Leap of Faith

But those who TRUST in the Lord will find new strength. They will SOAR high on wings like eagles. They will run and NOT grow weary. They will walk and NOT faint.
Isaiah 40:31

It is heartbreaking, and sometimes, terrifying when the grim news of our economy hits home. We are surrounded locally by stores and businesses closing and many beautiful homes in foreclosure. Even my 11-year old son has been saddened by the closure of Kaybee store at the mall, Baskin-Robbin ice cream shop, the Macaroni Grill and I'm sure there's more coming.
Today, I visited Rachel Ashwell's blog to find out the sad and yet hopeful news about her company. I am a big fan of her shabby-chic style: pretty, pretty floral prints, just the right thread count of her linens (I sleep on them every night), and loads of inspiration. I can list her linens on "things I cannot live without". Despite the sad news, I find her heart and soul grounded in what she loves and so I know her creativity will live on.

Road Signs

"Clarity of mind means clarity of passion, too; this is why a great and clear mind loves ardently and sees distinctly what it loves." Blaise Pascal

Thank You Notes

To dearest Michelle,

What a delight to have received your card and a DVD copy of our Utah Wonderland Holiday! We are so blessed by your many talents- your photography is extraordinary. The music makes my heart melt.
Your style is an art in itself. Thank you for thinking of us constantly and showering us with your love. You have always been an inspiration! We love you.

To dearest Dohn and Jon,

Thank you for GENEROUSLY sharing your beautiful home and for giving us the wonderful experience of playing in the snow. Your incredible hospitality has filled our hearts with so much joy- truly above and beyond (Jon, sorry for the SINK!!!). The laughter, hugs, and kisses for each of our family will always be felt in our hearts. You both have made unforgettable memories possible-Lola Mommy's 84th birthday and Ate Cely and Kuya Amado's 33rd wedding anniversary....and all these, because of two loving people in our lives. We love you.

Breakfast with Madeline

This is not a rare occasion, but on this particular day, I was able to capture in photo my feelings of delight. Madeline, turning 6 this March, has become too shy or too tired, perhaps, of picture-taking from the holidays. I am so thrilled (as every grandma is) to have her at home. Smart, artistically talented, very sporty, sweet, well-behaved-I can go on and on.

....yes, my children are my joy...my granddaughter...my delight!!!!

Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves, without rebuke or effort to change us, as no one in our entire lives has ever done, not our parents, siblings, spouses, friends - and hardly ever our own grown children.- Ruth Goode

Simple Things

With the coming of vintage-style clothes the past year or so, came along pretty vintage-looking tags or labels. I found myself tossing them in my drawer for something. Today, I delighted myself with what I have instinctively collected. Ideas start popping-up: bookmarks, decoupage materials, file labels...endless possibilities.