Things

I found a new blog friend this morning who has me thinking, again, about the importance of my family. I noticed that my recent posts are all about "things." I've been searching for and collecting more things that I will ever have room or time for... I've made lists of projects but there are too many to do and no time to complete them all.

I did take a day off from work this past week. It was supposed to be a day to get some things done. Then I was offered the opportunity to go have lunch with my daugher and son-in-law. I actually hesitated at first, thinking "I have so much I want to do today..." Thankfully, my head and my heart made me choose to go with them. It was a beautiful warm and sunny spring day. We ate at a little Mediterranean cafe downtown and sat outside on their deck. We talked and laughed a lot.

I watched my daughter sitting with the sun shining on her face. I thought, how beautiful she is! I also smiled knowing that her hubby really loves her too. He went back to work and my daughter and I went shopping for more "things." We didn't buy anything, but just looked at things we might want to buy someday.

What I tucked away from this day was that things are NOT important. Time together is.

My two boys are in Florida and I don't get to see them often. We talk now and then and get caught up on each other's lives. I miss their HUGS though. My boys give great hugs! So does my son-in-law! What blessings I have! The love of my children far surpasses any THING I might have or even think I want to have.

Instead of going out shopping today or working on some of my projects I think I'll call my daughter and see what she's up to today. Thanks to my new found blogger for helping me find my priorities again. . . My aunt Adelaide (above photo) has lived for 101 years now! I'm sure all of her things mean a great deal to her family but for me, I remember her love.

Supporting the Arts

by lzznit @ Etsy

Today, I'm supporting the (HE)art of Valentine's day. There are so many creative ideas out there on the web! Check out http://www.etsy.com/ for wonderful, handmade items!

I just love Martha Stewart's Valentine Breakfast! What a pretty way to start the day!

Martha Stewart

I found these two darling things by handmadecrafter on Etsy. So cute!!

handmadecrafter @ Etsy

Another find... a stenciled polar fleece scarf! How sweet!

Now, folded paper hearts. What a clever idea!

From materialgirlsblog - an absolutely beautiful bedroom!

So, I'm wishing, and hoping, and planning and dreaming... Have a beautiful Valentine's Day!

Love, Kathi

Check out http://hookedonhouses.net for more Valentine fun!

It warms my heart this evening to see my four furry friends all getting along so well. The dogs are even giving Henry a kiss goodnight. I think he even likes it.

I hope you had a good day today. I hope you were able to pause for a few moments today and be thankful. If dogs and cats can get overlook their differences and be at peace with one another surely we can. It is a good thing to forgive. It is a better thing to be forgiven.

I hope you rest well. Remember the One who created you, loves you. He will watch over you and keep you from harm. Good night.

This is my dear Aunt Adelaide. Photos from her 100th birthday party! She is my hero. Still sharp and healthy and as sweet as can be. She spends her days watching the golf channel, sitting out on the porch, and reading. She just finished the entire Harry Potter book series too! What is it like to live 100 years? The world has changed so much in her lifetime and she has taken it all in stride. She has so much wisdom and such a happy outlook on life in spite of all of the difficulties she has faced. We can all learn from our elders. I know I have learned so much from her.

The things I remember as a child are Christmas in the basement of her lovely Cape Cod style home. A fire crackling in the fireplaces both upstairs and down. Hiding in the little closets under the ceiling in the bedrooms. The smooth, shiny hardwood floors and the soft hand- hooked rugs on the floor. Her tiny red kitchen. Sliding down the bannister when no one was looking. Homemade cookies. I always felt loved in her home. . .

I loved her garden too. Especially the rock garden where there were always little suprises to find. Her roses were especially fragrant and abundant. In the spring there were tulips and daffodils and crocuses everywhere. In winter, we would sled down the hill until our ears were frozen and then come inside for homemade hot chocolate. The best!

Adelaide is an artist too. She paints landscapes and flowers and shares them with her family and friends. She has had many showings of her work near her home in Pennsylvania. I am continually inspired by her. Her art work graces my home now.

So what do you say to someone who has blessed your life so much? How to you begin to tell them how much you love and admire them? Just being with her on her birthday was such a joy. Another memory for me and one for her. God bless you Aunt Adelaide and thank you for being the kind of person I can only hope to be. . .

Love, Kathi

Fuzzy frost all over everything this morning. Beautiful in the sunshine but COLD! Too cold to get my camera out and try to snap a photo. Kept the gloves on the waited for the defroster in the car to do its thing. Was a busy busy day at work. Kept trying to remember to "do everything in love." Made my day go better.

Spent hours shooting and developing xrays. Felt sad for the big lady who could hardly get up on the table. Waited patiently. Could be me someday. Thought I saw a broken hip on the films but I'm not the doctor. Always wonder how someone can walk around on a broken hip? No wonder she was slow...

You never know what's going on with the people you meet each day. A smile and eye contact seems to help. A kind word doesn't hurt either... We all need the touch of another in our lives. Even if it's only for a moment. Let your light shine!

Speaking of xrays, I found this artist who takes xray photos of flowers. His name is StevenN. Meyers and his work is amazing! I have no idea how he does, it but love the way he captures the perfection of each leaf or flower or shell.

God does everything well.

Winter

It's cold here in Alabama this morning. I'm a Florida girl, and 29 degrees is COLD to me!

This morning I'm very thankful for gas heat, warm socks, flannel jammies (aka "skippies") and my gorgeous aqua chenille robe. Oh, and this first cup of coffee is good too. What are you thankful for this morning?

"Let all that you do today be done in love" I Corinthians 16:14

Blessings and Beautiful Things

There are so many blessings and so many wonderful things in life, aren't there? I felt the need to start my blog to help those who may be struggling to find happiness and joy in their lives. As my mother would say, "if you don't get started, you'll never get done!" So here I am, joining the world of the bloggers.

If you need a little pick me up or have something to share please check back here. I promise that we will have fun and help each other find the good in the little things of our lives each day.

I look forward to meeting you!
Kathi