I love my happy Buddha!  I've had this guy since 1994 when I made my first trip to Beijing to visit my dear friend and Chinese sister, Didi.  We took a long train ride to a town northeast of Beijing (can't recall the name) and in a little market, I found him.  He was dirty, covered with years of caked on dirt, but I loved his smile and told Didi I wanted to buy him.  She said I could never "buy" Buddha, but instead, I should invite him home.  I did.  I worked on him on the train ride back to Beijing, using up most of my sterile wipes that were in individual little packets (for handwashing where sanitary water might not be found).  We were both amazed he turned out to be this beautiful golden color of wood.  He has been with me all these years, sitting in a place of honor in my office so I can see his face every day.
Now I am missing Didi.  It's 9 p.m., so maybe 9 or 10 a.m. in Beijing, so a phone call may be happening next, just to hear her voice.  :)