So the pygmy hedgehog’s tiny fabric tent was getting a little funky. It was time to build her a new abode. That’s why this weekend, I created a new little home for her. Finding an old box in the project room, I filled it with fleece material and scalloped the edges.

Watching me with part curiosity and part exasperation, my daughter asked why I didn’t just cut the borders with a straight edge? Well, it would’ve taken just the same amount of time with a plain pair of scissors. But I scalloping the edges, eager to create a little unnecessary whimsy… seeking a moment of gratuitous joy. It brought a smile to my face, and I think I brought it brought a smile to the hedgehog’s, too!

Whenever we can, let’s scallop the edges and bring a little gratuitous joy to the world.

And if we’re honest, we are physically incapable of cuddling a pygmy hedgehog without our hearts filling with joy.

Emily Chang | The Spare Room | Hedgehog cuddles

Even cuter when they fall asleep with us, while we work late into the night.

Emily Chang | The Spare Room | Hedgehog sleeps

Yes, you’re right. Now I’m just popping gratuitous photos of my hedgehog into this post. I’ll stop.

Emily Chang | The Spare Room | Hedgehog nestles

OK. Now I’ll stop.

Still craving more cute animal photos? Check out Puffin, our pug.

#hedgehogsmiles