

Let this story remind you of the quiet strength of love and the beauty found in life’s simple moments.

✨ “Every challenge becomes a chapter of unexpected joy.” Challenges can feel overwhelming, but sometimes they bring us to places we never thought we’d go — places of hope, healing, and love. Unexpected Joy is my story of how the hardest roads led to the most meaningful moments. 💙

✨ Life’s journey is never a straight path, it’s filled with struggles, triumphs, and the moments that shape us. In Unexpected Joy: My Journey with Charlie, Charles Schoen opens his heart and shares a story that inspires us to see the beauty in resilience and unconditional love. 💙

📚 Available now:

Amazon → https://amzn.to/4ljW1MA

Milton & Hugo → https://bit.ly/3Gcshkz

Barnes & Noble → https://bit.ly/4crbNRZ

🌿 Sometimes the most unexpected turns lead us exactly where we need to be.

📖 Unexpected Joy: My Journey with Charlie

Hope has a way of finding us in the most surprising places. 🌿 Let Unexpected Joy remind you of life’s hidden strength.