Beloved Mimi

Well, when I said I was going to try and post more often this was not the kind of a post I was thinking about. I had in mind pretty photos of completed Christmas projects, news about the shoppe, or maybe even some favorite holiday recipes. It never occurred to me, at least not consciously, that I would be writing about the passing of my beloved grandmother. Although let's face it, at 92 years of age I knew full well this day was coming. Of course I'm devastated by the loss. This was the matriarch of our family and her presence will be missed beyond words. But my grandmother, Mimi, as we affectionately called her, lived a long and healthy 92 years. In the end, it was Alzheimer's and a tired body that claimed her. She died in her sleep surrounded by love on Thursday morning. I take great comfort in knowing that death is not the end and that love knows no bounds. She is in my heart. She is in my memories.

On Saturday I leave for Virginia where all the family will be gathered to celebrate the life of Mimi. She leaves behind 3 children, 8 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and a lifetime of love that bind us all.

Note: I drafted this on Sunday morning and then put it aside so that I could gather some photos of my grandmother. I am sad to say that I have very few and the ones I do have are profiles that don't show her face. I'm sure I'll come home with a collection of wonderful photos after the services that I can share with you later. In the meantime, these heartfelt words will have to do.



On a lighter note, and while I'm on the subject of love, I'd like to thank my husband for being such a rock during this difficult time. You are my best friend, my anchor in the storm, and I am grateful for your enormous shoulders and endless supply of hugs! Happy anniversary Clement. I love you BIG!

Princess Rylie

The month of October was such a busy one for me that many things, like my blog, and my house, my garden, and my studio....okay, okay, you get the idea, had to take a back burner. And despite the fact that we're officially into the Holiday season, a time when the To-Do list grows exponentially, I am bound and determined to post something every week. I have lots of new items for the store waiting to make their debut and special promotions to announce. There are just too many things coming up that now more than ever I need to stay connected to all of y'all!

That being said, let me jump right in to some long overdue photos of my daughter Rylie's 4th birthday party. Like many girls at this age, it's all about the princess. As long as it is pink, purple and sparkly then Rylie is happy! So, in honor of all that is sparkly here is Princess Rylie and crew!






And here are a couple of class pix for Halloween. Unfortunately, my batteries went dead and I only got a couple of Rylie in princess mode.




It's hard to believe that my little girl is already 4 years old. I know it's a cliche but it really does go by sooooo fast. Happy Birthday Princess Rylie!

History Made

Wow, what a night! Walls were torn down, barriers erased, and fears disappeared as the American people cast their vote. Turnout was the highest in 100 years. 100 YEARS!Young people stepped up like never before. My 11 year old son watched the entire evening unfold and I'm quite certain that would not have happened under any other circumstances. People of all ages voted for the very first time because they knew their voice mattered. For me, the most important issue was that apathy was replaced by hope. For the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of optimism and pride that we so desperately need right now. When 90% of the population feel like the country is heading in the wrong direction, we need a new direction. Regardless of your political affiliation, this was a night that America made history and for that I am so proud.