tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6417493015758164552024-03-20T04:36:54.781-07:00A Needle and a Paint Brushaneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-69121610639567733512017-06-17T17:14:00.001-07:002017-06-17T18:06:00.962-07:0010,000 years and then forevermore!<div style="text-align: center;">
At the YMCA, where our family has it's membership, there is an elderly gentleman that works out there who reminds me of my dad. I miss my dad. Daddy, as I call him. This August it will be two years since he went to be with the Lord. I miss him everyday, but special days like birthdays and holidays bring him to mind even more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I miss his smile. His big hug whenever we would see one another after a long separation. I miss his laugh. The way he would get tickled over a seemingly small thing, and wouldn't be able to stop laughing. I miss his whistling and his handsome crooner voice singing old love songs. I miss the way he was always willing to serve us kids. I even miss his grumpy scowl he would get from time to time. And I miss not having him to call on this special day of the year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERmDguBSbtPuzWa7wjo12hcmxWw41j1bzDz0TGH6G4-KGywmDmu48ZAhAbKdaHeEO3wAF9-Ut8vdSTH8NAF_5zfvJd227o3SDAL02YCKMn11ypE7-7dboS6F6hlcnxpLCSVrD_Dbl5nU/s1600/59191_1596985731716_7047014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERmDguBSbtPuzWa7wjo12hcmxWw41j1bzDz0TGH6G4-KGywmDmu48ZAhAbKdaHeEO3wAF9-Ut8vdSTH8NAF_5zfvJd227o3SDAL02YCKMn11ypE7-7dboS6F6hlcnxpLCSVrD_Dbl5nU/s640/59191_1596985731716_7047014_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But daddy isn't missing us. He is too busy praising the same Lord in heaven that he lived for and so willingly served here on earth. The Lord he unashamedly told friends and family about. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This morning while at the Y, I again saw my dad's look-a-like. As I watched him on the rowing machine and thought of my dad, the song "10,000 Reasons" began playing on my headphones.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"And on that day when my strength is failing, the end draws near and my time has come, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still my soul will sing your praise unending. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
10,000 years and then forevermore! FOREVERMORE!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bless the Lord O my soul. O my soul!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Worship His holy name.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sing like never before, O my soul! I'll worship Your holy name!" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you daddy for being that strong example to me. I pray I can be the same strong example to my family, of faithfulness to my Lord. I pray that I will live for Him and praise Him right to the end, and then 10,000 years and FOREVERMORE! </div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-11967970621147898802017-06-10T10:43:00.000-07:002017-06-27T11:26:18.507-07:00Scott the adventurer <div style="text-align: center;">
My dear husband, I am so thankful the Lord put us together. You are everything I am not. God made you to be an adventurous risk taker while I tend to want to be as sure as I can of the outcome before making a decision. You are driven, while at times I struggle to be motivated. You are about as diplomatic as one can be, and I tend to just say what is on my mind. You silently work through issues or challenges, while I have to talk them out. You are someone who is always changing and growing. You are never fixed because you constantly want to improve, which makes you intriguing and invigorating. But that also can make it a bit scary for this gal who prefers consistency.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At times, these differences can cause friction. At times, I just want you to slow down and see things from my point of view. Enjoy the beauty of the sea shore instead of wanting to be out in the middle of the deep, dark ocean where you can't see the shoreline.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But Scott, I can honestly say, I am so thankful you aren't like me. If you were, our life would be so different. And while some of those risks that you have taken brought difficulty and even pain, God gave us the strength and grace to learn from those trials, and He used them to make us both stronger in the end. They brought us closer together. We certainly wouldn't be where we are today if you had listened to me and found another corporate job instead of following your heart and opening your own business. Again, a lesson for me to trust you, even though it can be a bit scary, leaping without seeing where you will land. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am thankful that even when we are out in that deep sea, and I feel afraid because I can't see the shoreline, I can be safe in your arms. Knowing we are out there together is all I need. I am seeking to trust you as you trust the Lord to lead and guide us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you, Scott. Keep your amazing adventuresome spirit. Know I am by your side. I may fearfully hide my eyes from time to time, but I know you are looking to the future for both of us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEm_yaODoVTuT9iOyvwrlFo6T5GSmhJ9NrdX3xOiU2dV08A-cyXwvPN955DKo6qLJ5s6qfVC01E0ya_ddG3xsv6nFDSBuEl5xRTB8TyEsDW-FvZrSLxRk14jJmaadoc6KcgX2cNdnvG0/s1600/2V2A2385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEm_yaODoVTuT9iOyvwrlFo6T5GSmhJ9NrdX3xOiU2dV08A-cyXwvPN955DKo6qLJ5s6qfVC01E0ya_ddG3xsv6nFDSBuEl5xRTB8TyEsDW-FvZrSLxRk14jJmaadoc6KcgX2cNdnvG0/s640/2V2A2385.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-70493158847343922532017-04-12T04:53:00.000-07:002017-11-06T10:48:53.074-08:00Who knew biscuits could be so scary?<div style="text-align: center;">
My husband is a man who loves adventure. His idea of a dream vacation is taking a sailing trip across the Atlantic. YIKES! But if you ask me, I am very content to have my feet planted firmly on the ground. If we are going to vacation near water, give me a nice quiet cottage on the beach and I'm a happy camper. I would much rather see the water from the safety of the shore, where my husband would love to be out on the water and not even see the shoreline! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our opposing philosophies are not just seen in our vacation dreams, but in our daily living as well. My husband's sense of adventure can even be seen in his profession. He's an entrepreneur. His entrance into this livelihood, as you can imagine, came a lot more easily for him than it did for me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prior to starting his own business, Scott had worked in the corporate world for much of our married life. He had worked himself up from store management to being an officer in a fortune 100 company. But when that company was bought out by another corporation, we knew many of the positions in the office would be changed, including his. We saw the writing on the wall, so to speak. We just didn't know for sure when the hammer would fall. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In preparation, Scott began thinking what he would do next. We knew he would have a year's severance, for which we were very thankful. My thinking was that he would find another job within that year in the corporate world. A <b style="font-style: italic;">safer </b>option. But Scott had other ideas in mind. He desired to start his own business so we could remain in our home and be close to our grown children.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The thought of going into business was very scary for me. We had gone down that path before. 16 years earlier we opened a small bagel shop with some dear friends of ours. Scott kept his job and I managed the shop for 6 years. Our three children were still grammar school age at the time. Our youngest child had just entered kindergarten when the business opened. I had been a stay at home mom since my children were born. Working outside the home was never something I desired to do after we had our children. I loved being the "class mom", going on field trips with the kids and being there when they got home from school. I struggled with being at the shop. My heart was at home, not in the business. I often would teasingly say that someday I was going to write a book telling people 3 simple rules to live by if you were thinking of opening a business. Rule #1: Don't open a business if you have to go into debt to do it. Rule #2: Don't open a business unless you have at least enough money in the bank to live off of for 2 years. Rule #3: Don't go into business if you have young children living at home. Obviously I had issues with the timing and way we opened this shop, and these were not the easiest 6 years of my life. But it was primarily because of my own lack of trust in what the Lord had for me at the time. I didn't like the story He was writing for my life and fought against it. We eventually sold the shop, but because the store had not been a money maker, it took us years to recover financially.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, needless to say, when my husband said he wanted us to take a trip to the west coast to look at a few ideas for businesses to start, I didn't jump up and down with excitement. And even though it had been ten years since we had sold the bagel shop, and God had used those ten years to teach Scott a LOT about himself and about business, every fiber of my being wanted to cry out, NO! Don't do it again! And it wasn't just the fear of failure I was concerned about, although that was a biggie. I also knew how all consuming having your own business can be. It's not a 9 to 5, punch in a time card kind of job. You take your work home with you because it's your life. But instead of focusing on that, I tried to swallow my apprehension, packed our bags, and we got on a plane and headed out west. It was his inspiration trip for "his next big adventure". I was just holding on for dear life and praying God would change his mind.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnrzM9OMwps5b2a8j0cAICez0nqIRncBrvnqLtOuHNXrtB_phDJKs95Z2j3pqUzegJ4ad_Us8otxkP-ixoTDlifgjhhZvrgEXqcY6HBwD1A5AYfBKOWjFZKRctsFmwtyDk8cELFpLP9s/s1600/557768_4256593060237_614839507_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnrzM9OMwps5b2a8j0cAICez0nqIRncBrvnqLtOuHNXrtB_phDJKs95Z2j3pqUzegJ4ad_Us8otxkP-ixoTDlifgjhhZvrgEXqcY6HBwD1A5AYfBKOWjFZKRctsFmwtyDk8cELFpLP9s/s640/557768_4256593060237_614839507_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While we were on the trip, I had my birthday. We were standing outside the space needle in Seattle, Washington waiting for it to open that June morning, when my oldest son called my phone to wish me a happy birthday. He asked how the trip was going and asked me how I was doing. I shared my hesitation and my struggle. My son paused, then said, "Mom, do you remember that book you always said you were going to write when we had the bagel shop?" I laughed and said, "Yes". He said, "Mom, all those rules are in place now. If dad is ever going to get the chance to do this, now is the time. You need to let him do it." He used my own words against me, but I knew he was right. I thanked him. I told him he had helped me more than he could know. And I decided right then and there I would support Scott in his endeavor. It didn't mean I wouldn't struggle after that. Fear was still a daily battle for me. But I made a choice to seek to trust the Lord in it from that moment on. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we returned from our trip that June, Scott didn't waste any time putting his ideas to work. One in particular seemed to stand out. A biscuit shop. It was providential that he began moving forward so quickly, because just a month after the trip, his job came to an end. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had some sweet young friends, Gus and Krysten who decided to go on this crazy journey of a biscuit shop with us. Gus had just lost his job as well and was looking for work. They had 2 young boys at the time, and I wanted to protect Krysten from the same stresses that I experienced with having young children when we had the bagel shop. I didn't want her lifestyle of being a stay at home mom to change. I prayed daily that she would be able to stay home with those boys after we opened the shop.<br />
<br />
We immediately began hosting taste tests in our home every Thursday night. The four of us invited friends and neighbors in to taste our recipes and rate our food. We did this for several weeks as we perfected the menu. We worked through the biscuit recipe first. Then the chicken. Then moved through the rest of the sandwiches and sides on the menu. Every Friday morning as I walked down the stairs to the lingering smell of fried chicken and bacon from the night before, fear again would grip me. I worried about the store being a success and that we were dragging Gus and Krysten down an insecure road. We had a year's severance, but they did not. Would this store be able to support them? I would have to fight back the tears and pray for the Lord's guidance and for Him to give me more faith. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That faith I prayed for would soon be tested again when it was time to sign the lease on the first location of Maple Street. The guys had found a spot and invited Krysten and myself to come see it. We walked through trying to envision the space as a biscuit shop instead of a burrito place like it had previously been. She and I talked about different ways we could make the decor rustic, and it was actually fun for a brief moment. The planning and decorating of the spaces has been my favorite part of the business from the start. But I looked over and I saw that the guys were sitting at one of the tables with the landlord. What were they doing? Krysten told me they were signing the lease. Signing the lease? Wait! I'm not ready! There it was again, that gripping fear. As we drove home, Scott reminded me to trust the Lord, and to trust him. He assured me he would not put us or Gus and Krysten in financial jeopardy. At this point, with the lease signed, I had no choice but to try to do just that, to leave it in the Lord's hands. There was no turning back now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We worked like crazy people getting the store ready to open. The guys got the equipment, worked on the build out, hired a few employees, finished a myriad of details. Krysten and I finished the last of the recipes, stained walls and tables, painted the entire space for what seemed like endless hours. Finally, it was the night before the store was to open. We were all exhausted. It had been a very fast 5 week transformation, but also because we did most of the work ourselves, it seemed like it had taken ages. One last trip to the office supply place to get register tape. REGISTER TAPE! A seemingly simple task, but as I stood in the isle of the store, I became paralyzed by my fear once again. A wave came over me and it took everything I could do to keep from crying. I knew because of my fatigue, if I started, I probably wouldn't be able to stop. I left the store with no tape. I went back to Maple Street where Scott greeted me. He could tell I was struggling and said, "Come with me." We got back in the car and he took my hand and said, "It's going to be alright." I nodded. And even though I was still fearful, I knew I could believe his words. It WOULD be alright. God had always been faithful, and He would remain faithful. Scott took me to the office supply store and we bought the register tape together. It was comforting to know even as busy as we were that day, Scott cared about me and understood my anxiety and took the time to help me to think rightly about it all. We drove back to Maple Street and joined the others in getting the store and food ready for the next day's opening. Once again, God had given me the strength to trust Him and move forward.<br />
<br />
The opening day was crazy, scary, exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time. I remember minutes before the store was to open, I was standing at the sandwich making station next to Chelsea, one of our original hires, who would eventually become one of our Community Leaders. I felt the electricity that was in the air as we counted down the minutes for the door to be unlocked to let those first customers in, but at that moment I looked over the sandwiches on the menu. The very ones that we had come up with on our throw downs in my kitchen. But I suddenly realized that making them one or two at a time for friends in our home was a far cry from making them on the line in a restaurant. I hadn't been trained on how we would go through the process on the line because while they were training, I was staining tables and doing the finishing touches on the shop. The only time I had been in the kitchen was to paint it! Fear again came over me. I was saying to myself, "I have no idea what I'm doing!" Chelsea, unaware of my little meltdown I was having in my mind, leaned over to me and said, "I am so envious of you right now! My dream is to open a restaurant." Right then, I couldn't imagine this being a dream to anyone! I'm on the verge of an anxiety attack and she's excited for me! But I was very thankful she had such a love for the restaurant business, because her excitement was my inspiration to get through the day. Every time I got overwhelmed and felt lost in the sea of tickets, she would say, "It's OK Mrs. Robyn. You're doing great! You've got this". Thank the Lord for little Chelsea! She sweetly took me under her experienced wing and helped me stay on task all day long.<br />
<br />
And then there was Krysten. Krysten is a vegetarian. She told the guys she was willing to help with anything, but didn't want to touch the chicken. But what did she end up having to do? Fry chicken! But she didn't even hesitate. She fried chicken like a pro all day long! <br />
<br />
Gus was the biscuit boy. The final recipe was his. He had perfected it, and he took ownership of it. I'm sure after opening day, he could make biscuits in his sleep!<br />
<br />
Stephen, our part time music director at church was also a team member. He was our "ambassador" as Scott calls it. He greeted people, walked them through the menu and took their orders. With his positive attitude, he was a natural at the ambassador position. <br />
<br />
We had a part-time employee, Maxwell who also had some restaurant experience. She worked the grill opening day, and did a great job keeping up with frying eggs, making the hash-ups and the other items on the grill.<br />
<br />
Scott was definitely the captain of the ship. He steered us all in the right direction and kept us afloat all day. He jumped in and helped in any of the stations as needed. His sense of calm helped to keep us all on an even keel. He now admits he only appeared to be calm. He was as scared as I was on the inside! Wondering if his idea would work.<br />
<br />
In addition to these few associates, we had a myriad of volunteers. Family and friends who came to serve us that first several days. People helping with dishes, wiping tables, brewing coffee. Our daughter Bethany was getting people's soft drinks. Our son Blake had come the night before to help set up tables. We could not have made it through those first several days without all their help. Our mission was to "help people by serving others and being a part of the community". But these precious souls were serving us, and being a part of the community by doing so. They too were graciously living out our mission! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5WXcmL0hKsJQv7hVPWvJvUqyXcI0B9yloU5IVPs12NvM03vFibsg8eYleU0Pxkdosg06O64aMokGOENPXLBzcl-D58Yw8OPhXMyG4R7_FKA0StmTG0lPFzDGMht2LaOHZP-tvg-6PPw/s1600/405084_451234468246462_133198697_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5WXcmL0hKsJQv7hVPWvJvUqyXcI0B9yloU5IVPs12NvM03vFibsg8eYleU0Pxkdosg06O64aMokGOENPXLBzcl-D58Yw8OPhXMyG4R7_FKA0StmTG0lPFzDGMht2LaOHZP-tvg-6PPw/s640/405084_451234468246462_133198697_n.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gbqgU177ZPlPA54HTs7xua8WGrj9qhCEw7WepFsr6Mdk90GoOMvH0c9vV7AXY-ldreOiRluvOJbC01GHbAAJMucA42mXzY8F-Wi4MWETAgN3gu1lNPTHOVVnw0ENVio2AJSAT3duu9U/s1600/994909_10201800380798393_1097228131_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gbqgU177ZPlPA54HTs7xua8WGrj9qhCEw7WepFsr6Mdk90GoOMvH0c9vV7AXY-ldreOiRluvOJbC01GHbAAJMucA42mXzY8F-Wi4MWETAgN3gu1lNPTHOVVnw0ENVio2AJSAT3duu9U/s640/994909_10201800380798393_1097228131_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
It didn't take more than a couple days for Scott to figure out my strengths would be better used back in the kitchen. I became the main gravy maker and dishwasher. And I was totally OK with that! I was a lot more comfortable behind the scenes than I was making sandwiches. Within a couple months Krysten and I were both able to be out of the store and our role was support from home. Krysten continued to make the pepper jelly in her home until the demand became too great and the store had to take over making it. I made the mini pecan pies for a couple years, then trained the stores to start making their own. The Lord answered my prayer in allowing Krysten to be a stay at home mom with her boys and I enjoy supporting and serving Scott on the home front. <br />
<br />
When the lease was signed on the second location the following June, I gladly resumed my role of helping in the design and buildout of the new location. This part of the process is a lot of fun to me. I love seeing a place being transformed into a Maple Street. And while these days they have grown to the point where they don't need me in the build out process like they did in the first few stores, I certainly don't mind picking up a paintbrush if need be on the final days before an opening, if something needs to be finished.<br />
<br />
There were times shortly after Krysten and I were no longer in the store where we would be called on to come in and help. After we had been open a few months, there was a festival in the community of San Marco where our store was located. It was huge, and the impact on the restaurant was as well. We had no idea how much impact it would have until the day of the festival. I got the SOS call from Scott that the store needed help, and I headed there as soon as I could. What I found when I got there was customers lined up out the door, a restaurant full of happy guests and team members, not being stressed out by the demand, but a team running like a well oiled machine, happily working together. Even singing while they threw sandwiches together. If they needed something on the line, a member would yell out the need, and someone in the back would yell out "Heard!" which meant, "I hear you and I will take it upon myself to drop what I am doing to get that need met for you." Servant leadership in action. It was such a sweet thing for me to observe. I was thrilled that my husband's vision for this place to "help people by serving others..." was being lived out and had started behind the counter. It was obvious the team members loved their job, loved being there and loved each other. I walked out of the shop that day so thankful and blessed to see Scott's mission coming to fruition in the lives of the community and the lives of the team. He WAS making an impact. His desire to show grace not only to the guests, but to the team was happening. It was clearly a place where people were happy to serve. Not just the customers, but one another! I think that was the day I really saw Scott's vision for the first time. It wasn't just a restaurant. It was a ministry. We were serving more than food. It was a place to show the grace of God and live out the gospel to one another and to others. <br />
<br />
Fast forward 5 years. Here we are with 14 stores (working on stores 15, 16 and 17). Has this journey changed me? Do I still have struggles with fear? Surely I've got this thing figured out by now, right? Yes, this journey has changed me, but not how I would have guessed. Although I don't have a battle with fear each time we sign a lease agreement like I did in the beginning, I certainly can not say I have been transformed into this uber strong person who can handle anything that comes her way on her own. Bottom line, I have learned that I don't have it within myself to trust. I don't have it within myself to not have fear. It all has to come from the Lord. Every ounce of faith I have is a gift of grace from God above. And if this journey has taught me anything so far, it is how frail I am and how great God is. More than ever, I see that I need God's grace every hour of every day as I trust Him with my story.<br />
<br />
God is still teaching me I can't control my life, and that is OK because I am learning I can trust the story He has for me. I can let go of my past, knowing God was in it and orchestrated it, and entrust my present and my future to Him. The beauty of that is, when I choose to trust God's story instead of trying to write my own, I have the freedom to trust Scott too. I can appreciate the story God is writing for him, and see the strengths that God has given this amazing man being used for the glory of God as he works the mission God has placed on his heart. And in turn, that mission also becomes my own. To help people by serving others and being a part of the community.<br />
<br />
And I can trust that God will continue to lead and guide that husband of mine while he continues on his adventures, because I know they are the adventures God has given him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
T<span style="font-size: x-small;">his picture was taken on a trip we took to Seattle a couple years later. We went back to just enjoy the west coast!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">You can find details of this trip on my blog, Planes, Trains and Automobiles (and buses and boats) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcGIsHOc92r3Ob3E5EAxnFTyQQxY6KL5ozMniFdnEFPRrr8CDyBLke4RUNr8o1wTOdfaCWDyPPHyW3JnXB4xtcbwJHxZrRSN2Xw18sxREraWvyNOgKnBHRLAq642rJ2-yOv52QPCH7Q4/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcGIsHOc92r3Ob3E5EAxnFTyQQxY6KL5ozMniFdnEFPRrr8CDyBLke4RUNr8o1wTOdfaCWDyPPHyW3JnXB4xtcbwJHxZrRSN2Xw18sxREraWvyNOgKnBHRLAq642rJ2-yOv52QPCH7Q4/s640/042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-54896032104534448992017-01-28T11:45:00.000-08:002017-01-28T11:45:58.256-08:00What is your season?<div style="text-align: center;">
Several years ago (I'm going to show my age here a bit) there was a company that would hold parties where they would do an assessment on your skin tones to determine what colors looked best on you. They categorized their findings by the four seasons. They would say, "You're a spring!" or "You're a summer!". It was quite the rage back in the 80's! So if someone asked me then, "What is your season?" I would say I was a spring, which meant I was to wear pastels. So not only did I have the big 80's hair, I had the lovely peach outfit to accompany it!! I will spare you the picture!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But now when we think of our "season", it has nothing to do with the color of clothing we wear, but rather where we are in our life. Are we young and single? Married with little ones running about? Empty nesters? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lately I have been pondering my "season". I, like so many others my age, am a full time caregiver of an elderly parent. I care for my mother-in-law who lives with my husband and myself. She has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's with Lewy Bodies Dementia. She is still in the moderate stage of the disease, so has been able to maintain some of her independence, for which we are very thankful. But each day, we see a tiny bit more of that independence slip away as she progresses in the illness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This new "season" has brought many changes into my life, as you can imagine. I see my own freedoms slip away. I now need to schedule my errands and outings with friends and family around the days I have my part time assistant here to help. And sometimes I find that it's just easier to stay home. I don't mean for this to sound like a pitty party. That is not my intent. (Trust me, I've had my share of those parties all on my own!) What I want to say is, this is a SEASON. Seasons change. They morph into the next. It's the way God created them. Each season has it's purpose, and each one is dependant on the one that comes before it, and looks to the one that comes behind it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are days when I feel like I'm in the "dead of winter" in my heart. I don't feel growth. I feel dormant. I sometimes allow the bitterness of the season to engulf me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amy Carmichael referred to it in her writings as "The bare bush in the snow". She said, "You were like a leafy bush, and many little things came for you to shelter. You were not great or important, but you could help those little things. And it was the joy of your life to help them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now you can do nothing at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some desolation - illness, monetary loss, or something you cannot talk about to anyone, a trouble no one seems to understand - has overwhelmed you. All your green leaves have gone. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now you cannot shelter even the least little bird. You are like a bush, with it's bare twigs. No use to anyone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is what you think.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But look again at this bare bush. Look at the delicate tracery of it's shadow lines on the snow. The sun is shining behind the bush and so every little twig is helping to make something that is very beautiful. Perhaps other eyes, that you do not see, are looking on it too, wondering what can be made of sun and snow and poor bare twigs?...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The spring will come again, for after winter there is always spring.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When will spring come? When will your bush be green again? When will the little birds you love come back to you? We don't know. But we do know that sun and snow are working together for good. And these hard times will all pass as a dream in the night. All that seemed lost will be restored."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I think about my season, another thought comes to mind; the season my mother-in-law is in. Her "bare bush". How dormant must she feel? Her "spring" will be an eternal one! But for now, she is here in her dead of winter. In need of comfort. In need of care. In need of sun. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A "little bird"? In need of shelter from a leafy bush?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcyijBEwJ3LwWGkY6QIgomfBi9BpFNhQdmWFH8e7XuFDirMQH6529YbPu4kAVjdrEo3regNZojFDO7-UEwjMRDR66zJRPK1c5M6LNyW9FarXw-oO-baJoaD8ufBLZ1ndNloa6cAZRuCM/s1600/2V2A5567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcyijBEwJ3LwWGkY6QIgomfBi9BpFNhQdmWFH8e7XuFDirMQH6529YbPu4kAVjdrEo3regNZojFDO7-UEwjMRDR66zJRPK1c5M6LNyW9FarXw-oO-baJoaD8ufBLZ1ndNloa6cAZRuCM/s640/2V2A5567.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So in the midst of this season, engulfed by the bitter cold, I will strive to let these words seep down, like fingers of sunlight to refresh my soul: "He will not fail you, who is the God of the sun, and the snow."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, what is your season?</div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-90723759948495056552016-12-06T12:27:00.000-08:002016-12-07T08:11:04.205-08:00Christmas 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
I wasn't going to do a Christmas home tour blog this year. Most of my decorations are used year to year, so I thought why post again? It will look pretty much like it did last year, right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But after getting things out, and decorated, I decided to go ahead and post pics of our 2016 Christmas. Why? Because my sister asked me to. :-) So this is for you, sis!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to our Christmas home!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gyRBCXd_rMogU5Chotj6_gbDRUuFrtVY0AMTtwXXoQw_ZahZiwxgk7_LXhDzuKiKZbvwrUm28kVgMfhBMSLNQQGzxwDFX4Y3gnN5SdNpms7SUWXfAjuMJcpYnmVkNEWz0RACOMD-8z4/s1600/2V2A2841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gyRBCXd_rMogU5Chotj6_gbDRUuFrtVY0AMTtwXXoQw_ZahZiwxgk7_LXhDzuKiKZbvwrUm28kVgMfhBMSLNQQGzxwDFX4Y3gnN5SdNpms7SUWXfAjuMJcpYnmVkNEWz0RACOMD-8z4/s640/2V2A2841.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoz5jZhiTFBA3cGS-uRAvNTCB9dKlGvo-tUL-OEZXZJBUrE1fHDDWyrmBU8V6eZFNOvRSv7HC912nGcLGUh5JFHprwzjMgU7S8-m1v6b3jEweqn36K9j7gxjcAA_lbtO24i8bUruLsbM/s1600/2V2A2601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoz5jZhiTFBA3cGS-uRAvNTCB9dKlGvo-tUL-OEZXZJBUrE1fHDDWyrmBU8V6eZFNOvRSv7HC912nGcLGUh5JFHprwzjMgU7S8-m1v6b3jEweqn36K9j7gxjcAA_lbtO24i8bUruLsbM/s640/2V2A2601.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stepping in the house, you are greeted by the lighted garland on the stairs and one of my favorites, the "Merry Christmas" sign made by my sister. Her online shop is "White Hen". You will be seeing more of her work throughout the home. I admit I'm a bit obsessed with her work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT6Ewl5ecfraNeZafY6MCYEfI3AQcAXqC8kLGDl1AQ8XhgNRZ6_Tjbo2H_r1wHocDpf7FVOdQwm6KeuTYxVBD0tYZJX4tLYKk1ocDVe0Uiult9MRsTaylFAKQGeL7tNCWNqlPj5y8644/s1600/2V2A2461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT6Ewl5ecfraNeZafY6MCYEfI3AQcAXqC8kLGDl1AQ8XhgNRZ6_Tjbo2H_r1wHocDpf7FVOdQwm6KeuTYxVBD0tYZJX4tLYKk1ocDVe0Uiult9MRsTaylFAKQGeL7tNCWNqlPj5y8644/s640/2V2A2461.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtM8MBybJx69g4Z2_Gcan1GmHXPJe_KG7bdGJAXQW1AwojuJ7F4POGH6nkTZBbV1HXZC7eflL-7m2Nju0njDCTwdXyBPQUjGG40hVykhveYE5ZA9lX9Qx-UjOP5wsFyaH2Ji4ILXIs4s/s1600/2V2A2460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtM8MBybJx69g4Z2_Gcan1GmHXPJe_KG7bdGJAXQW1AwojuJ7F4POGH6nkTZBbV1HXZC7eflL-7m2Nju0njDCTwdXyBPQUjGG40hVykhveYE5ZA9lX9Qx-UjOP5wsFyaH2Ji4ILXIs4s/s640/2V2A2460.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our living room has taken on a little different look this year with a different furniture and tree placement. This is the first time I've placed the tree in this spot. I love it in front of the window. You can see it almost immediately when you walk in the front door. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrLJ9ikSHIP7riUf9uJc6B_HUUVWJopei9SMLKVNJlrmij_mSRhrr8IDk6-nKCPcjq44E_DPp2AbB8iU7RMnBm8oU6b3vze288nSimHbfdvShL2e1l8I904IrZsNmpIOMGjhmeHunPPU/s1600/2V2A2443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrLJ9ikSHIP7riUf9uJc6B_HUUVWJopei9SMLKVNJlrmij_mSRhrr8IDk6-nKCPcjq44E_DPp2AbB8iU7RMnBm8oU6b3vze288nSimHbfdvShL2e1l8I904IrZsNmpIOMGjhmeHunPPU/s640/2V2A2443.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sbH_2t5O9hNBvcXZU9sbX4XmIhWQHGmff-1vz51bc6Xt4cyh-OAtuv66dt1_gXHm_HkIAxKyE_SSmyw_fR6BTcO5HCQMJDrUT-VAPgkde_GAMVSYSkrgNPkMtZwtILBURJ1PDsV-CUI/s1600/2V2A2457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sbH_2t5O9hNBvcXZU9sbX4XmIhWQHGmff-1vz51bc6Xt4cyh-OAtuv66dt1_gXHm_HkIAxKyE_SSmyw_fR6BTcO5HCQMJDrUT-VAPgkde_GAMVSYSkrgNPkMtZwtILBURJ1PDsV-CUI/s640/2V2A2457.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2T8-7nzWgANTp7gR6iV3eid0auhS-X6y5ecqWpez-dChg1-SjAMeUsh4xRQIfKvN9bmGsVYV_cvvcU5dnQI-6OtamrnRuBeyt78RQa37UggDplLPG_3fPA418HCoi43B5Pp5R-pSBEc/s1600/2V2A2458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2T8-7nzWgANTp7gR6iV3eid0auhS-X6y5ecqWpez-dChg1-SjAMeUsh4xRQIfKvN9bmGsVYV_cvvcU5dnQI-6OtamrnRuBeyt78RQa37UggDplLPG_3fPA418HCoi43B5Pp5R-pSBEc/s640/2V2A2458.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdlwT9JqY_B8BcKWmzqHkJL7-vaRZ_1Hsnw-RsImymbpotyBhAlNVqYchy1J2E74DdCYOm3J0WVKlikxHKTZ_r1V9WuTP5KrDzAHHlW3gP8Q3FPqUG50fvfeGJNEcsRYyAPe6FrmduK4/s1600/2V2A2831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdlwT9JqY_B8BcKWmzqHkJL7-vaRZ_1Hsnw-RsImymbpotyBhAlNVqYchy1J2E74DdCYOm3J0WVKlikxHKTZ_r1V9WuTP5KrDzAHHlW3gP8Q3FPqUG50fvfeGJNEcsRYyAPe6FrmduK4/s640/2V2A2831.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfHHl0lXtDTsAURWwYjufSU3bL3hNWtAT3Tr7Us_Vru1s2KnUFlHpXKamouxAN2OezUAHdEtyqp8nJucfvBtoDkpw15EwmlKrdjF0FKnNQSBptzDN49dReHv-Z1HP3M2ilslu8Yi_e7M/s1600/2V2A2834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfHHl0lXtDTsAURWwYjufSU3bL3hNWtAT3Tr7Us_Vru1s2KnUFlHpXKamouxAN2OezUAHdEtyqp8nJucfvBtoDkpw15EwmlKrdjF0FKnNQSBptzDN49dReHv-Z1HP3M2ilslu8Yi_e7M/s640/2V2A2834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sofa table is in front of the window on the other side of the tree. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzbmCKBsK7Mi-Ud6GuwskkDKs4dFoP01yirHqxuNr4xFD0cZjET3CIciI7CGU_xe4t0l11IFYt5zXWU4ETZ4POliIoCzToESVQo6qoG-gZPpX4RY09n8XUQ9s1OJ1NQxY0wmiGxiifqw/s1600/2V2A2456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzbmCKBsK7Mi-Ud6GuwskkDKs4dFoP01yirHqxuNr4xFD0cZjET3CIciI7CGU_xe4t0l11IFYt5zXWU4ETZ4POliIoCzToESVQo6qoG-gZPpX4RY09n8XUQ9s1OJ1NQxY0wmiGxiifqw/s640/2V2A2456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sunroom is used primarily as overflow for the living room. But I love sitting in there in the mornings for my Bible study time. It's so peaceful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dB3VcJr-UzR3NAacaJICJ_jD9CKMJin58kS_11Y1DBdZRNmRLk0cemA5iQd9hZNs22X3Bsh6bGWe2uliUa2yQnt_M3qY3OThC_EkRP5BNd149Se6-SlOuJ7IvaO51BtpGh8BOoYNPr8/s1600/2V2A2453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dB3VcJr-UzR3NAacaJICJ_jD9CKMJin58kS_11Y1DBdZRNmRLk0cemA5iQd9hZNs22X3Bsh6bGWe2uliUa2yQnt_M3qY3OThC_EkRP5BNd149Se6-SlOuJ7IvaO51BtpGh8BOoYNPr8/s640/2V2A2453.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This "Oh What Fun" sign was a gift from my sister. I LOVE it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkjaSOaJ7bA_AMkOx1grmK1NOb_ysOciQ58nWGrTnMqPuZCngymitbG3fRH4dbakqbhft0FtwIoNLakcdMIkbDFkB11oWz3iGzPk8yzJWZ8RWa1tE9eCDTAUwdBbOsbPLDwldCW2oEcM/s1600/2V2A2447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkjaSOaJ7bA_AMkOx1grmK1NOb_ysOciQ58nWGrTnMqPuZCngymitbG3fRH4dbakqbhft0FtwIoNLakcdMIkbDFkB11oWz3iGzPk8yzJWZ8RWa1tE9eCDTAUwdBbOsbPLDwldCW2oEcM/s400/2V2A2447.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6pCNwWtAAtGeeCwvA0fgYWzpAYQlAD6khTpD7yMKyUIkGpWrg_VyhwT-DwRL08flQ16ETvogJOiNlSlWS2beM0moNX5ZRM-lCOZFrKVFy2lu0az25xyuwCiu_Jz8jDSmIz3NhGGnqLA/s1600/2V2A2449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6pCNwWtAAtGeeCwvA0fgYWzpAYQlAD6khTpD7yMKyUIkGpWrg_VyhwT-DwRL08flQ16ETvogJOiNlSlWS2beM0moNX5ZRM-lCOZFrKVFy2lu0az25xyuwCiu_Jz8jDSmIz3NhGGnqLA/s400/2V2A2449.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the dining room, we added a new hutch this year, replacing my old buffet. So I tweaked that end of the room a bit. I love the sign that is above the hutch. I had my sister busy doing several other signs for me (I'll show you those later). I found this at a friend's online shop, "The Feathered Nest". It's perfect for this space. And of course, my white ceramic tree had to sit atop the hutch. I added some green miniature trees in some of my white ware to finish off the space.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVj0gRjxYDTqsJIrGoe8_9vm9Mj6UmUqQuXjwjsEP2UulsKrsmv1yylAUQLMX5qiLfZWrnbvyOyw_Fc59bXj9Ej_tjIjZXMCY5LPVIkrUmpiKYDKEh7fboixmAkEjAPSLFCh8LV8xPbo/s1600/2V2A2436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVj0gRjxYDTqsJIrGoe8_9vm9Mj6UmUqQuXjwjsEP2UulsKrsmv1yylAUQLMX5qiLfZWrnbvyOyw_Fc59bXj9Ej_tjIjZXMCY5LPVIkrUmpiKYDKEh7fboixmAkEjAPSLFCh8LV8xPbo/s640/2V2A2436.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFICc5csL_6g1qQVxij__YNOFzspyt77g4EO9Vs4Fr2SR6OTTfoD2Kq0LLkssUbfuKEBRw2l3i-jxH-WppfqWjZrkK5Ber9BjYra75-saaPoJO2xqDNy4Wqu7g-Nt4GUKtcgJgTBNA04/s1600/2V2A2651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFICc5csL_6g1qQVxij__YNOFzspyt77g4EO9Vs4Fr2SR6OTTfoD2Kq0LLkssUbfuKEBRw2l3i-jxH-WppfqWjZrkK5Ber9BjYra75-saaPoJO2xqDNy4Wqu7g-Nt4GUKtcgJgTBNA04/s640/2V2A2651.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The table is centered with more trees. I used an apothecary jar and homemade snow globes to keep with the tree theme of the room.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomqD0kRwa9ptJ960pc-R-E1KEkdUXnurgoY5Ayzbk1ogXrx1NdBCfJkqq8bMyiPgICf_7bomZjxkQKoyhlSR7zdz7UBk0uQHBwYKsVq0Z3CDti7YNmQZglVew5_TxVIkWaogSTd1TBF0/s1600/2V2A2433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomqD0kRwa9ptJ960pc-R-E1KEkdUXnurgoY5Ayzbk1ogXrx1NdBCfJkqq8bMyiPgICf_7bomZjxkQKoyhlSR7zdz7UBk0uQHBwYKsVq0Z3CDti7YNmQZglVew5_TxVIkWaogSTd1TBF0/s640/2V2A2433.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVubFW0QU3O2QfgpVTs2tVtWWs9YeemhFKwiQPHglMPbG4DB_prdVG1gGINsjTzostQo9m6yvow7L1o4kGqtaQcCkcnPUgWdfMNGwOTv_MvVYL-Xcj9lfOGSdSVS0kTzR2SGy30_oLI0M/s1600/2V2A2432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVubFW0QU3O2QfgpVTs2tVtWWs9YeemhFKwiQPHglMPbG4DB_prdVG1gGINsjTzostQo9m6yvow7L1o4kGqtaQcCkcnPUgWdfMNGwOTv_MvVYL-Xcj9lfOGSdSVS0kTzR2SGy30_oLI0M/s640/2V2A2432.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My small buffet on the opposite wall adds to the tree theme in the room. Above it I hung a chalkboard I made using an antique frame and 1/4 inch plywood.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQ8Uzo4Kobl478pI1aPbOQfORVX9o5VZU_Nqs9zlLx2S8r1E9qNh4jMeKx12MkMtx5IuQlfqE3c3pMNllJlPqlr2ZAq1PH-mceA_HWNA2CB0BXIWnsGPHEaCiT6WWLOTY5yWSiZcdXtw/s1600/2V2A2438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQ8Uzo4Kobl478pI1aPbOQfORVX9o5VZU_Nqs9zlLx2S8r1E9qNh4jMeKx12MkMtx5IuQlfqE3c3pMNllJlPqlr2ZAq1PH-mceA_HWNA2CB0BXIWnsGPHEaCiT6WWLOTY5yWSiZcdXtw/s640/2V2A2438.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UMCqZ4LqpgVssWcGplwRhgxsu886ay99bKfyVy1BR8BUkJViNt6XKD40DVBmfEfJxPCrElcnc3h0ED0mVSHSLjn6ubYJGvrKhDzgQ_AqHQ4Fip-sazU5kYdxTYcO4-MSK933l7ddn1g/s1600/2V2A2462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UMCqZ4LqpgVssWcGplwRhgxsu886ay99bKfyVy1BR8BUkJViNt6XKD40DVBmfEfJxPCrElcnc3h0ED0mVSHSLjn6ubYJGvrKhDzgQ_AqHQ4Fip-sazU5kYdxTYcO4-MSK933l7ddn1g/s400/2V2A2462.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_oUd80iNaqZ6GZGzNYzdjGUOVxi7RmqbndAr92AQKsaxP9v6cDjV8jkLJymuU63K7vgKpWsEBrh-uD1oCxC_C6dqlOm61JZMrDfJzX_0eCzwmIPeCI-bD5s1GfrFOdmvECV2VhDiSu4/s1600/2V2A2464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_oUd80iNaqZ6GZGzNYzdjGUOVxi7RmqbndAr92AQKsaxP9v6cDjV8jkLJymuU63K7vgKpWsEBrh-uD1oCxC_C6dqlOm61JZMrDfJzX_0eCzwmIPeCI-bD5s1GfrFOdmvECV2VhDiSu4/s640/2V2A2464.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Kmnmn-yBYP7akTQL2BE_Yw4dEFotTeNw0xANzMKqzBl18JqkhoCYzlYr0h6kdw31VF5g4eR-UmuoTI6FXuZ8UM21-cL6Ne-RWTrhjKRNELAun7YWNfMrl3Xv_G7NSQ4dM4GWq6wps2s/s1600/2V2A2463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Kmnmn-yBYP7akTQL2BE_Yw4dEFotTeNw0xANzMKqzBl18JqkhoCYzlYr0h6kdw31VF5g4eR-UmuoTI6FXuZ8UM21-cL6Ne-RWTrhjKRNELAun7YWNfMrl3Xv_G7NSQ4dM4GWq6wps2s/s640/2V2A2463.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year, I painted and moved my buffet from the dining room to the kitchen, making a space for a coffee bar. I hung the open shelving above it for storing additional coffee items.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTxRXaQoEPszHBBuN1FLu9KfaopkBDIHnyCMuNF2hs53tPLKSxd4WdY7oEixydWbYqZ_FbiILTw9XoCPhAVS1J6CNa8YOubeqO_5BjC_3fklrrzYWkWcSmogutcvrbr8Q9Hs92a5SQv4/s1600/2V2A2468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTxRXaQoEPszHBBuN1FLu9KfaopkBDIHnyCMuNF2hs53tPLKSxd4WdY7oEixydWbYqZ_FbiILTw9XoCPhAVS1J6CNa8YOubeqO_5BjC_3fklrrzYWkWcSmogutcvrbr8Q9Hs92a5SQv4/s640/2V2A2468.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the opposite side of the room, I have a small live tree, decked out with kitchen utensil ornaments.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwj5k5bkPr9PPKpQDMrfPq5weVVv1dOYJg3k26Z400fv9bg0R_QfjTMUcqtNIPCUP2tfDumiPYZbs7CKkIcp2ii1flpgjWJboBkQIIk4G9JxgB092IxyNUfuVAnyV0-Jqpg40iyD941Q/s1600/2V2A2470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwj5k5bkPr9PPKpQDMrfPq5weVVv1dOYJg3k26Z400fv9bg0R_QfjTMUcqtNIPCUP2tfDumiPYZbs7CKkIcp2ii1flpgjWJboBkQIIk4G9JxgB092IxyNUfuVAnyV0-Jqpg40iyD941Q/s640/2V2A2470.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL05RcmmOSugs4tWy5tKwU_1VDLuUWU2u1T-2zLqE9d000xyJxmIz7sQ5TgLesjl04F9SvddJqeslkJW0Ubh_WN7PGpjyMuguJBoJfBvdPpEIM0mDY2VUZ6YqZ5nkYs73kR56_F-s9tc/s1600/2V2A2472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL05RcmmOSugs4tWy5tKwU_1VDLuUWU2u1T-2zLqE9d000xyJxmIz7sQ5TgLesjl04F9SvddJqeslkJW0Ubh_WN7PGpjyMuguJBoJfBvdPpEIM0mDY2VUZ6YqZ5nkYs73kR56_F-s9tc/s400/2V2A2472.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the top of the stairs is my new favorite room in the house. I transformed my craft room into a room for my grandkids to stay in when they visit. I love how it turned out, but mainly, I love that I have a place that is special for them when they come!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTpZmjZUsGyNrvRbPIGUXtbqLCW-4H7c-XDggi2LxnKgvJSube9CYfzuPV46ETWgC9c1wT7PO45W0MRXeYjXv9pcgFfSGWy7oAmWhbOZh6YHK6b1d7tEbnAmBDd_iuyI379qmH5eeE7k/s1600/2V2A2487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTpZmjZUsGyNrvRbPIGUXtbqLCW-4H7c-XDggi2LxnKgvJSube9CYfzuPV46ETWgC9c1wT7PO45W0MRXeYjXv9pcgFfSGWy7oAmWhbOZh6YHK6b1d7tEbnAmBDd_iuyI379qmH5eeE7k/s640/2V2A2487.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This little sign is so precious to me. Made by my sister (again, you can find her at her online shop on Facebook as White Hen). For the season, I simply adorned the shelf above it with bottle brush trees and hung a little garland from the shelf.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvvrcXa60TFF2pfrKgu1CYjsCioyRbx162RLkQWiNsEPxDB6Tc42DdzZWeifo_9HG917BC4wXEtwn4M1JpfVqTC2Ns5W8j7FIVzPWU9GdJ_nTK-BQrm8Zcg0yd7OnHtndZjxGYkQ735I/s1600/2V2A2632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvvrcXa60TFF2pfrKgu1CYjsCioyRbx162RLkQWiNsEPxDB6Tc42DdzZWeifo_9HG917BC4wXEtwn4M1JpfVqTC2Ns5W8j7FIVzPWU9GdJ_nTK-BQrm8Zcg0yd7OnHtndZjxGYkQ735I/s640/2V2A2632.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMo23p9uUdiUutjTVWOXjfqHC3ofbs1MXKqV8QU1tOjiGMlMGiaPDQHuHgifK-A2armGHet-sxcq4MzqGB3B8C2leee5XZmMp7W8Cysy_CKsnJY4XFeB1sBZH1h7ieExnRdaaVnmaJp8/s1600/2V2A2488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMo23p9uUdiUutjTVWOXjfqHC3ofbs1MXKqV8QU1tOjiGMlMGiaPDQHuHgifK-A2armGHet-sxcq4MzqGB3B8C2leee5XZmMp7W8Cysy_CKsnJY4XFeB1sBZH1h7ieExnRdaaVnmaJp8/s640/2V2A2488.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8g4IAC2tgj1L_nAKNevTwTMva9AM1TOqlvqXQL9jYUtt7-353BIVKjqg-vRIrkG6GLNPCtmJQoDuRG7R6rgU3A82KVB6Lo99MhMCAHRonEHKe2CEHrrwKyZB06N1fru2oESypd1YvLOc/s1600/2V2A2486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8g4IAC2tgj1L_nAKNevTwTMva9AM1TOqlvqXQL9jYUtt7-353BIVKjqg-vRIrkG6GLNPCtmJQoDuRG7R6rgU3A82KVB6Lo99MhMCAHRonEHKe2CEHrrwKyZB06N1fru2oESypd1YvLOc/s400/2V2A2486.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tON4JY2hJCS_Zfi867yRiaImOhvS8hYCgNyOEZkmOLv-Ff1b2J63ydaMkz4t_j3YloGH_VrA8XoL2xBG0rMFiUNUCJ13D0osgISno1-KxTEN28c4J1IpKWhSQI6a5Z4IYf2Z8QK6roo/s1600/2V2A2484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tON4JY2hJCS_Zfi867yRiaImOhvS8hYCgNyOEZkmOLv-Ff1b2J63ydaMkz4t_j3YloGH_VrA8XoL2xBG0rMFiUNUCJ13D0osgISno1-KxTEN28c4J1IpKWhSQI6a5Z4IYf2Z8QK6roo/s400/2V2A2484.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These little dolls are adorable. They are from an online shop called "Cuddle+Kind". When you purchase one of their dolls, they donate 10 meals to needy children.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJm4UptC3tHiI0nGP-M-X5_YDjMqZzyUkwnrZWT0pfMNIioXVeZefGWDSAY_jpFcGLXT36jlpSkTmYFu20ZwvUDrgAHyyDBKc45XRHjxnDD33Ii7s7Vm8P4Po0l_Zy3UY33iCaxZJowYM/s1600/2V2A2481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJm4UptC3tHiI0nGP-M-X5_YDjMqZzyUkwnrZWT0pfMNIioXVeZefGWDSAY_jpFcGLXT36jlpSkTmYFu20ZwvUDrgAHyyDBKc45XRHjxnDD33Ii7s7Vm8P4Po0l_Zy3UY33iCaxZJowYM/s400/2V2A2481.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4UHqGcQxxDwU4i8CyZz5yujBUKvgdHeDkBF0zan29wtuhqeHHKtZ68gvJfuw16weeyk_XwojiVXL0bhuMMer5WHC_uztywfUxesE1bT0NF-Bf0gUm5_AJXsi2WDckmfd6GdzgSkLQgc/s1600/2V2A2483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4UHqGcQxxDwU4i8CyZz5yujBUKvgdHeDkBF0zan29wtuhqeHHKtZ68gvJfuw16weeyk_XwojiVXL0bhuMMer5WHC_uztywfUxesE1bT0NF-Bf0gUm5_AJXsi2WDckmfd6GdzgSkLQgc/s400/2V2A2483.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QpDudxMmfyz53CPvPASyfKRkpAAcUTiVZCw_lO2cr2JWy3o4t4F0KrZRLPXqRi1AwgHHxs-0aaIU2tNWy6amKKdPi7wek2AXbWiJJdFe2hs3pfRBz0qIJVXf0UR59r5czf2DZOw3pzw/s1600/2V2A2489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QpDudxMmfyz53CPvPASyfKRkpAAcUTiVZCw_lO2cr2JWy3o4t4F0KrZRLPXqRi1AwgHHxs-0aaIU2tNWy6amKKdPi7wek2AXbWiJJdFe2hs3pfRBz0qIJVXf0UR59r5czf2DZOw3pzw/s400/2V2A2489.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the master bedroom, I didn't change much from my decor I used last year. But I did add this adorable sign also made by "White Hen".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EeTxrUIWQ9y_pxpyx5eP71AK3JFloKpyVm7snoFD9YYW6bGB1Ed8UnYIWFGjkymvbR6aoDrY1BkwKMDUWKgYRMHHDF967TAu4GnhyphenhyphenVhCGHdpiK_GlkHNsmGFsDjxlbK6Jgo8ZaEF1Fw/s1600/2V2A2639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EeTxrUIWQ9y_pxpyx5eP71AK3JFloKpyVm7snoFD9YYW6bGB1Ed8UnYIWFGjkymvbR6aoDrY1BkwKMDUWKgYRMHHDF967TAu4GnhyphenhyphenVhCGHdpiK_GlkHNsmGFsDjxlbK6Jgo8ZaEF1Fw/s640/2V2A2639.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenQXmLi2yDXBxJJhiQQPjPtMTWWeQKYcR4BHW1Cm96hs8GnnLnUvuTnXnkke2m9JNAIa0s9ELtBCFOvSXO2t5MGYDO3vLEasV7j4vzlOG8aRO5ETdACZvQibzf5ylFuQTu-vy47hzCuM/s1600/2V2A2635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenQXmLi2yDXBxJJhiQQPjPtMTWWeQKYcR4BHW1Cm96hs8GnnLnUvuTnXnkke2m9JNAIa0s9ELtBCFOvSXO2t5MGYDO3vLEasV7j4vzlOG8aRO5ETdACZvQibzf5ylFuQTu-vy47hzCuM/s640/2V2A2635.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeE6xpuEzZkEM0irtgh0YmnOQcdYYx03UKbFqmpkgbl6QG6k1H9oczUHgM6NuiSKHrJ2lLjQXFVDDQGnDHqt8zpknacjQ19-9Op8MKMYEBIvt8dtSVzC2NVl63OjelMM3yHMx608cbVcY/s1600/2V2A2634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeE6xpuEzZkEM0irtgh0YmnOQcdYYx03UKbFqmpkgbl6QG6k1H9oczUHgM6NuiSKHrJ2lLjQXFVDDQGnDHqt8zpknacjQ19-9Op8MKMYEBIvt8dtSVzC2NVl63OjelMM3yHMx608cbVcY/s640/2V2A2634.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqh9af5gtHWuCVaSEjILEcQ6qRTwOgtj5rs5fcGpT94V_tjjoz2us34on_NmHE73RpOXj67ZnRhTmqYztiCjuK4dFHLhkV3G_kOkR678hfD_BBc9udHAGu_hF45yZksZdq1hxba2fQlw/s1600/2V2A2633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqh9af5gtHWuCVaSEjILEcQ6qRTwOgtj5rs5fcGpT94V_tjjoz2us34on_NmHE73RpOXj67ZnRhTmqYztiCjuK4dFHLhkV3G_kOkR678hfD_BBc9udHAGu_hF45yZksZdq1hxba2fQlw/s400/2V2A2633.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Other spaces upstairs are the guest room, office and landing. All have small touches for the season. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDrHjCDApXVW4ERmfAd6ldNa53eecY7Pzd8iJkAVOfApzmtCSno32hjsFEekGLaw1jnpNy9_saKNLFftwKfufB2us4CiCD11qFjqJtguIx3fAkga955Q4IWKyjwxyOjNhPiEHjIwEOFc/s1600/2V2A2641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDrHjCDApXVW4ERmfAd6ldNa53eecY7Pzd8iJkAVOfApzmtCSno32hjsFEekGLaw1jnpNy9_saKNLFftwKfufB2us4CiCD11qFjqJtguIx3fAkga955Q4IWKyjwxyOjNhPiEHjIwEOFc/s640/2V2A2641.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsBoKcZsDOtVPdo5JqyZ66VuRFF6QYx6IXG83V31KtYnV5VfE3FL9VEinsNKFDJ2-Bg6p6DMqtASNGfQYiY1ejVGgDDtRGh6zO_LO8y_H0-GLzlnhaZs0XnDT5PECIK0zDNSfJIwLj0E/s1600/2V2A2642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsBoKcZsDOtVPdo5JqyZ66VuRFF6QYx6IXG83V31KtYnV5VfE3FL9VEinsNKFDJ2-Bg6p6DMqtASNGfQYiY1ejVGgDDtRGh6zO_LO8y_H0-GLzlnhaZs0XnDT5PECIK0zDNSfJIwLj0E/s640/2V2A2642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovsAP5AZ5g3A8-Rrwn9kZzceKAagYydEUlTR6XpR-8GpNXRG8D8-76qYOwLzc528CXr6nAKFBX7OARxvHGBLC6KleHkszALY8FUA8GHi-_vxbEc7DjAtZpNlEEcUWuKcHe9yE7dXLcL0/s1600/2V2A2644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovsAP5AZ5g3A8-Rrwn9kZzceKAagYydEUlTR6XpR-8GpNXRG8D8-76qYOwLzc528CXr6nAKFBX7OARxvHGBLC6KleHkszALY8FUA8GHi-_vxbEc7DjAtZpNlEEcUWuKcHe9yE7dXLcL0/s400/2V2A2644.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijaGlZoR-BYQlJGjgb9sI5ghD62fXVNCGGD7E1v7_kWhEtBWoHXeM0oIYrdghOBZlAXCubMLcoBOBxiwLEjmlMNNgrfgzrhyO3-ONBMshs_W1BvK5hTUptM6N19WK9dnck1BYkyLRiAc/s1600/2V2A2646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijaGlZoR-BYQlJGjgb9sI5ghD62fXVNCGGD7E1v7_kWhEtBWoHXeM0oIYrdghOBZlAXCubMLcoBOBxiwLEjmlMNNgrfgzrhyO3-ONBMshs_W1BvK5hTUptM6N19WK9dnck1BYkyLRiAc/s640/2V2A2646.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So whether you pull out the old decorations, start with new ones, or do a combination of both, Christmas can be fresh and beautiful adding a beauty to your home that you only get to see for a short time every year. Enjoy it! Drink it in! But mostly, as you find joy in your decor, remember it is all in honor of the real meaning of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ!</div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-84172088123983682122016-12-04T12:23:00.000-08:002016-12-04T20:00:17.234-08:00Misplaced Hope<div style="text-align: center;">
In July, my daughter got her license to foster children and soon after, she received her first placement, an adorable 14 month old baby boy. We were all excited and overjoyed with the addition to the family. The bond he had with Bethany was immediate. It has been so sweet to see him grow and blossom under her love, nurturing and parenting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not long after entering her home, we found out the mother's rights would be terminated. At the time, no family members were stepping up to adopt the little guy, and Bethany gladly raised her hand to say she would adopt. The paperwork was filled out in early October, and we began hoping for the adoption to be finalized by Christmas. What a gift! My daughter to have a child and us another grandchild for Christmas!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gNpezbU-JWvxT7l794j7TNMfyh_H05h6LVq9ctLA63dfNl1xHNyv_wruVycr_pLY1244zvpyioifQWEn_pRJV7UpYS6Ch1ENbkG7Ql37NNhk_8ldqDNmGQpG1-f0ZhWuAFQwtBYtZdM/s1600/2V2A2425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gNpezbU-JWvxT7l794j7TNMfyh_H05h6LVq9ctLA63dfNl1xHNyv_wruVycr_pLY1244zvpyioifQWEn_pRJV7UpYS6Ch1ENbkG7Ql37NNhk_8ldqDNmGQpG1-f0ZhWuAFQwtBYtZdM/s640/2V2A2425.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not long after, our hopes were dimmed. A person with family connections showed interest in adopting. Because this person had family connections, Bethany was told they would most likely be chosen over her. We all have been reeling over this news. We went from thinking we might have this little fella as a permanent member of the family, to being fearful he may not even be with us for Christmas. This HOPE we had was being dashed, right before our eyes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Isn't that the way it so often is in life? We have hopes in one thing or another, only to have them dashed or disappointed? Relationships, financial security, health, the list goes on. All important, but the problem we have is if we are hoping in them, our hopes are misplaced. Hopes in anything on this earth will always end in disappointment. Because hope doesn't exist here on earth. Real hope only comes from above.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think it is fitting to focus on something to hope in this time of year. This time of Advent. This time leading up to Christmas. The reason the angels sang and shepherds visited the manger was because the real reason for hope had finally come. Jesus! This one whom the world had awaited! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We sing about that in carols at Christmas every year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Come thou long expected Jesus,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Born to set thy people free.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From our fears and sins release us,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let us find our rest in Thee.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Israel's strength and consolation,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Hope</b> </i>of all the earth thou art.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear desire of every nation,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Joy of every longing heart."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is the only one we can place our hope in and not be disappointed. He is the true and living hope.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, what about our daughter and this child she desires to adopt? Have we lost hope that it can happen? Does she just give up and not pursue adoption? No! We still pray things will work out there. She hasn't given up. But not because she has hope in the system. We certainly have seen that the system is flawed on more than one occasion. But for the very reason I mentioned before, we have hope in the LORD! And can trust HIM! We don't know the outcome, but we can trust this little guy to HIM and trust the Lord will put him in the home HE sees fit. And we can rejoice even now, knowing where ever this child ends up, is what the Lord deems best.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUxzHpAEctXVJr7fW7QLDvE0GcNOjZhgDVs0OfokTJudui2B-ADFcG_NDbaSgRqxEm4wlLDhbrLBSah_D6h0QS1QbAAif1xzt3QLLsBTsmM0aWI3Hh8iRpcbAS9LGKldUPOP380CEsqg/s1600/2V2A1869-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUxzHpAEctXVJr7fW7QLDvE0GcNOjZhgDVs0OfokTJudui2B-ADFcG_NDbaSgRqxEm4wlLDhbrLBSah_D6h0QS1QbAAif1xzt3QLLsBTsmM0aWI3Hh8iRpcbAS9LGKldUPOP380CEsqg/s640/2V2A1869-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We can be thankful no matter what disappointment we face, we can know we have real hope in the Lord. This Jesus who was born in a manger to set people free. This Jesus who grew up to die on the cross to redeem our sinful souls. This Jesus is our hope. This Jesus is our salvation. Place your hope in Him today!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"O holy night the stars are brightly shining.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was the night of our dear Savior's birth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Long lay the world in sin and error pining</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Till He appeared and the soul felt it's worth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fall on your knees</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
O hear the angel voices</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
O night divine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
O night when Christ was born.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
O night divine. O night divine."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Inspired by the adult Sunday School lesson taught by Allen Pellum at Community Bible Church, Dec. 4, 2016. Advent Week One: Hope. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-55981165834989810912016-10-15T07:26:00.001-07:002016-10-15T07:28:59.112-07:00Waco or Bust<div style="text-align: center;">
There's an old postal motto which says, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds". Well, when it comes to two sisters going on the trip of their dreams, the same can be said!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like so many others, my sister Jo and I have been dreaming of going to visit Magnolia Market since the show "The Fixer-Upper" came on HGTV. So we finally did it! We booked her flight from Wisconsin to Jax, then planned for the two of us to head west to Texas. A two day trip, but everyone says to drive so you can carry all your treasures back with you! So this is what we planned to do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What we didn't plan, was for a hurricane to land in Jacksonville at the exact time her flight was suppose to land! Seeing the storm coming, we moved her flight to arrive a day early. We waited out Hurricane Matthew, making sure the family was safe and there was no damage to our home. Thankfully all we experienced was the loss of power, so my husband urged us to head out the next day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we got in the car, loaded up and ready to go, it wouldn't start. Crazy! I had just driven it down the road to grab some breakfast! My husband was still determined that we were going to have this trip of a lifetime, so he went down and rented a car for him to drive while we were gone, and we transferred our luggage to his car and headed west. A few hours behind schedule, but we were off! Not even Hurricane Matthew could stop us! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And 2 days later (16 hours of driving time) we arrived in Waco!! Woot! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The first thing we did was head to the Silos. We knew it would be closed, but we had to see it. Even closed, it was an impressive sight. And it certainly whet our appetites for the next day! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLF9rxE23kB-n_gGnmlR33pdgZvzJ4ax9wcb-_de5OQl0cu7tqnzoaHNiJe6btC4d2FT2T44pnPNK61GmZmlRqFzicpAk1uShD6cqU41N58OQHKdCf_zCnorVOhRMeqLXYtzJbPFeQBo/s1600/2V2A9160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLF9rxE23kB-n_gGnmlR33pdgZvzJ4ax9wcb-_de5OQl0cu7tqnzoaHNiJe6btC4d2FT2T44pnPNK61GmZmlRqFzicpAk1uShD6cqU41N58OQHKdCf_zCnorVOhRMeqLXYtzJbPFeQBo/s640/2V2A9160.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrtrbCWemrkCi8FxJUNd7fT-zAgZH7FvNKLcF0YBE4XizZb1xSrs_rW8mxIldVtbn2hnhvueX-aNarml74rRHS7eR2PQhWHoOUdDpDl58BajgfU0AmOgaSdhAq6HxWxUfkf8x-peXxIc/s1600/2V2A9171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrtrbCWemrkCi8FxJUNd7fT-zAgZH7FvNKLcF0YBE4XizZb1xSrs_rW8mxIldVtbn2hnhvueX-aNarml74rRHS7eR2PQhWHoOUdDpDl58BajgfU0AmOgaSdhAq6HxWxUfkf8x-peXxIc/s640/2V2A9171.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ouOhY7UaZaXd1MUYowbXHvPiNT278iIHdTOmqsqftItUSORCOIf3nLCjoZpK0sKOlooPT1BsATCLdO4UmbErYW92m2MU4t2sWMzb1F9BIT1GIBXEBigSEeyn5-fAe7N0aQkON5-JbZY/s1600/2V2A9178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ouOhY7UaZaXd1MUYowbXHvPiNT278iIHdTOmqsqftItUSORCOIf3nLCjoZpK0sKOlooPT1BsATCLdO4UmbErYW92m2MU4t2sWMzb1F9BIT1GIBXEBigSEeyn5-fAe7N0aQkON5-JbZY/s640/2V2A9178.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l_wjFQ9Vxkv-0rViCUlcJERau_vt5ltr94PDF2tuaCvLQ93EREujih5akJcfvtkspISMHspx907OYOudKvlkRnLEwl-hVz9DYnNb1MZMIfF5JQlTy9SrBBzse5aY9Y4odtUorO-UPiA/s1600/2V2A9181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l_wjFQ9Vxkv-0rViCUlcJERau_vt5ltr94PDF2tuaCvLQ93EREujih5akJcfvtkspISMHspx907OYOudKvlkRnLEwl-hVz9DYnNb1MZMIfF5JQlTy9SrBBzse5aY9Y4odtUorO-UPiA/s640/2V2A9181.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Fortunately, the Silos Bakery had opened a few weeks before we visited, so we planned to go early the next morning to have breakfast before shopping. The bakery opens at 7 AM, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. (We should know... we went to the bakery at least 5 or 6 times in the 2 days we were there!!) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2E687WGs6lbngMrz_phOubw6ToguGN93z1eUkdk3bu2ZWLEUp63Nl7RrlQBSD75z_oP7TXy2UcdJfpd8T8X-jCgypWkhoBmaP6ZU9ShBKhvHmMZJxoz4ZfvAj8JJq38XKQnTY10gpmf4/s1600/2V2A9250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2E687WGs6lbngMrz_phOubw6ToguGN93z1eUkdk3bu2ZWLEUp63Nl7RrlQBSD75z_oP7TXy2UcdJfpd8T8X-jCgypWkhoBmaP6ZU9ShBKhvHmMZJxoz4ZfvAj8JJq38XKQnTY10gpmf4/s640/2V2A9250.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj-JjL5Ge3z0RiXS48ma6VvSmN8YVw0zCQ6_Yy1iPJJRhqERRKFJCVtoI-tMmRjrJDjDGM4dYxXSLkoPqTfdVqgsDEIG3O4zrsxhGtYOZXlpKUHVNu5d48hXR4wcMHx58pRslZydoX9k/s1600/2V2A9255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj-JjL5Ge3z0RiXS48ma6VvSmN8YVw0zCQ6_Yy1iPJJRhqERRKFJCVtoI-tMmRjrJDjDGM4dYxXSLkoPqTfdVqgsDEIG3O4zrsxhGtYOZXlpKUHVNu5d48hXR4wcMHx58pRslZydoX9k/s640/2V2A9255.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The decor of the bakery was so Joanna! Fresh white subway tile and black cabinetry with wood floors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the baked goods were beautiful! It was hard to decide... so we tasted pretty much everything while we were there!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We can recommend the Silo cookie, the nutty cinnamon roll, the orange cranberry biscuit, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the almond pastry, the cupcakes... like I said, pretty much everything! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_fi4w9cnpfc6ZwZbsqcZvtchWVU3K3LlJRx7LSTMfs21AI7iOfBs2d9sjpgDJlTXkZStc9b0sKvWKnXXnl_uu_Gfp6zRKP0Efinbp_Ihot1oJhvkIGmgOwDWi618Ou5YDSD9w6nGVBc/s1600/2V2A9257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_fi4w9cnpfc6ZwZbsqcZvtchWVU3K3LlJRx7LSTMfs21AI7iOfBs2d9sjpgDJlTXkZStc9b0sKvWKnXXnl_uu_Gfp6zRKP0Efinbp_Ihot1oJhvkIGmgOwDWi618Ou5YDSD9w6nGVBc/s640/2V2A9257.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEA117VMARrhA6ZbNphZjVcHQPhnLVumL77sMt5gejDLI1kDfn-HnkwIQt3vr2ney2E4rdwByXyBm0rMoJxwk1NpXNtnxkxtYyxh_82MY22bLd2eA6C9Oi9uSUEjBofcI3C-7reaR3viQ/s1600/2V2A9260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEA117VMARrhA6ZbNphZjVcHQPhnLVumL77sMt5gejDLI1kDfn-HnkwIQt3vr2ney2E4rdwByXyBm0rMoJxwk1NpXNtnxkxtYyxh_82MY22bLd2eA6C9Oi9uSUEjBofcI3C-7reaR3viQ/s640/2V2A9260.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5ToIoNLohJ9OkiANgdhd-TI0fMbYDE48J0tSAI06rVFOpMshKneoGNC4CpLKBv2ACvm-AISUcEaD3RdqTVOgD_8DJ0E6QujDKXdALSRjczc_pDCNHI4dsN4Twn-pITk0Ti001PnAheU/s1600/2V2A9189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5ToIoNLohJ9OkiANgdhd-TI0fMbYDE48J0tSAI06rVFOpMshKneoGNC4CpLKBv2ACvm-AISUcEaD3RdqTVOgD_8DJ0E6QujDKXdALSRjczc_pDCNHI4dsN4Twn-pITk0Ti001PnAheU/s640/2V2A9189.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1kjNd9EYBCbli1UfSKOjz5emCUeVvMotAAIUq8kC0JPWPfbVnvyB18ruCEtFPhe3b1etITmDXrg2VlCx-oqARFCEpfcbt8T8ZOCtYkc8Xm0OgjEUwKfjjgTImguhL8YH4gDPajKwfhU/s1600/2V2A9190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1kjNd9EYBCbli1UfSKOjz5emCUeVvMotAAIUq8kC0JPWPfbVnvyB18ruCEtFPhe3b1etITmDXrg2VlCx-oqARFCEpfcbt8T8ZOCtYkc8Xm0OgjEUwKfjjgTImguhL8YH4gDPajKwfhU/s400/2V2A9190.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECA1xWsbfWmh41zTme-Se9ab6CGgJHpN9pDmcNGih1n0ZqA3RHKqBfbstBie9sT1ik71iQMHrsZDFihvGKPe0QHGTr3uZIIeI_1_rEtxUDUGCnARkGpJpb7SoAlQypiUJQ7JbU9rWHUU/s1600/2V2A9264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECA1xWsbfWmh41zTme-Se9ab6CGgJHpN9pDmcNGih1n0ZqA3RHKqBfbstBie9sT1ik71iQMHrsZDFihvGKPe0QHGTr3uZIIeI_1_rEtxUDUGCnARkGpJpb7SoAlQypiUJQ7JbU9rWHUU/s400/2V2A9264.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though the Magnolia Market doesn't open till 9 AM, after you grab your breakfast, the grounds are open for you to explore. There is plenty to see.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIemZBPqxyTdk-_3LczSNu1dc5TuEB1mNKlNaAgoidhkZ2ER5zujbMtRQVlSa8om_q4w3bkVhos1zuqVUUgiucnXAz5FBjGMC0fR1R8hLfdnOJRaOJz6Rsf1OP07uS0nTwmFPbb4dKQ0/s1600/2V2A9197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIemZBPqxyTdk-_3LczSNu1dc5TuEB1mNKlNaAgoidhkZ2ER5zujbMtRQVlSa8om_q4w3bkVhos1zuqVUUgiucnXAz5FBjGMC0fR1R8hLfdnOJRaOJz6Rsf1OP07uS0nTwmFPbb4dKQ0/s640/2V2A9197.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFBB7IMeZooKZG5pUsKiWHBp2SsV2dnwTZNH14peFcm4XZTDn3pOINceAyOlrehM5HxRrY3EaZKtHjaloEfxaCuH1JEZR4A208YjKytt9HUTyIF7wgH3Zx_hkQ8XoDHfsd28KydPvQRE/s1600/2V2A9271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFBB7IMeZooKZG5pUsKiWHBp2SsV2dnwTZNH14peFcm4XZTDn3pOINceAyOlrehM5HxRrY3EaZKtHjaloEfxaCuH1JEZR4A208YjKytt9HUTyIF7wgH3Zx_hkQ8XoDHfsd28KydPvQRE/s640/2V2A9271.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For my sister Jo, it was 1,159 miles to Waco. For me, 1,054!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFQgVR5ANN9RzItBW39cFMm0TUL36-AyWTPA0SFBwjLu77rrxFns-MORw3XSs7QTzTueuLIT2fiTRja8WbRnlQbJOo_YVIoTlAU9ddd4DsVg0g05T-yayYljYqzZ-liaIjyUolFamH08/s1600/2V2A9275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFQgVR5ANN9RzItBW39cFMm0TUL36-AyWTPA0SFBwjLu77rrxFns-MORw3XSs7QTzTueuLIT2fiTRja8WbRnlQbJOo_YVIoTlAU9ddd4DsVg0g05T-yayYljYqzZ-liaIjyUolFamH08/s1600/2V2A9275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>Chip and Jo thought of everything. Their attention to detail is incredible. We walked around with our mouths hanging open, so taken by everything. Who sees an old abandoned silos and thinks of creating this? Chip and Joanna Gaines! That's who!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicx4DRutHGoz3V5oWHr_Pl9Ap_wod51sks01fOFoFXwFkMDwwfMhyphenhyphenFvwGmq24BQQUuG7Nyp8tmrqz2OCqXIetTsipud2ewwXl73WLOMKRrmcwOxxeKHPQpRAaHwWuHV6j-oCd5h8RTVx8/s1600/2V2A9275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicx4DRutHGoz3V5oWHr_Pl9Ap_wod51sks01fOFoFXwFkMDwwfMhyphenhyphenFvwGmq24BQQUuG7Nyp8tmrqz2OCqXIetTsipud2ewwXl73WLOMKRrmcwOxxeKHPQpRAaHwWuHV6j-oCd5h8RTVx8/s640/2V2A9275.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the way they used the metal structure from the Silos to hang swings for the kiddos </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(and the adults!).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNsqZtFNHlyny9KinkSls6POu9jJa-TFrBNni1AkAEdxQN2RFFxMj3aTCmwr0-oEwmhwCVZsY9FF5Xlw-_oUbvtkTqVD0pYV5_z4wNRtKmrC5MEfKhgQqEWiuMTlclCvr3_ylYVfZsRA/s1600/2V2A9278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNsqZtFNHlyny9KinkSls6POu9jJa-TFrBNni1AkAEdxQN2RFFxMj3aTCmwr0-oEwmhwCVZsY9FF5Xlw-_oUbvtkTqVD0pYV5_z4wNRtKmrC5MEfKhgQqEWiuMTlclCvr3_ylYVfZsRA/s640/2V2A9278.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once inside the shop, it was a whole new level of amazement. All the vignettes were gorgeous! I apologize for not having more photos. I was so overwhelmed with the store, I didn't even think of taking pictures!! Every table and every display was equally inspiring and beautiful to take in. We walked the store about 4 times, to make sure we didn't miss anything. Then we came back later after having our lunch and shopped again. THEN came back the next day and shopped more! And every time, we saw things we didn't see before. There is just so much to see!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhc5qk1aQ6pZd7FiLo1LJZOAhbEv4VLK25OLiqDH8M5CDCezT24u1p1vb1IF8SwC5sAfofogx8-Rm42cMsI8MIVOk9zDds-YvAhtV9iC54XPEMWEIhlPSwbVckn3Zysnmb1HgDQNsNEjI/s1600/2V2A9200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhc5qk1aQ6pZd7FiLo1LJZOAhbEv4VLK25OLiqDH8M5CDCezT24u1p1vb1IF8SwC5sAfofogx8-Rm42cMsI8MIVOk9zDds-YvAhtV9iC54XPEMWEIhlPSwbVckn3Zysnmb1HgDQNsNEjI/s640/2V2A9200.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The main room opened up into another huge room.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimTidp4Bj3wmSTIyU__K7pCqPdjhQQUcY_ScHgHHEcLY1xfGWbUdL9IuwlQGh6oHpi-vO19hyTcoiBnfADAFztcZL2EpVUkUQmskH0bVpSKFsLQc346o8ebz7l2oSdOAw2_2GXLW4AqE/s1600/2V2A9202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimTidp4Bj3wmSTIyU__K7pCqPdjhQQUcY_ScHgHHEcLY1xfGWbUdL9IuwlQGh6oHpi-vO19hyTcoiBnfADAFztcZL2EpVUkUQmskH0bVpSKFsLQc346o8ebz7l2oSdOAw2_2GXLW4AqE/s640/2V2A9202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And there were a lot of associates who were eager to help you find what you are looking for. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixytV32uOKRBQD6lzxw9hEjCXkYPYLd1wllCQGpVUtiYE6jg3dR2xaJH1gpDeF9xrhek20kGHEG25TvXQDPP9tHRVYCiHLINhEWX-sHQUG9N6uXbY-7aNDlJTlz_aEqfzKHktYEiCyB4Y/s1600/2V2A9204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixytV32uOKRBQD6lzxw9hEjCXkYPYLd1wllCQGpVUtiYE6jg3dR2xaJH1gpDeF9xrhek20kGHEG25TvXQDPP9tHRVYCiHLINhEWX-sHQUG9N6uXbY-7aNDlJTlz_aEqfzKHktYEiCyB4Y/s400/2V2A9204.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you got to the counter, the team member made you feel like you were the only customer they have had all day. They took time to chat, find out where you were from and hear your story.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And did I mention lunch? No need to go anywhere for it. There are food trucks lined up outside in the courtyard, which give you a wonderful array of options. Pizza, grilled cheese, crepes, Asian food... and the list goes on!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQwp4dbAwLnMBNtUUCBu-YdmoLVgcast6q8kbxnlCsX4zHZWdUoMUowhOWNWJ6oaJGUP6js33_OtcJB-309i3ZZw4aJn7suanX68DrY36_eB7PkjSLHz4VwiX7YvsQk1rn8Iyy1m_RiU/s1600/2V2A9215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQwp4dbAwLnMBNtUUCBu-YdmoLVgcast6q8kbxnlCsX4zHZWdUoMUowhOWNWJ6oaJGUP6js33_OtcJB-309i3ZZw4aJn7suanX68DrY36_eB7PkjSLHz4VwiX7YvsQk1rn8Iyy1m_RiU/s640/2V2A9215.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once you get your food, there are dozens of white picnic tables to sit at. Some under their recently built pavilion, and some under umbrellas, but all providing shade, and all beautifully adorned with Jo's touch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAmFwWMPXO1CO3iJkrlFTi44-Rdk2aNDQfZOzD1j0u4JfLtxnfkMYDm4VeRkxykI7nDSVtOwQIG7b_hUzaVe1551OIQ4PaG-coAUO9C1IttxIAZsB0lBUk9n6I7wBcMGTA6AnXIt_BBM/s1600/2V2A9199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAmFwWMPXO1CO3iJkrlFTi44-Rdk2aNDQfZOzD1j0u4JfLtxnfkMYDm4VeRkxykI7nDSVtOwQIG7b_hUzaVe1551OIQ4PaG-coAUO9C1IttxIAZsB0lBUk9n6I7wBcMGTA6AnXIt_BBM/s640/2V2A9199.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx-s4ToBUbPiMN71QqyausS1TDSBAfDyY3oPr76_hTrXC7Wr4lYsy3yL76kVjZvBjXNwae5D3QiQcN9_NtWQlGey7h0k5Vrhtw5J0bChMMLlHqS2YmB8NUE5WmnaYKGrI-fxEyO_XVJg/s1600/2V2A9211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx-s4ToBUbPiMN71QqyausS1TDSBAfDyY3oPr76_hTrXC7Wr4lYsy3yL76kVjZvBjXNwae5D3QiQcN9_NtWQlGey7h0k5Vrhtw5J0bChMMLlHqS2YmB8NUE5WmnaYKGrI-fxEyO_XVJg/s400/2V2A9211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This old truck was parked in the courtyard. Another fun thing to explore.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWcyK-xiarD3QlHOl4KGEykAGmjKHW0DYLZtb_-YyUTzoOt9XBq0Aw0ncXvS1mS9Z0MNJ8JKQhNNucBonCeK9hAK8UJrKZ4ZV4BBXNtZbsjwm8MpLgGpn1RSWL0VaVRDxdH9Z2ezX3W8/s1600/2V2A9276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWcyK-xiarD3QlHOl4KGEykAGmjKHW0DYLZtb_-YyUTzoOt9XBq0Aw0ncXvS1mS9Z0MNJ8JKQhNNucBonCeK9hAK8UJrKZ4ZV4BBXNtZbsjwm8MpLgGpn1RSWL0VaVRDxdH9Z2ezX3W8/s400/2V2A9276.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUL9PeqvznNP8SpWpyAM32-JeRNLJQAjax0mooxd3kGvoAj4XDtZnqhVYinujYXWUqXng5l3qwzeHwbQ2KHXWcqhoT2nwjDiMblH2mjGVpPbOVahLLsUDBOzTEJGGXE77NP6UD7-ZeD4/s1600/2V2A9210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUL9PeqvznNP8SpWpyAM32-JeRNLJQAjax0mooxd3kGvoAj4XDtZnqhVYinujYXWUqXng5l3qwzeHwbQ2KHXWcqhoT2nwjDiMblH2mjGVpPbOVahLLsUDBOzTEJGGXE77NP6UD7-ZeD4/s640/2V2A9210.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After splitting a yummy grilled cheese sandwich, we made our way to the garden shop, Magnolia Seed and Supply. Again, so much to take in. The greenhouse is currently being built and will open soon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rPGj9_KZWRYWxGno6vzY2OMLybebQPSTo5IofKpJ1qL60OoF0oHXVzfMNDspUsSfi6_vI2XI6cBMMXwz1qTlTIZnSeBvjdmI1EtiN_ms0AYPYRoLDekamgdkfUQPGYAoDtlEUfFYiPw/s1600/2V2A9219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rPGj9_KZWRYWxGno6vzY2OMLybebQPSTo5IofKpJ1qL60OoF0oHXVzfMNDspUsSfi6_vI2XI6cBMMXwz1qTlTIZnSeBvjdmI1EtiN_ms0AYPYRoLDekamgdkfUQPGYAoDtlEUfFYiPw/s640/2V2A9219.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcR_Q-G-fevp0OKxN_3Cbwft7M4c9KIQBkSZhpFccnw85aX8ZVUCCUT6fnRK38-AkQ5oQz29BQdby0zTLlncaCtMa40ThnrqhSazsACtX-7VbT4grBoPunfjlMqz8eMBBB9M4ICLgMcQ/s1600/2V2A9224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcR_Q-G-fevp0OKxN_3Cbwft7M4c9KIQBkSZhpFccnw85aX8ZVUCCUT6fnRK38-AkQ5oQz29BQdby0zTLlncaCtMa40ThnrqhSazsACtX-7VbT4grBoPunfjlMqz8eMBBB9M4ICLgMcQ/s400/2V2A9224.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were several of these precious ferry gardens throughout the garden area. You can buy the pieces in the Feed and Seed shop to make your own. When my grandbaby, Hazel gets a little older, this will be on my list to do with her for sure!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTdAjyTVaPsu4hgJA68cV3SIP3OPoSEsSl7oT87j1-FM0EDn6H5j_T0JHL09HOnMjEjURRTXHdt_quHUo_fo9IKgjuWn2YS7Y6TcEsiQtY-W7f9EcnJ7axWj-Voa0q7DzY3zmb9x38Sw/s1600/2V2A9225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTdAjyTVaPsu4hgJA68cV3SIP3OPoSEsSl7oT87j1-FM0EDn6H5j_T0JHL09HOnMjEjURRTXHdt_quHUo_fo9IKgjuWn2YS7Y6TcEsiQtY-W7f9EcnJ7axWj-Voa0q7DzY3zmb9x38Sw/s640/2V2A9225.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't think there was anything the Gaines didn't think of. They have included every family member in the visit to the Silos. The open courtyard has toys for the children to play with. It is all not just family friendly, but family ORIENTED.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpVXBz5uGBDK0yyAF8t5AlT53MYvlP2v7eG-bQ8wLe-0HzWnIuTMmmohlpJl0PEBIv_Ev_pyF3uNPMgehCryQL7CKjbXpa87UGc9lw5mh0Q2H4A4on9MSA2t7Lf0crQXMOOM724KwIAg/s1600/2V2A9236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpVXBz5uGBDK0yyAF8t5AlT53MYvlP2v7eG-bQ8wLe-0HzWnIuTMmmohlpJl0PEBIv_Ev_pyF3uNPMgehCryQL7CKjbXpa87UGc9lw5mh0Q2H4A4on9MSA2t7Lf0crQXMOOM724KwIAg/s640/2V2A9236.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You certainly won't leave empty handed, hungry nor disappointed!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bNLyp7D9tDrbtSnPy53cbjj9YImOq33kue0TTt-D_gD0kovlRxf3n_JglSJRDMqXIz7z-wqyFQFnhwYPakPiHs8eTpPN6jnH8UjT4cqknd9J4x0Nd7mwUp-AcjlZ-poTUBykQaQ4l2A/s1600/2V2A9282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bNLyp7D9tDrbtSnPy53cbjj9YImOq33kue0TTt-D_gD0kovlRxf3n_JglSJRDMqXIz7z-wqyFQFnhwYPakPiHs8eTpPN6jnH8UjT4cqknd9J4x0Nd7mwUp-AcjlZ-poTUBykQaQ4l2A/s640/2V2A9282.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After having about as much fun as a human being should be allowed to have, we headed over to Harp Design. It's just a short drive from the Silos. Their shop was filled with great home decor pieces as well. And their employees were equally friendly and eager to tell THEIR story. We loved that! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We left with bags filled with Harp Design goodies too!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTshfu3g-xtQsPIGHez6A8_KzaIvhatOGecVnR4jhua08hLw3sgHFu3kk3CvG6ZnRbfFD_9ynN3RQwiD4JJiFdWB2cN85k0243oazepOTUEZeT7IlEjOIWsrMx8GiNXrSXUM1hsciMo5g/s1600/2V2A9289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTshfu3g-xtQsPIGHez6A8_KzaIvhatOGecVnR4jhua08hLw3sgHFu3kk3CvG6ZnRbfFD_9ynN3RQwiD4JJiFdWB2cN85k0243oazepOTUEZeT7IlEjOIWsrMx8GiNXrSXUM1hsciMo5g/s640/2V2A9289.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After shopping Clint's shop, we headed out to McGregor, TX to find the Gaines' B & B. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Magnolia House.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way, we took a little detour (after driving right through McGregor without realizing it... yes, it's small!). But the detour allowed me to see some beautiful countryside and meet a few new friends. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-7d0WzbFUDs6j6CjczSmsU_rzhNgM7gdBsCX4SDkrneVqdS823pubuoD9mmP58sVhJoRMp1GmHIf73cnqW1mTVqRW4nPdxnau1gQApDPqIl8hXDLYnBaTUDu58SDqd6_jUJsl_nwo_o/s1600/2V2A9296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-7d0WzbFUDs6j6CjczSmsU_rzhNgM7gdBsCX4SDkrneVqdS823pubuoD9mmP58sVhJoRMp1GmHIf73cnqW1mTVqRW4nPdxnau1gQApDPqIl8hXDLYnBaTUDu58SDqd6_jUJsl_nwo_o/s640/2V2A9296.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_ge-QPglXO9Ub1eTvpYMmE_K6jV0_PZUyalHapULir1qzEf3JJJ8QZeinf4-9yP-rw40RVMnJPs1QzXocPdh77_3VlSoK92DOw1nbFS-VZXrC7b-byvN1eRuczX8-6srwtPoKTSAkeU/s1600/2V2A9300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_ge-QPglXO9Ub1eTvpYMmE_K6jV0_PZUyalHapULir1qzEf3JJJ8QZeinf4-9yP-rw40RVMnJPs1QzXocPdh77_3VlSoK92DOw1nbFS-VZXrC7b-byvN1eRuczX8-6srwtPoKTSAkeU/s400/2V2A9300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFop8t2nXaL92zGz5y9cxx7bzJYh1yfDtPyTZs-8zR1meQ_h2oghK9Ha7I01zKbJS2ERKth-Db6KbDG0pcHXNfHri0Jd21_ngW2zzKygIBYbxYA0ioMqRNe_qKwPBl1j9u1t_yqDbNcs/s1600/2V2A9307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFop8t2nXaL92zGz5y9cxx7bzJYh1yfDtPyTZs-8zR1meQ_h2oghK9Ha7I01zKbJS2ERKth-Db6KbDG0pcHXNfHri0Jd21_ngW2zzKygIBYbxYA0ioMqRNe_qKwPBl1j9u1t_yqDbNcs/s640/2V2A9307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtI-bLjSbDtI4JGocI1zTVPomuN1lfbCePHZvNCuPHgaISj_W3yV9gtClWpqbh_r3RdKpCQ8csqSgv72hi2-ww5lcY9hHvhLhxDUe3G6irC_sp0g1ayEWMOpbXCRj3dwtQfp_fOuLVHas/s1600/2V2A9308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtI-bLjSbDtI4JGocI1zTVPomuN1lfbCePHZvNCuPHgaISj_W3yV9gtClWpqbh_r3RdKpCQ8csqSgv72hi2-ww5lcY9hHvhLhxDUe3G6irC_sp0g1ayEWMOpbXCRj3dwtQfp_fOuLVHas/s640/2V2A9308.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnTg3G0-8pg-sZ1xpCqV5wK91W-BfbTbacu7_e2HtY0PUEJU4Q1lyRuK3-pKKCt35_SUQJmc4EYThyroz0m4E4vbkxhGls8ned5KRhvf5uUvRXVGWPVVoF0YfS_y6NxmWRSHhwgs5D_Y/s1600/2V2A9310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnTg3G0-8pg-sZ1xpCqV5wK91W-BfbTbacu7_e2HtY0PUEJU4Q1lyRuK3-pKKCt35_SUQJmc4EYThyroz0m4E4vbkxhGls8ned5KRhvf5uUvRXVGWPVVoF0YfS_y6NxmWRSHhwgs5D_Y/s400/2V2A9310.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I mean, when else is this city slicker going to see goats? And horses? And cows?!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And they were very obliging to pose for me!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Actually the cows were along the interstate on the way home, but they fit the story here, so there you go.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjtrKuzgPyr3HU-V7HqwYVBb9bFywcqdo73ou7v3hkDZAVc_K8YoMy32a0EgVhyphenhyphenjr71N4Tvr2In0EyOCz0nOxHOd53WvhVEc0n6xOma7Ljg96OfLtEEbmJcuGXWssu_qu-qmpjhPsDt4/s1600/2V2A9350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjtrKuzgPyr3HU-V7HqwYVBb9bFywcqdo73ou7v3hkDZAVc_K8YoMy32a0EgVhyphenhyphenjr71N4Tvr2In0EyOCz0nOxHOd53WvhVEc0n6xOma7Ljg96OfLtEEbmJcuGXWssu_qu-qmpjhPsDt4/s640/2V2A9350.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"You crazy lady!!!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIwqh0mcwCVnft9GgThyphenhyphenyFaLtSHWsRd9BudhHP3mR-XqQRp5zTQ8_OukHe1qJWloTUQUPr4A2nTWEcPjepBqh296nxj4_t106JjPtVIwuMRuAlZ0FfFj0y6PQKuHoF60_ibmbnIDVx9s/s1600/2V2A9364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIwqh0mcwCVnft9GgThyphenhyphenyFaLtSHWsRd9BudhHP3mR-XqQRp5zTQ8_OukHe1qJWloTUQUPr4A2nTWEcPjepBqh296nxj4_t106JjPtVIwuMRuAlZ0FfFj0y6PQKuHoF60_ibmbnIDVx9s/s640/2V2A9364.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TiIK0doQx-9K2Z7PfEKALYKpWta2duMTYRrrRSZ_AQJaO-XV-VP-LWLK_5jgaLEvEb-7FdMa2-96h8ND2vAjZ5kB0zQAGTM05VZzQZsmTJJf-JXtFg1XJ8kRhATu18EREMBIlJC5pfY/s1600/2V2A9348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TiIK0doQx-9K2Z7PfEKALYKpWta2duMTYRrrRSZ_AQJaO-XV-VP-LWLK_5jgaLEvEb-7FdMa2-96h8ND2vAjZ5kB0zQAGTM05VZzQZsmTJJf-JXtFg1XJ8kRhATu18EREMBIlJC5pfY/s640/2V2A9348.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, after making our way back to McGregor, we found The Magnolia House. SO charming! Just like it is in all the pictures.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next trip, I will be booking the place, for sure!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hCYl2-ZhyLjIxE6vpmCb79xtkYsrliMckZb4Atcp-6HlzA7RvRy6HSMdgJohxtUHr3rPGMaXYMu161jtO0LRtSCJqeSHQkpIBj0itHGaM83ljofNcHIRpBBsS7HDhJF0SaxPwesXGmk/s1600/2V2A9316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hCYl2-ZhyLjIxE6vpmCb79xtkYsrliMckZb4Atcp-6HlzA7RvRy6HSMdgJohxtUHr3rPGMaXYMu161jtO0LRtSCJqeSHQkpIBj0itHGaM83ljofNcHIRpBBsS7HDhJF0SaxPwesXGmk/s640/2V2A9316.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4M64vbILFB0BRr6nu5X9_QUiorqszWFgdaA8eNRBiRAxV96f4HLVF_pPLAGm4wwiPAnUIIQOAmSzKkeLOG7mAjMYw80qsQk85aaBasFQ80Ko06cBEH6Wkar3fkTmVPkMOnSf5Z3xlVr0/s1600/2V2A9320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4M64vbILFB0BRr6nu5X9_QUiorqszWFgdaA8eNRBiRAxV96f4HLVF_pPLAGm4wwiPAnUIIQOAmSzKkeLOG7mAjMYw80qsQk85aaBasFQ80Ko06cBEH6Wkar3fkTmVPkMOnSf5Z3xlVr0/s640/2V2A9320.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIl9i2bFfJfdo52EYXrjmEew7W750QZ6DnYX_hhg1upCA9puuzfE_tUd8k9VALkodOaLNNjtmr8bGmBjW6xY3gX9jm8O84rKgMFETa_OGlrEKzx4HoprZmLP3lLuTncJRq5KbrnTQnfg/s1600/2V2A9318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIl9i2bFfJfdo52EYXrjmEew7W750QZ6DnYX_hhg1upCA9puuzfE_tUd8k9VALkodOaLNNjtmr8bGmBjW6xY3gX9jm8O84rKgMFETa_OGlrEKzx4HoprZmLP3lLuTncJRq5KbrnTQnfg/s640/2V2A9318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way out of town the next morning (after our 5th or 6th visit to the Silos Bakery), we caught the sun coming up over some iconic places in Waco.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpvj4MSE5sFGuUktcnPZFaoVV9dFAZbezGzRxy0vP2RAdtME87-EKPpwRUP0XwvzDLAKy3fCzocAWg3YTpvPLhuGM9a6QGm1-2tD_BqPEiZAhB1vJnslNWkuThBTTle3FusMAai3Vr1U/s1600/2V2A9330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpvj4MSE5sFGuUktcnPZFaoVV9dFAZbezGzRxy0vP2RAdtME87-EKPpwRUP0XwvzDLAKy3fCzocAWg3YTpvPLhuGM9a6QGm1-2tD_BqPEiZAhB1vJnslNWkuThBTTle3FusMAai3Vr1U/s640/2V2A9330.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbIvwI7CEXnc7cLKyq9V7dc2TSUU1UYv_LuJE2UHKRl4XbSvzATYzbAee-QstWx_SScaKaLmlnZGYawheFKBc3SYkhvZl4GFPhMp33axxgkaRXyGrfH_R26pDp6A_c06zxEPUUYj976A/s1600/2V2A9335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbIvwI7CEXnc7cLKyq9V7dc2TSUU1UYv_LuJE2UHKRl4XbSvzATYzbAee-QstWx_SScaKaLmlnZGYawheFKBc3SYkhvZl4GFPhMp33axxgkaRXyGrfH_R26pDp6A_c06zxEPUUYj976A/s640/2V2A9335.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HQu6nV7WW3tLFy1RJqE2BLm88qIKYjlRdBojdxcTowtu_CIz-iLKICBSSmc1TQ5bAWvG8JsfzVRzfe5Anz9BD3BUuaCVwhSJe1BvwobauYf70bRQ5YAxck01rB-ls95obVUzZpRqSEk/s1600/2V2A9342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HQu6nV7WW3tLFy1RJqE2BLm88qIKYjlRdBojdxcTowtu_CIz-iLKICBSSmc1TQ5bAWvG8JsfzVRzfe5Anz9BD3BUuaCVwhSJe1BvwobauYf70bRQ5YAxck01rB-ls95obVUzZpRqSEk/s640/2V2A9342.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKcc1EXQj673Ys-YrE2tkp5BGkNlD9xyUjbtfmt5INKd7jHUZEMksMSUIcB2LLxHPzzp8pbvvn3JnTeAoaT2rVDnlYqhgTnNYoi6M2kLtt3ymtn04FInfxDjOH4D6YsiL0ld8EC9ZIiM/s1600/2V2A9343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKcc1EXQj673Ys-YrE2tkp5BGkNlD9xyUjbtfmt5INKd7jHUZEMksMSUIcB2LLxHPzzp8pbvvn3JnTeAoaT2rVDnlYqhgTnNYoi6M2kLtt3ymtn04FInfxDjOH4D6YsiL0ld8EC9ZIiM/s640/2V2A9343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And THIS is why we drove!!! Not one regret! 4 days on the road, over 2,200 miles covered, tons of quality time with my sister, visiting the shop of our dreams... SO worth it! I'm so thankful my husband pushed us out the door, and didn't let the storm or the broken car stop us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Would we do it again? You betcha! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszjcEWaDNb2TpuFXspz-lNGCssiDeHxuSr2MBnRbw6OYjBgalx0VvHcEzXR7WhQOut9_xfYOseeTDmSTglz0hIW-inmPB-Djfe8ra7kBv-p6cdoRgx74Q12pzflmEd6TGgTvrcXeJ1vw/s1600/2V2A9371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszjcEWaDNb2TpuFXspz-lNGCssiDeHxuSr2MBnRbw6OYjBgalx0VvHcEzXR7WhQOut9_xfYOseeTDmSTglz0hIW-inmPB-Djfe8ra7kBv-p6cdoRgx74Q12pzflmEd6TGgTvrcXeJ1vw/s640/2V2A9371.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-48978039129413890522016-06-27T06:17:00.000-07:002016-06-27T06:58:35.135-07:0035 years.<div style="text-align: center;">
35 years. Wow! I say that because in one sense it seems like it has gone by so quickly, and in another it seems we've spent our entire lives together. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrD4x8rmyT8XzuukiNJ9ejua6-7AOduChZSm6SXvOIvNjG7Ppnp9XtXbbZ7DLcxQArnig-92UPH95QI5uo5gAfoOhN3t9Dg00yOP37YrtAVU9he6n3XSfN510ARM4NiYd4IuQo_U58ss/s1600/IMG_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrD4x8rmyT8XzuukiNJ9ejua6-7AOduChZSm6SXvOIvNjG7Ppnp9XtXbbZ7DLcxQArnig-92UPH95QI5uo5gAfoOhN3t9Dg00yOP37YrtAVU9he6n3XSfN510ARM4NiYd4IuQo_U58ss/s640/IMG_0025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were just youngsters when we got married. I had just turned 21 and Scott was nearly 20. We were just two young kids jumping into life together with no fear. My parents had married young and after only knowing one another for a month, so I wasn't concerned about only dating Scott for 7 months. I figured we had 6 whole months on my parents. And Scott was so infatuated with me, all he knew was he wanted to marry me, and FAST! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now 35 years, 3 kids, and 2 grandkids later, it seems like what James says in James 4:14, just a "vapor". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But that vapor has been our life. And it's been full of trials and triumphs. Laughter and tears. Dirty socks under the bed and curling irons left on. Long hours at work and screaming kids at home. Then in a blink the kids are grown and it turns into long hours at work and the mother-in-law at home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So how can you turn that crazy life into bliss? Into "happily ever after"? Into "as long as we both shall live"?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before Scott and I got married, my brother Dan, who officiated our wedding, counseled us. And one thing he said has stuck like glue. He asked what marriage meant to us. Of course, our answer was "love". He said, "No, marriage is commitment". He explained how you don't always feel love towards the other, and in those times, it's commitment to one another and to the vows we make before God that will carry you through. And those words have proven to be right over and over. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Commitment to one another, like roots of a tree. Planted. Never to be moved. Planted through the sweet times. Through the rough patches. Through financial difficulties, living from paycheck to paycheck. Through not having a paycheck. Through the birth of three beautiful children. Through the loss of a child. Though finishing school with young kids and long hours at work. Through a failed business. Through a successful business that takes a lot of time. Through the needs of aging parents. Through the death of parents. Through the pain of rebellious children. Through seeing your children grow up and leave home. Through job changes. Through move after move to unknown places and building new relationships. Through it all! Choosing to be committed to one another. Allowing those roots of commitment to grow deep and wide and be planted firm to celebrate the good and to weather any storm. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I have found that the more committed you are to one another, the more love you feel. I'm sure that is what my brother was trying to tell us back in that counseling session as well. It's not that tingling love that brings the goosebumps you felt while dating and when you were first married. It's the bond of love that brings trust and tears. Tears of thankfulness and appreciation that God can take two foolish kids, and knit them together and make them one. Still, after 35 years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgejpLyQL1T-rk6YMGCB6mcOrHSTSEKjPoIkUfw3CMqSTlw1wvX602-yCl0xLV12r0uXFjjv8iiLrkf4JkHgab9Z-w9D7wGcBLqaB6DWsVTmMsBJFOUmqUlvGNgjL01cGRD2HWUfZ4Dxg/s1600/IMG_0033-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgejpLyQL1T-rk6YMGCB6mcOrHSTSEKjPoIkUfw3CMqSTlw1wvX602-yCl0xLV12r0uXFjjv8iiLrkf4JkHgab9Z-w9D7wGcBLqaB6DWsVTmMsBJFOUmqUlvGNgjL01cGRD2HWUfZ4Dxg/s640/IMG_0033-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And Scott Moore, if I were that young 21 year old girl, knowing what I know today, I would still say yes. Yes to you. Yes to the life the Lord has given us and to what He still has in store for us. I pray He gives us at least 35 years more!</div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-10554318289188290132016-06-17T11:14:00.001-07:002018-07-16T14:03:27.818-07:00My sister, the "country mouse".<div style="text-align: center;">
Recently I took a trip to Wisconsin to visit my sister. She and her husband have spent the last 7 years renovating an old farmhouse on 3 acres. It is one of my favorite places in the world to visit. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUr8EOdpH0BwbywOkb89GCwz_fxm3D2DKF6FbEmQOsVHK21UntgJvLRf2SrbbXlHTivTvwUY9Z4KJKZBrmT6pLvBiU5b2aTrp4YWJpDqLAysx212ayviI7QhQqi97geJnRmV19EEB8dA/s1600/2V2A5640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUr8EOdpH0BwbywOkb89GCwz_fxm3D2DKF6FbEmQOsVHK21UntgJvLRf2SrbbXlHTivTvwUY9Z4KJKZBrmT6pLvBiU5b2aTrp4YWJpDqLAysx212ayviI7QhQqi97geJnRmV19EEB8dA/s640/2V2A5640.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, my sister and I did not grow up on a farm. We lived in the small town of Brazil, Indiana and grew up running around the streets of our neighborhood. So farm life was not something we were use to. But my sister has embraced this life, and excels at it. She teasingly says she's now the country mouse and I'm the city mouse. And I guess she's right, but I do love escaping the busy of Jacksonville, FL to be a part of that country life every year, even if it's for just a week or so. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5tFlMXhamsXQswuEEdhKnY5LCuacdSi3biG0nT7XwLwOfML_v0bHp8GVjfybkT-DN8JraoLM2wu0o92EPXm9oibm2ca3bsDTkGhCzDapc9gLW5FXFHZgLkCURHtnYQyw98yvX_en05s/s1600/2V2A5561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5tFlMXhamsXQswuEEdhKnY5LCuacdSi3biG0nT7XwLwOfML_v0bHp8GVjfybkT-DN8JraoLM2wu0o92EPXm9oibm2ca3bsDTkGhCzDapc9gLW5FXFHZgLkCURHtnYQyw98yvX_en05s/s640/2V2A5561.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my absolute favorite things about their place is the chickens. I show how much of a city slicker I am by being so entertained by them. Seriously, they are just so cute!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnxSxNSWGsj86M9-0ynbKAs64lyQFBPOfSputtfD9_ADyfmFfg0CG8vmAMI-ZPXGUPrgJ6IZvnopXY2G_yuE7Tx1DaRhYAE9fc8ge8PmHoSVLO64XlZHm7OoLVxcgI8_PHSDcNVGGTaQ/s1600/2V2A5558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnxSxNSWGsj86M9-0ynbKAs64lyQFBPOfSputtfD9_ADyfmFfg0CG8vmAMI-ZPXGUPrgJ6IZvnopXY2G_yuE7Tx1DaRhYAE9fc8ge8PmHoSVLO64XlZHm7OoLVxcgI8_PHSDcNVGGTaQ/s400/2V2A5558.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46MaHXaQTk86-vFut8CoXkmQPb0z0uVhpCELjEwvVgyD_xZ2y5Ydi1Wmb4rZZdaW4MD_2KDrqR3WWr3JiA2Ww8fZ0yZntmiDDb4q1093-q8O0BcBvsgl5qjN6mup9RDYpuytTZQuYxZo/s1600/2V2A5560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46MaHXaQTk86-vFut8CoXkmQPb0z0uVhpCELjEwvVgyD_xZ2y5Ydi1Wmb4rZZdaW4MD_2KDrqR3WWr3JiA2Ww8fZ0yZntmiDDb4q1093-q8O0BcBvsgl5qjN6mup9RDYpuytTZQuYxZo/s640/2V2A5560.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And they give you presents!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXP7VYXH6_5y22zfH-D1GeVFKq4uwdd6Tj-5mIUJVfcqUPs0WRx7VWKRqCtxJR_d6bRuuevTEzwrh_a1I5kouqfAHuArEWMUCXadL35khlcXRy2_3xs8zCL03ZCCtxx-fP9TZJU0NcdzE/s1600/2V2A5713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXP7VYXH6_5y22zfH-D1GeVFKq4uwdd6Tj-5mIUJVfcqUPs0WRx7VWKRqCtxJR_d6bRuuevTEzwrh_a1I5kouqfAHuArEWMUCXadL35khlcXRy2_3xs8zCL03ZCCtxx-fP9TZJU0NcdzE/s400/2V2A5713.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJ-hMGpJHf4pAFKH66wDf7xgInyO5kmttx6XfA5nXH75e_fWI08C4mC4WSyiU1x4LJV1acM748zNrPNVTjhaqg8dvDG-8uSzhMOZKfYPjAIk_cRe6xtPJbQX9fj4Fgk5RHX7OlLwC-Ic/s1600/2V2A5722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJ-hMGpJHf4pAFKH66wDf7xgInyO5kmttx6XfA5nXH75e_fWI08C4mC4WSyiU1x4LJV1acM748zNrPNVTjhaqg8dvDG-8uSzhMOZKfYPjAIk_cRe6xtPJbQX9fj4Fgk5RHX7OlLwC-Ic/s640/2V2A5722.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were several years while we were growing up that my parents had a garden. My sister loved working the garden, even as a child. Now she works a garden of her own.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPsORs2HGDSgSVTNZ73gMLHDo5DFS0jD9PmFuHf_qbNhPi6t00V8ZwTtkccGF2m0PrboecTseKTqVG2pgeipEBV7c1eH9_L1m3FuGfPp2vZk9KcZ-57hMmgsPgyhDEtHPrvbjQrS_Efw/s1600/2V2A5597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPsORs2HGDSgSVTNZ73gMLHDo5DFS0jD9PmFuHf_qbNhPi6t00V8ZwTtkccGF2m0PrboecTseKTqVG2pgeipEBV7c1eH9_L1m3FuGfPp2vZk9KcZ-57hMmgsPgyhDEtHPrvbjQrS_Efw/s400/2V2A5597.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_AlXGjcMiDG2h6vee5aw9QIFs1nhBbb8DO8-f86CjzXWP0J5JAcCa5OIYakscRtHObU6atkH8NZX2fNVjVUJqD0d2ttEwpcT4TwsdmECPfczG294bxSjs117Tao0yfu4eJkkeHV90WQ/s1600/2V2A5598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_AlXGjcMiDG2h6vee5aw9QIFs1nhBbb8DO8-f86CjzXWP0J5JAcCa5OIYakscRtHObU6atkH8NZX2fNVjVUJqD0d2ttEwpcT4TwsdmECPfczG294bxSjs117Tao0yfu4eJkkeHV90WQ/s640/2V2A5598.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgo7cN0UDzgO6QFHglejBlgsDaVA_FeBNYGHoPiQfF11O1Atp0T3G4yOCJfSMPPrkUJVQGt0wVGPpMWN_RwkxiKtT9wKpXWC5Q2px0APFAB-DR9ikEX-NSnC48lDQ7CCDLYNnsuvZ45w/s1600/2V2A5604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgo7cN0UDzgO6QFHglejBlgsDaVA_FeBNYGHoPiQfF11O1Atp0T3G4yOCJfSMPPrkUJVQGt0wVGPpMWN_RwkxiKtT9wKpXWC5Q2px0APFAB-DR9ikEX-NSnC48lDQ7CCDLYNnsuvZ45w/s640/2V2A5604.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKegjIKbnMMMCPcnfOuzh3ET6hFt6LCPxwVVEzVS_WPehMfVDC7qtwUWB9-p05jwJRUTxvYspuqmEeOBsBHCSS92wS6BMHNcuWBgheLZpVX-EDYc1UkzwvdZpgYjry4b2EOJJQetbNHE/s1600/2V2A5612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKegjIKbnMMMCPcnfOuzh3ET6hFt6LCPxwVVEzVS_WPehMfVDC7qtwUWB9-p05jwJRUTxvYspuqmEeOBsBHCSS92wS6BMHNcuWBgheLZpVX-EDYc1UkzwvdZpgYjry4b2EOJJQetbNHE/s640/2V2A5612.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggohEc95T54BebCF72pCy-T97uBH_QDvI8qii3XT4tzbb7qRGiFRHaULAe7BQ9kZ8RuJoW8IN0BoYrI2QReuk6RPGXzyVi2ZRGVnYbK97OG-fJbZMuO9hjVUFVifRULUhngf2PAElsbq4/s1600/2V2A5615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggohEc95T54BebCF72pCy-T97uBH_QDvI8qii3XT4tzbb7qRGiFRHaULAe7BQ9kZ8RuJoW8IN0BoYrI2QReuk6RPGXzyVi2ZRGVnYbK97OG-fJbZMuO9hjVUFVifRULUhngf2PAElsbq4/s400/2V2A5615.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMf129Ca3gn_MJT-KykYZguKgASz1yQKpPT6KStK6lxbTBJP9p_8KYHAn9qJRci-WBtjQj6jGXrTC3Gfx55PGglevzvTt9UC0A00_2BSfyr8UAnblBDE9DBfX04cmv1q1z4zuGgcYaSc/s1600/2V2A5617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMf129Ca3gn_MJT-KykYZguKgASz1yQKpPT6KStK6lxbTBJP9p_8KYHAn9qJRci-WBtjQj6jGXrTC3Gfx55PGglevzvTt9UC0A00_2BSfyr8UAnblBDE9DBfX04cmv1q1z4zuGgcYaSc/s400/2V2A5617.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While I was visiting, spinach, salad greens and asparagus were ready. And my sister does a beautiful job of using what food is in season. So we had a lot of yummy salads and a delicious asparagus quiche while I was there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKU04VpolPZLgb4FMaozoDo8ZefYJ1zAq1wOHwauqjCgCIbWHqpardKmToXePiAmP9VoA1n_nIErlr094SkhMp6Vri9cEVf9u2j4ARBqElWJcwprVGOuuY74h_7NivJDEguG8ovt45pI/s1600/2V2A5650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKU04VpolPZLgb4FMaozoDo8ZefYJ1zAq1wOHwauqjCgCIbWHqpardKmToXePiAmP9VoA1n_nIErlr094SkhMp6Vri9cEVf9u2j4ARBqElWJcwprVGOuuY74h_7NivJDEguG8ovt45pI/s640/2V2A5650.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In addition to her farm life, my sister is a talented artist and has a studio in her home where she makes pallet signs for her business, "White Hen". I've mentioned her beautiful signs in my blogs a lot. I have them in nearly every room in my house!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHYipA9ZGmHxX6gj4JIgXPUDya4VWxn_cLg_WHosAQpZEmTi7Y5PbnJXf-9GgZJ77yzu_Se0FGkvr1RrA_ycz7UdKmKYxMq_QMFSa5V1MFq5SudmzvIgbV2WLjRQKcAu-qvN_sLaTI0k/s1600/2V2A5662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHYipA9ZGmHxX6gj4JIgXPUDya4VWxn_cLg_WHosAQpZEmTi7Y5PbnJXf-9GgZJ77yzu_Se0FGkvr1RrA_ycz7UdKmKYxMq_QMFSa5V1MFq5SudmzvIgbV2WLjRQKcAu-qvN_sLaTI0k/s640/2V2A5662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA00xcmm4CiTQtsn7k0LovvGv_JplqlKtZ8fvnAopsRuk8Djv3KvRITWAPtHhSe-reKyLIPKszDjEK5oAZXZJmiKo__OTtLFCmxo-FYIb0DsZwM7neM4kn2jj6SmuApoXINXuAuvlsF9I/s1600/2V2A5658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA00xcmm4CiTQtsn7k0LovvGv_JplqlKtZ8fvnAopsRuk8Djv3KvRITWAPtHhSe-reKyLIPKszDjEK5oAZXZJmiKo__OTtLFCmxo-FYIb0DsZwM7neM4kn2jj6SmuApoXINXuAuvlsF9I/s400/2V2A5658.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYz1IwmSbLEp96qFWJ3B7iKHLforJieLKk_Nzy1N4ND7oKHmQp_ZrkhYYIgOiK0hLQbt7sDgbJwlccTcxrW7Q28MaG-QkBY6Hhml-gIc8Sp5Cg3zUFbd9XNaoUTWER5lnLUkW9eU9Sh5M/s1600/2V2A5660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYz1IwmSbLEp96qFWJ3B7iKHLforJieLKk_Nzy1N4ND7oKHmQp_ZrkhYYIgOiK0hLQbt7sDgbJwlccTcxrW7Q28MaG-QkBY6Hhml-gIc8Sp5Cg3zUFbd9XNaoUTWER5lnLUkW9eU9Sh5M/s640/2V2A5660.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZXfvZDmHWPA24MFm8H8WPb2tLnLIpu7vTUoTvk0lVg6ivu0949-LL_rWLsDmlWfVsEcFwzH7pMuvbY_YKaiqaBZSsjk3wIp2WvpSrKe5-41xAbwv-rufaR5mCE2pF2UxOLfWm_Y79uQ/s1600/2V2A5654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZXfvZDmHWPA24MFm8H8WPb2tLnLIpu7vTUoTvk0lVg6ivu0949-LL_rWLsDmlWfVsEcFwzH7pMuvbY_YKaiqaBZSsjk3wIp2WvpSrKe5-41xAbwv-rufaR5mCE2pF2UxOLfWm_Y79uQ/s640/2V2A5654.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This "Gather" sign is going up in my house!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1YWzOwPlo_YQS3rq2dNeihhAU9jr7I1Fy49MK0pia9gAzuGLo_nvQo7DZ2pj_kWwFMexAKjBpsRzHm4ppPp2d94MSbpHT9iYYVHSt11O1Qg1muhGbMunz5yDZUjyu7OrHti1qv6IUnY/s1600/2V2A5656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1YWzOwPlo_YQS3rq2dNeihhAU9jr7I1Fy49MK0pia9gAzuGLo_nvQo7DZ2pj_kWwFMexAKjBpsRzHm4ppPp2d94MSbpHT9iYYVHSt11O1Qg1muhGbMunz5yDZUjyu7OrHti1qv6IUnY/s400/2V2A5656.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But even though our lives are very different with me living in Florida being a "city mouse" and my sister in Wisconsin being a "country mouse", our roots grow very deep and our love is wide enough to span from state to state and country to city. We can learn and grow from one another and enjoy and benefit from the differences in our lives. I'm very thankful for my sweet "country mouse" and the time I can spend with her is a precious gift.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-75769061587521242262016-05-05T09:16:00.001-07:002016-05-05T09:16:14.264-07:00Ami and Jordon are having a...<div style="text-align: center;">
Ami and Jordan, some sweet friends of ours, recently hosted a gender reveal party for their soon to be, first born. They waited a long time to start their family, waiting for Jordan to finish law school and get a job in his field. They also bought a house during their wait. So this little wee one has been prayed for, much anticipated, and loved even before conceived. Needless to say, the day they announced they were expecting was a joyous day for many.<br />
<br />
Coming in to the party, you see a lot of pink and blue. Flowers, sweet tassel bunting and balloons rising high toward the tall ceiling of Maple Street Biscuit Company, the restaurant where the party was held.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjhuP1m-0BpiZyD-49FZaFTUZ0sJ2Qc9Xt_xouAQ7x3AYAyPo2acuTEJk0u7KGe_muv4jP-J3FLCn-0w7BJCb8kVPy6LVAd3GbRzgCQR2oNJ5MRSXtSc6mEVvCQ64xu978iTgcsWzBvQ/s1600/untitled-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjhuP1m-0BpiZyD-49FZaFTUZ0sJ2Qc9Xt_xouAQ7x3AYAyPo2acuTEJk0u7KGe_muv4jP-J3FLCn-0w7BJCb8kVPy6LVAd3GbRzgCQR2oNJ5MRSXtSc6mEVvCQ64xu978iTgcsWzBvQ/s400/untitled-11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjchHCiuMyOZ7JnY9BRv-lzM8kGa2yq4Cf82mmDoGfmYWA5BGBhK8X7cC0dDPiRuH01Kr7qDkJhPXLSQwMZPCB6VfbYT82c-bQO1GV5naEgNq5v2Zfn-Azm_Z5ZHuKwsDoFchHA1HkjTY/s1600/untitled-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjchHCiuMyOZ7JnY9BRv-lzM8kGa2yq4Cf82mmDoGfmYWA5BGBhK8X7cC0dDPiRuH01Kr7qDkJhPXLSQwMZPCB6VfbYT82c-bQO1GV5naEgNq5v2Zfn-Azm_Z5ZHuKwsDoFchHA1HkjTY/s400/untitled-13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9wJMt6gHDwNmigEHqcVGB9epabcA_UbuUCHcxik826MSTi5xYe71JrTwjBXQoPHdsInKT-14zDOAxU4FU0XYPmv3cW_YoTMDg8VeyJOG68jxEy9ouAh_YhD0rbc913KHs1neYq0vMuE/s1600/untitled-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9wJMt6gHDwNmigEHqcVGB9epabcA_UbuUCHcxik826MSTi5xYe71JrTwjBXQoPHdsInKT-14zDOAxU4FU0XYPmv3cW_YoTMDg8VeyJOG68jxEy9ouAh_YhD0rbc913KHs1neYq0vMuE/s640/untitled-10.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the guests could guess if it was a boy or a girl, and were asked to wear a clothes pin proclaiming their vote.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1H8JgbOJr0WvxkNBlVAyZzy5UdXPW95bMSaBvf7ZXdZLqhh8Asfx0k9ad4PqKZBLydwX8QGO9DvkDEQTjgDU1u9N1Cbd0tq5ONbQMfCc8qkABx26LXpaj5_IVSCoMIV7ElLZiKNk-MA/s1600/untitled-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1H8JgbOJr0WvxkNBlVAyZzy5UdXPW95bMSaBvf7ZXdZLqhh8Asfx0k9ad4PqKZBLydwX8QGO9DvkDEQTjgDU1u9N1Cbd0tq5ONbQMfCc8qkABx26LXpaj5_IVSCoMIV7ElLZiKNk-MA/s1600/untitled-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPyfI9fsJEPPdUbKrFogAmtIY1idP8NzCSQpKbltsKwUOcPE6yig6cIbs3OB5RLHKoXQmA01l9fih8aJAKHaVKYI48MGZieXah5A7GYYpx0Rq838Fd-ikR6OO3mt3rg01euwFfBB3zZc/s1600/untitled-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPyfI9fsJEPPdUbKrFogAmtIY1idP8NzCSQpKbltsKwUOcPE6yig6cIbs3OB5RLHKoXQmA01l9fih8aJAKHaVKYI48MGZieXah5A7GYYpx0Rq838Fd-ikR6OO3mt3rg01euwFfBB3zZc/s1600/untitled-38.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS_vRCdd5Z4hEF841smx7YIPpeIuUGhEPC3DziS7ElzqBTLBgDAS4fttRCAol_ddN5Zh4H-2aLQNEh7KO7LgtOKxKYavExRH45MY2q_NhPt2rpGFSQOiBNh6DuPR_x9g2NPacAYZLwUw/s1600/untitled-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS_vRCdd5Z4hEF841smx7YIPpeIuUGhEPC3DziS7ElzqBTLBgDAS4fttRCAol_ddN5Zh4H-2aLQNEh7KO7LgtOKxKYavExRH45MY2q_NhPt2rpGFSQOiBNh6DuPR_x9g2NPacAYZLwUw/s1600/untitled-27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_m61ab6qxyTs262x822ypxeqtfTunG3Etv_ZU_vvrQeXttK590BorTH-wxWvWGSB1uKWS1890ofhsGitpKk-7A07hTg66cnXX61sygZdNQAWa4s6rWuuNDpmBYDpHFPFuj9vCh8Feq8/s1600/untitled-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_m61ab6qxyTs262x822ypxeqtfTunG3Etv_ZU_vvrQeXttK590BorTH-wxWvWGSB1uKWS1890ofhsGitpKk-7A07hTg66cnXX61sygZdNQAWa4s6rWuuNDpmBYDpHFPFuj9vCh8Feq8/s1600/untitled-29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mom and dad were both predicting a girl. Hmmm, do they know something we don't?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaUPY0odnowW5HdgLs3osRe-1vPnfY0cFz4tmVRpDQJ9P67TNUijDLF5QcAsYHkdpg62ggDf_Gq5dcraPJcVccuH_u_mwh6IdcCVs9DsP6QnrO_hkn811f5FlRMUj4wQUQsjRBVbA2Uc/s1600/untitled-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaUPY0odnowW5HdgLs3osRe-1vPnfY0cFz4tmVRpDQJ9P67TNUijDLF5QcAsYHkdpg62ggDf_Gq5dcraPJcVccuH_u_mwh6IdcCVs9DsP6QnrO_hkn811f5FlRMUj4wQUQsjRBVbA2Uc/s1600/untitled-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryOUncjUw6GvICAfp5H3w80EfkfR7coLONBXg4mk60q3SqjaSqLyJCyW8Z3nIEutdBWarcxtYpIyOIu_9Qz-GC-NMsWQV0Qfv8vPS_IElK9KO0V7lY2wotRzk3aS-8JhRSgelHE7W5a8/s1600/untitled-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryOUncjUw6GvICAfp5H3w80EfkfR7coLONBXg4mk60q3SqjaSqLyJCyW8Z3nIEutdBWarcxtYpIyOIu_9Qz-GC-NMsWQV0Qfv8vPS_IElK9KO0V7lY2wotRzk3aS-8JhRSgelHE7W5a8/s1600/untitled-19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b4YPw6j9v5WbDbfzkxh2U0Y2crLklXtLJLbVubc9K-L2TGzMECPgERWkjqo28KBT8rwMRJxRk2ZYcq5dWCnxMfcbFkMjJ-yC3ZQae8bQoU-k0Uht3-UMiacDNyAH1zCo9JEY-hkDgEs/s1600/untitled-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b4YPw6j9v5WbDbfzkxh2U0Y2crLklXtLJLbVubc9K-L2TGzMECPgERWkjqo28KBT8rwMRJxRk2ZYcq5dWCnxMfcbFkMjJ-yC3ZQae8bQoU-k0Uht3-UMiacDNyAH1zCo9JEY-hkDgEs/s1600/untitled-14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
They had lots of yummy food, but all eyes were on the cake that evening. It held the secret.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrydZegGwiu97Xf1uICIyKmKBSuIRjQTWrHelHHkfZoSHtetOLFPlXCgfqwEa-8eoxrUtB7dmY8iLEofm50dGIxHKfpukwidVEF4hCxUcwRY31svMrFDUwHQtJQHcyNzIcMNWo18Ja1w/s1600/untitled-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrydZegGwiu97Xf1uICIyKmKBSuIRjQTWrHelHHkfZoSHtetOLFPlXCgfqwEa-8eoxrUtB7dmY8iLEofm50dGIxHKfpukwidVEF4hCxUcwRY31svMrFDUwHQtJQHcyNzIcMNWo18Ja1w/s640/untitled-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1-_SDUKZZqGN0cTpeoS3TnN27P3_VqFniaT_TpPmMmKw0c_0ZKh_oaIoFpDz5Z_pgitj9AW0hU7QKB1g6y9Cvf4RvINFXSTDJ0-V6N5fcXvtKKWQOEepXmVv23d3HTIvvm5FBU7MwIk/s1600/untitled-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1-_SDUKZZqGN0cTpeoS3TnN27P3_VqFniaT_TpPmMmKw0c_0ZKh_oaIoFpDz5Z_pgitj9AW0hU7QKB1g6y9Cvf4RvINFXSTDJ0-V6N5fcXvtKKWQOEepXmVv23d3HTIvvm5FBU7MwIk/s1600/untitled-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Proud little mama, showing off her baby bump.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXPl5jECL7q7vEgYZltNvNxauZHJYkQxu8SVmtFVp6kYWQVylCh9HTpjyFfQ_KebyHUdZ5L9cj8IuxyV3hRQORC5OPDxK0t_lefimdDMLT8vqiByOHrilVztnQ237MH4orc5ephzWS-g/s1600/untitled-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXPl5jECL7q7vEgYZltNvNxauZHJYkQxu8SVmtFVp6kYWQVylCh9HTpjyFfQ_KebyHUdZ5L9cj8IuxyV3hRQORC5OPDxK0t_lefimdDMLT8vqiByOHrilVztnQ237MH4orc5ephzWS-g/s1600/untitled-39.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj0GjFwslthX8sLSJFgXGJyodWkkmB717Xnc-c0IF_vv_Ylq1mexPJaLf-sTQwn3EjajfnmzLut1AK6HNFCMKyhrj_4hAtdDyt5VIQYonctRBFblW42e5p-G5568RO_Otz4RAgU5WVps/s1600/untitled-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj0GjFwslthX8sLSJFgXGJyodWkkmB717Xnc-c0IF_vv_Ylq1mexPJaLf-sTQwn3EjajfnmzLut1AK6HNFCMKyhrj_4hAtdDyt5VIQYonctRBFblW42e5p-G5568RO_Otz4RAgU5WVps/s1600/untitled-40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dad, looking pretty confident with his prediction.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiL8SHSOXp1FOGEH2QLJxjC2B1Wh7SURyXJcLBMom9VJfUgAeFfX_pGQetfSFV1FlZTA-QDA77qpwdFeh5zxzYynGFnRh8XLmfj2h9GV92-M4eLBYL9pfsn0R4b0vwbWhtkmdvsf5yadU/s1600/untitled-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiL8SHSOXp1FOGEH2QLJxjC2B1Wh7SURyXJcLBMom9VJfUgAeFfX_pGQetfSFV1FlZTA-QDA77qpwdFeh5zxzYynGFnRh8XLmfj2h9GV92-M4eLBYL9pfsn0R4b0vwbWhtkmdvsf5yadU/s1600/untitled-28.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But the hour finally came. I'm not sure how they waited so long to dig into that cake to find out!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
IT'S A....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDjHUdVne_L9SCNI48OiPuzhyb6ckbeoKW29dA5p3zN97mYB7vnIjzbdmSzTVXbEYODtz5x4o1ej6hEqMe4B5SrsDMfV5z55vzqENReldzqnl_XPBx6fFy7zyp4z3HqGembth-KqESLY/s1600/untitled-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDjHUdVne_L9SCNI48OiPuzhyb6ckbeoKW29dA5p3zN97mYB7vnIjzbdmSzTVXbEYODtz5x4o1ej6hEqMe4B5SrsDMfV5z55vzqENReldzqnl_XPBx6fFy7zyp4z3HqGembth-KqESLY/s1600/untitled-44.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sGvFJsmiMm7W4Z1NKZ1QAa6AN4sO_hyphenhyphenfP8GPV6XfKbVRtWeZSHCdU3r3yTsu79k6JdWSM-gP3Ewt8jGjNJeo2k8M-by4w7gnE-DZoi1VRFPWeFk0lDn8rAi5WgSL-5GUND6eTkX40-Y/s1600/untitled-46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sGvFJsmiMm7W4Z1NKZ1QAa6AN4sO_hyphenhyphenfP8GPV6XfKbVRtWeZSHCdU3r3yTsu79k6JdWSM-gP3Ewt8jGjNJeo2k8M-by4w7gnE-DZoi1VRFPWeFk0lDn8rAi5WgSL-5GUND6eTkX40-Y/s1600/untitled-46.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BOY!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7jnuBzkwwgAgyuaQ0a0xSbdYHckTQmzjbvMv8usXx0yqf2ogqobRHDtPgvYn0nRTuXxqSnTVO2wp2kYfrSH0S-uLwIHOqpnhncWgQDyqqT2yA-ZFUMvS_EVRynpQyvW6k3nKq4SiRiY/s1600/untitled-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7jnuBzkwwgAgyuaQ0a0xSbdYHckTQmzjbvMv8usXx0yqf2ogqobRHDtPgvYn0nRTuXxqSnTVO2wp2kYfrSH0S-uLwIHOqpnhncWgQDyqqT2yA-ZFUMvS_EVRynpQyvW6k3nKq4SiRiY/s1600/untitled-47.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xt0vhoOrGTCyvhVpWDkKK7ORjHCLbMBOuzSkOF_Eb8YNNqdAj0w19lHM3Im4AAZ_M81kvAHuAZZ4E_JPLp5e7VPOK5EYUCrwdpTuwugApnXULBBTLDV6XZW4d1MmzgGQY0sEB7l6yTs/s1600/untitled-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xt0vhoOrGTCyvhVpWDkKK7ORjHCLbMBOuzSkOF_Eb8YNNqdAj0w19lHM3Im4AAZ_M81kvAHuAZZ4E_JPLp5e7VPOK5EYUCrwdpTuwugApnXULBBTLDV6XZW4d1MmzgGQY0sEB7l6yTs/s1600/untitled-49.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-xNQJojuICfErQQBeN9oqTn3pweH_iXDJWa5cWMz1lxifI2OmkpYgs4KRtgAys0WS8l-ou_89wzHLpqZgGiR6qQjRk32r3PDMyXr7e3m3VJojUWdC2dC-Gkmb7G9KTjSitdjG9KztTg/s1600/untitled-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-xNQJojuICfErQQBeN9oqTn3pweH_iXDJWa5cWMz1lxifI2OmkpYgs4KRtgAys0WS8l-ou_89wzHLpqZgGiR6qQjRk32r3PDMyXr7e3m3VJojUWdC2dC-Gkmb7G9KTjSitdjG9KztTg/s1600/untitled-55.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a sweet evening, and no one is more excited then the mama and papa to be. Little Noah can't come soon enough!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Congratulations Ami and Jordan!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-79028576906227932732016-03-18T10:26:00.000-07:002016-03-18T10:26:25.159-07:00My sunroom on a cloudy day!<div style="text-align: center;">
I just love my little sunroom. Even though it isn't used for much, mainly an overflow room for the living room when we have guests, I think it is a sweet room. The light that floods in the room in the mornings is so cheery, even on a cloudy day like today. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is my favorite room in the house to sit and read.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6Ks25lcs1u1n1rlr-HonuUQ0KafDtby7rw_njDV9fkWGgYOVINBOOTF9q4tIqyVtbq0emAhC99DOnzpOrZfHXeg2itimJsbS5mYH-_UaBPUSpUODL9K7wQ0kvvSJjBKFsUcHUBGhpaI/s1600/IMG_0249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6Ks25lcs1u1n1rlr-HonuUQ0KafDtby7rw_njDV9fkWGgYOVINBOOTF9q4tIqyVtbq0emAhC99DOnzpOrZfHXeg2itimJsbS5mYH-_UaBPUSpUODL9K7wQ0kvvSJjBKFsUcHUBGhpaI/s640/IMG_0249.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFbijL6ESSeW7E-v0fFdFbZ1tl6B4Mug4JTG9f63Um9dvLoBDJ5UKzY9JjXnAQ-8BU2_wI6fjUuUU7f7TeXPMMn6adPCxH9Jfe70jhsnK67LmjFDkHqvDOJTKgavVISscK7BcNH4Vnes/s1600/IMG_0262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFbijL6ESSeW7E-v0fFdFbZ1tl6B4Mug4JTG9f63Um9dvLoBDJ5UKzY9JjXnAQ-8BU2_wI6fjUuUU7f7TeXPMMn6adPCxH9Jfe70jhsnK67LmjFDkHqvDOJTKgavVISscK7BcNH4Vnes/s400/IMG_0262.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtw45JST3tnP_mNtUCPz9jNnUPu7ibdRCLEslJf05lOi7vBU2xDhRM_328U5LolT6M4EW0Zi8ujDT2iIK2CRfWZmDM_ofrWbbUNbY7TUtuGVX9nFHIjq58z4HfoFTNXCinfFa8Y1-R2U/s1600/IMG_0265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtw45JST3tnP_mNtUCPz9jNnUPu7ibdRCLEslJf05lOi7vBU2xDhRM_328U5LolT6M4EW0Zi8ujDT2iIK2CRfWZmDM_ofrWbbUNbY7TUtuGVX9nFHIjq58z4HfoFTNXCinfFa8Y1-R2U/s640/IMG_0265.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Recently, a friend was getting rid of a couple matching side chairs. They were small in scale, and since my sunroom is small, I thought they would be perfect for the space. I decided to trade out the larger Tommy Bahama wicker chairs for these little gems. I bought a large painters drop cloth, and for $33 and a day and a half of labor, I was able to slip cover both chairs!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since the chairs were given to me, it was a pretty inexpensive facelift!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60PfZOiM90nQHWda42xZRHK5tTBsZ6W53-kpypuhMpiyc9dRwwfHT3lqI5Pto2s-2qXRZB6RRufGsBV1huA-64ITRWIGQ_UWQ4f54VSJRukKGVPx-5FgaNjrEkaH-Rlbz280mVxcHCWg/s1600/IMG_0250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60PfZOiM90nQHWda42xZRHK5tTBsZ6W53-kpypuhMpiyc9dRwwfHT3lqI5Pto2s-2qXRZB6RRufGsBV1huA-64ITRWIGQ_UWQ4f54VSJRukKGVPx-5FgaNjrEkaH-Rlbz280mVxcHCWg/s640/IMG_0250.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another addition to the space was this cotton mat from Urban Outfitters. I love cotton mats because they are machine washable in my large front loading washing machine. With a little dog in the house, this comes in very handy (if you know what I mean)!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexofWdkKx12ru0VkBM_StH1GKhdXmahIKVVPg1I07GgbnAVzQBqpCiz_OL9nvWBM5mco1V2Vxyh-AFt4UsFvnHNLA3LNKdawAk_VNKMmqH84tNmpQ3EBrL8-bSBiFu4rYM7ewaSmTv7A/s1600/IMG_0266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexofWdkKx12ru0VkBM_StH1GKhdXmahIKVVPg1I07GgbnAVzQBqpCiz_OL9nvWBM5mco1V2Vxyh-AFt4UsFvnHNLA3LNKdawAk_VNKMmqH84tNmpQ3EBrL8-bSBiFu4rYM7ewaSmTv7A/s640/IMG_0266.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The small chest was purchased at one of my favorite antique shops. I left it with the old chippy paint it had on it when I purchased it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvn8JMow3H7e7J39ZW03_mkCBqpxPM_WU01gNcjvaJFr4aJ_QL9Xllwx021hXOflWMfThpXZWInnLMQZ_IvH2VVgijOwnUxlRHf1W3azon0dp5JPGG8b9FMKR5NdNiwAUgy19sgcvqs0/s1600/IMG_0255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvn8JMow3H7e7J39ZW03_mkCBqpxPM_WU01gNcjvaJFr4aJ_QL9Xllwx021hXOflWMfThpXZWInnLMQZ_IvH2VVgijOwnUxlRHf1W3azon0dp5JPGG8b9FMKR5NdNiwAUgy19sgcvqs0/s640/IMG_0255.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Hoosier Cabinet was one of the first purchases my husband and I made after getting married. We found it at a thrift store for $50! Unfortunately I didn't leave the original paint on it. 30 plus years later, it's a bit late for that. But I do enjoy the fun pop of color the turquoise brings to the room. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDECOHdZEmIIbh7G2niQX1D4OWzTpAiR4aSfaxqewVZE7AhFTgbl7AL8oJT56eIrAbeXwMyx-NTE72Qr6s4A4ADDbgSMSeRCf-W-KCI0ueEoFtm5tPgajxJ83LqKBjv-NXt9ymY0dXhOw/s1600/IMG_0253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDECOHdZEmIIbh7G2niQX1D4OWzTpAiR4aSfaxqewVZE7AhFTgbl7AL8oJT56eIrAbeXwMyx-NTE72Qr6s4A4ADDbgSMSeRCf-W-KCI0ueEoFtm5tPgajxJ83LqKBjv-NXt9ymY0dXhOw/s640/IMG_0253.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you can see, I have some spring touches in the space right now. This little room is a fun to decorate for any season.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8n9mWFRym-tdZoKPttR6Yw_ILXfqfTgPXmNuJLJGLqHTofeBoq1NVSn2D1_tX47eqWFmU4oYmjmN21oaEGqK5yRqz3w_NrJVIHcvps2nK1klvHajpgTuSFkZF3sC2t_DaVKh2U_iI7rg/s1600/IMG_0251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8n9mWFRym-tdZoKPttR6Yw_ILXfqfTgPXmNuJLJGLqHTofeBoq1NVSn2D1_tX47eqWFmU4oYmjmN21oaEGqK5yRqz3w_NrJVIHcvps2nK1klvHajpgTuSFkZF3sC2t_DaVKh2U_iI7rg/s640/IMG_0251.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_k_IrZRu95psNmNaKeORDvWu0x4fIZwIgNUFlUp5gGu2TGPfP-LE9h9QZHJy29scwcX0dE4l-FqI7BJubQFYJ03qi3Q29L8xm75ihJlgKFE4S09otOGbNKYzVYfdZbWLvJvBnKQscXWs/s1600/IMG_0260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_k_IrZRu95psNmNaKeORDvWu0x4fIZwIgNUFlUp5gGu2TGPfP-LE9h9QZHJy29scwcX0dE4l-FqI7BJubQFYJ03qi3Q29L8xm75ihJlgKFE4S09otOGbNKYzVYfdZbWLvJvBnKQscXWs/s640/IMG_0260.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZiK6pN6j1xmic4ul3rnm_B3mu7BzNLtC2lA02AHtfxiqk0t3jiyRklSQVbdWKshahdxiRBW74ytRtq1rPQX8SRsH4JT5HAWuLliKTdo2Cr8_etfqKHsKLMHAYX9S8U4X0ItEkmHNrwA/s1600/IMG_0259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZiK6pN6j1xmic4ul3rnm_B3mu7BzNLtC2lA02AHtfxiqk0t3jiyRklSQVbdWKshahdxiRBW74ytRtq1rPQX8SRsH4JT5HAWuLliKTdo2Cr8_etfqKHsKLMHAYX9S8U4X0ItEkmHNrwA/s640/IMG_0259.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for taking a peek into my freshened up sunroom. I hope you have a cheery day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-23792689954912939912016-02-28T07:43:00.000-08:002016-03-12T17:00:35.170-08:00"Two Tickets to Paradise". A once in a lifetime Valentine gift.<div style="text-align: center;">
So, my hubby usually likes to take a get away trip a couple times a year. This year, he planned one of them for February. A Valentine's get away. He chose to fly us to the US Virgin Islands for a once in a lifetime opportunity. With my husband's busy schedule, we both have really been looking forward to this time together to reconnect.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Flying into the island, I couldn't help but think of the old Eddie Money song, "Two Tickets to Paradise". Seeing the beautiful blue water from the sky made us anxious to experience all the islands had to offer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We started the week on St. John's Island. After flying into St. Thomas, we took a cab to Red Hook to catch a ferry to St. John. The ferries leave every hour on the hour, so it's not difficult to catch one. It's only about a 20 minute ferry ride. We stayed in a lovely villa in Gallows' Point, in the village of Cruz Bay. The villa was walking distance to all the shops and restaurants in the little town.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a picture of the villas at Gallows' Point. All are bay or ocean view.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKy2jZkWcut5OKbzMiWN1-F2naVFRWlGnDNHVp3xgbYF42IL8ePwWskhvdryYolAqS5c3LlmI5iwbI35co6zqTcf3rx6TVWXD6renziDU5dp0AV5lAHbFt0TdJjLXAZVQiTvYfIThztjQ/s1600/IMG_9810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKy2jZkWcut5OKbzMiWN1-F2naVFRWlGnDNHVp3xgbYF42IL8ePwWskhvdryYolAqS5c3LlmI5iwbI35co6zqTcf3rx6TVWXD6renziDU5dp0AV5lAHbFt0TdJjLXAZVQiTvYfIThztjQ/s640/IMG_9810.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
View from our villa. You could see right across the sound to St. Thomas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnUNZ-tcf-qWnDWIBvIbUX3bzRxxqbgU9CydzyUWBUv5nWb42hHVPVgPYjsdYzT40DLhygx3EXS84f2KkpGv_0pY6AJkOygmEOxptz9yNJJZ1Ma0D5ffJxdmKuizvcwp5qotQHf-RqIs/s1600/IMG_9658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnUNZ-tcf-qWnDWIBvIbUX3bzRxxqbgU9CydzyUWBUv5nWb42hHVPVgPYjsdYzT40DLhygx3EXS84f2KkpGv_0pY6AJkOygmEOxptz9yNJJZ1Ma0D5ffJxdmKuizvcwp5qotQHf-RqIs/s640/IMG_9658.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gorgeous night view of St. Thomas, taken from our balcony.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZCHfJhcJMy-PXhsyGxmXCBpYXU2C80LK-NADtWQJYgjb8SISymZEy1WO0tBVUNCOuXnSABW9d7FByRlXYpz5XUGCz_kGAbE3237ZUC1pWNmDb_H1UweY9yP4ZR6bbCguhuGrA7vIbNA/s1600/IMG_9653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZCHfJhcJMy-PXhsyGxmXCBpYXU2C80LK-NADtWQJYgjb8SISymZEy1WO0tBVUNCOuXnSABW9d7FByRlXYpz5XUGCz_kGAbE3237ZUC1pWNmDb_H1UweY9yP4ZR6bbCguhuGrA7vIbNA/s400/IMG_9653.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shortly after checking in to our villa, we set out to see the village of Cruz Bay and grab some dinner. One thing we noticed in Cruz Bay, St. John is a laid back island. The residents mingle with the tourists. What you see is what you get. They don't try to hide who they are. A restaurant may sit right next door to a residence. They aren't as developed as the other larger islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix and they are OK with that. It was very refreshing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQTx-Z3JJ6vV9fQVnjR38CxJzhFxZSLDy7mEwEO6WWJVOepf9cMRJTMxwCEgpVtgDMGBeCa3LO-_Gs6tsBKwy1HmB0Ek8kCO5wpFm9FIXXrLpOb-E30xW7m9BRdyOc07kw2u4QxIuANg/s1600/IMG_9680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQTx-Z3JJ6vV9fQVnjR38CxJzhFxZSLDy7mEwEO6WWJVOepf9cMRJTMxwCEgpVtgDMGBeCa3LO-_Gs6tsBKwy1HmB0Ek8kCO5wpFm9FIXXrLpOb-E30xW7m9BRdyOc07kw2u4QxIuANg/s640/IMG_9680.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuU3EkRfKghWsjjNQ8KzaoSHYVUYPQAYhANadKVPRBll-TR1eWvBMqVXBjp77yBzRdI2fV00eb1Aw7UUNhUSUf_LddpiqV0PCQyoBnPYaCJacEs5egzMKlhe_d7NrJL9VyKabVS16DH8/s1600/IMG_9648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuU3EkRfKghWsjjNQ8KzaoSHYVUYPQAYhANadKVPRBll-TR1eWvBMqVXBjp77yBzRdI2fV00eb1Aw7UUNhUSUf_LddpiqV0PCQyoBnPYaCJacEs5egzMKlhe_d7NrJL9VyKabVS16DH8/s640/IMG_9648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A local artist makes his wares out of sea grass and displayed this bird by hanging it in a tree.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmiF4Jwr_sX61aq68nnLEIaUdWdoRKzUh5l_8jpM_4iYUYmL7BkrjuM638ujR-AwXj4Gd4AXPWxDyX-ox5_oAcwe5LtqDnxxyac5ldqGMBAGPz9t6RC76UlbbKJ6srjCdGTZkSRWaagc/s1600/IMG_9643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmiF4Jwr_sX61aq68nnLEIaUdWdoRKzUh5l_8jpM_4iYUYmL7BkrjuM638ujR-AwXj4Gd4AXPWxDyX-ox5_oAcwe5LtqDnxxyac5ldqGMBAGPz9t6RC76UlbbKJ6srjCdGTZkSRWaagc/s640/IMG_9643.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chickens roam the streets along with the residents and tourists. As you walk the village your senses are heightened hearing the mingled sounds of roosters crowing and kettle drums being played, and smelling the wonderful Caribbean spices being cooked in the open air restaurants. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1Pja6t3R06zt2ctEmrd2P0ZsvpVGamBJsAhX0h3c5036U24r_Ixi-U7K9jf0dqrw5eLaBo6XURxcH2GV-Vj6HhexqoIvdtlkXdF7tInRbEOOFts9JFBZtkpMCQcycdlgM5ebGkX51QM/s1600/IMG_9796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1Pja6t3R06zt2ctEmrd2P0ZsvpVGamBJsAhX0h3c5036U24r_Ixi-U7K9jf0dqrw5eLaBo6XURxcH2GV-Vj6HhexqoIvdtlkXdF7tInRbEOOFts9JFBZtkpMCQcycdlgM5ebGkX51QM/s640/IMG_9796.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL5_X2tN-YeKo6K5Kp41vnNEdV2gDSMTMdsP2Z7mIgZfLPcCKiRyq1cdPSvx8mmGTel7nAK5hH9EQia1kuwLoPFc_kORpDWVTNzdiw5IWZ7QdYK3x2x8Kfwm96tUxQf9qYhBWUoVX1ME/s1600/IMG_9804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL5_X2tN-YeKo6K5Kp41vnNEdV2gDSMTMdsP2Z7mIgZfLPcCKiRyq1cdPSvx8mmGTel7nAK5hH9EQia1kuwLoPFc_kORpDWVTNzdiw5IWZ7QdYK3x2x8Kfwm96tUxQf9qYhBWUoVX1ME/s400/IMG_9804.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a simple but relaxing breakfast on our balcony, for day one we decided to explore the island a bit. We worked ourselves northward, checking out the beautiful beaches and some amazing sugar mill ruins. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Caneel Bay</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTb1W31Up0kVwXuMqrzTKph4izUnMZDtTDj5HmE_cwRfYTaVR6II7XbqoxKWFGRBSvrQ56ZeRZV4v5NGaxbEkhwts7F9Wm3t8Bj09-KHPqghoXkb7-2ZOHxvBz-JfQFXb79Uqlrl9nfo/s1600/IMG_9716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTb1W31Up0kVwXuMqrzTKph4izUnMZDtTDj5HmE_cwRfYTaVR6II7XbqoxKWFGRBSvrQ56ZeRZV4v5NGaxbEkhwts7F9Wm3t8Bj09-KHPqghoXkb7-2ZOHxvBz-JfQFXb79Uqlrl9nfo/s640/IMG_9716.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccFCMZh-UobJrt1sMgoO0Fj_dlXexKI9IUigDTfyT2V9Nw_Ttm0snlhzArRg7HqGbvHBIdOTctHN2uuTEzbA33o5_ksJSWLf8wkDzEjOhyphenhyphenBGMTVMCnIDCmWwf1Yvxg0XGLIGr4SvC2P4/s1600/IMG_9718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccFCMZh-UobJrt1sMgoO0Fj_dlXexKI9IUigDTfyT2V9Nw_Ttm0snlhzArRg7HqGbvHBIdOTctHN2uuTEzbA33o5_ksJSWLf8wkDzEjOhyphenhyphenBGMTVMCnIDCmWwf1Yvxg0XGLIGr4SvC2P4/s640/IMG_9718.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Trunk Bay</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xnTcPBcYq7fTNPsgtM-7RAMvyINCnxMRafI0fghhR8vuYDN-eq5gB8nJtKNGWHFfYvS9_Iy7RQtVe7Q9ks3kMk7JbNlIthZm5meXc_EsJB79b58fLpoiOsaVnc1j-Joz9QVlT4mHPUc/s1600/IMG_9721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xnTcPBcYq7fTNPsgtM-7RAMvyINCnxMRafI0fghhR8vuYDN-eq5gB8nJtKNGWHFfYvS9_Iy7RQtVe7Q9ks3kMk7JbNlIthZm5meXc_EsJB79b58fLpoiOsaVnc1j-Joz9QVlT4mHPUc/s640/IMG_9721.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MkRhM9elXNP7DZ7FJ6fnVljFT9yJYk2zGqc58bOswnEcr1ULBRtWTIf4XI3SvhbzbwnXGNaXta9PRKzLEU2ajPxv44_THiGis3qkrQKHaouek7QOes2JIRsawnawrdDcoEmKkJnCDVA/s1600/IMG_9723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MkRhM9elXNP7DZ7FJ6fnVljFT9yJYk2zGqc58bOswnEcr1ULBRtWTIf4XI3SvhbzbwnXGNaXta9PRKzLEU2ajPxv44_THiGis3qkrQKHaouek7QOes2JIRsawnawrdDcoEmKkJnCDVA/s640/IMG_9723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cinnamon Bay</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBL-QQpgUVwbNDon_r3yPxdiUlXSbipCmWRRHzorK2joZaIzz4PTNi98f0JMEpiy6AUwwv5I2FAPXue37n1QFB20jJFJRF1_pa-TItvOxm9-YyelU9mI8P8iHLQ9GX2Td6hvwoFTnRU6g/s1600/IMG_9738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBL-QQpgUVwbNDon_r3yPxdiUlXSbipCmWRRHzorK2joZaIzz4PTNi98f0JMEpiy6AUwwv5I2FAPXue37n1QFB20jJFJRF1_pa-TItvOxm9-YyelU9mI8P8iHLQ9GX2Td6hvwoFTnRU6g/s640/IMG_9738.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaTdOS1lN8zWHWyN22NRF0cqlH3BMAWSwS8oIODGJJIrImGi2zrnEwhtNZTcFyiIlLBGl4GUYKLrckiNswh2uMbt2X2CbrN8AbufHNuwg8qT4EFmAAqvIH7n75juE7OIpt1aDWP9PlU4/s1600/IMG_9747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaTdOS1lN8zWHWyN22NRF0cqlH3BMAWSwS8oIODGJJIrImGi2zrnEwhtNZTcFyiIlLBGl4GUYKLrckiNswh2uMbt2X2CbrN8AbufHNuwg8qT4EFmAAqvIH7n75juE7OIpt1aDWP9PlU4/s640/IMG_9747.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-fFN_TsDn6w4h2jGeoJ48BA55J2FvRDTjV57OI5o_Fk4zn6CM8n8w_JttjKBh7h692oprB3FFyxFSJknGG2GwlkMJ-9Tw5XIDj7gptdCVtCbrLHOSErpk9BamYhKemik7k5znbx3G98/s1600/IMG_9752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-fFN_TsDn6w4h2jGeoJ48BA55J2FvRDTjV57OI5o_Fk4zn6CM8n8w_JttjKBh7h692oprB3FFyxFSJknGG2GwlkMJ-9Tw5XIDj7gptdCVtCbrLHOSErpk9BamYhKemik7k5znbx3G98/s640/IMG_9752.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Dd9CIsllYGipp78Ko6loABxVSgXGs_wbdj2_Dmk-uTsCsajC7YrTX8t064gqHrb_8CARv5nJSFVbFmdToTOb1ySwajDpGKyTZUPAeku8PJ7qfUgm3-236Zs6KJnJy9v4QG_7k9CM9nA/s1600/IMG_9759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Dd9CIsllYGipp78Ko6loABxVSgXGs_wbdj2_Dmk-uTsCsajC7YrTX8t064gqHrb_8CARv5nJSFVbFmdToTOb1ySwajDpGKyTZUPAeku8PJ7qfUgm3-236Zs6KJnJy9v4QG_7k9CM9nA/s640/IMG_9759.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maho Bay</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjrqgVTfjJEf5ILdB5kOeR6Ixhm-jl4yEYVfQQQ9LmVBg-29PBJ4qo-ZoIwekBn0gmoImq5cczAI5tLChEA9INIOsVYoJMJBE5IfKE2hUBCVxA4Kd4R1C1f1ZO7WjYqGRQNIB1eZIt6s/s1600/IMG_9775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjrqgVTfjJEf5ILdB5kOeR6Ixhm-jl4yEYVfQQQ9LmVBg-29PBJ4qo-ZoIwekBn0gmoImq5cczAI5tLChEA9INIOsVYoJMJBE5IfKE2hUBCVxA4Kd4R1C1f1ZO7WjYqGRQNIB1eZIt6s/s640/IMG_9775.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sugar mill ruins are all over the island. These were found in Caneel Bay. We also saw some in Cinnamon Bay.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJW9cK7NU_GwINe7b4ElmxOt69o89eP-zZLoLd9q3_BI3g_vJ384oSL7ZLS9_-FHVu2dSx2Ro-jg6z1_1BU9S3VvJALK_DkgSxc6DnECZQCNQ5za5w-c1S5QImqyL5H6veJBPXo5CKr8/s1600/IMG_9690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJW9cK7NU_GwINe7b4ElmxOt69o89eP-zZLoLd9q3_BI3g_vJ384oSL7ZLS9_-FHVu2dSx2Ro-jg6z1_1BU9S3VvJALK_DkgSxc6DnECZQCNQ5za5w-c1S5QImqyL5H6veJBPXo5CKr8/s640/IMG_9690.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhiItU-h3BacVvDs_xbuT_ID8pepVhxcw5DLAFi1PFOKOQzynVpLvSPZurVUEehodGbHt4dHNkQos6Va45W-9ARTIFI-0IAF9ecmsW6nX4y-ossFVngKt_K9OK2GAGopsVYUMFv8M8xI/s1600/IMG_9694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhiItU-h3BacVvDs_xbuT_ID8pepVhxcw5DLAFi1PFOKOQzynVpLvSPZurVUEehodGbHt4dHNkQos6Va45W-9ARTIFI-0IAF9ecmsW6nX4y-ossFVngKt_K9OK2GAGopsVYUMFv8M8xI/s640/IMG_9694.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9IeDE7ODuclmPd9ZNUbbL3H0VddkmnUfJEBIgECnYeNOWwGqJ42Xk4d9KrwCr4-_7NEPkJbpuQ86oqy3wdmgJJjnsXXxDhAq8B8cEgkpR_VlQFYejzIcqp8QHtftAOF1Z7vlUNXQNz0/s1600/IMG_9698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9IeDE7ODuclmPd9ZNUbbL3H0VddkmnUfJEBIgECnYeNOWwGqJ42Xk4d9KrwCr4-_7NEPkJbpuQ86oqy3wdmgJJjnsXXxDhAq8B8cEgkpR_VlQFYejzIcqp8QHtftAOF1Z7vlUNXQNz0/s640/IMG_9698.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjo_OJaLebErER7uzlefUjF5QB73ArPIf_rniaE0xc-xR3imi3_7zPn5lHTzPSE0FYJVZxTpMTIaE3sOnggCPl0sfsEXo48wpeFvu2iPVYoaqOzxS9ZYT35IiIzQh04IYOj_4qL5jnVmM/s1600/IMG_9699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjo_OJaLebErER7uzlefUjF5QB73ArPIf_rniaE0xc-xR3imi3_7zPn5lHTzPSE0FYJVZxTpMTIaE3sOnggCPl0sfsEXo48wpeFvu2iPVYoaqOzxS9ZYT35IiIzQh04IYOj_4qL5jnVmM/s640/IMG_9699.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The mills date back to the 1700's. The islands were Danish colonies back then. The mills were worked by slaves brought over from Africa. Owners often lived abroad and had a manager live on the property. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjVHAORLT88OtyNmD6WGcW3hupw7V1VQTAMCxgdFQvXQmvuuv_tDqnVQd62sHmye2t-wKMm5OH8TNHlGmsBUJfg0ZkuG8JsJrozoKv-fy39LgTkmX_Bk_aK0BEtnLj6lPUWUTH_Oc9lw/s1600/IMG_9702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjVHAORLT88OtyNmD6WGcW3hupw7V1VQTAMCxgdFQvXQmvuuv_tDqnVQd62sHmye2t-wKMm5OH8TNHlGmsBUJfg0ZkuG8JsJrozoKv-fy39LgTkmX_Bk_aK0BEtnLj6lPUWUTH_Oc9lw/s640/IMG_9702.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sugar industry ended after years of not rotating crops. This made the soil not fit for growing sugar cane any longer. Some mills adapted by being turned into rum factories. Most mills closed and were abandoned, leaving the ruins as a window into the island's history.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqBHyFtKUmFaf0_wCE2ck1Uy2Ov319Lmf41iAVQoVnTM5zgoMv05UFk9RcGkDd7EXpceos1XTxDWZ_UJdtPMntjGhEbpoJ930dAoYMCyIVK_9N3WsNMGSQQlWfy2-WZ9UlutellsECg8/s1600/IMG_9710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqBHyFtKUmFaf0_wCE2ck1Uy2Ov319Lmf41iAVQoVnTM5zgoMv05UFk9RcGkDd7EXpceos1XTxDWZ_UJdtPMntjGhEbpoJ930dAoYMCyIVK_9N3WsNMGSQQlWfy2-WZ9UlutellsECg8/s640/IMG_9710.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6kkf4xvs0OEC-zD-H8sQnLrGgXjCM-ksR2N5zEpNUiyM1TJNCmjiHL496OTWMKbDk5I_UkLBamGJogV3mRXvhdg8n2a28Q1J0BpQ2PnDKYL5z7WiZcQFp9IvVmGzFz-uUHyTnwVgpcA/s1600/IMG_9711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6kkf4xvs0OEC-zD-H8sQnLrGgXjCM-ksR2N5zEpNUiyM1TJNCmjiHL496OTWMKbDk5I_UkLBamGJogV3mRXvhdg8n2a28Q1J0BpQ2PnDKYL5z7WiZcQFp9IvVmGzFz-uUHyTnwVgpcA/s640/IMG_9711.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While exploring, we did run across this little guy, a hermit crab crossing our path. We were on the lookout for donkeys as well. We were told donkeys roam wild on the island. But to our disappointment, we didn't see any.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iZjP09ja3djv9TrsZgcvLZMuP_c8BaxzzYmLAktxV8prYrILsXebbnAuji2tsetBwNlK9YnjWTJIZl2sNSlpotBtnn5h8hY471zzh64AwXU6q7dBHfZwpeckDcCqzUigOUH0CMRXsCs/s1600/IMG_9765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iZjP09ja3djv9TrsZgcvLZMuP_c8BaxzzYmLAktxV8prYrILsXebbnAuji2tsetBwNlK9YnjWTJIZl2sNSlpotBtnn5h8hY471zzh64AwXU6q7dBHfZwpeckDcCqzUigOUH0CMRXsCs/s400/IMG_9765.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a long day of exploring, we went to a locally owned restaurant, The Coal Pot for some authentic Caribbean food. We ordered Ox Tail, Sweet Potato Stuffing and their Beans and Rice. YUMMY! The Ox Tail was very much like our roast beef, cooked in it's own gravy. The sweet potato stuffing made me think of our daughter-in-law, Angie. It was similar to her yummy sweet potato casserole. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7VG97brkST3nqXNhJqNcDg32oJyiqcbZffsrh4VkbzhCeGBhzdWjo2cuWeTPWs1COsbIlECYJvItynJY1Pa0bZ-lLtoeSbQn798VTOpTUlT70CQWzcSbI6Iiz0cxBpd4z7E4bI0v_hc/s1600/IMG_9781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7VG97brkST3nqXNhJqNcDg32oJyiqcbZffsrh4VkbzhCeGBhzdWjo2cuWeTPWs1COsbIlECYJvItynJY1Pa0bZ-lLtoeSbQn798VTOpTUlT70CQWzcSbI6Iiz0cxBpd4z7E4bI0v_hc/s400/IMG_9781.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tuesday was Scott's day. We took a full day sailing trip on the sailboat, Wandering Sailor with captain Phil and his first mate, Karn. They sailed us to Greater St. James Island for some snorkeling.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaYD1a0KDuGxE6k0rFOmw5pe5BsVEJWwLCSCfyeDLsXDaSM5TdRKC_CoMGTB0YNVIxo3F8orqTsrJxbAEjf8rEgm7TCUIpZvOdaYGvKO_hpg-c5G43vjG2umZzii3k23H3ptBK4VZXIE/s1600/IMG_9886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaYD1a0KDuGxE6k0rFOmw5pe5BsVEJWwLCSCfyeDLsXDaSM5TdRKC_CoMGTB0YNVIxo3F8orqTsrJxbAEjf8rEgm7TCUIpZvOdaYGvKO_hpg-c5G43vjG2umZzii3k23H3ptBK4VZXIE/s640/IMG_9886.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-XHmlfP-AuzhI35LZr_E3CEouzQEbBNTqlfXd_aFWOIX1crUmoE_Y26cP5BZU13zOBGzZBw2S0qTuwEj6ARMije4E5key5YH9yRhH-HtgbFqDjISYppdBNl1u_euPO71P6eFYNIF6-Y/s1600/IMG_9812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-XHmlfP-AuzhI35LZr_E3CEouzQEbBNTqlfXd_aFWOIX1crUmoE_Y26cP5BZU13zOBGzZBw2S0qTuwEj6ARMije4E5key5YH9yRhH-HtgbFqDjISYppdBNl1u_euPO71P6eFYNIF6-Y/s400/IMG_9812.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As fun as the snorkeling was, listening to Captain Phil's stories and having him sail us around the different islands, showing us amazing rock formations rising out of the ocean was even more fun. Captain Phil, a 77 year old sailor has had his boat, Wandering Sailer for over 35 years. He has had many adventures to share.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Carvel Rock. The profile of George Washington's face? And look at that water! It ranged from Palmolive green to Dawn Detergent blue!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinf8tYhATmEBN54SzsHDPhrmkrR2-FV7k12XzWVW-HYUivuLWMMv_XcLbVwvjWEJYUwZ9BJjUge5hsBcUQS8-n1zzTJjx9frto5U3EYrSSDaUpmzxJF7DzMirsqHWeKRSR4TD5RGiclGw/s1600/IMG_9829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinf8tYhATmEBN54SzsHDPhrmkrR2-FV7k12XzWVW-HYUivuLWMMv_XcLbVwvjWEJYUwZ9BJjUge5hsBcUQS8-n1zzTJjx9frto5U3EYrSSDaUpmzxJF7DzMirsqHWeKRSR4TD5RGiclGw/s640/IMG_9829.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__Ze7FTUrIDKyiRF8wmZHONp5a8Ts2Ih5n3lZYDe2gIhurD6hQ9_sJP-FOl2B1VkqiXJVlIwIUvj6dqauUDJOhSmyB7amk7ffvmkhmjm8sEZqFgKo8YyZ7mn6EAjE33evbnn5DIygqfo/s1600/IMG_9834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__Ze7FTUrIDKyiRF8wmZHONp5a8Ts2Ih5n3lZYDe2gIhurD6hQ9_sJP-FOl2B1VkqiXJVlIwIUvj6dqauUDJOhSmyB7amk7ffvmkhmjm8sEZqFgKo8YyZ7mn6EAjE33evbnn5DIygqfo/s640/IMG_9834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuRd5bh9MtAyfiwcbpgyWI8XRB5HhG3YNFrAJGL88EcCsGYwq1Gh4rp7sHI1wp-lafUEIGgx2IyEPSQBQ1KOajbEFodRNnYNZ-7g43jjfEbIoy7d0c-Eba6A6WpcSkVC5oLiNtfs2Psg/s1600/IMG_9837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuRd5bh9MtAyfiwcbpgyWI8XRB5HhG3YNFrAJGL88EcCsGYwq1Gh4rp7sHI1wp-lafUEIGgx2IyEPSQBQ1KOajbEFodRNnYNZ-7g43jjfEbIoy7d0c-Eba6A6WpcSkVC5oLiNtfs2Psg/s640/IMG_9837.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scooby Doo? Can you see him lying his face in the water?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WVOU16fGdIhM32AlUpYB9qSFGEbyVcnelw_9yolzP_VRA-OFo02VaYQqTGAhXbtzohYPOwGMUcneR89MhobPayPIXZS-jJRwijRyOJ6-JXVgAZAJUhUOmUJIPxEDnibLRY2otEfubYc/s1600/IMG_9843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WVOU16fGdIhM32AlUpYB9qSFGEbyVcnelw_9yolzP_VRA-OFo02VaYQqTGAhXbtzohYPOwGMUcneR89MhobPayPIXZS-jJRwijRyOJ6-JXVgAZAJUhUOmUJIPxEDnibLRY2otEfubYc/s640/IMG_9843.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vAPvhzotFywLshAO-SM_eidm6JiiIZhg8cByaZTcaIvT_XyvS3_rLZbd2yjyiWkRyW_qSWsMhgbnqKHRXvUsewxDNCuCGL3Bh_jwG0t8w40bpM_r1EdCdd3hXE6ezztuZmip-A6k6eg/s1600/IMG_9871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vAPvhzotFywLshAO-SM_eidm6JiiIZhg8cByaZTcaIvT_XyvS3_rLZbd2yjyiWkRyW_qSWsMhgbnqKHRXvUsewxDNCuCGL3Bh_jwG0t8w40bpM_r1EdCdd3hXE6ezztuZmip-A6k6eg/s640/IMG_9871.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It got a little choppy while we were out there. The wind caught the waves and caused them to have a nice spray coming off the top of them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguymug4IDHHCBR8pURMz8GhSaU1ViGrmhuHCD58qfyNS_e747wOJR3q0rmMOiYaDb0hK91_JXH2v4FdTVB_oPnijTEJxB7vH8ewM2WEEisxpPaUMfHKUqKHGTeI1rHCbLU_FZjozYHzn4/s1600/IMG_9862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguymug4IDHHCBR8pURMz8GhSaU1ViGrmhuHCD58qfyNS_e747wOJR3q0rmMOiYaDb0hK91_JXH2v4FdTVB_oPnijTEJxB7vH8ewM2WEEisxpPaUMfHKUqKHGTeI1rHCbLU_FZjozYHzn4/s640/IMG_9862.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was an interesting story. A couple had a pizza oven put on their boat, and they deliver pizza to boats that are anchored in Christmas Bay in Greater St. James. Their business is called Pizza Pi. A creative way to make a living in the islands. Scott had read the story about this couple and their boat in an article in "Sail Magazine" before we came on the trip. It was really great that he got to see it while we were out. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3lpCZmckuF5I54B4lNGLTjY4qHFyrNGAj8H_0Z0eoqjryUHzOUW3Pb4vXms72mmuvXRqH34dsavLKh6jjFI8uckpdR-EPT3d2Y577FHAWl00YFTso8AdX487SUYcGdgNvlantvsUy1E/s1600/IMG_9813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3lpCZmckuF5I54B4lNGLTjY4qHFyrNGAj8H_0Z0eoqjryUHzOUW3Pb4vXms72mmuvXRqH34dsavLKh6jjFI8uckpdR-EPT3d2Y577FHAWl00YFTso8AdX487SUYcGdgNvlantvsUy1E/s640/IMG_9813.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scott, conversing with Captain Phil.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhQWu_lhtJCRd2e0y2NwG_A7_rK1yZfM5lNiJNIIsUimEb_TaH_xfcSe9G1w6xhBZVDxG30vGz8oibWcOEjrqjXe7f5j_SOVDy_Zwc1mOC8Pn8N8tUniOVE-zE10eM_spQzV9fbAAHM8/s1600/IMG_9816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhQWu_lhtJCRd2e0y2NwG_A7_rK1yZfM5lNiJNIIsUimEb_TaH_xfcSe9G1w6xhBZVDxG30vGz8oibWcOEjrqjXe7f5j_SOVDy_Zwc1mOC8Pn8N8tUniOVE-zE10eM_spQzV9fbAAHM8/s400/IMG_9816.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAESK0dGepv5DLTW89InCHrj1inzU5IhZbSjiQ0KyNMg0E6vAVwqS7CvWk9cjEzhHTwzLUFKTGM8b3Yv89EoViHKzqEJgIBvQlX7layVxGKBOOvGOkFkcrB1e6n85lyy8xeCx4TgXukdY/s1600/IMG_9842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAESK0dGepv5DLTW89InCHrj1inzU5IhZbSjiQ0KyNMg0E6vAVwqS7CvWk9cjEzhHTwzLUFKTGM8b3Yv89EoViHKzqEJgIBvQlX7layVxGKBOOvGOkFkcrB1e6n85lyy8xeCx4TgXukdY/s640/IMG_9842.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The next day, we left St. John and headed by ferry to St. Thomas for the remainder of our trip.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCn5cs_QT74PbLaY5tod6tf9P8UZz961g968H8anrwRyXL2sZS51HlNHz1CnoRLULoO7e0l5dF89_2t6Oj5gSh5g5Zvaalpu47O3rYWHn21cPVWoiYuXM_DZW4tN0x61QQhLR0Kfsoxj8/s1600/IMG_9881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCn5cs_QT74PbLaY5tod6tf9P8UZz961g968H8anrwRyXL2sZS51HlNHz1CnoRLULoO7e0l5dF89_2t6Oj5gSh5g5Zvaalpu47O3rYWHn21cPVWoiYuXM_DZW4tN0x61QQhLR0Kfsoxj8/s400/IMG_9881.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The island of St. Thomas is vastly different from St. John. St. Thomas is more developed. Many large resorts are on the island. We came to our accommodations at the Ritz Charlton. Very luxurious.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9jl8ebNaYVzyZzv2uVse1Xx26KEAlj00XtfH8MS0XNXcE0kH5LkQxvn9xyXPZXFL3Pw1YbczUh73GhM7hCgnNAq3weGjBEt0kUSqM3BlHC4XbHKElc4IcZD9wB6htOZBZRTTsUClkI4/s1600/IMG_9903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9jl8ebNaYVzyZzv2uVse1Xx26KEAlj00XtfH8MS0XNXcE0kH5LkQxvn9xyXPZXFL3Pw1YbczUh73GhM7hCgnNAq3weGjBEt0kUSqM3BlHC4XbHKElc4IcZD9wB6htOZBZRTTsUClkI4/s640/IMG_9903.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The lovely infinity pool</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRodIexbxr2KHzekYYXUNmM_y-8A8WGvwck2YjwHsgFF0aXa5Lu7oTNaFK1xLBIAHNQ6waC-HIJfImCIOQaQdoR8wx06v9jn2ycnXsqXOKfy8KVkQqkuFLXtffK3ujhcest2TVLPoNQFs/s1600/IMG_9908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRodIexbxr2KHzekYYXUNmM_y-8A8WGvwck2YjwHsgFF0aXa5Lu7oTNaFK1xLBIAHNQ6waC-HIJfImCIOQaQdoR8wx06v9jn2ycnXsqXOKfy8KVkQqkuFLXtffK3ujhcest2TVLPoNQFs/s640/IMG_9908.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Feeling tropical, Scott ordered pineapple juice in the pool side cabana while we were waiting or them to get our room ready.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPDz34NNQRnJ894NPl9uiGhqIN51JnjEO7nkdKWwS2FC0Ato_qm1Mm8kyDtUw-xZSM7xc-2ZSIKa-manfQUlzEt458IZKEoDN4R0VcRGit7LnRxCx7ABWVJAFh19vRZzrhd7jddI2QzA/s1600/IMG_9910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPDz34NNQRnJ894NPl9uiGhqIN51JnjEO7nkdKWwS2FC0Ato_qm1Mm8kyDtUw-xZSM7xc-2ZSIKa-manfQUlzEt458IZKEoDN4R0VcRGit7LnRxCx7ABWVJAFh19vRZzrhd7jddI2QzA/s400/IMG_9910.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
View of the bay from our room.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAmWIGwM_y4pM6NhCWNs-WcXBpZddwCSvV6m19EfZpfasEEcFgYwvCgmG2HceKjtkdK8br_FnymqCerjdluHqxQIp_8WJ2806v9HuRUfMdhe1iqNv_TyBval8c13CvQFhw0EdhVNb5cM/s1600/IMG_9914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAmWIGwM_y4pM6NhCWNs-WcXBpZddwCSvV6m19EfZpfasEEcFgYwvCgmG2HceKjtkdK8br_FnymqCerjdluHqxQIp_8WJ2806v9HuRUfMdhe1iqNv_TyBval8c13CvQFhw0EdhVNb5cM/s640/IMG_9914.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpem7cP4fbRoUjDQpSfKlDEwgiXbGe5B7KoiSkGXVJbYIDN6QLUvvQlkyUNXekzi-fP989fwo9uizkikdrVqQvLh5Ajxaw02VtQDbY6hWwAaQKzdt-wxjwETcnyjIHbG0N0Yw6insq5y8/s1600/IMG_9919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpem7cP4fbRoUjDQpSfKlDEwgiXbGe5B7KoiSkGXVJbYIDN6QLUvvQlkyUNXekzi-fP989fwo9uizkikdrVqQvLh5Ajxaw02VtQDbY6hWwAaQKzdt-wxjwETcnyjIHbG0N0Yw6insq5y8/s640/IMG_9919.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
View of the grounds of the resort from our balcony. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTA_wQjmelhHlVhJ7x-UN5RuZIa0jY4DmKqAHGvVPaF0SIgPNYSssJf71H245mJePX1y8dut1e74VipfcMsNFByHMwd2AoxrzHgv9CsUfHqsO-It04ESn2AqKI5l6uTzJPD7eIFP6SC8/s1600/IMG_9917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTA_wQjmelhHlVhJ7x-UN5RuZIa0jY4DmKqAHGvVPaF0SIgPNYSssJf71H245mJePX1y8dut1e74VipfcMsNFByHMwd2AoxrzHgv9CsUfHqsO-It04ESn2AqKI5l6uTzJPD7eIFP6SC8/s640/IMG_9917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Interesting pod like vines hanging from trees on the island.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrySyhT951ZemI-aNEgyd1Dzp2aCMjGyrMxeeeaga2m0KNP4VbQ-edB9Dj2V-Rp2sdLkkuXaTMoNg7eoijq2DfFhalH0nFQG4GJ3-xn_mUsQIQ01nVPP4dtpfP2Hk5GE8Q-qIpTgSe3E/s1600/IMG_9924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrySyhT951ZemI-aNEgyd1Dzp2aCMjGyrMxeeeaga2m0KNP4VbQ-edB9Dj2V-Rp2sdLkkuXaTMoNg7eoijq2DfFhalH0nFQG4GJ3-xn_mUsQIQ01nVPP4dtpfP2Hk5GE8Q-qIpTgSe3E/s640/IMG_9924.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Thursday we went into Charlotte Amalie or "downtown" as the locals call it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When you arrive, there are beautiful shops where the tourists do a lot of shopping.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FUTrgQP8GqireiH7_OLskvzTWzNzcmvHBYAstv8Hch3iLvRXrx93SxiTsMuDy7X-xCvfQ4jqunhK0oTt-rlSHtJuYWFuAcyLpUwfLzASXKnNwPI7V4_Ff3SsGAcaqaRvwGbq9MF2jFc/s1600/IMG_9945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FUTrgQP8GqireiH7_OLskvzTWzNzcmvHBYAstv8Hch3iLvRXrx93SxiTsMuDy7X-xCvfQ4jqunhK0oTt-rlSHtJuYWFuAcyLpUwfLzASXKnNwPI7V4_Ff3SsGAcaqaRvwGbq9MF2jFc/s640/IMG_9945.jpg" width="410" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the huge storm shutters they have on all their doors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4OLqudxy9FiVChjOHc-gwWuEritf26PaxBHcvLa1RTDujP-b_tkrOkikwLzpfmOLRlW5KOwS-9q4i3GdzzEOarRC6bHLkVFE0XxlsBFxexOkdBRiV2R1mxOU3hE1XDDpEOROHjoXs2M/s1600/IMG_9947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4OLqudxy9FiVChjOHc-gwWuEritf26PaxBHcvLa1RTDujP-b_tkrOkikwLzpfmOLRlW5KOwS-9q4i3GdzzEOarRC6bHLkVFE0XxlsBFxexOkdBRiV2R1mxOU3hE1XDDpEOROHjoXs2M/s400/IMG_9947.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXh_fWokTWvBOMJYa_V3Yhekhqj0ga-gjhhZwtiIK_7BUB80VMuv4FETeTpb5otnHe8sgHFSMzuhwwwnPAV_vaUJeaeuw1mB6Iwwy-KxVtziSqiDTBGIj1DviUdEd0lP0rKxQziHHx0VM/s1600/IMG_9948-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXh_fWokTWvBOMJYa_V3Yhekhqj0ga-gjhhZwtiIK_7BUB80VMuv4FETeTpb5otnHe8sgHFSMzuhwwwnPAV_vaUJeaeuw1mB6Iwwy-KxVtziSqiDTBGIj1DviUdEd0lP0rKxQziHHx0VM/s640/IMG_9948-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soon after arriving downtown, we found this amazing bakery. It was called "My Brother's Workshop". It was set up as a way to help troubled young people find a way to get off the streets. They train the teens and young adults in the art of baking as well as construction. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh9D_7Y0FZk4d5S7ybdYLxjGeLV8MGxheIEbPxUSIS1qWLMSv1gIjYzx8i0aBl7D3dCuFaImGE2axtJvuVT_0HVVMtGGVj-JQN6F1DnmiJvRaVqig_wDylO3CRYr95XfI1nJ30Hjg3yE/s1600/IMG_9931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh9D_7Y0FZk4d5S7ybdYLxjGeLV8MGxheIEbPxUSIS1qWLMSv1gIjYzx8i0aBl7D3dCuFaImGE2axtJvuVT_0HVVMtGGVj-JQN6F1DnmiJvRaVqig_wDylO3CRYr95XfI1nJ30Hjg3yE/s640/IMG_9931.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4OOmZLYbm_ElLhbvEHOhXbE7ecEMZJeuBSaT7U10vzIeXAGF4pIZ7paiJpHS3VLYN41r7dI5CerwUztlwDqS4xiXWd6Y4tPi0ZPtOsid54a8dAVqQSKysNscIVfn_IPP7yXAYSZHeaM/s1600/IMG_6428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4OOmZLYbm_ElLhbvEHOhXbE7ecEMZJeuBSaT7U10vzIeXAGF4pIZ7paiJpHS3VLYN41r7dI5CerwUztlwDqS4xiXWd6Y4tPi0ZPtOsid54a8dAVqQSKysNscIVfn_IPP7yXAYSZHeaM/s400/IMG_6428.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not only was their story amazing, this cinnamon roll was too!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGrp2nR_PaxJxdsXbQiPSsry4p1yRpA5hO_MuOSRD2NtFVsMT6Jy0a915te8rjDP35STYocPLghfBXdSuOpGrhdn9DMkJ4_YDETNnvxROykJXK3_JcLZnMSXCDLm0IqGOHRpSsrInHd8/s1600/IMG_9927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGrp2nR_PaxJxdsXbQiPSsry4p1yRpA5hO_MuOSRD2NtFVsMT6Jy0a915te8rjDP35STYocPLghfBXdSuOpGrhdn9DMkJ4_YDETNnvxROykJXK3_JcLZnMSXCDLm0IqGOHRpSsrInHd8/s400/IMG_9927.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Young people working in the back room.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHekhS448xBUI-WlYJZWcPec2VBPWils5jg_mwizNxOO_-PoE81_DISdVo3POFlc0uz_m8d3sr9P_dxicSYJJRl3AD6oofQUV_b1EE0pisWZddyQobq6zgcAnwfpgtU-3HIqFs7LGlE8/s1600/IMG_9929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHekhS448xBUI-WlYJZWcPec2VBPWils5jg_mwizNxOO_-PoE81_DISdVo3POFlc0uz_m8d3sr9P_dxicSYJJRl3AD6oofQUV_b1EE0pisWZddyQobq6zgcAnwfpgtU-3HIqFs7LGlE8/s400/IMG_9929.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we turned the corner from the bakery, it was very apparent there are two sides to St. Thomas. The side that is put up front for the tourists to enjoy, and the side where the locals live. Narrow streets, simple dwellings and tight quarters. But another thing that was apparent is how friendly the people are. They don't seem to tire of the tourists and are eager to smile and welcome</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
you to their island.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsb5ERJNe9VPC7DnPaSePp-CZepSOKp37LyuVdVSaQ0ZTh8EGXzUBEwak4BYxCLuHg_BaMdR9Wo-USe7ScPdZuCgI_kVb7Vj8jjbSFL9mBfuiVa55ul0S6qmV2z2mtnsBQPc7Jc2iX5w/s1600/IMG_9925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsb5ERJNe9VPC7DnPaSePp-CZepSOKp37LyuVdVSaQ0ZTh8EGXzUBEwak4BYxCLuHg_BaMdR9Wo-USe7ScPdZuCgI_kVb7Vj8jjbSFL9mBfuiVa55ul0S6qmV2z2mtnsBQPc7Jc2iX5w/s640/IMG_9925.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGHYGUGMYTCVlz5hfuaJoLaEFKhSoLC9k59l2UOb8MsTHhAO582PcdtJThw_rq1KFEkl2tMssVjAQd1IpRTlfaqRGBPL0D1JlxkDx-e5_W674wCpR14BvbprkfuzpOvjNu_wnll18J0s/s1600/IMG_9933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGHYGUGMYTCVlz5hfuaJoLaEFKhSoLC9k59l2UOb8MsTHhAO582PcdtJThw_rq1KFEkl2tMssVjAQd1IpRTlfaqRGBPL0D1JlxkDx-e5_W674wCpR14BvbprkfuzpOvjNu_wnll18J0s/s400/IMG_9933.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmI1B8066irTc2y0ebNmLMAb3SrfM9UPgDCizuj9MlY2VR4Lvhwj87fryetj4iIy0VJ9XO0FQkbGt4Bh8FhyphenhyphenU4EcSDTApQC1WT1PD72fTlSzl-y4CgaaWlHLlUj1UXEDVewdwob9dChR0/s1600/IMG_9934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmI1B8066irTc2y0ebNmLMAb3SrfM9UPgDCizuj9MlY2VR4Lvhwj87fryetj4iIy0VJ9XO0FQkbGt4Bh8FhyphenhyphenU4EcSDTApQC1WT1PD72fTlSzl-y4CgaaWlHLlUj1UXEDVewdwob9dChR0/s640/IMG_9934.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LQUg7eCRL_emmbrXNrApF8vwH_hyraAk18pAY1g2Mjw_4zR5Nfy1WFzas6RQzedB18Wo3Y1VIP4-MDSk8jHnn4o4Ka0-v2Ix6Fdt6gF6X-CxvOEy4y0pNl5q20VObHzEAnSl8xR-nwI/s1600/IMG_9936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LQUg7eCRL_emmbrXNrApF8vwH_hyraAk18pAY1g2Mjw_4zR5Nfy1WFzas6RQzedB18Wo3Y1VIP4-MDSk8jHnn4o4Ka0-v2Ix6Fdt6gF6X-CxvOEy4y0pNl5q20VObHzEAnSl8xR-nwI/s400/IMG_9936.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As you walk along the narrow streets, you can find gateways like this that lead to upstairs apartments.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKwx8V3wJNUfBqM9W1WWV6oBmyBEdIhyphenhyphen8NkAEG6AfKIZywrBIR4AO-sRC0Y1RvwxTkznMkMki2xRNxFHyzHCG5sm5M1UiLwpdRW7GueHs0iFBIhQgU_ZjrDGYTIsQPQ3N-K5OrEhHKZk/s1600/IMG_9937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKwx8V3wJNUfBqM9W1WWV6oBmyBEdIhyphenhyphen8NkAEG6AfKIZywrBIR4AO-sRC0Y1RvwxTkznMkMki2xRNxFHyzHCG5sm5M1UiLwpdRW7GueHs0iFBIhQgU_ZjrDGYTIsQPQ3N-K5OrEhHKZk/s640/IMG_9937.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And again, chickens roamed free on the streets.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxSRo3YL_C2mSgxrRCWSJEBkcXEuRDcCZ9ZOrfxh1J4_SCDWfOUEupV1Ku0e6f_RXPwNoklMNwodSKK7aprt-ebWLE7uW_I1_ytQ223BR1yqfry_awFvXv4z66n6qWc5FF9uvcrITsYA/s1600/IMG_9941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxSRo3YL_C2mSgxrRCWSJEBkcXEuRDcCZ9ZOrfxh1J4_SCDWfOUEupV1Ku0e6f_RXPwNoklMNwodSKK7aprt-ebWLE7uW_I1_ytQ223BR1yqfry_awFvXv4z66n6qWc5FF9uvcrITsYA/s400/IMG_9941.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took shelter from a quick rain and asked a local where we could find some good local food. He recommended Cuzzin's. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YvMOpr_Y7TWZoMpZl_Dx46i-ZbBWAtsH9SxMKJSYECxRgY795UYPPA4w0j8V1uBv1Rav1tJ7Qns71RWnIGrzimYL7GSqiMFAlKLsqcKpZsHft960kW7D3QaRq_wgcl6eiFQKy15GKt4/s1600/IMG_9951-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YvMOpr_Y7TWZoMpZl_Dx46i-ZbBWAtsH9SxMKJSYECxRgY795UYPPA4w0j8V1uBv1Rav1tJ7Qns71RWnIGrzimYL7GSqiMFAlKLsqcKpZsHft960kW7D3QaRq_wgcl6eiFQKy15GKt4/s640/IMG_9951-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We tried their curry chicken, peas and rice and their sweet potato dressing. The menu said about the chicken, "Dat ez not skinny street chic-kun, mon. Dat ez wut we calls fat-in up chic-kun!" Whew! Good to know! And it was very yummy "fat-in up chick-kun!". The dressing here was a bit different than what we had on St. John's Island. This one had sugar and cinnamon soaked raisins in it. It was more like a dessert than a side dish. Very sweet and very good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqEBoKl2P5ZhC6ytu-Bv3Ob78WVJrPayt4g2U7Pj06bYwjlYeBSKFKq4FePGGTKOlVVOLPJx7HfpGmShKa1oNy_j_DCOJ60t4q41MCl5lVyAhF5xvGDqts3nhliXsa27eeyPlbj2WYG4/s1600/IMG_9953-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqEBoKl2P5ZhC6ytu-Bv3Ob78WVJrPayt4g2U7Pj06bYwjlYeBSKFKq4FePGGTKOlVVOLPJx7HfpGmShKa1oNy_j_DCOJ60t4q41MCl5lVyAhF5xvGDqts3nhliXsa27eeyPlbj2WYG4/s400/IMG_9953-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Friday we hung by the pool at the resort and spent our time relaxing, soaking in the sun and just enjoying being together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The day started out with breakfast eaten on our balcony.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexeSo670j0o8HHcUU-UPGxAYGU82UHhDpx42JBJ-LWwK-THiCjAUTRneHNJKiTQ-GhYSIR0hApDQVgD7VJptSG4A5qCcgJHQcaZjdBHR1a9Td9fJL7A_rnXBN4XGpmUzhgLlqg-ocLWA/s1600/IMG_9958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexeSo670j0o8HHcUU-UPGxAYGU82UHhDpx42JBJ-LWwK-THiCjAUTRneHNJKiTQ-GhYSIR0hApDQVgD7VJptSG4A5qCcgJHQcaZjdBHR1a9Td9fJL7A_rnXBN4XGpmUzhgLlqg-ocLWA/s400/IMG_9958.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then we headed to the pool.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8xtsfOgddFt-_Ntyxp07WJoirhkkmag0yMpfVDXi3D-RWsscbTqt9hMbr5oCDyI3bmVZaex8_ZUjRILOOToFi7oTyOq8v-9RF5U4rZgPUCj0_F23E1JVwgDC18y6nQH-Ygg1k7eYkTo/s1600/IMG_9960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8xtsfOgddFt-_Ntyxp07WJoirhkkmag0yMpfVDXi3D-RWsscbTqt9hMbr5oCDyI3bmVZaex8_ZUjRILOOToFi7oTyOq8v-9RF5U4rZgPUCj0_F23E1JVwgDC18y6nQH-Ygg1k7eYkTo/s640/IMG_9960.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These two little ducks seemed to call the pool home. They were even named by the resort employees.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRG2p8g4lWYbvcN3-0Z8u-Tbu4fo2jRuGBZ4Kbirq3vngKkUILfLNX7YbZlu1bFjZElia_4fDOyhGfhJpfAYmeITkOglQfb3GNioXmvYkKmzjW-8zcDB4zPKaQ_3JB5OgijVKbLPyALOE/s1600/IMG_9967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRG2p8g4lWYbvcN3-0Z8u-Tbu4fo2jRuGBZ4Kbirq3vngKkUILfLNX7YbZlu1bFjZElia_4fDOyhGfhJpfAYmeITkOglQfb3GNioXmvYkKmzjW-8zcDB4zPKaQ_3JB5OgijVKbLPyALOE/s640/IMG_9967.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From the pool, you have a beautiful view of the bay and the water sports the resort </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
offers to it's guests. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXFsnY1p3U5Zu-etjAUAZnF3cdvQvYm64V3tXQAqJGVPh6YGnu4D9efOB94Qn82SMerUSQcqq1Ia6drWvKiU_4Jlw1g95Ypk2YhyhW9We3LSzLrxa3BxlEsFUWNkQ7I56_eRUpEKNeT0/s1600/IMG_9971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXFsnY1p3U5Zu-etjAUAZnF3cdvQvYm64V3tXQAqJGVPh6YGnu4D9efOB94Qn82SMerUSQcqq1Ia6drWvKiU_4Jlw1g95Ypk2YhyhW9We3LSzLrxa3BxlEsFUWNkQ7I56_eRUpEKNeT0/s640/IMG_9971.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsUNs8gb-UMcdk2fEegtS-LbwKxIPbIBM_YUOgSg7Yf2exnfYAPop5-XUnq0rHlZnxcbZe_ivjr_eSBNmOOfckgVFH9URGreaxn4q26bawFtGHLsQaZReWwNr8yGo3U1P0naj2LdtWj4/s1600/IMG_9962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsUNs8gb-UMcdk2fEegtS-LbwKxIPbIBM_YUOgSg7Yf2exnfYAPop5-XUnq0rHlZnxcbZe_ivjr_eSBNmOOfckgVFH9URGreaxn4q26bawFtGHLsQaZReWwNr8yGo3U1P0naj2LdtWj4/s400/IMG_9962.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a full day in the sun, we took a relaxing evening walk and enjoyed the beautiful grounds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogw5-9fF8ZQ7gR4jPVRv3S5NJiBsoWP1IOWTXiV5bSfYqxYb0Rx3Jrhxbya9it9gGhAf0ZGw0MAv0OFw2mihCA44AksAPWTxs9SNyOPgmi_R6cyByPMgBaTW8_V7-EtRj2DdjsldqQs4/s1600/IMG_9978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogw5-9fF8ZQ7gR4jPVRv3S5NJiBsoWP1IOWTXiV5bSfYqxYb0Rx3Jrhxbya9it9gGhAf0ZGw0MAv0OFw2mihCA44AksAPWTxs9SNyOPgmi_R6cyByPMgBaTW8_V7-EtRj2DdjsldqQs4/s640/IMG_9978.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqp3sNNZTyhhXNr76xVkesOgGew5ZEwKObUuNU40hUXvSP_yiEahEabzvQak2UBae5_xtEo2oPeLGlB-E4wYPlD6e6xgqWjyYIxw1ZN5fzRwo7v_1ZUn02pWgatINrs82JyqSllmiUnM/s1600/IMG_9977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqp3sNNZTyhhXNr76xVkesOgGew5ZEwKObUuNU40hUXvSP_yiEahEabzvQak2UBae5_xtEo2oPeLGlB-E4wYPlD6e6xgqWjyYIxw1ZN5fzRwo7v_1ZUn02pWgatINrs82JyqSllmiUnM/s400/IMG_9977.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our last full day on the island, we tried some of the water sports the resort offers it's guests. We went out on a little catamaran, a 2 man kayak and tried our hand at paddle board.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQk3Xtz_yvbCpBH2QoZnCu0hkPgazVundGbnGJWIieyPu0F5U4-gOgU7w5F7av0ge8Oqfd2tJoFZZAKnX9b9V2M08uWyqvZQQ72yje5YVsK0E7R35M_MioQ2zz0irg0XHDG3ItpMAjRc/s1600/IMG_6534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQk3Xtz_yvbCpBH2QoZnCu0hkPgazVundGbnGJWIieyPu0F5U4-gOgU7w5F7av0ge8Oqfd2tJoFZZAKnX9b9V2M08uWyqvZQQ72yje5YVsK0E7R35M_MioQ2zz0irg0XHDG3ItpMAjRc/s640/IMG_6534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And remember Pizza Pi? The boat I mentioned earlier in the blog that we saw on our sailing trip? Well we found out from Brandon, a guy that works the water sports hut at the resort, that for an extra delivery fee, they will deliver to this side of St. Thomas. So we HAD to call them and have a pizza delivered. I mean, when else will we have that opportunity?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scott getting the pizza from their delivery boat. (Brandon is they guy in the straw hat. He wanted to talk to the Pizza Pi guys too!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTJqD6K4vEQVNx4EKoR2VbE9zYW5qBzkoc3pu_C8EfYSe5XvAdJavxqW3ufKJ9sbn59CnxvmBKlB-uTl11RxNwmaQdL1F5lKuULC3qNdkEzTjKfEolQfNHajWtEmYpAFONGS-Y-c1jzM/s1600/IMG_6546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTJqD6K4vEQVNx4EKoR2VbE9zYW5qBzkoc3pu_C8EfYSe5XvAdJavxqW3ufKJ9sbn59CnxvmBKlB-uTl11RxNwmaQdL1F5lKuULC3qNdkEzTjKfEolQfNHajWtEmYpAFONGS-Y-c1jzM/s640/IMG_6546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was pretty yummy pizza too!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZoCGNoqZVs_cAG2PDuWgmwUl_ZrTrD6fBm_PV9i6VYJ9azjNDIk0zgXI9hC5-6IMjJdPPi4jA9wZjShBivH1UQlhimnbg5U9w26U_qXTwwtcCIG4zFMlul8T5kAlrYS8OCPt5-jOPig/s1600/IMG_6550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZoCGNoqZVs_cAG2PDuWgmwUl_ZrTrD6fBm_PV9i6VYJ9azjNDIk0zgXI9hC5-6IMjJdPPi4jA9wZjShBivH1UQlhimnbg5U9w26U_qXTwwtcCIG4zFMlul8T5kAlrYS8OCPt5-jOPig/s640/IMG_6550.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our last full day of vacation was a day of getting to do what we hadn't been able to do yet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One last thing on my wish list was to get a picture of an iguana. We hadn't seen one since we arrived in St. Thomas. While we were sitting in the gazebo eating our pizza, we saw one. I got all excited, but sad that I didn't have my camera with me. We only had Scott's cell phone for pictures. So I ran up to the room, hoping the iguana would stay put till I got back. When walking back toward the gazebo, I saw that there was not one iguana, but seven! Yikes! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And they were very interested in our pizza!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYor5zpi6vSH8WBgy2L8Bu2jdeMvqJ2jcmZ-Qo_wzRTEUWlJovzT1eTJuqnECMgTbpQkkD3wMcevFKMrY7Tya9ntEl5JBiHbGYEgsZZ0NPdFmK3faphyphenhyphenlKFaTDzx5EQf6n-kKrxWceYY/s1600/IMG_9998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYor5zpi6vSH8WBgy2L8Bu2jdeMvqJ2jcmZ-Qo_wzRTEUWlJovzT1eTJuqnECMgTbpQkkD3wMcevFKMrY7Tya9ntEl5JBiHbGYEgsZZ0NPdFmK3faphyphenhyphenlKFaTDzx5EQf6n-kKrxWceYY/s640/IMG_9998.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This guy got a little too close for comfort, deciding to join us on the gazebo. He REALLY wanted some pizza! He hung out with us until we decided to leave.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErRS5C5dUewON_RSxa3U4lLKl9ok3EGFoPnii9Kw0m78I1polPvz-ExjDSI0-6B1_zBo1S_VwgOVaSozPAh0bJvCwDSgNZhzLDtIhyXqtWKb4Lqsn694Xcczp-y2yNMgKTuHtsfnCxEA/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErRS5C5dUewON_RSxa3U4lLKl9ok3EGFoPnii9Kw0m78I1polPvz-ExjDSI0-6B1_zBo1S_VwgOVaSozPAh0bJvCwDSgNZhzLDtIhyXqtWKb4Lqsn694Xcczp-y2yNMgKTuHtsfnCxEA/s400/IMG_0010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of his buddies posed for me on this little hill.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEFuW3XMJDI3Ln5oLK8UwbjX7104Mz4hscpVQVolrhClWBDKPyd-M5Hpq8XFAfRLbIVeAmOdbUm44mEqUBvdkm55dynffbt5r9HWsR0Fa5AcAqi_IX0b5MMGdxuNu3uKnaAMIB7YJp-I/s1600/IMG_0020-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEFuW3XMJDI3Ln5oLK8UwbjX7104Mz4hscpVQVolrhClWBDKPyd-M5Hpq8XFAfRLbIVeAmOdbUm44mEqUBvdkm55dynffbt5r9HWsR0Fa5AcAqi_IX0b5MMGdxuNu3uKnaAMIB7YJp-I/s640/IMG_0020-2.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2NQYAf5enSnqrsWcoWlfm2NigKhr653OQ5mZuxYSDVoM7eBHqLwgC0Jh8peepsDNQZzHSx-lMf_wqFSpV1hTikXE14blD_FZr3l9ASFfPYAiDHmWbT0zCxu35zoWlx_Gb3LSa1ZyZrU/s1600/IMG_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2NQYAf5enSnqrsWcoWlfm2NigKhr653OQ5mZuxYSDVoM7eBHqLwgC0Jh8peepsDNQZzHSx-lMf_wqFSpV1hTikXE14blD_FZr3l9ASFfPYAiDHmWbT0zCxu35zoWlx_Gb3LSa1ZyZrU/s640/IMG_0025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the last morning on our trip, we took a final opportunity to go on the water. After bringing in the catamaran, we told Brandon it was our last day. He asked, "Are you sure?" He began to tell us his story, like so many others we talked to on this trip, he had come on a vacation and ended up staying. OUR two tickets to paradise were round trip tickets. We have a beautiful life at home and so much to be thankful for there. Our own paradise, if you will. And even though this trip has been a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we loved every second of the beautiful weather, the gorgeous water, the great food and the sweet time we had together, we have so much to go home to. A lovely family who love us, a comfortable home, amazing friends and a VERY blessed life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I start having "Scott withdrawals" from his busy work schedule, I will think on our time in the islands and be blessed all over again by his generous expression of love for me and the priority he puts on our marriage. But also be very thankful for the wonderful life he provides for me every day through his hard work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe25abyD9nuoaw7jMB1huWbugGIyfZ5oR3tOkjWmhtST0pUoohC3hQCAlkm9mbBPGb0raa9yatMoE7POg4kl5NV64IJ1yctGOnb-tGru0yg9eddgnlldp3mTDhwxobL_1RJpf6dc-9KY4/s1600/IMG_0033-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe25abyD9nuoaw7jMB1huWbugGIyfZ5oR3tOkjWmhtST0pUoohC3hQCAlkm9mbBPGb0raa9yatMoE7POg4kl5NV64IJ1yctGOnb-tGru0yg9eddgnlldp3mTDhwxobL_1RJpf6dc-9KY4/s400/IMG_0033-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Practical tips if you choose to go to the US Virgin Islands. (Things we learned from our trip): </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Let your bank know ahead of time you are traveling abroad. Many banks will flag you and put a hold on your accounts if they have not been informed of your plans.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. The ATM's only allow you to take out $100 at a time and charge you a $6 fee each time. This can add up quickly. Especially considering taxi's expect cash. So either carry extra cash with you when you travel, or before you leave ask your financial institution the best way to get cash while on the islands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Most phone plans consider US Virgin Islands as part of the US and do not require you to use an international plan, but you will want to check with your carrier before you leave to make sure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. The islands are safe, but you want to use common sense. If you are out after dark, stay away from dark, lonely streets. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. There are inexpensive ways to experience the islands. Camping on St. Johns at Cinnamon Bay is a way to have inexpensive accommodations. Also renting a house can be less expensive then hotels, villas or resorts. For transportation, many opt to hitch hike the islands rather then using taxi service or renting a vehicle. Hitch hiking on the islands is very common and we were told safe in the day time. (Although we did not try it). Many of the beaches on St. John and St. Thomas are free. And if you have your own snorkeling equipment, you can snorkel free. If you don't have your own equipment, renting the gear is around $25 a day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. You can't expect to walk everywhere. The beaches are pretty spread out. Especially on St. Thomas. If you do choose to rent a car or scooter, remember they drive on the opposite side of the road!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. If you plan to go to St. John, be sure to bring hiking shoes. There are tons of trails on the island, leading you to amazing views and ruins.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Speaking from experience, you can feed the iguanas. But if you do, they won't leave you alone! They are VERY persistent! :-)</div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-35082404696065320802016-02-26T06:42:00.001-08:002016-02-26T12:08:55.413-08:00Why "A Needle and a Paintbrush"?<div style="text-align: center;">
Growing up in the Pierce home meant my sister and I had the privilege of wearing hand made clothes made by our mother. Of course, at the time we didn't think it a privilege. But watching my mom at the sewing machine definitely showed me the importance of having the ability to sew, and also gave me a desire to learn that skill myself. I remember when I was young, my sister and I were in a fashion show that was sponsored by a local fabric store. We got to model outfits that were made by our mother. What little girl wouldn't be inspired by that? My mom was talented even though she didn't learn the skill until after she was married. She learned to sew from her mother-in-law. She didn't even own a sewing machine at the time. She made all my sister's school dresses literally by hand. Later she acquired a sewing machine. She used it not only to dress us, but dress up the house. Mother made it cozy with custom curtains, bedding and other home decor projects.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So when I had the opportunity in high school to take Home Economics, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to learn to sew like my mom. She didn't feel comfortable teaching me because she never learned to follow a pattern. I took all the sewing classes they had and soon began making my own clothes. After I was married, I began dressing up our home by making pillows, window treatments and slip covers. And of course, when the kids came along, I made clothes for them. I love that my mom was so influential in my desire to learn to sew and use it for my family and home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw7HfxBBrxhKtgE_4u3g0clRirenSO7BNEokVgmcw7gOEPTon3mXUYp4m48bSLKmxQJHbbwo39Y-6X5K-aizXGrORzDhcpXry05muQzN2o8cswK8HP75g2IzJ21ms-1Bj_v9ZrDJOBFA/s1600/IMG_8508-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw7HfxBBrxhKtgE_4u3g0clRirenSO7BNEokVgmcw7gOEPTon3mXUYp4m48bSLKmxQJHbbwo39Y-6X5K-aizXGrORzDhcpXry05muQzN2o8cswK8HP75g2IzJ21ms-1Bj_v9ZrDJOBFA/s640/IMG_8508-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The paintbrush is meaningful to me because my dad was a professional paint contractor. He worked two jobs for years to provide for the family. After he retired early from his factory job, he continued painting until he was 82! He helped me paint just about every house we have lived in. We have always said that paint runs in the Pierce family's blood. My sister is an artist and has a business painting custom pallet signs. My brother is currently a paint contractor, and I just paint every wall and piece of furniture in our house!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What better blog to use to show you my craft room then my blog about how I became crafty, right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In my craft room, I have a thrift store chair that I slip-covered. I think it has cute lines. I covered it with a neutral mini check. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kTVILsESMqzMrrsL01VyJkPUFbrYozs2B62Za_kRP68Y8eqE1S_4yh3DTn_KgBE-2bunp82N7LKgUYYpJvwP5gZxO9qqVM21fq9Sdli3XQNONSVxE6Vwt39cC2hp66nBF1lz9Y3P2PU/s1600/IMG_8524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kTVILsESMqzMrrsL01VyJkPUFbrYozs2B62Za_kRP68Y8eqE1S_4yh3DTn_KgBE-2bunp82N7LKgUYYpJvwP5gZxO9qqVM21fq9Sdli3XQNONSVxE6Vwt39cC2hp66nBF1lz9Y3P2PU/s640/IMG_8524.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I painted the walls using Sherwin Williams Silver Strand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I painted my peg board using Annie Sloan Provence.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The old cabinet holding my paint was purchased from an antique shop. I left it with the chippy paint that they had on it for the time being. As is, I think it brings an eclectic look to the space. Above it hangs a sign made by my talented sister. You can find her business on Facebook under "White Hen".<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0q-Bq01KNHzIG-ABgsHjQsNMNoyEJ_dp1Ap8rBE794C2CFR_VwxPQPBu51zRxj8IwC9QgGTPauZ0zj5FZ3QrFB1nG4cdzU2JT2W7Dz3mSBynp0jLLvtyoLnDLzdmW6jT2cIi16b7dmZI/s1600/IMG_9378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0q-Bq01KNHzIG-ABgsHjQsNMNoyEJ_dp1Ap8rBE794C2CFR_VwxPQPBu51zRxj8IwC9QgGTPauZ0zj5FZ3QrFB1nG4cdzU2JT2W7Dz3mSBynp0jLLvtyoLnDLzdmW6jT2cIi16b7dmZI/s640/IMG_9378.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My craft room is small, but I still found room for this work bench that I purchased at my favorite antique shop, Southern Crossing. I attached a burlap skirt to it, covering the much needed storage space underneath. Above it, I am using a drawer I attached to the wall as a shelf for additional storage. The three tiered storage tray was made out of cake pans and candlesticks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiU5JVAJ8KPo_z7D0qKSdy_0wzgmxWnmJF3lRQHnOdh8Xzuv3XM0k-5KdfPMuhXpCXLKEA0vxZafkkIVD9TKv23KyDlG_PZ0iUzatyjEa30vPWgKOXLNpM9DnKaeRXQW6qSON6DBnLxvU/s1600/IMG_8518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiU5JVAJ8KPo_z7D0qKSdy_0wzgmxWnmJF3lRQHnOdh8Xzuv3XM0k-5KdfPMuhXpCXLKEA0vxZafkkIVD9TKv23KyDlG_PZ0iUzatyjEa30vPWgKOXLNpM9DnKaeRXQW6qSON6DBnLxvU/s640/IMG_8518.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMwxZgmUu6jyh9f5ncaEoyrEFSIXcvODJvEmzD4tfxUcUN5zrco1lZWaWasUb3qOBWN5BAHNPc2SLQuMOid09qHhyzCLm514h1ggyGhcGcpo6POZoW_BXr0kzcBtJ-mG1sezOoQr9qhM/s1600/IMG_8520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMwxZgmUu6jyh9f5ncaEoyrEFSIXcvODJvEmzD4tfxUcUN5zrco1lZWaWasUb3qOBWN5BAHNPc2SLQuMOid09qHhyzCLm514h1ggyGhcGcpo6POZoW_BXr0kzcBtJ-mG1sezOoQr9qhM/s400/IMG_8520.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9AiZ7ktb_HFpNWuytFp-3ZU7AX_rXaW0NCxrZVzEoW123CEFS05ia-fKo1Wx4ZwL7SxJtwUu3zv9LyL0evBp9GY4ELs7oZwfIsQ-5bVeSLexf_G7Ac8L_kb12fkWMrhp9c2gcUzvo7k/s1600/IMG_8519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9AiZ7ktb_HFpNWuytFp-3ZU7AX_rXaW0NCxrZVzEoW123CEFS05ia-fKo1Wx4ZwL7SxJtwUu3zv9LyL0evBp9GY4ELs7oZwfIsQ-5bVeSLexf_G7Ac8L_kb12fkWMrhp9c2gcUzvo7k/s400/IMG_8519.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My chalkboard housing my project list is a section of a bi-fold door that I purchased from a thrift store. I painted it with chalkboard paint and added the drawer pull as a tray for the chalk.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-gyJ6y-Gbmd8kHSIYdtcgBKTWw_SUKDScLQFN4cpkNwZdofDWd9IXJOgCPzhZXELGycxYd7fOVAfzW1tyDVqKus_wA44budtvV91ntNY3Jqp1xua9XNHsUCkPKprd1YHKF2x82AIpGE/s1600/IMG_8525-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-gyJ6y-Gbmd8kHSIYdtcgBKTWw_SUKDScLQFN4cpkNwZdofDWd9IXJOgCPzhZXELGycxYd7fOVAfzW1tyDVqKus_wA44budtvV91ntNY3Jqp1xua9XNHsUCkPKprd1YHKF2x82AIpGE/s400/IMG_8525-2.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My sewing table is a library table that my husband and I found while on a day trip years ago. We spent a lot of hours refinishing it, so I haven't had the heart to paint it...YET!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0AR2FnyhG_pm-Iz0xHnmqcNJEdKQqDcL-rGr0sndbAEcFS7j4B1yAdIfRvhk8HAsKSLWwB8qxxsh9MrSX1CqDPqtGXzRQzrLY7DsYFhRVx741-xmReAC5Q2vCBMooixINcr0gHhh8O0/s1600/IMG_9377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0AR2FnyhG_pm-Iz0xHnmqcNJEdKQqDcL-rGr0sndbAEcFS7j4B1yAdIfRvhk8HAsKSLWwB8qxxsh9MrSX1CqDPqtGXzRQzrLY7DsYFhRVx741-xmReAC5Q2vCBMooixINcr0gHhh8O0/s640/IMG_9377.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I still use the old Singer Fashionmate sewing machine I bought with my high school graduation money 35 plus years ago. I can't bring myself to get a new one.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM78G6CirOVgLDvBua2IBsJcHsEz4G5VrFLdhEYN6h5Crp-DfLTvZlfyY5KrDN36lCc80BDG4xnCTcPyWW-H6NrX5dzwZYXPewne9zvb54cgX_-fsEx2pqm7bC9zFMZh4bnIC7EDGBm1s/s1600/IMG_8506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM78G6CirOVgLDvBua2IBsJcHsEz4G5VrFLdhEYN6h5Crp-DfLTvZlfyY5KrDN36lCc80BDG4xnCTcPyWW-H6NrX5dzwZYXPewne9zvb54cgX_-fsEx2pqm7bC9zFMZh4bnIC7EDGBm1s/s400/IMG_8506.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above my sewing table I have used a drawer from an old sewing machine cabinet to store needed utensils. They are handy without being in the way when not in use.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPMIEevXU1_w_80g7Ze3bpO8rBOzcX0N5-kgso0S_7j9-8utR4ZuMIfoXa_EGPpV5hnlXWz7o5X6Uj0ucG7RjHbgawQ9sDC-0DODteGETD0m7eI65XLGSNpAlmri1j7_BfuUkNh6M2SA/s1600/IMG_8509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPMIEevXU1_w_80g7Ze3bpO8rBOzcX0N5-kgso0S_7j9-8utR4ZuMIfoXa_EGPpV5hnlXWz7o5X6Uj0ucG7RjHbgawQ9sDC-0DODteGETD0m7eI65XLGSNpAlmri1j7_BfuUkNh6M2SA/s640/IMG_8509.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
<br />
I used jars on the shelves to help wrangle craft supplies and keep them easy to spot while they are kept tidy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJf3F2e8HTY2WYkSonSYJOuFyKIQx3kKJ_ia9lpVGZgQTyc6SK6J4uYDhjUcVGTtREitnMgKbxCMlQi74WqX-d1FKT5YuU9fGB6cqAlZtKtUbq4V6iHEDbdmvIsUx1qWBAxSFY-WjrUHs/s1600/IMG_8521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJf3F2e8HTY2WYkSonSYJOuFyKIQx3kKJ_ia9lpVGZgQTyc6SK6J4uYDhjUcVGTtREitnMgKbxCMlQi74WqX-d1FKT5YuU9fGB6cqAlZtKtUbq4V6iHEDbdmvIsUx1qWBAxSFY-WjrUHs/s400/IMG_8521.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even if you don't have "paint in your blood" or a long heritage of sewing in your family, you can still make your home cozy and your own. And who knows, maybe you will want to get your hands dirty and use your own paintbrush to throw some paint on a wall!</div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-31051927239351885072016-02-19T04:36:00.000-08:002016-02-19T04:45:34.695-08:00Karen and the girls<div style="text-align: center;">
I had the privilege this week to take pictures of this sweet mama and her two girls. Ada, the baby turned 9 months old, so she wanted to document that sweet age. Mama is a bit of a photo bug herself, so to be asked to capture this moment in her baby's life is a huge honor for me. Her tiny nursery had the most wonderful light, so we shot the whole shoot there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfBHhOmb81ROg1XmIkCyEEQoHY8PD4NzDVZpNvSNj59TQhH3XPk4cyKViWV2dkzwpIUZ1qndWaQh7aOBK_g3FULridrHv6XvRTZEkxlL_a5BvIVHkwMFP8cTu3aAWU1rGEAZbj_km9y8/s1600/IMG_9452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfBHhOmb81ROg1XmIkCyEEQoHY8PD4NzDVZpNvSNj59TQhH3XPk4cyKViWV2dkzwpIUZ1qndWaQh7aOBK_g3FULridrHv6XvRTZEkxlL_a5BvIVHkwMFP8cTu3aAWU1rGEAZbj_km9y8/s640/IMG_9452.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CZy80WsK7sgQPV71Bwugg1i5paZE76FFFJ0yRkP4DVSzmo5yiDUdxNLawvdduu8O2uM1ifyDDzkXtXvEDZoCeJrgkJth5kJVOxQPVOiCaGga-rZAMUu_KQevjYEnLi7ueSy94K_B3EQ/s1600/IMG_9457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CZy80WsK7sgQPV71Bwugg1i5paZE76FFFJ0yRkP4DVSzmo5yiDUdxNLawvdduu8O2uM1ifyDDzkXtXvEDZoCeJrgkJth5kJVOxQPVOiCaGga-rZAMUu_KQevjYEnLi7ueSy94K_B3EQ/s640/IMG_9457.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0ib12g0IEDtKuczI_pzGrBuBSM7sbm3xP6Gsc__-O8dM1lbvYuaiSTR-R0qIi1IyRX395NlBr1EoHRcquHRGcafeKAQda9mDOAv5CYMUGl28-Swsg_zqQ8tYjGjNPFh0_bCvnf207kI/s1600/IMG_9459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0ib12g0IEDtKuczI_pzGrBuBSM7sbm3xP6Gsc__-O8dM1lbvYuaiSTR-R0qIi1IyRX395NlBr1EoHRcquHRGcafeKAQda9mDOAv5CYMUGl28-Swsg_zqQ8tYjGjNPFh0_bCvnf207kI/s640/IMG_9459.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7eR-akNwFzoAnGq6Z5kiS_AlZPydbhCuctIjdU6ec86bpqToiJd7ufpvk4ildHA0NA5BimRWtOtxaiYduqMrnTFM8QKUGMz1f199mXDllggRRF9MvfC_LTUANalTofP8wjTsH6kAFvA/s1600/IMG_9466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7eR-akNwFzoAnGq6Z5kiS_AlZPydbhCuctIjdU6ec86bpqToiJd7ufpvk4ildHA0NA5BimRWtOtxaiYduqMrnTFM8QKUGMz1f199mXDllggRRF9MvfC_LTUANalTofP8wjTsH6kAFvA/s640/IMG_9466.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vcTN3y7LVvHgMXtJyOQmUoBuctMTol_FxIrBiXwqAH4j11PceanQQqlqX4eraPewMdiD8F4brNhdUin46ecJuINTv_bx7Q8CNfhyphenhyphen7d1cW8C1RlMTTGPWXGp_raqQMpjyKilAk4M-ddM/s1600/IMG_9467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vcTN3y7LVvHgMXtJyOQmUoBuctMTol_FxIrBiXwqAH4j11PceanQQqlqX4eraPewMdiD8F4brNhdUin46ecJuINTv_bx7Q8CNfhyphenhyphen7d1cW8C1RlMTTGPWXGp_raqQMpjyKilAk4M-ddM/s640/IMG_9467.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM0A-9P5HDTphaGxgfa5QTFPpGw-jLq6UvgI886Y6brMFGGM7-pOQKMabNFQeJCeXyrTAPb9JZAF46QXA_BmePJD3jTsI7G2rPqvcA60eZCBRxKCOa1OJubkMT4EEkr8exPTYO1yPNLQ/s1600/IMG_9472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM0A-9P5HDTphaGxgfa5QTFPpGw-jLq6UvgI886Y6brMFGGM7-pOQKMabNFQeJCeXyrTAPb9JZAF46QXA_BmePJD3jTsI7G2rPqvcA60eZCBRxKCOa1OJubkMT4EEkr8exPTYO1yPNLQ/s640/IMG_9472.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQKhkmd4Kp_2RDf28LRUCDh_Jq_TUXzognO51cNkX40ekR4vaQ-i9bc-yNX1ML6KLvd-ftVzQpnnZeKqywQXZa4XulHBAJmHNVrM2rtoZVjE_IPcpD1PggzSlL1fdiJm-X63jTljWyZs/s1600/IMG_9477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQKhkmd4Kp_2RDf28LRUCDh_Jq_TUXzognO51cNkX40ekR4vaQ-i9bc-yNX1ML6KLvd-ftVzQpnnZeKqywQXZa4XulHBAJmHNVrM2rtoZVjE_IPcpD1PggzSlL1fdiJm-X63jTljWyZs/s640/IMG_9477.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYGf1Nsy93VtksCSNd-X9M0uiHBDFsecMrjmuYeo603XpuKt9SRHxtJALq9j9EL9zwsjDh5SVd8t8ygNoFLnqjyfN0FjQ736sax0nxMryyJv3fuulxfDHq3iPZlGUhkXaKBiXAGAganE/s1600/IMG_9485-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYGf1Nsy93VtksCSNd-X9M0uiHBDFsecMrjmuYeo603XpuKt9SRHxtJALq9j9EL9zwsjDh5SVd8t8ygNoFLnqjyfN0FjQ736sax0nxMryyJv3fuulxfDHq3iPZlGUhkXaKBiXAGAganE/s640/IMG_9485-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PjdPJVlrS9QIx4CJ16CHCza5JM-AI71lLwcWoIkcPb9X__S8SfMh6MlpIbKpFzZNLszubCMIRnp-zsfI3rM83DLC7ZDD6bSMkWboQCT0hQCH_iLV86sSvGiqToZ5BYyfcYZ9tXCBuAI/s1600/IMG_9498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PjdPJVlrS9QIx4CJ16CHCza5JM-AI71lLwcWoIkcPb9X__S8SfMh6MlpIbKpFzZNLszubCMIRnp-zsfI3rM83DLC7ZDD6bSMkWboQCT0hQCH_iLV86sSvGiqToZ5BYyfcYZ9tXCBuAI/s640/IMG_9498.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UTHL3j38Kd5n8wSKyJ9OgvANxPhqHm1ibx1JRmrWS6xwPovPQ8ZM_3NIpnrU7Yf3s4mgjp2tuYDwPhnjosG_XmZeShK5yZag9wPjxiTigSNOvfsCTTQgBpY6i6zgJkHxzYvgt7uENl0/s1600/IMG_9502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UTHL3j38Kd5n8wSKyJ9OgvANxPhqHm1ibx1JRmrWS6xwPovPQ8ZM_3NIpnrU7Yf3s4mgjp2tuYDwPhnjosG_XmZeShK5yZag9wPjxiTigSNOvfsCTTQgBpY6i6zgJkHxzYvgt7uENl0/s640/IMG_9502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwX3SFVgNRS6n853GobQXshBfChPbmF1E8xidPUfmpjQgf2dzKEyrqQx54NsTwnfYmdNwYesLyu2SgQ6dVG81NqWzCQNDwPUGge1X6Viv6d1g-ziRU9rQsbFDJsa-2EeP62wQ6u3UO-Ow/s1600/IMG_9528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwX3SFVgNRS6n853GobQXshBfChPbmF1E8xidPUfmpjQgf2dzKEyrqQx54NsTwnfYmdNwYesLyu2SgQ6dVG81NqWzCQNDwPUGge1X6Viv6d1g-ziRU9rQsbFDJsa-2EeP62wQ6u3UO-Ow/s640/IMG_9528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUY9T3j-mvaTmCECoO31gyR8zBm6oQxnDBIReivlRME5OfYmkIq-KeOiKhjXot-OsfaJxqGZTAF5Mds1KfrvZ_YvjcjKFK7gcDJeL4BMmr_IGzIffl7O9RB-5msG92pEkVsRD43bEDpU/s1600/IMG_9547-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUY9T3j-mvaTmCECoO31gyR8zBm6oQxnDBIReivlRME5OfYmkIq-KeOiKhjXot-OsfaJxqGZTAF5Mds1KfrvZ_YvjcjKFK7gcDJeL4BMmr_IGzIffl7O9RB-5msG92pEkVsRD43bEDpU/s640/IMG_9547-2.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjNrkKQuK1l8imLvykGI9VgUbs9i_I-VfCYTlpTzaR1c_Jo8ZRC71cGtiRp7PUFThoFQRsOTnIoXfO5xk6hkrQNDRM49cgupMObclfgBU8nd2fDd9wdGPKF7EqXO2YnUPZlBSeLh0ljE/s1600/IMG_9556-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjNrkKQuK1l8imLvykGI9VgUbs9i_I-VfCYTlpTzaR1c_Jo8ZRC71cGtiRp7PUFThoFQRsOTnIoXfO5xk6hkrQNDRM49cgupMObclfgBU8nd2fDd9wdGPKF7EqXO2YnUPZlBSeLh0ljE/s640/IMG_9556-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHP0Pn284r2HPDJlaDzSvfKOAUapBmJEq_1BkuQek7j_9lJVY4UAj7P-0rMYGmuw4iDbcYb3xSgAgkE1zcdx3RFaLsOTYUOOWQ4DciTPexPkFFLtBdEYvphEMT3h5W8uNxvJ3SEIy1Z5Q/s1600/IMG_9564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHP0Pn284r2HPDJlaDzSvfKOAUapBmJEq_1BkuQek7j_9lJVY4UAj7P-0rMYGmuw4iDbcYb3xSgAgkE1zcdx3RFaLsOTYUOOWQ4DciTPexPkFFLtBdEYvphEMT3h5W8uNxvJ3SEIy1Z5Q/s640/IMG_9564.jpg" width="410" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9O_JUOI1oTvFcQ5Qh7n0P8xYk90cyR9o1BpeCp29cSSsXKMhAK-qGT8lAKMAtMuE5W_oFZdq9W-kyBt6mGM2EwVvKDEj-_96d0eW8m8d-ms1sTHELbN7yl-7LqxBDVehSvMI8TweIK_s/s1600/IMG_9601-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9O_JUOI1oTvFcQ5Qh7n0P8xYk90cyR9o1BpeCp29cSSsXKMhAK-qGT8lAKMAtMuE5W_oFZdq9W-kyBt6mGM2EwVvKDEj-_96d0eW8m8d-ms1sTHELbN7yl-7LqxBDVehSvMI8TweIK_s/s640/IMG_9601-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVADNbZ45B0p92OZWLtuGneWylWbYVy27L9upl6eQvbgxFAHKFU527iVM8yURgZq9Sy67aqpB6nfNTP-jtuQ5JuTWNfGW5AJEEaCrPpPrCXVJWwZrHEIxMI5MiCS7OBWwurKW5WpiocA/s1600/IMG_9614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVADNbZ45B0p92OZWLtuGneWylWbYVy27L9upl6eQvbgxFAHKFU527iVM8yURgZq9Sy67aqpB6nfNTP-jtuQ5JuTWNfGW5AJEEaCrPpPrCXVJWwZrHEIxMI5MiCS7OBWwurKW5WpiocA/s640/IMG_9614.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sweet connection with these two girls is unmistakable. Big sister Nora is so sweet and gentle with her baby sister. It's precious to watch.</div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-80235430255133690292016-02-02T12:26:00.000-08:002016-02-02T12:26:12.780-08:00Winter Woes<div style="text-align: center;">
Living in Florida, we don't really have a dread of the onset of winter like folks up north might have. In fact, for me winter is a nice break from the heat. I can't wait for the weather to cool things off a bit so I can finally pull out my sweaters. Any day below 70 degrees in Florida is an excuse to wear boots! So for me, winter woes would be facing the fact that winter just doesn't come soon enough and doesn't stay as long as I would like.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In my home, the winter woes come from having to take the Christmas decorations down. I try to put it off as long as I can! I'm usually the last house on the street with Christmas lights still up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_WPm127OdwiP4m9rbCydSiWGq2ayK_B3NHS83cdDszQQDxYw2v84v7J8kJD_xk0OmZoiImnKU4mSK_qGla3_552Ma-DwnR9ulBYSFTCCrQaGWKG4Tqh2T_FdaD1CVE2E4DrcUd_sMC8/s1600/IMG_8288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_WPm127OdwiP4m9rbCydSiWGq2ayK_B3NHS83cdDszQQDxYw2v84v7J8kJD_xk0OmZoiImnKU4mSK_qGla3_552Ma-DwnR9ulBYSFTCCrQaGWKG4Tqh2T_FdaD1CVE2E4DrcUd_sMC8/s640/IMG_8288.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT47kYBiDy_qWG5ccirzeH71pKWAi5GwmCNMREHBT2CRBJtU1xRMvjT0IWeEqcLJxK8EuKref_AnQZX6q3RHrAWJvcl06IsdgFqRmVQQNpqIXui6uTjOyMyGxcTw2EG5aJUor37aK3NGE/s1600/IMG_8287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT47kYBiDy_qWG5ccirzeH71pKWAi5GwmCNMREHBT2CRBJtU1xRMvjT0IWeEqcLJxK8EuKref_AnQZX6q3RHrAWJvcl06IsdgFqRmVQQNpqIXui6uTjOyMyGxcTw2EG5aJUor37aK3NGE/s640/IMG_8287.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In past years, I have used nature in my post-Christmas decor and this year is no exception. A sweet addition I added this year was this white antique bowl that was recently given to me by my mother. Growing up, it sat in our family room and had a matching pitcher that sat in it. The pitcher met it's demise one day when a broom handle smashed into it. I'm still not going to say who was holding the broom when it happened! But my mom held on to the bowl all these years. When cleaning out her garage recently, I came across it. With my affinity for white dishes, I asked if I could have it. I wasn't sure what I would do with it, but here is my first attempt to put it to good use.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzA6ECFnfdeZHkxv9Qn8uvENFhFU_Vu8UCBak1RNzEFvAalFsrlCm2VEgvHMC2hmU_Bi1SwO8scZbxj_NFyjfl_VKm9zYaeKa_q2WUqe2ljDL__Eoqs-sT3rd7QiohZN3hEQTnmcufnU/s1600/IMG_8283-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzA6ECFnfdeZHkxv9Qn8uvENFhFU_Vu8UCBak1RNzEFvAalFsrlCm2VEgvHMC2hmU_Bi1SwO8scZbxj_NFyjfl_VKm9zYaeKa_q2WUqe2ljDL__Eoqs-sT3rd7QiohZN3hEQTnmcufnU/s640/IMG_8283-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJ8MFJkzqkbOdmr9bHc3HeVZn-cqiS2eUCUT-gaEzDAypgsPTe5jQQcWYHmEJXpaHHKsR8cZiFE6FEN0MaInbcNWMg3rwA4S6xPQgD10NLuaIvNulBENYeYJP6tTQlzp8rBwRSYCPHRE/s1600/IMG_8285-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJ8MFJkzqkbOdmr9bHc3HeVZn-cqiS2eUCUT-gaEzDAypgsPTe5jQQcWYHmEJXpaHHKsR8cZiFE6FEN0MaInbcNWMg3rwA4S6xPQgD10NLuaIvNulBENYeYJP6tTQlzp8rBwRSYCPHRE/s400/IMG_8285-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had some different orbs on hand that were made from grapevines that I purchased on clearance last year. Some have a touch of glitter that make them feel wintery. I added a few pine cones and moss orbs I made to fill the bowl and I put it on the coffee table. Next to it I stacked a few books and atop of them I placed a couple candlesticks and a small apothecary jar filled with acorns. Again, bringing in more nature into the space.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX27OB_0jeNH1Nw0ezEnRznFvqAoASBsYh9i9MoaxzBGiO9md9x5T1hsABXBFEIelJpzwyr2dB98JDW2R3gufJT2woayjy380R5iYZkodHza0glKUnL5875S1JxpcG0ygpgQecl8MdXbo/s1600/IMG_8286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX27OB_0jeNH1Nw0ezEnRznFvqAoASBsYh9i9MoaxzBGiO9md9x5T1hsABXBFEIelJpzwyr2dB98JDW2R3gufJT2woayjy380R5iYZkodHza0glKUnL5875S1JxpcG0ygpgQecl8MdXbo/s640/IMG_8286.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the mantle, I kept it very simple. I repotted a left over evergreen from Christmas and added a small white sign I made. It's a good reminder as we begin another new year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuX-0iHWIqckn5S_HAkWpiABOFWLoO8lZYFeDws9pzXgd7xVC9Zray-HfPnK9802ILeruE76t3AvD70VBv0sHQQOh6mjJLi933Pdx4eYIOaQKFcykTLiXnTiJtQoa-oeWhlvN1rfZYaw/s1600/IMG_8280-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuX-0iHWIqckn5S_HAkWpiABOFWLoO8lZYFeDws9pzXgd7xVC9Zray-HfPnK9802ILeruE76t3AvD70VBv0sHQQOh6mjJLi933Pdx4eYIOaQKFcykTLiXnTiJtQoa-oeWhlvN1rfZYaw/s640/IMG_8280-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnZpoqQuTUBlByMRIndr8qPviHOVJVgSM9Id2VKIywSwQ2qlYnJ6o2BlD_aMUV2Fh5a4rfP8zPM-myvwBIPBQd_ExZmHF5S6Qk7au4kPgyQT67Ya_oh-9EP1_j05xIgj5Gc4maYGaB_0/s1600/IMG_8281-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnZpoqQuTUBlByMRIndr8qPviHOVJVgSM9Id2VKIywSwQ2qlYnJ6o2BlD_aMUV2Fh5a4rfP8zPM-myvwBIPBQd_ExZmHF5S6Qk7au4kPgyQT67Ya_oh-9EP1_j05xIgj5Gc4maYGaB_0/s400/IMG_8281-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I like the blanket ladder. This is a new addition. I think blankets just say warm and cozy, don't you? I love this way to display them. It adds vertical interest, color and texture to the long wall without hanging artwork.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyRhvkESqcBukuQNkgbDRN8j4YkLqIrW8K9Bdw8T9aaMuYUaU_4Iqsd7Abqr4VWenmSCYo1qUqP1PM5-QPITif4PGTJRJoKOgvuSZZ7b_FJk44AwfSWuvdYF743HCHLcctotzxk6YNTI/s1600/IMG_8484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyRhvkESqcBukuQNkgbDRN8j4YkLqIrW8K9Bdw8T9aaMuYUaU_4Iqsd7Abqr4VWenmSCYo1qUqP1PM5-QPITif4PGTJRJoKOgvuSZZ7b_FJk44AwfSWuvdYF743HCHLcctotzxk6YNTI/s640/IMG_8484.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On top of my armoire in the living room, I have added a bucket of cotton stems. Cotton is harvested in late fall in the south, so it makes for a wonderful natural addition to winter decor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigukUfJqNYGk9xrM5OHQ6J_qSq9e3C6u5SOLtDBArU8OSCVXR3x5m1JyUTqAVbzr0oISO0yRjTDYJO-eHB22q9ScT2rKvoKGfymASyR4kvt6x3Xby0fifNN4LV0WeYGkYq0MoLKbovO2U/s1600/IMG_8311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigukUfJqNYGk9xrM5OHQ6J_qSq9e3C6u5SOLtDBArU8OSCVXR3x5m1JyUTqAVbzr0oISO0yRjTDYJO-eHB22q9ScT2rKvoKGfymASyR4kvt6x3Xby0fifNN4LV0WeYGkYq0MoLKbovO2U/s640/IMG_8311.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In the sunroom just off the living room, I used gum balls to add a touch of nature. I picked these up from the sidewalk while out on a walk last year, so they have had a year to dry out. I simply put them in a berry dish and let a few spill over on the small platter the dish is resting on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTmpH6-ctJupFQ8KIZxXjR69yuKgBIs59BjijO6oocQXuoQ4fqSpyvPe2I38OVIkYaECCNWOMQ5zOVgsO8VGeD8F3Tu4P7MuSDIXhMX4FCHyCr9BujzE8FNbRAf6BF0w7_H3w8qlUduw/s1600/IMG_8319-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTmpH6-ctJupFQ8KIZxXjR69yuKgBIs59BjijO6oocQXuoQ4fqSpyvPe2I38OVIkYaECCNWOMQ5zOVgsO8VGeD8F3Tu4P7MuSDIXhMX4FCHyCr9BujzE8FNbRAf6BF0w7_H3w8qlUduw/s640/IMG_8319-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKTELVpELymdZE_OStiAopmHuvneGDkgAsrFAZfHryq-7EmKIRZ5rvRUuOXHMHPs-wXq8c8n-zNNMfDk82W4FfpY7Ipv1jtLREmMZiLc7c56emgBqIplvVpBA-Dk6Ic29XurYQ3eXUPQ/s1600/IMG_8315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKTELVpELymdZE_OStiAopmHuvneGDkgAsrFAZfHryq-7EmKIRZ5rvRUuOXHMHPs-wXq8c8n-zNNMfDk82W4FfpY7Ipv1jtLREmMZiLc7c56emgBqIplvVpBA-Dk6Ic29XurYQ3eXUPQ/s400/IMG_8315.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmye0wY8A5u39e02gnUvgt_-QRaP0Z13G2anr2OqcGC7I1qAI0JXPVf82MygUXGNJi0cpMMHFBw-o-2ezbTIVkMNLYDhMlY9Vn5D3sKVC5b7aaMVK5MHt69QLk5yuRfGn3V9pDk_y9fNA/s1600/IMG_8317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmye0wY8A5u39e02gnUvgt_-QRaP0Z13G2anr2OqcGC7I1qAI0JXPVf82MygUXGNJi0cpMMHFBw-o-2ezbTIVkMNLYDhMlY9Vn5D3sKVC5b7aaMVK5MHt69QLk5yuRfGn3V9pDk_y9fNA/s400/IMG_8317.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On my small entry table, I have an apothecary jar filled with twigs. I cut the sticks into 4 inch lengths. These too have had a couple years to dry out. I added some twigs I purchased from Pottery Barn's after Christmas clearance table a couple years ago. The PB twigs have touches of crystalized "snow" on them. Added to the natural twigs, it makes the jar even more wintery. On the wall above the table, I placed two small fern wreaths I purchased from Magnolia Market on a couple of the mirrors. Layering items adds a bit of interest, color and texture to an otherwise flat arrangement.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5WfE19KPNUTV0dtGkFLE3kUbI4YMeQFwOybQIpCbqC6tstmQbQzderkaTFTbx1syqgc4QzXam53PFSjF9-_s5rijyjaYbmQw2UM57v9-LxzYEy875xlYJntEt5czLGCv-EbjGUfv-G4/s1600/IMG_8505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5WfE19KPNUTV0dtGkFLE3kUbI4YMeQFwOybQIpCbqC6tstmQbQzderkaTFTbx1syqgc4QzXam53PFSjF9-_s5rijyjaYbmQw2UM57v9-LxzYEy875xlYJntEt5czLGCv-EbjGUfv-G4/s640/IMG_8505.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivj3NvzwBhLTnBx2lRLLZhJOkkuFx4WBZ51xPjhX8WvAJkuATGW-APhhWMFtJySSxDkuZbbvWcVUnyUOvAEL8sPlI7wkGZEsyFyQ-SVP2EKS3HSMo9K8wepszCWsXtxFhimeePDC1q86Q/s1600/IMG_8500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivj3NvzwBhLTnBx2lRLLZhJOkkuFx4WBZ51xPjhX8WvAJkuATGW-APhhWMFtJySSxDkuZbbvWcVUnyUOvAEL8sPlI7wkGZEsyFyQ-SVP2EKS3HSMo9K8wepszCWsXtxFhimeePDC1q86Q/s400/IMG_8500.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the dining room, I really kept it simple. I literally moved the rustic tray I had on my coffee table and put it in the middle of the dining room table. But like I've said before, when we move things around and use them in different areas of the house, they can look fresh and new again. This bowl of pinecones was used this fall, Christmas, and now through out the winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KXx6vmnx9Ns_dRZTuUbfh3j24eoTKG2EOMZnjGdeoRtNrS8ZWi8karUuxDHAATkhot-UMjYcpm1BCYmel326AXMYyzvUSU7yJ74UdXVu8b_6xVO3KaVCN_DWdzquwABEs_lYbjfn18I/s1600/IMG_8294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KXx6vmnx9Ns_dRZTuUbfh3j24eoTKG2EOMZnjGdeoRtNrS8ZWi8karUuxDHAATkhot-UMjYcpm1BCYmel326AXMYyzvUSU7yJ74UdXVu8b_6xVO3KaVCN_DWdzquwABEs_lYbjfn18I/s640/IMG_8294.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnuIR9RoPMV_4M1_h8wzDYkPDjyA2r-QKoL-Lh_WBbLPin380ieIzVyoEpw-kgPd_BI85VyZuCuqmPQvCoaELLHLM_KdaRdLHG3AIv0ZYo37jqqKdIQUU-NY4CQsIzKRGDFmdbYUI5OU/s1600/IMG_8295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnuIR9RoPMV_4M1_h8wzDYkPDjyA2r-QKoL-Lh_WBbLPin380ieIzVyoEpw-kgPd_BI85VyZuCuqmPQvCoaELLHLM_KdaRdLHG3AIv0ZYo37jqqKdIQUU-NY4CQsIzKRGDFmdbYUI5OU/s640/IMG_8295.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbzclIjLNOpHzp07U5X8gRYmRs3R7MgixQcbv-hU5HUuejGR_9CRs3ZAcV18QYXMUWADxONixckWrbP64IBud-ZOzKy-btAJppY2pqVXCZ2zcxVh_fkX7ihwlu9Fjb4dswW18g9HvIbg/s1600/IMG_8296-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbzclIjLNOpHzp07U5X8gRYmRs3R7MgixQcbv-hU5HUuejGR_9CRs3ZAcV18QYXMUWADxONixckWrbP64IBud-ZOzKy-btAJppY2pqVXCZ2zcxVh_fkX7ihwlu9Fjb4dswW18g9HvIbg/s400/IMG_8296-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In the kitchen I added a touch of winter by again using cotton. It's snowy white balls are about as close to snow as we will get in the south. The milk bottle was purchased in a little antique shop in Wisconsin while visiting my sister this past fall. It bears the name of the city it was purchased in. With the red touches I have in my kitchen, I was immediately drawn to this sweet little gem. I sat the grouping atop a metal tray I punched from Magnolia Market. The tray helps to define the space. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSp1L69DrLnU1Bwv-Kj5h7houK1Fx_qbMgM6QpwTtGLdCmYlChaAnQDZqqWee33B8oMbF323sJRqH6o8gnYW1QtT4FModb3WRRtVdpkHUjn1znTZYZqOXuFdpnaRoZvCzapXIo37peEWs/s1600/IMG_8494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSp1L69DrLnU1Bwv-Kj5h7houK1Fx_qbMgM6QpwTtGLdCmYlChaAnQDZqqWee33B8oMbF323sJRqH6o8gnYW1QtT4FModb3WRRtVdpkHUjn1znTZYZqOXuFdpnaRoZvCzapXIo37peEWs/s640/IMG_8494.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBb9h-uBey2PC5k_x33ptB-NwbpT-0Sbw-BFFyKCInC9iM_hKtTIulT81Q_DBYheSXjAQjtZ6vnmP9iE1yO1PeAlKIuB3bAaoKPUdmHIrcH39J1DBwc6unhnVbPa4wpfNYilWo1xg1no/s1600/IMG_8496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBb9h-uBey2PC5k_x33ptB-NwbpT-0Sbw-BFFyKCInC9iM_hKtTIulT81Q_DBYheSXjAQjtZ6vnmP9iE1yO1PeAlKIuB3bAaoKPUdmHIrcH39J1DBwc6unhnVbPa4wpfNYilWo1xg1no/s640/IMG_8496.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYDiQ-QSEfxJitXwIEHJE_Ao1U78McQToSzbiAHVyq4SecVTMhi2k2SztMJPi6BFYKNxssmRBZgLLVTaIlh56MhgTnd9JWr4gGPL7fqQFxTOjlpfM-HL23ds7urBN6ZuZKNZMC7mdVhQ/s1600/IMG_8498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYDiQ-QSEfxJitXwIEHJE_Ao1U78McQToSzbiAHVyq4SecVTMhi2k2SztMJPi6BFYKNxssmRBZgLLVTaIlh56MhgTnd9JWr4gGPL7fqQFxTOjlpfM-HL23ds7urBN6ZuZKNZMC7mdVhQ/s640/IMG_8498.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So whether you dread the long cold winter in the north, or wish it could last a bit longer in the south, you can still enjoy the warmth nature can bring to your home during those months. And hopefully it will help melt away your winter woes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-29287582776758276792015-12-24T06:15:00.000-08:002016-10-27T18:21:07.866-07:00When the making of Christmas memories is just a memory<div style="text-align: justify;">
A lot of the blogs I follow are from young wives and mothers. Sweet families setting up their traditions. I remember being in their shoes. Making Christmas special for my kiddos. Wanting to make memories with them that they would take with them when they started their own families. Well, here I am. My kids are grown up, and they indeed are taking their traditions with them and establishing their own. So what does that mean to this empty nester? For the past couple years I have been trying to get my head around how that looks... and feels. It's hard! For 25 plus years I worked hard at building those traditions, and now I somehow feel like a Who house after the Grinch has come through and left not even a crumb big enough for a Who mouse; empty and ransacked. What does a mom do when her kids are grown and gone, and sometimes can't even make it home for the holidays? All the movies are watched alone. The tree is decorated as beautifully as before, but only seen by your eyes throughout the season. The smell of cookies still fill the air, but the only one who is eating them is YOU! The tight jeans are proof of that!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzYMVrONYQXpqhXbN6Vo14gvXEaj0MbiQt_Ln6gRWbj8C2Z-aENjyLgzWe5pKLYwESnLqQIeEAeNKa473xvnWyjHz7lOZd_hAOYmtFrVenVimS7tF1d5AvkA6AF-cqOJ61mjYkAeEjzQ/s1600/thumb_IMG_6541_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzYMVrONYQXpqhXbN6Vo14gvXEaj0MbiQt_Ln6gRWbj8C2Z-aENjyLgzWe5pKLYwESnLqQIeEAeNKa473xvnWyjHz7lOZd_hAOYmtFrVenVimS7tF1d5AvkA6AF-cqOJ61mjYkAeEjzQ/s640/thumb_IMG_6541_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sure, there are parties for hosting. This year we had three. And they do help to fill my time with the planning and preparing. But when everyone goes home at the end of the night, it seems to leave me feeling more tired then warmed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was listening to a song on the radio in my errand running the other day. It's a beautiful song, and I find myself singing along with it. It says, "The only gift I'll ever need is the joy of family. Oh why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me." It struck me that THAT is my problem. My sole focus for years has been on my family. Making traditions and memories all based on them. It's a lovely focus, but the problem is, when family is no longer available to come around, it leaves us empty and quite frankly, alone. What a huge burden to put on my family, to fill such a deep hole. Ironically a hole that I have dug myself!<br />
<br />
I know the true meaning of Christmas. I celebrate the birth of Christ. Don't I? I sing the carols of the Christ child. My favorite song is Silent Night. I can quote Luke chapter 2 from memory! I have bits and pieces of those carols and that scripture throughout my house in my decor. But in my HEART, I must admit, there has been no room. For it has been filled these 25 plus years with traditions and the making of memories. The creating of the "magic" of the season for my kids. And now that they are gone, it is filled with me trying to recreate the magic in my home by decorating every inch of my house. Oh why? I guess 'cause that's been Christmas to me! <br />
<br />
How wrong I have been. Oh to have the power to turn back time and recreate those memories once more. To make Christ the TRUE meaning of the season and the center of those traditions. I can't do that, but I need to start now, today in my own heart. I need to make this my new tradition, and allow it to leave me not feeling empty and ransacked, but full of grace. Full of giving. Full of the love that the Father has bestowed on us by giving His only begotten son. Who was willing to humble himself to become a helpless babe on that first Christmas morn so that He could grow up and be the ultimate sacrifice for this sinful heart of mine.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This year, may I start a new tradition in my heart. To truly make Christmas about Him. To the one who was born to be my friend. HE knows my need. Because my weakness, He is no stranger! Behold my king! Before HIM may I lowly bow and make the center of this season. </div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-7392834698274486802015-12-12T17:38:00.000-08:002015-12-12T17:38:22.367-08:00A Food Truck kind of Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
My husband has a business. It's a restaurant. And for the past two years, we have opened our home and hosted a Christmas party for the team members and their families. We bring in a food truck and park it right in front of our home and everyone can just chow down. It is so much fun to not only enjoy the time, but also to prepare for it!<br />
<br />
We don't have a huge yard, so we utilize the back yard space, front yard and also the small park across the street from our house. This year we actually blocked off the street so we could use that space as well. The neighbors don't mind, since we invite them to join us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3OYLcMw6k6yO-Wm99UpfgnKLzDp9a4XT3OlHmJHXKec_kWgm8ZyEIs8H9j5cbm6uPSoK4Tt58z9a8nJUsXKp1WlI3qFQRJdyPQVOEhQKGiyzOjA3t0mFi_bf6ueCDn_TIM6Wv37IqT8/s1600/IMG_6772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3OYLcMw6k6yO-Wm99UpfgnKLzDp9a4XT3OlHmJHXKec_kWgm8ZyEIs8H9j5cbm6uPSoK4Tt58z9a8nJUsXKp1WlI3qFQRJdyPQVOEhQKGiyzOjA3t0mFi_bf6ueCDn_TIM6Wv37IqT8/s640/IMG_6772.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1625098492"></span><span id="goog_1625098493"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiec4Yk8SG04BEnJHdTc7bJ4RhQDJEowZhD7u-mDICI0AKtQZMmNImlu1ygrV3n86yq86h8jOq5GmVSIfA6J4B9EtF8TuAHwYD6NusW6ByMob3gOH9cY0Jd8R21xK3TYz7Il_wlsyE5gnE/s1600/IMG_6795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiec4Yk8SG04BEnJHdTc7bJ4RhQDJEowZhD7u-mDICI0AKtQZMmNImlu1ygrV3n86yq86h8jOq5GmVSIfA6J4B9EtF8TuAHwYD6NusW6ByMob3gOH9cY0Jd8R21xK3TYz7Il_wlsyE5gnE/s640/IMG_6795.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR482pHSyqJohgQgHiZ9UcRUGrDWx0HUrhIg1XmEnth_J30EsKOeSjJGIQv4_fH3YARwcxdI1_YBHY-fOLAzfQWX811b8ufUFqrxYMDUMskszrscLVOvgc1_IXM25zmKpfgmQi5P6Cn5c/s1600/IMG_6755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR482pHSyqJohgQgHiZ9UcRUGrDWx0HUrhIg1XmEnth_J30EsKOeSjJGIQv4_fH3YARwcxdI1_YBHY-fOLAzfQWX811b8ufUFqrxYMDUMskszrscLVOvgc1_IXM25zmKpfgmQi5P6Cn5c/s400/IMG_6755.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDWL6Ua1WdeDdZ5pzVdkeMt-5_7MQEwb10JDyIeusoQ4U-vui8w380uHD1tw_DGurVbqdGzgrm4H64h0WhAim8gKyeMS7zcU5qtU0BFdvQ2Oh7Jx5zmiCCF5DylQQzJD9IG8VpdKLKjc/s1600/IMG_6756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDWL6Ua1WdeDdZ5pzVdkeMt-5_7MQEwb10JDyIeusoQ4U-vui8w380uHD1tw_DGurVbqdGzgrm4H64h0WhAim8gKyeMS7zcU5qtU0BFdvQ2Oh7Jx5zmiCCF5DylQQzJD9IG8VpdKLKjc/s400/IMG_6756.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1P2pCmLoDlszhGvVxOw43y67hlRpOMT_ACIpBQ7qLA-eolu-6h43rmi1GCS0RGBOueQ7_vLFN762bXAlVJMj6poA3HxQ_jMcot4SEiv29vbtUR3rl2ylgMQb8hZOayPdV4q2qnmTPIU/s1600/IMG_6803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1P2pCmLoDlszhGvVxOw43y67hlRpOMT_ACIpBQ7qLA-eolu-6h43rmi1GCS0RGBOueQ7_vLFN762bXAlVJMj6poA3HxQ_jMcot4SEiv29vbtUR3rl2ylgMQb8hZOayPdV4q2qnmTPIU/s640/IMG_6803.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA64dZmyHLGkbSEnPFOj9iHGaBnsBodl7AFU4t2UycO8gI958Sf1PiJUGRHUZoejH14twlAGOeybGreiBfMzX_RsZlPzbUWGH3zp9_ywGzbjpy_OijjniNwquqvPSdLZg0XTC6rmJD8Qc/s1600/IMG_6791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA64dZmyHLGkbSEnPFOj9iHGaBnsBodl7AFU4t2UycO8gI958Sf1PiJUGRHUZoejH14twlAGOeybGreiBfMzX_RsZlPzbUWGH3zp9_ywGzbjpy_OijjniNwquqvPSdLZg0XTC6rmJD8Qc/s400/IMG_6791.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaH544DNlGtBZpiHa9OxONstme277NKM44FWMBVPou6-M43q6CVNExRdAK4UCAtiMYsxrG-zoKSjk-Gar7RdtHklw8lrrb6i82KeOVKsZJaaqkWHZZTBkLed7OPqO6tFR_QFv3o2jLTg/s1600/IMG_6808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaH544DNlGtBZpiHa9OxONstme277NKM44FWMBVPou6-M43q6CVNExRdAK4UCAtiMYsxrG-zoKSjk-Gar7RdtHklw8lrrb6i82KeOVKsZJaaqkWHZZTBkLed7OPqO6tFR_QFv3o2jLTg/s640/IMG_6808.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvizGiYq6orslwdqk92fPASXq9k19lgRReLcOHxVys4uONrV276TQ-XfSrsR4LE0kbK6PK7o0dIvcrNWfw6rXlhQPmk1QtqF9RMGxHYDaFRUM_B51LeAWB2dqI7msFg7UtfLdbvNIS2do/s1600/IMG_6773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvizGiYq6orslwdqk92fPASXq9k19lgRReLcOHxVys4uONrV276TQ-XfSrsR4LE0kbK6PK7o0dIvcrNWfw6rXlhQPmk1QtqF9RMGxHYDaFRUM_B51LeAWB2dqI7msFg7UtfLdbvNIS2do/s640/IMG_6773.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu-1Bmdi6c-uCxi7tc6DD8KzM_4L2ETrbAoJQOe0h1MAmugSPjIk0sOGXNlW0SiCiAFFHrW9F_QBSbJuDuiNlWr8KLEWj0bfnfVRcC8l4BW7r9G7_3S5XL7-ZJp2JxrMnbROsvvhloKs/s1600/IMG_6775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu-1Bmdi6c-uCxi7tc6DD8KzM_4L2ETrbAoJQOe0h1MAmugSPjIk0sOGXNlW0SiCiAFFHrW9F_QBSbJuDuiNlWr8KLEWj0bfnfVRcC8l4BW7r9G7_3S5XL7-ZJp2JxrMnbROsvvhloKs/s640/IMG_6775.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the back yard, we have our fire pit set up, and our picnic table. For additional seating, we made a table out of stacked wooden pallets.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVReleSDxL-_9rGORchxnTSDhWv-zu74bFNXc0oaOZ_VebaDlLVz0VOmLtZ_i800zrzi13omhVG8tMupUQU-E0G8yjNMIUwixJmOPIcNuFqE2CQ7jhIuOinLJEi44oMkxdD55HnP4xBNs/s1600/IMG_6759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVReleSDxL-_9rGORchxnTSDhWv-zu74bFNXc0oaOZ_VebaDlLVz0VOmLtZ_i800zrzi13omhVG8tMupUQU-E0G8yjNMIUwixJmOPIcNuFqE2CQ7jhIuOinLJEi44oMkxdD55HnP4xBNs/s640/IMG_6759.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbtcDEQfpe-VUObfkcW6Tt0qQev1Frqa3kGXxKtZos3wDkwcvvVKJ9948vyxv_PBl4eIx0j5lIK0zqbsRw2M4JvLVTXU01tnCIhu8m7QdQey4RwFvBpn7D_gzXflOOgDOw5ObG_U-HGc/s1600/IMG_6783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbtcDEQfpe-VUObfkcW6Tt0qQev1Frqa3kGXxKtZos3wDkwcvvVKJ9948vyxv_PBl4eIx0j5lIK0zqbsRw2M4JvLVTXU01tnCIhu8m7QdQey4RwFvBpn7D_gzXflOOgDOw5ObG_U-HGc/s640/IMG_6783.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGJ5ZVIZ6GMViArveMcbEViFEAS51qB_D2C9CMJ550ibhp8i0b-IjDmEAscp01nzGyfX4gb4wZoAgsipKWu97eizak8IviAgnP-YUhDihOzPH27rOf_WS4-lBZGuN_N-N1qGCkoHmdUo/s1600/IMG_6779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGJ5ZVIZ6GMViArveMcbEViFEAS51qB_D2C9CMJ550ibhp8i0b-IjDmEAscp01nzGyfX4gb4wZoAgsipKWu97eizak8IviAgnP-YUhDihOzPH27rOf_WS4-lBZGuN_N-N1qGCkoHmdUo/s400/IMG_6779.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6pNqiBFEl-EzmO9Nlmbl3jCTXBObZ55YI14cEz_XLCVzAS4sdM0lXkwGeKxAg287tlBUvTFJzZV0s03yewYu_HrbmT6oFXmunvQnaOJ7HUEBjYrWt8pvQgerh7H3mlX_8gXHwlD_ISQ/s1600/IMG_6804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6pNqiBFEl-EzmO9Nlmbl3jCTXBObZ55YI14cEz_XLCVzAS4sdM0lXkwGeKxAg287tlBUvTFJzZV0s03yewYu_HrbmT6oFXmunvQnaOJ7HUEBjYrWt8pvQgerh7H3mlX_8gXHwlD_ISQ/s400/IMG_6804.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the park across the street, I strung lights and I decorated the picnic tables using greenery and candles in mason jars. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3SBp4cKZi2EZPvUVNdjxkFVQ0GTyGRslTRnh_rnRgSU_LyA1aQMcGaIxr_IRySfxEWfgE6FGOxXv9uW-svHIGBI5Uxk3mqUN78HEiwHqmWvfBK_CAvQgckTgcj3X2taStOVauZwYRW4/s1600/IMG_6758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3SBp4cKZi2EZPvUVNdjxkFVQ0GTyGRslTRnh_rnRgSU_LyA1aQMcGaIxr_IRySfxEWfgE6FGOxXv9uW-svHIGBI5Uxk3mqUN78HEiwHqmWvfBK_CAvQgckTgcj3X2taStOVauZwYRW4/s640/IMG_6758.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOJyW79TYoOtS1DFrkr6GfpAQp9UC3rXr2X5_iq-7ytgIZZiv_G64eaybJerrZAiaQsPnyPbxzisbJ4QF4_La2ee332n3hvkBOVEyVY5YBI0hYG_6dDsJb3J5ley1AP6HHDR2wT92Yf8/s1600/IMG_6770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOJyW79TYoOtS1DFrkr6GfpAQp9UC3rXr2X5_iq-7ytgIZZiv_G64eaybJerrZAiaQsPnyPbxzisbJ4QF4_La2ee332n3hvkBOVEyVY5YBI0hYG_6dDsJb3J5ley1AP6HHDR2wT92Yf8/s640/IMG_6770.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's sweet to have a wonderful team that is more like family then associates. We had a lovely evening and are already talking about next year!</div>
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-5351483249295512912015-12-09T17:52:00.000-08:002015-12-19T05:28:37.341-08:00My Christmas Home, 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
Is anyone else out there scratching their heads and wondering how in the world it's already December? This year has flown by! Last year I was counting down the days until I could decorate. This year the season has caught me off guard! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But caught off guard or not, Christmas is coming, so I need to get the house ready! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I loved my Christmas decor I used last year, so I was happy to pull out my favorites again. One season is just not enough! I added a few simple touches this year to make them look fresh along with a few new pieces to add to the collection.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
In our living room earlier this year we added a built in on the left side of the fireplace, so it forced me to move the tree from that corner of the room. I love that from it's new spot it welcomes you when you walk in the house and draws you on into the living room to see what is beyond it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NWT18XXlLuC4HKv69KaAOAe44KqPKs27ZzDkqY1QK7GBrERJEqPnYMYYfZB-mrgj00NnF8KOPB4bnn47WtWh9lqHsX8cEeKUM0SmeabiCRXqFhuvy0urOP_7mi3qMxvOGMumwQiQJ-I/s1600/thumb_IMG_6539_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NWT18XXlLuC4HKv69KaAOAe44KqPKs27ZzDkqY1QK7GBrERJEqPnYMYYfZB-mrgj00NnF8KOPB4bnn47WtWh9lqHsX8cEeKUM0SmeabiCRXqFhuvy0urOP_7mi3qMxvOGMumwQiQJ-I/s640/thumb_IMG_6539_1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIBdZJyJUeZF-DflSyavkCouqcGEHrzUkdYhpz5HJrHr1LsTzhz3VgLyX1uwdBuCL-i-RbQFdKqfFF7wKgldTvStMLugDrbdW39nq8jzVgh6Pnq4VNMBJih9FGc-jE5COykimeRxZPhc/s1600/IMG_6530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIBdZJyJUeZF-DflSyavkCouqcGEHrzUkdYhpz5HJrHr1LsTzhz3VgLyX1uwdBuCL-i-RbQFdKqfFF7wKgldTvStMLugDrbdW39nq8jzVgh6Pnq4VNMBJih9FGc-jE5COykimeRxZPhc/s640/IMG_6530.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course, beyond it is the fireplace. I love my Drummer Boy sign that my sister painted for me last year. She has an online shop on Facebook called White Hen. One of my favorite places to shop! She also did a few more signs for my Christmas decor this year. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyziSADvIVZFu6nK2AmKivuRK1cXS_ZN68MH5iFvHufcsMz7oXpwc3IPFpt6KcpN11NsvFRyCe2ttrNASE11CZLKshx8g8-mQN5KF5LPUAR2u-0gyYG9vNFsquob44fa1WKH1GrpjJvfA/s1600/thumb_IMG_6742_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyziSADvIVZFu6nK2AmKivuRK1cXS_ZN68MH5iFvHufcsMz7oXpwc3IPFpt6KcpN11NsvFRyCe2ttrNASE11CZLKshx8g8-mQN5KF5LPUAR2u-0gyYG9vNFsquob44fa1WKH1GrpjJvfA/s400/thumb_IMG_6742_1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXekRytK9NSnW63xjytZhU5lcd2zwdWpjDZeFvDrOpzXBXel2tp4lKgs96O_uECOaKmurJ_AEepaJm1RrOOFmsZ2ol8hcrKeQOlAdx7owzOAYplxw2o-MWdYP2K6x0oWnQTCn_BUNSUU/s1600/IMG_6510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXekRytK9NSnW63xjytZhU5lcd2zwdWpjDZeFvDrOpzXBXel2tp4lKgs96O_uECOaKmurJ_AEepaJm1RrOOFmsZ2ol8hcrKeQOlAdx7owzOAYplxw2o-MWdYP2K6x0oWnQTCn_BUNSUU/s400/IMG_6510.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByz_qhfA8q7oDs1bElATikoGlUY7TlKQmPGORw2XXI87G0Jtj5MjAYxOa6liO7Xpjw9jLT9UL6_5CJPAeVWRZX5KTdRlbkCpPSFPkcJ6nn23WW-9lPKIkizQAZC-GxQ6_yZVQYLS2nPg/s1600/thumb_IMG_6740_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByz_qhfA8q7oDs1bElATikoGlUY7TlKQmPGORw2XXI87G0Jtj5MjAYxOa6liO7Xpjw9jLT9UL6_5CJPAeVWRZX5KTdRlbkCpPSFPkcJ6nn23WW-9lPKIkizQAZC-GxQ6_yZVQYLS2nPg/s640/thumb_IMG_6740_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3Jwz5xNv_BD2bayTNYixYMi1sVq_hk-KhVj2QPPz1RPEezxLkZHESMpfjp1qpPiPMTzBquJD6MFTX5-xJBBNlSAQ0FfpX2bj1jiwaYG5q0-5wnrfuL2q39gEyT5dTQWMNpyD7WHoruo/s1600/thumb_IMG_6540_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3Jwz5xNv_BD2bayTNYixYMi1sVq_hk-KhVj2QPPz1RPEezxLkZHESMpfjp1qpPiPMTzBquJD6MFTX5-xJBBNlSAQ0FfpX2bj1jiwaYG5q0-5wnrfuL2q39gEyT5dTQWMNpyD7WHoruo/s640/thumb_IMG_6540_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Every year I have a new favorite. This year my favorite is this sign I had made by White Hen. I have it in my entry above the hanging coat rack. It's such a cheery greeting for guests, and the rack allows them to hang their wraps upon entering the house. My entry was recently repainted using SW Silver Strand. A color Joanna Gaines on the Fixer Upper uses frequently. I love it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7NqQHsJhDw83Zl2iUWgOOGB1BS-52iCoR1-RuShKgawD1aNx3-ruqAmfDoLFnbnaE6q5jpUZXkHHZUlJmhdJIV_OINAy7SA1euahsZIjyj5IFhrPgeVbQQ9PdJC3F5kiFWA8PYNzV70/s1600/IMG_6528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7NqQHsJhDw83Zl2iUWgOOGB1BS-52iCoR1-RuShKgawD1aNx3-ruqAmfDoLFnbnaE6q5jpUZXkHHZUlJmhdJIV_OINAy7SA1euahsZIjyj5IFhrPgeVbQQ9PdJC3F5kiFWA8PYNzV70/s640/IMG_6528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the entry on the staircase, I add lighted garland every year. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01QiEm_X2ytJwDN-AQEPyuC50v4jxrOP4oOdit_5dJrL6VD4_8MLqC0drpKz9-RzWrhsJpgkXTx3CN3Nk65eBCt5IZC-B6U59sY7Ot-UqKiRivzWDL4cHx5jAJFckbZi9ixkUFbEy3WQ/s1600/thumb_IMG_6533_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01QiEm_X2ytJwDN-AQEPyuC50v4jxrOP4oOdit_5dJrL6VD4_8MLqC0drpKz9-RzWrhsJpgkXTx3CN3Nk65eBCt5IZC-B6U59sY7Ot-UqKiRivzWDL4cHx5jAJFckbZi9ixkUFbEy3WQ/s640/thumb_IMG_6533_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZQRCwUkzcUg5W3hogw2S4O0Kc0G72R-FZqpsNFle83LvcXXx1vX861iAA8MbsEdzTJDll4U2leDoYZjnOSdAVECgnZgpz8dflEbx9x_gOtCyfObURfAF7JI5X98pSuvsKqOOXDCT3vI/s1600/thumb_IMG_6534_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZQRCwUkzcUg5W3hogw2S4O0Kc0G72R-FZqpsNFle83LvcXXx1vX861iAA8MbsEdzTJDll4U2leDoYZjnOSdAVECgnZgpz8dflEbx9x_gOtCyfObURfAF7JI5X98pSuvsKqOOXDCT3vI/s640/thumb_IMG_6534_1024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the dining room I went with a tree theme. The table is adorned with snow scenes I made in an apothecary jar as well as home made snow globes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX4mG1vWKb08LMdfPh9PnjxE5xGPdYIy_SF0foLFJchSvWGhENpVukzTDrzQlYnp1pgiMdJruD0mcPYQHyHCIruyHb0IfXKmWqai39YBKI0nYMLjB_pWpbHsYZDIRJ57epMbzAe3y2Eg/s1600/IMG_6512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX4mG1vWKb08LMdfPh9PnjxE5xGPdYIy_SF0foLFJchSvWGhENpVukzTDrzQlYnp1pgiMdJruD0mcPYQHyHCIruyHb0IfXKmWqai39YBKI0nYMLjB_pWpbHsYZDIRJ57epMbzAe3y2Eg/s640/IMG_6512.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
On the hutch I used more apothecary jars to house snow scenes. And I always pull out this vintage white ceramic tree, made by an elderly friend of mine. It reminds me of one my grandmother made when I was a child. Its a perfect seasonal accent to my white dish ware.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP81D94KJAvIkexWbbirtOyWYoEAOROBQ5a47bCPFyJtnphS6dwNHDZwH7iWYA1uu7n7VzdiljqwV48sVuxrZUjfBHeGaW2vCkQJu8WNmLr67PdvV6NqJl55WXECMx3or2-9ZNkCKKqRY/s1600/IMG_6516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP81D94KJAvIkexWbbirtOyWYoEAOROBQ5a47bCPFyJtnphS6dwNHDZwH7iWYA1uu7n7VzdiljqwV48sVuxrZUjfBHeGaW2vCkQJu8WNmLr67PdvV6NqJl55WXECMx3or2-9ZNkCKKqRY/s640/IMG_6516.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLR2ZWvxK4__YyA9iYS8maSTVmlG48nTgkbhOt2HznSOGJW8Edfj6uQT7Hq8RGUpGexfXfViyEc-Jg00TSyCWPJo26KV9DSIwro22UoRuJNhdIT2nnqAGRhzadk0kLnzNlGta2F3sC9gQ/s1600/IMG_6515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLR2ZWvxK4__YyA9iYS8maSTVmlG48nTgkbhOt2HznSOGJW8Edfj6uQT7Hq8RGUpGexfXfViyEc-Jg00TSyCWPJo26KV9DSIwro22UoRuJNhdIT2nnqAGRhzadk0kLnzNlGta2F3sC9gQ/s640/IMG_6515.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSVnUX9SU8bSwPX893RssfZK5tYL7L9oHV-VNxDmfEwrwJ-quQSxJnvz8rsDk3xlo5e0xG7naNJfCob3POdwbBg8eprT7ECFbVERRYH4rRj9Q9GvLbFjKPkzK41IuR015TjRrn4iRCgA/s1600/IMG_6514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSVnUX9SU8bSwPX893RssfZK5tYL7L9oHV-VNxDmfEwrwJ-quQSxJnvz8rsDk3xlo5e0xG7naNJfCob3POdwbBg8eprT7ECFbVERRYH4rRj9Q9GvLbFjKPkzK41IuR015TjRrn4iRCgA/s640/IMG_6514.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In my small kitchen, just a few touches are needed. I HAVE to put a mini tree in there to house my utensil ornaments. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3ZYk6xoVzZVCNF2eAHbXweGoptCmIw4d0vvbGTZlZRuuX50S_6VOBtt8DxKUuPwf8IxXIrNMb1nKvJJ_vEK0VoZ1P0mSybi8NbRdRkxKukFlR2UqqDprYB1hotDtwswgALZljLOrZl4/s1600/IMG_6522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3ZYk6xoVzZVCNF2eAHbXweGoptCmIw4d0vvbGTZlZRuuX50S_6VOBtt8DxKUuPwf8IxXIrNMb1nKvJJ_vEK0VoZ1P0mSybi8NbRdRkxKukFlR2UqqDprYB1hotDtwswgALZljLOrZl4/s640/IMG_6522.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3yKPQny59RszSfjWyqE_TRRD_k_POL_aIuuO3sHng5BzT2fLKqPYwOSBRcr5P5cAW94GyzIsV3FO78mn172-sPnK7XoJFEbk8fhpa6jq6_YBIicNvcjK1a2hDOy51Ca9AwXB-TWkX-0/s1600/IMG_6526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3yKPQny59RszSfjWyqE_TRRD_k_POL_aIuuO3sHng5BzT2fLKqPYwOSBRcr5P5cAW94GyzIsV3FO78mn172-sPnK7XoJFEbk8fhpa6jq6_YBIicNvcjK1a2hDOy51Ca9AwXB-TWkX-0/s640/IMG_6526.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7mF5PEJ25hwYZd1LBCVHSB23NPWJ6DWORYiVypLdQm2qDnpWlMsYPTH-OSlRcpGKcrWU4Ol35IGTBTCJuz-RUtfQUx_yhxjn7phfn0pam8Ar0F5Ma3H5yCnGdrB2a36lVSfqN3Vtj-A/s1600/IMG_6545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7mF5PEJ25hwYZd1LBCVHSB23NPWJ6DWORYiVypLdQm2qDnpWlMsYPTH-OSlRcpGKcrWU4Ol35IGTBTCJuz-RUtfQUx_yhxjn7phfn0pam8Ar0F5Ma3H5yCnGdrB2a36lVSfqN3Vtj-A/s400/IMG_6545.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Other touches of red make it festive and inspire some Christmas baking.<br />
<br />
I'm sure you have heard of the "Elf on a Shelf". We have a "Snowman on a Shelf". Meet Mr. McFlurry. He appears every year at our house and provides a lot of fun getting into mischief.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmHNIPUvXZ2RRgLdjEuj0b0gIWh_oh6iMVHc6VbE4x8lszDW056FfV1EvjUPkbpwvguczyvaB0XeFvR-NxL6fSxcqGynbxep_ppy9U_7nt_HuN6oE7mcCdB6hMtxphA19OYMBkkNO_Po/s1600/IMG_6518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmHNIPUvXZ2RRgLdjEuj0b0gIWh_oh6iMVHc6VbE4x8lszDW056FfV1EvjUPkbpwvguczyvaB0XeFvR-NxL6fSxcqGynbxep_ppy9U_7nt_HuN6oE7mcCdB6hMtxphA19OYMBkkNO_Po/s400/IMG_6518.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IfitN_CYhtoD-tdvsEZHePBZyvZVnhfj23amuhofXVf0jnCUdN-QO8uUbhmjceqnRvmt7S4tLNVRrbFmEyXRAs0UT1uE7kXqOJW-3fwilcyhKBdtP8R3B_vQtXzbMKkTPbwqyPKid2s/s1600/IMG_6521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IfitN_CYhtoD-tdvsEZHePBZyvZVnhfj23amuhofXVf0jnCUdN-QO8uUbhmjceqnRvmt7S4tLNVRrbFmEyXRAs0UT1uE7kXqOJW-3fwilcyhKBdtP8R3B_vQtXzbMKkTPbwqyPKid2s/s400/IMG_6521.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Upstairs in the master bedroom, I have a small tree decorated with white pom pom garland and home made ornaments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin75V7Nkh3FOwT9WEZy57r-NEYsqC4eJEi7CN2kqjJUvdEpnBo5NduP4XuzQVgo6LZ9fMp1xkDCFVF6N0pHNL1WrhK5ceCKsC7lRFZ5qLFof9NzKf95I68MpLsUXSBATrrWHv9RhFDMhs/s1600/IMG_7126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin75V7Nkh3FOwT9WEZy57r-NEYsqC4eJEi7CN2kqjJUvdEpnBo5NduP4XuzQVgo6LZ9fMp1xkDCFVF6N0pHNL1WrhK5ceCKsC7lRFZ5qLFof9NzKf95I68MpLsUXSBATrrWHv9RhFDMhs/s400/IMG_7126.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes it doesn't take much to add a bit of Christmas to a space. On the bed, I have tartan pillow cases to bring in that pop of red. The pillow I used last year. I think the combination is all that is needed to make the bed Christmassy. On the trunk at the foot of the bed, I simply wrapped boxes in white paper and added red ribbon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqze1_GqP11CANMECfgUGZTPXqsC-3EIiHZbaG5bZUD2ielhKy-K3489CvG9BsuOxZvPj7d0QYIkRSgAJFOfFq3PQO3mECiyjNrnAbSboDtXG0jBI4jJTGJK9GMtPus8W_zhN1x_3kaI/s1600/IMG_7128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqze1_GqP11CANMECfgUGZTPXqsC-3EIiHZbaG5bZUD2ielhKy-K3489CvG9BsuOxZvPj7d0QYIkRSgAJFOfFq3PQO3mECiyjNrnAbSboDtXG0jBI4jJTGJK9GMtPus8W_zhN1x_3kaI/s640/IMG_7128.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D02WnPkaqw_y2asHHwvDGbGYb6LE2OcwVIqlsGZJyHZwQ_KHxFgafEWicLq3nwo4Gib-Gf1Gyh3B3tv0WKcONH3BlynxOFGHk-roA_0j4clF_pQET4RZd97WzFpobRu51Gk7BZTKa6s/s1600/IMG_7155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D02WnPkaqw_y2asHHwvDGbGYb6LE2OcwVIqlsGZJyHZwQ_KHxFgafEWicLq3nwo4Gib-Gf1Gyh3B3tv0WKcONH3BlynxOFGHk-roA_0j4clF_pQET4RZd97WzFpobRu51Gk7BZTKa6s/s640/IMG_7155.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjlvv_izd5DutD7VSU2clLX9yzGIvVyI_f8yrJKCrDjNe0qQjScI61LraL19Rt8bnQZiOAmGwuAWOGHk-R-YtKUMDDicwNtuRa08ytcaZHsJIPE-1xA9t1N6uLi1NjqQAlL9I3IJYEY4/s1600/IMG_7122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjlvv_izd5DutD7VSU2clLX9yzGIvVyI_f8yrJKCrDjNe0qQjScI61LraL19Rt8bnQZiOAmGwuAWOGHk-R-YtKUMDDicwNtuRa08ytcaZHsJIPE-1xA9t1N6uLi1NjqQAlL9I3IJYEY4/s400/IMG_7122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXiPGS8NvIc77ImrRJIKv2iaywxo6eScW-AtK6D_heV9DomZDU9j8hDkHh99saXftMJrGHMFxHjzV-Qq1WTl2J0KZ_9SmkS8VdOj8fhVSQV9525ANOYYPuzovqjgNTRQ56yo-de12-Lc/s1600/IMG_7121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXiPGS8NvIc77ImrRJIKv2iaywxo6eScW-AtK6D_heV9DomZDU9j8hDkHh99saXftMJrGHMFxHjzV-Qq1WTl2J0KZ_9SmkS8VdOj8fhVSQV9525ANOYYPuzovqjgNTRQ56yo-de12-Lc/s640/IMG_7121.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The red cable knit pillow is the final touch in the room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNTIX6eldo-cgrMmjfaB9uU1wJaQVH0bjLe3uaD4ICCkSKwJYRjejbJ1wZHfakZ94djMUGc_fkHft1WHpIRmZ1muQsNUqOtfA9VWO81dQVkRNaMEHA2muOMxEQ03lqGMVxqxaZhsZze0/s1600/IMG_7158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNTIX6eldo-cgrMmjfaB9uU1wJaQVH0bjLe3uaD4ICCkSKwJYRjejbJ1wZHfakZ94djMUGc_fkHft1WHpIRmZ1muQsNUqOtfA9VWO81dQVkRNaMEHA2muOMxEQ03lqGMVxqxaZhsZze0/s400/IMG_7158.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKhGfvNtEx5Q8pAxOkolhKT_0-aUkefNsEugTyHh0SmzsxUcdBAOdj9KQJ7ls4XWyPoMpqPkEKeqB1hf58zBXFewqEEOFiZoMHcflEgRAluHa6t1NKusO8pq2LCvNrXQTX9wc1h0W1rc/s1600/IMG_7159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKhGfvNtEx5Q8pAxOkolhKT_0-aUkefNsEugTyHh0SmzsxUcdBAOdj9KQJ7ls4XWyPoMpqPkEKeqB1hf58zBXFewqEEOFiZoMHcflEgRAluHa6t1NKusO8pq2LCvNrXQTX9wc1h0W1rc/s400/IMG_7159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In the upstairs guest room, I have a few vintage touches of Christmas to welcome holiday travelers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYU0oKRurT3AWt71M2xYR87vOB_eig-zf9bYZunet6JMXpgccCNEPWofmQ0R0s_eQ3ydmcMC7C0YkQyXF6rF5Rmca_ID3B3TTG1UDnqsQZyuseFR07jESbVOCz7MZJMcXw_tyZTzrmp6s/s1600/IMG_7132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYU0oKRurT3AWt71M2xYR87vOB_eig-zf9bYZunet6JMXpgccCNEPWofmQ0R0s_eQ3ydmcMC7C0YkQyXF6rF5Rmca_ID3B3TTG1UDnqsQZyuseFR07jESbVOCz7MZJMcXw_tyZTzrmp6s/s640/IMG_7132.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The little ceramic tree on the secretary was purchased at an estate sale.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulZK9_qZ1xgb-3ku9iRgELYxkrWPgdAurqy5R4IfD1pDBt3XcBfEiUS5_pzMRUtDFsBFvcqSMi3xeGdhlBpf28GjTFimJVn1AAZLst3A3H2ADHWlDJt_XXRzByIIjbCXuYaZzCCOqjrI/s1600/IMG_7134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulZK9_qZ1xgb-3ku9iRgELYxkrWPgdAurqy5R4IfD1pDBt3XcBfEiUS5_pzMRUtDFsBFvcqSMi3xeGdhlBpf28GjTFimJVn1AAZLst3A3H2ADHWlDJt_XXRzByIIjbCXuYaZzCCOqjrI/s640/IMG_7134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlvtm9ClUKwH7IpiXmvspfZHAAK6zdPTemV04rkDz4n8CHkCOJfKE2KO4ZKHVTdQ0FU9FyAGI4nQNQePXY1j19eFhE14wn8rLGJlyxvqFRQ5kJiRdwyRM998pW1f5zqiw_sDBEefNS4I/s1600/IMG_7136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlvtm9ClUKwH7IpiXmvspfZHAAK6zdPTemV04rkDz4n8CHkCOJfKE2KO4ZKHVTdQ0FU9FyAGI4nQNQePXY1j19eFhE14wn8rLGJlyxvqFRQ5kJiRdwyRM998pW1f5zqiw_sDBEefNS4I/s400/IMG_7136.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In one salvaged frame from a thrift store, I made a chalkboard. In another I have pinned some vintage post cards.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5e6R-7o0teuy4FQXEA4Jxf1iQU_1bfQEfTSTs0CIZS0aw2XNac-DVYbR2gopLGCnsaT0Flmec_p9TUQ6BufXFFe-8OYJHqlkskpDbUnBvdmgBHx7LCJxFNjkK7QHiT76PcBS3LE2MUiE/s1600/IMG_7144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5e6R-7o0teuy4FQXEA4Jxf1iQU_1bfQEfTSTs0CIZS0aw2XNac-DVYbR2gopLGCnsaT0Flmec_p9TUQ6BufXFFe-8OYJHqlkskpDbUnBvdmgBHx7LCJxFNjkK7QHiT76PcBS3LE2MUiE/s400/IMG_7144.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The stocking I hung from the chair is one I made the first Christmas my husband and I were married. It has a lot of sentamental value.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7rP70alJ8cVcyyp92OvxzCautq8suAgyiHCgQD5oIeBPBz9WoXKrAkW_NDo1b12KwB-8Dcc0eBqyDaosw24ojg2Kx04FNCRvs2s_0fFP193m1J0pFe5clICwkGZg-rg6YYxrLn2H5O0/s1600/IMG_7143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7rP70alJ8cVcyyp92OvxzCautq8suAgyiHCgQD5oIeBPBz9WoXKrAkW_NDo1b12KwB-8Dcc0eBqyDaosw24ojg2Kx04FNCRvs2s_0fFP193m1J0pFe5clICwkGZg-rg6YYxrLn2H5O0/s640/IMG_7143.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even my husbands office got a touch of Christmas. On his tree I added a few vintage post cards to his collection of sale boat ornaments. The vintage metal tree stand was a find at a local antique shop. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx5vzgzGWgyCArNYVz6CdJRXzhleqbd9m6g4wQu63rMc6hdeHjcivaYCO_xRt3uwo6nxggXxk1bWOCdl3OX3bHxguoRqsWrvHJe7mCg6sAimsKNkZ2azZCBg8expNsUhAeN5co5Ck0nE/s1600/IMG_7146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx5vzgzGWgyCArNYVz6CdJRXzhleqbd9m6g4wQu63rMc6hdeHjcivaYCO_xRt3uwo6nxggXxk1bWOCdl3OX3bHxguoRqsWrvHJe7mCg6sAimsKNkZ2azZCBg8expNsUhAeN5co5Ck0nE/s640/IMG_7146.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aAOER9VfLMO0VOtHDTszEEKj73lBGcrBeqxjsBZiYASbzhFtFnbGAqgbJ8XSpZcR9R07tSmKxoG5lE-omHX6iKyPt3JX7bINQAlW5NDMI8kVsP4sP5SER3HCzmGumXvt1mz-U4D5BQk/s1600/IMG_7150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aAOER9VfLMO0VOtHDTszEEKj73lBGcrBeqxjsBZiYASbzhFtFnbGAqgbJ8XSpZcR9R07tSmKxoG5lE-omHX6iKyPt3JX7bINQAlW5NDMI8kVsP4sP5SER3HCzmGumXvt1mz-U4D5BQk/s640/IMG_7150.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This is another sign purchased from the online shop on Facebook, White Hen. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0pE4-T3IcaEgs0B61U9KVHOqzM5qyHJM7nneazpJRlBOt29OU54tQEG1wz_EcoogSqk93LqzfXUr3GiAxld-4-iTBEgtdHmnqk53R6xkyxl77xKxJwt-THwZWBf31fDqUbbml-G5b-c/s1600/IMG_7149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0pE4-T3IcaEgs0B61U9KVHOqzM5qyHJM7nneazpJRlBOt29OU54tQEG1wz_EcoogSqk93LqzfXUr3GiAxld-4-iTBEgtdHmnqk53R6xkyxl77xKxJwt-THwZWBf31fDqUbbml-G5b-c/s400/IMG_7149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So even if Christmas has snuck up on you like it has me, you still have time to pull out the decorations, and deck your halls to bring some cheer to your home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-2142294905980992352015-10-10T10:21:00.001-07:002015-10-10T10:21:32.342-07:00Thankful Home,2015<div align="center">
I'm going to be honest, this year has been a difficult year to decorate for fall. My dad passed away after a very brief and unexpected illness in late August, so bringing out the "Thanksgiving" décor has been a challenge. But at the same time, I know I have so much to be thankful for. I had 55 years with an amazing father who loved the Lord and loved his family. I have had 34 wonderful years with my own sweet husband who loves God and his family as well. I have three great kids, a sweet daughter-in-law, a step grandson and a new grand baby on the way! Her arrival should be by Thanksgiving, which in itself is enough reason for me to pull out the decorations and proclaim my thankfulness to the Lord for His great blessings, which are far more then I deserve!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE63_LvknLr6d8gGJ-um5rA4lfaPFVEVrOGgXm8FwJFTlsUb6arv8s-r5Q1K0Iu6gWBBm51YJZ-M-N6BGIQNihP0E_t1xKszJeEVFCC0iMmaoCZqx9qet7V6oF2B_9Abz0HAlEqJTF_w/s1600/untitled-2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE63_LvknLr6d8gGJ-um5rA4lfaPFVEVrOGgXm8FwJFTlsUb6arv8s-r5Q1K0Iu6gWBBm51YJZ-M-N6BGIQNihP0E_t1xKszJeEVFCC0iMmaoCZqx9qet7V6oF2B_9Abz0HAlEqJTF_w/s640/untitled-2-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1479906215"></span><span id="goog_1479906216"></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
Many of the decorations for this fall are ones I used last year. Like the sign on my fireplace mantle, made by my sister who has a shop on Facebook called White Hen. But that's what is fun! Pulling out familiar favorites from year to year and adding to them. Putting them in a different place, or arranging them differently will make them seem fresh and new. This year along with the sign, I added some silk fall leaves placed in a white pitcher on the mantle. I wish we had beautiful fall foliage here in Florida, but the leaves won't change here until December so I have to settle for silk to bring fall color to my southern home. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkZ0CkxW2GaWceZmjmQatmmDmWOAYCmAkjVbrN7nQSJm4hoMATjpouCMTrgUKxa2PZPVi7B-CDpE-86yjFYsWtNHgHrTLpP9JZbMewWlrxF3Tp5cBZlz0i0tQKlKRKKpXzzWavbZ57EU/s1600/untitled-8-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkZ0CkxW2GaWceZmjmQatmmDmWOAYCmAkjVbrN7nQSJm4hoMATjpouCMTrgUKxa2PZPVi7B-CDpE-86yjFYsWtNHgHrTLpP9JZbMewWlrxF3Tp5cBZlz0i0tQKlKRKKpXzzWavbZ57EU/s640/untitled-8-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrnF4g6ZIO6aCuazoxOmxZBGozNHQnbb6Wxg_FDGN_YX4T9mQvERZpMPgu6tVBdwDLb0a9rxKfTd_EUvVeTceta3i7oDqZHyREe7BJKV1xAVZy9IEuX7LmZebZlbqK0NcAB04g5JrwRk/s1600/untitled-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrnF4g6ZIO6aCuazoxOmxZBGozNHQnbb6Wxg_FDGN_YX4T9mQvERZpMPgu6tVBdwDLb0a9rxKfTd_EUvVeTceta3i7oDqZHyREe7BJKV1xAVZy9IEuX7LmZebZlbqK0NcAB04g5JrwRk/s640/untitled-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hiYZcJLQpZza6X8oh_ezctuqnCSROUrhoRgydiak5pfhoakbSUZiOk9JIpugfBNrQwve121vWspAer-2pcmIdOl0SNEdZLb0lUSFdS-QO-8FbCkas8y0KSzLm8Z_Z9AvuJX9Bgl8Y5w/s1600/untitled-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hiYZcJLQpZza6X8oh_ezctuqnCSROUrhoRgydiak5pfhoakbSUZiOk9JIpugfBNrQwve121vWspAer-2pcmIdOl0SNEdZLb0lUSFdS-QO-8FbCkas8y0KSzLm8Z_Z9AvuJX9Bgl8Y5w/s400/untitled-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
On the coffee table, a simple arrangement of a few pine cones in a white bowl was the perfect touch along side some candlesticks in the rustic, hand made wooden tray, made by the same wood worker who built my farmhouse table. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNRxj5V4TviaWfczT3091YR5kB4ZLSE-J90A-QAg4w5v0m0FDNsjZK_mmp_9_QUMH6FR0NTujp4ltimaVwGoKeNsCMxg5yt-xilAlQpL2x6GqFaMNM77KCfygm1MIM9cJrniuS5v9Tbw/s1600/untitled-7-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNRxj5V4TviaWfczT3091YR5kB4ZLSE-J90A-QAg4w5v0m0FDNsjZK_mmp_9_QUMH6FR0NTujp4ltimaVwGoKeNsCMxg5yt-xilAlQpL2x6GqFaMNM77KCfygm1MIM9cJrniuS5v9Tbw/s640/untitled-7-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVn8PmCMo0njlQrEytWUq74J-IZ9fX4_Hj4GWUqGp-5AzSmFB9CepP_p-sB73oQq13seVaYVGF7AxxP5ZDWukhCsvo0-mwNZUhNXJ1CarALZJevNIBO1ZHG9ItbumpD9cUIyKjRz1Exes/s1600/untitled-5-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVn8PmCMo0njlQrEytWUq74J-IZ9fX4_Hj4GWUqGp-5AzSmFB9CepP_p-sB73oQq13seVaYVGF7AxxP5ZDWukhCsvo0-mwNZUhNXJ1CarALZJevNIBO1ZHG9ItbumpD9cUIyKjRz1Exes/s400/untitled-5-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Above my occasional table in the living room, I love using my home made chalkboard as artwork. I surrounded the chalkboard with more white ware. It's always so much fun changing out the message seasonally. This year I opted for this simple, yet important reminder.<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2SxvYgekjiXwthRyoj2s7YEqsVY8gKg2JV6mh7KRHJpg5_VseBiMs7pvP5Zrk4yA6I7X5i6JI8bzlEK686Wvw6dSfsjKBkcDl2gVYIDoHrtlaulLfpugmI9GrB7flKVWYDbH72kh1Nc/s1600/untitled-9-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2SxvYgekjiXwthRyoj2s7YEqsVY8gKg2JV6mh7KRHJpg5_VseBiMs7pvP5Zrk4yA6I7X5i6JI8bzlEK686Wvw6dSfsjKBkcDl2gVYIDoHrtlaulLfpugmI9GrB7flKVWYDbH72kh1Nc/s640/untitled-9-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQVmebs2z1DKGxTsftaLaUFDBczDEF-YHjAuA5ctiRTya8wIDutBzl2ZOyYltLdUjQKqIY8Dovxv-vIr97A2IJKYK4RhffLzo3GHLAFGL33G5fGsDDRVRENPbE_PvWuRJ2j8o0LxZIWk/s1600/untitled-10-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQVmebs2z1DKGxTsftaLaUFDBczDEF-YHjAuA5ctiRTya8wIDutBzl2ZOyYltLdUjQKqIY8Dovxv-vIr97A2IJKYK4RhffLzo3GHLAFGL33G5fGsDDRVRENPbE_PvWuRJ2j8o0LxZIWk/s640/untitled-10-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROScJf8YL2nLBBEY8-xRG2TEJzZ4Oexy4cxSX4aVJtdngvtxkbDPuR5GC_CNIdy4rA7r1UzJI3yfQRBYLtmr8KhyLXC7gRC32y4-XrVrbHK0rmtMszUDjVMLxvW6Pc9n_4I-rPk-K21A/s1600/untitled-11-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROScJf8YL2nLBBEY8-xRG2TEJzZ4Oexy4cxSX4aVJtdngvtxkbDPuR5GC_CNIdy4rA7r1UzJI3yfQRBYLtmr8KhyLXC7gRC32y4-XrVrbHK0rmtMszUDjVMLxvW6Pc9n_4I-rPk-K21A/s400/untitled-11-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the entry, I added this coat rack and above it I hung a sign I purchased again from White Hen. I love this verse. Even though it is perfect for the season, I intend to keep it up year around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8Ce-9nTKWOkXGuWniiVZ9xpDVd5kfSmB2nzBm7hs1xKIUpdHq-b_Ut8VXDvpYjvty6mb9OWDfsBIov8B3QNtzWvuOwujhm5lv9n1kbUoMUoV_dGhnnxKCI2ciwa0rSHRKdaFlR063Cs/s1600/untitled-4-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8Ce-9nTKWOkXGuWniiVZ9xpDVd5kfSmB2nzBm7hs1xKIUpdHq-b_Ut8VXDvpYjvty6mb9OWDfsBIov8B3QNtzWvuOwujhm5lv9n1kbUoMUoV_dGhnnxKCI2ciwa0rSHRKdaFlR063Cs/s640/untitled-4-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
In the dining room, I went with natural elements using more pine cones. I also used nuts, acorns and some wood elements. This old stump piece is one of my favorites. I admit I use it just about year around. The wooden basket with the pumpkin arrangement came from "Farmhouse Wares". An online store. </div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4jgc7qhc2F26TJwDv0M6hdyE2hW_y_kh8TTgI_4A1NPEzvha6XdW2zSPja_SKJcsJaRjTD3JQEZ2gSAW5JnNNdSDnEbMRUZOJ1sGpBvfnhHNv3ERcwilVk-dMesgV7y0YP0gcNj87AQ/s1600/untitled-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4jgc7qhc2F26TJwDv0M6hdyE2hW_y_kh8TTgI_4A1NPEzvha6XdW2zSPja_SKJcsJaRjTD3JQEZ2gSAW5JnNNdSDnEbMRUZOJ1sGpBvfnhHNv3ERcwilVk-dMesgV7y0YP0gcNj87AQ/s640/untitled-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvQvC__P23wCKiJgcAklvmh5BkCMTEh6bR4Wiu0SHE2DJbrBdSsdG9MGarMqtaWryTCV5Wum6iUc8QShtZ1bAbDIEihyphenhyphenBxUrwReESKr0olmqVGg97oNCE1DPz3zF1P8DF04RFtfTsiT0/s1600/untitled-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvQvC__P23wCKiJgcAklvmh5BkCMTEh6bR4Wiu0SHE2DJbrBdSsdG9MGarMqtaWryTCV5Wum6iUc8QShtZ1bAbDIEihyphenhyphenBxUrwReESKr0olmqVGg97oNCE1DPz3zF1P8DF04RFtfTsiT0/s640/untitled-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARFNZLq1zPB2wrfjazJM20Klxfpxg6JrqdALLof8iq0FKiXqXtAzt6_nJ4qbzNkVka071PHiFs-poUIGYiE0JsJ0uDGbXKgLJQWIAQyMUWOsgo415ZWro4XZVgojvzbtf1cs7wAF_lWs/s1600/untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARFNZLq1zPB2wrfjazJM20Klxfpxg6JrqdALLof8iq0FKiXqXtAzt6_nJ4qbzNkVka071PHiFs-poUIGYiE0JsJ0uDGbXKgLJQWIAQyMUWOsgo415ZWro4XZVgojvzbtf1cs7wAF_lWs/s400/untitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the hutch, I continued the natural theme by putting nuts in an apothecary jar and using pine cones here and there. I love how the browns play against my white ware.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Rdhp8u2-JWt-_vUnpUiLT2LxaaoO5RuGY1UodrmkiQZ1OShny70kd_CD0pdoeR0NLG293QpdryShkLqUlY-ZlD45OKbb6dphoj2-ai8S-8VPN5F_1qeNxcvs6i_qeT2MWv2XbLZMSso/s1600/untitled-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Rdhp8u2-JWt-_vUnpUiLT2LxaaoO5RuGY1UodrmkiQZ1OShny70kd_CD0pdoeR0NLG293QpdryShkLqUlY-ZlD45OKbb6dphoj2-ai8S-8VPN5F_1qeNxcvs6i_qeT2MWv2XbLZMSso/s640/untitled-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMTrPwumwdC8zheiO_WZJE6qrIpCtijt0au643TaaZsEMo1JHHbYRhLjE3YrT7fo6sFIXtvE8pFTt_ZPhHgNzV3bqHaJh1ZRpK9cTtaOku3UiF5HLNmlIxYLyXwV42iPZbWui4UgbYOc/s1600/untitled-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMTrPwumwdC8zheiO_WZJE6qrIpCtijt0au643TaaZsEMo1JHHbYRhLjE3YrT7fo6sFIXtvE8pFTt_ZPhHgNzV3bqHaJh1ZRpK9cTtaOku3UiF5HLNmlIxYLyXwV42iPZbWui4UgbYOc/s400/untitled-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHy2qg3YmrXXkO_NR8OVcfkQRvSrTjG74KW-gFxTdNLmvYPc2KyojD3Cl6UPjw_-qpZXuAlYFeKUr2JMHHULHeb-1TFgZ7UQ7BBkGpYYXbijTcKMMvM9oV-12uXeR8aSijRnQeQLPQgS4/s1600/untitled-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHy2qg3YmrXXkO_NR8OVcfkQRvSrTjG74KW-gFxTdNLmvYPc2KyojD3Cl6UPjw_-qpZXuAlYFeKUr2JMHHULHeb-1TFgZ7UQ7BBkGpYYXbijTcKMMvM9oV-12uXeR8aSijRnQeQLPQgS4/s400/untitled-14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, even though I didn't do a lot of decorating, my house gives a nice hint of the season. Just enough to be a sweet reminder of what it is about.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So as you approach this season of gratitude and look at all you have been blessed with, I hope you too can have a thankful home as well as a thankful heart for the blessings God has granted you with this year. And know they are always gifts of grace and far more then any of us deserve.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-23292427589503162162015-08-26T06:22:00.000-07:002015-08-26T08:29:09.448-07:00The legacy of my dadOn July 16, 1932, in the small town of Brazil, Indiana, Jim Pierce and his twin sister Jane were the fifteenth and sixteenth children born to Earl and Bessie Pierce. It was towards the end of the Great Depression and times were not kind to Brazil in those days, nor to the Pierce family. My dad grew up not having much materially. But he learned early that some things are more important then possessions, such as character, wits and determination.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEhzC6w5KFluVe9AhQMxCEpQLOJiUNRjVKl2sJaradmgXst_QpX9QRAL2i10vf9ieM3MAknBPRO8B7RhIr6KS-Db7lf18NOiyIVrCwEC1Io3DyxZXnvsSiSf4erbhDswMXSDU55ifldQ/s1600/20905244091_3a0341b721_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEhzC6w5KFluVe9AhQMxCEpQLOJiUNRjVKl2sJaradmgXst_QpX9QRAL2i10vf9ieM3MAknBPRO8B7RhIr6KS-Db7lf18NOiyIVrCwEC1Io3DyxZXnvsSiSf4erbhDswMXSDU55ifldQ/s400/20905244091_3a0341b721_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_902782993"></span><span id="goog_902782994"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Daddy was a Fighter</b></div>
<u><br /></u>
Daddy grew up without his own father being around. Earl Pierce had to leave home to find work outside of Brazil. So my dad was raised by his hard working mother with the help of his older sisters. He has told stories about being the youngest of the clan. If he was going to get something to eat, he had to
fight for the food that was on the table. "One scrawny chicken didn't go
far when you had that many mouths to feed. If I was going to get a piece,
I had to fight my brothers for it!". He learned to fight for whatever he got. And when he was 16, he took that skill to the ring and became a Golden Glove boxer, winning the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Brazil</st1:place></st1:country-region> title. The scrappy 118 pound
youngster fought his way to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>,
creating a name for himself and his home town. Even when up against a
fighter much more experienced and bigger then he was, he didn't give up.
When knocked down, he sprang right back up before they even began
counting, swinging both fists. That was my dad. Never giving up. Never one to be down for the count. <br />
<br />
His fighting didn't end when his boxing career did. At the
age of 18 he signed up for the Army and was sent to fight in the Korean War.
He arrived on December 25, 1950. While there, he fought on the
front lines, having the position of being the loader of a machine gun. He
didn't like to talk about his time there, but he often told us the story about
his buddy, who was shooting the same gun daddy was loading. He was shot and killed
right next to my dad. But again, daddy didn't stop. Another man stepped up
to continue shooting, and my dad continued loading. He later carried the
dead body of his comrade to the platoon, risking his own life while doing it.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Daddy was a committed man</b><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
While in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Korea</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
in a foxhole under heavy fire, my dad cried out to a God he had never been
taught about as a child. He told God that if He got him safely home, he
would find a way to live for Him. After returning from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Korea</st1:country-region> in December of 1951, daddy was stationed
in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Fort Benning</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Georgia</st1:country-region></st1:place> for ranger school.
While there, one day in May, he and his buddy were to go out on a double
date in <st1:placename w:st="on">Idle</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Hour</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype>, in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Phenix City</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Alabama</st1:state></st1:place>.
Daddy's date didn't show up, so he and his buddy went looking for another
date for him. They spied the beauty, Bobell Boutwell, who was swimming at
the park pool. They asked if she would join them on their date.
Being a good little Baptist, and it being Sunday afternoon, she said she
would be going to church that night, but my dad was welcome to join her. And join her, he did. He may have gone to church for the girl, but
after a few months of Sundays, the gospel touched his heart, and he remembered
that promise that had been made back in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Korea</st1:place></st1:country-region>. God miraculously saved
him. It was the beginning of his long walk with his Lord as well as his
long life with his bride. He married that bathing beauty after only
dating for 26 days. A marriage that lasted over 63 years. He kept
his commitment to God, and kept his commitment to my mom for those 63 years.
He gave us kids a wonderful example of steadfastness in his life and
marriage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Daddy was a provider<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Daddy was not an educated man. He didn't make it past the
7th grade. But what he lacked in education, he made up for in common sense and
determination. Daddy was a hard worker. He was a factory worker for
over 30 years as well as a painting contractor. For years working both
these jobs at the same time to provide for his family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Although uneducated himself, he valued education, and made sure my
brother, sister and myself went to college. It was by his hard working
hands that the three of us all graduated from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Bible</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">College</st1:placetype></st1:place>.
He made sure he gave us the tools we needed to go on and serve the Lord.
My brother was a missionary in Taiwan for 8 years and has been a pastor here in the states for 23 years.
My sister married a pastoral major and he has served faithfully as pastor in the
same church for over 33 years. My husband too serves as an Elder in our
local church. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Daddy was faithful<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
My dad was a faithful husband, father, friend, neighbor and church
member. He and my mom both diligently served in the same church for 50
years. I think he painted every wall of <st1:placename w:st="on">Calvary</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Baptist</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype>
in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Brazil</st1:country-region>, <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state> several times. He actually
helped lay the foundation of the building back in 1965, taking his own vacation time to help
build it as well as every spare day and hour he had after work until the
building was complete.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
He not only served with his hands, but with his heart as well.
He served on the deacon board for 48 of the 50 years they were there.
He taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and sang solos for the worship
service. Growing up in our home, we knew if a missionary or evangelist
was coming to our church, we would have them in our home. My parents wanted us
kids to see these servants of the Lord as examples to emulate in our lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Daddy was willing to stand alone</b><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
There were several times I remember my dad choosing to stand up
for what he believed was right. He was willing to stand alone. To
paddle his canoe against the current. Not because he liked the fight,
although I have already said he was a fighter, but because he was a man of
conviction. He always taught us to not just "follow the crowd"
but to do what was right. This example made a lasting impression on my
life and gave me courage to take a stand when the need arose. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Daddy was a missionary<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Even though daddy lived in a little town in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Indiana</st1:place></st1:state> most of his life, he was still a
missionary. He never was shy about sharing the gospel. He
evangelized co-workers, neighbors and family members. God used him to lead men
to Christ on his lunch break at the factory where he worked. I remember
helping my mom pack his lunch in his old metal lunch box. There was a
Bible that got packed along with the sandwich. It smelled of the oil from
the factory and had taken on the shape of the dome lid of the lunch box. Many
men were led to the Lord by daddy sharing verses out of that old, oily,
tattered Bible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Daddy was a giver</b><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
My dad would give the shirt off his back to someone if they were
in need of it. Back when the church was still under construction, they
needed more money to complete their building. My parents didn't have
extra money to give, but daddy took out a personal loan and gave the money to
the church so the church could finish. My mom said their appliances didn't break down, nor did their house need any maintenance while they paid that loan off. God always provided their needs. My sister-in-law tells a story of
him coming by their house when they were trying to get on the mission field.
They were a young family and didn't have a dime to spare. Daddy brought
them a dozen eggs. When Deb opened the egg carton, along with the eggs
was a folded $100 bill. Daddy was always doing things like that to help
others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
He not only gave monetarily, but he gave of himself. He
didn't just shovel snow from his own sidewalk and driveway, he would shovel the
neighbor's drive too. He wouldn't just mow his own lawn, but would also
mow the neighbor's lawn as well, without ever being asked. I can't tell you how many times he
helped us kids by painting our homes, inside and out. He was happiest
when he was giving of himself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
My dad taught us all of these character traits, but there was one
trait he could not teach us. It was<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>how
to let go.</b> Daddy would clasp on tight to all he held dear. His
home town of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Brazil</st1:place></st1:city>,
Indiana, his home church, Calvary Baptist and the sweet people there who loved
him and served next to him. It was so difficult for him to move away from
these dear folks when he and mother moved to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wisconsin</st1:place></st1:state> to live close to my sister last
year so she could help care for them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
He held tight to us kids. Taking my sister off to college
nearly killed him. I sat in the back seat of the car and listened to him
weep over her, knowing she would be eight hours away and he couldn't be there
right away if she needed him. It was hard for him to watch my brother and his family get on the
plane that would take them to the other side of the world to be missionaries in
<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taiwan, knowing it would be four years before he would see them again</st1:place></st1:country-region>. He felt like his heart had been ripped out of
his chest. It was hard walking his daughters down the isle. When Scott called to ask for my hand in marriage, my dad said no initially. He wasn't ready for his "baby" to
be given away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Like daddy struggled to let go of us, we now struggle to let go of
him. How do we let go of that loving man who led us in the ways of the
Lord, taught us to be strong, faithful, committed, giving and to not give up?
How do we let go of that hand that held ours so tightly? The only
way I know to let go, is to embrace all that daddy was, continue in the things
he taught us, be thankful for his legacy he handed down and try to continue
it, by God's grace. <o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajmxoamK5ASNkcv7zdnt4qkE_gqDqICIBnRVRba9s8zvHHzCXjCAlhLNddHjy-O3dnNbasKZWXHgsgIqh3J1nJO8LaGqmL-81Tpl5qaiLTsfjd4TSp_ED7Oji86QEG5oz6n2k8cqiYn8/s1600/untitled-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajmxoamK5ASNkcv7zdnt4qkE_gqDqICIBnRVRba9s8zvHHzCXjCAlhLNddHjy-O3dnNbasKZWXHgsgIqh3J1nJO8LaGqmL-81Tpl5qaiLTsfjd4TSp_ED7Oji86QEG5oz6n2k8cqiYn8/s400/untitled-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Thank you daddy for being the man you were and for setting such a
beautiful example to follow. May I always walk after you and continue in your
steps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-90951191967918146012015-07-11T07:14:00.000-07:002015-07-11T07:21:59.709-07:00Blake and Angie's gender reveal party<div style="text-align: center;">
It started with a phone call. My son called to give me the exciting news that he and his wife were expecting. It would be her second child, but my son's first. We were all very excited. I had been told by many friends and family that having grandchildren is even better then having children. I have anticipated this blessing for a long time. One of the first things he said was, "I'm sure you are going to want to give us one of those a gender reveal parties." My son knows me all too well. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blake and Angie live in Gainesville, about an hour and a half from Jacksonville, where he is a student at UF. As it turned out, Blake would be doing an internship over the summer at my husband's business here in Jax, so he and his wife were staying with us for the summer. So they were here when they would find out what the baby's gender was. Perfect!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They chose to find out at the ultrasound what the gender was, but they would keep it a secret from the family until the party. I don't know how they did it, but they were a vault!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kUXKmh3YS91PHuiM7-hK1RXtoLr4_Mz9Y2KdTE_Voa7fwFauwxBoTuhX96bN_srf7Tajl75NN9VlRHcpF42hZzF3RUHJwTXjgr5uceLbpHZcBtzEWRBjR46jiRGKoiTSiszqL4WmwI0/s1600/untitled-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kUXKmh3YS91PHuiM7-hK1RXtoLr4_Mz9Y2KdTE_Voa7fwFauwxBoTuhX96bN_srf7Tajl75NN9VlRHcpF42hZzF3RUHJwTXjgr5uceLbpHZcBtzEWRBjR46jiRGKoiTSiszqL4WmwI0/s640/untitled-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The cake was a made from scratch white cake filled with M & M's </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79qI-C8ZoLF2MBome2HZvtw_40sYSd2WNYGMfNQ27Y3iXounpV7-HbRQBgTGoY-ixcoovZzuWdYm8ZfE0Iz-TIfGMum1p-no9Anni1caweeYOZiNY0N7XCt0NGsFe3AnX5bF_vsCd24E/s1600/untitled-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79qI-C8ZoLF2MBome2HZvtw_40sYSd2WNYGMfNQ27Y3iXounpV7-HbRQBgTGoY-ixcoovZzuWdYm8ZfE0Iz-TIfGMum1p-no9Anni1caweeYOZiNY0N7XCt0NGsFe3AnX5bF_vsCd24E/s640/untitled-4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We kept the food simple. We made cute little onesie shortbread cookies iced with white icing and added pink and blue question marks. We also dipped pretzels in colored white chocolate and added white sprinkles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sKBy5jj8qFqQx3E45C4qLmE1EhwptIpzlvfS1TgpQWvJGAVarvE8wcTRQoNTSSLp8bPYgznQv8NPDX9bdm_y94iQJURDVmbLe8LAFppvrug2FCC7GqL1CT61Tuc2vGIpYnrugKiZs4c/s1600/untitled-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sKBy5jj8qFqQx3E45C4qLmE1EhwptIpzlvfS1TgpQWvJGAVarvE8wcTRQoNTSSLp8bPYgznQv8NPDX9bdm_y94iQJURDVmbLe8LAFppvrug2FCC7GqL1CT61Tuc2vGIpYnrugKiZs4c/s400/untitled-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OghFb_sNVDBiNbaGmPleb8qk5MDoWlwQdzEgaxiyxMONodgzG5lolDDvM7nvL6DcHRo1Umntk6rr-v8iOKcHY9lOy4mfNYDt0RhOY3Jx1e_6mWt3TPh4zI0cf4_20k6APRRachfeuUI/s1600/untitled-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OghFb_sNVDBiNbaGmPleb8qk5MDoWlwQdzEgaxiyxMONodgzG5lolDDvM7nvL6DcHRo1Umntk6rr-v8iOKcHY9lOy4mfNYDt0RhOY3Jx1e_6mWt3TPh4zI0cf4_20k6APRRachfeuUI/s640/untitled-7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkoIuTVDUBqY6IQocE38LtuD8Ku92-mv9XRRCn6e_NQOubuDxNT7ST75HwPwokHfGlsW7J26qqPMGxIQtLHaUflXwS5gIqGf5YPTHtNcWCDP3eFQxY_FN7y1wzcYDlEXgqEN3bf7_i1o/s1600/untitled-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkoIuTVDUBqY6IQocE38LtuD8Ku92-mv9XRRCn6e_NQOubuDxNT7ST75HwPwokHfGlsW7J26qqPMGxIQtLHaUflXwS5gIqGf5YPTHtNcWCDP3eFQxY_FN7y1wzcYDlEXgqEN3bf7_i1o/s640/untitled-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The guests were greeted at the door with a chalkboard.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bOa3dFmJJYx_N5hOzL56uU_5VQ5QaYuVUlzbkrAaP6_Ray-FsSHLbBHMKwWDFnyhygciWpY-jKVspH-FYMsbKWSydRUBWknQnq90kejq7tNIBo2syK-9-RgQ3CK71JwR6KtY1hHG6xI/s1600/untitled-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bOa3dFmJJYx_N5hOzL56uU_5VQ5QaYuVUlzbkrAaP6_Ray-FsSHLbBHMKwWDFnyhygciWpY-jKVspH-FYMsbKWSydRUBWknQnq90kejq7tNIBo2syK-9-RgQ3CK71JwR6KtY1hHG6xI/s400/untitled-14.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And were encouraged to "wear their guess" by placing a pink or blue clothes pin on their clothes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jKZ8OOVQPIz0_pesKIW2WxyjitTO_m6Y834Cqi6XVZwmEt5g3jKxCF25i0yHx6M13ZB0sggbDrStOHeeQcYtZO7-cMSdqEg48BNB_m60KIsBYuKUxbq-fIDKXBJSuPjostnIBm38nMU/s1600/untitled-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jKZ8OOVQPIz0_pesKIW2WxyjitTO_m6Y834Cqi6XVZwmEt5g3jKxCF25i0yHx6M13ZB0sggbDrStOHeeQcYtZO7-cMSdqEg48BNB_m60KIsBYuKUxbq-fIDKXBJSuPjostnIBm38nMU/s640/untitled-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5A6In_OlumiXJkJrdxjSvBd87k799NgwUR72qrr5dmRCtE9IGwvFE9GeauQhlEc9fThsAeGxD7Do2DtZ_UAzAv_Lzu5LlzWd2JMVdGDYISLonnPKrjeMFxqYzHjM8RAu6o6YGkVvjWo/s1600/untitled-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5A6In_OlumiXJkJrdxjSvBd87k799NgwUR72qrr5dmRCtE9IGwvFE9GeauQhlEc9fThsAeGxD7Do2DtZ_UAzAv_Lzu5LlzWd2JMVdGDYISLonnPKrjeMFxqYzHjM8RAu6o6YGkVvjWo/s400/untitled-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3gWv80sx94Njqqd3AQ_6XWKwLHWueHilEWhyphenhyphend0VAd3ryP_cwbg-ni-qIRoAY7inKQGmwFPUCVjN4jH25-InlbEklgr7o3zhlAKm1ytymRb8OUhHqbYgHwE2pygr1GhDqbNPAbVSzyl8/s1600/untitled-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3gWv80sx94Njqqd3AQ_6XWKwLHWueHilEWhyphenhyphend0VAd3ryP_cwbg-ni-qIRoAY7inKQGmwFPUCVjN4jH25-InlbEklgr7o3zhlAKm1ytymRb8OUhHqbYgHwE2pygr1GhDqbNPAbVSzyl8/s400/untitled-23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We also had a game of guessing what the baby's name would be. I bought a used flat paneled closet door and painted it with chalkboard paint. Then added the rag garland I made using fabric scraps.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8sifSy6LIM4IFmO-xCPjqqIrGVEmRLF-rJBn2yNBIXVfanQJ2cMt_E0Jj-2CQYbgCWVwegrJ3lKmJCJ-Ny0ARef1JOrxykt-1r9P9BTHs6ft23m_Grp6PuJFCKDCFf5p7Lqwa1toMxE/s1600/untitled-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8sifSy6LIM4IFmO-xCPjqqIrGVEmRLF-rJBn2yNBIXVfanQJ2cMt_E0Jj-2CQYbgCWVwegrJ3lKmJCJ-Ny0ARef1JOrxykt-1r9P9BTHs6ft23m_Grp6PuJFCKDCFf5p7Lqwa1toMxE/s640/untitled-13.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another chalkboard adorned the hutch accompanied by an apothecary jar filled with vintage baby rattles and a framed ultrasound picture of baby Moore.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4ne8oBF9rL3dlsyD9QUS5iLlNwbMc9Vfi0Co-yujs6UGmfgARJXNRBeK_gAxx8ZViVV1qe4xIx_TItJwomGFA3KY3PlvGyP1SZYUWPGZ9zUOTXlJWTpP1XiCCk4Iz92zL_lEpW0nijk/s1600/untitled-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4ne8oBF9rL3dlsyD9QUS5iLlNwbMc9Vfi0Co-yujs6UGmfgARJXNRBeK_gAxx8ZViVV1qe4xIx_TItJwomGFA3KY3PlvGyP1SZYUWPGZ9zUOTXlJWTpP1XiCCk4Iz92zL_lEpW0nijk/s640/untitled-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When it was time for the reveal, Blake and Angie had Gabe read the results. He was more then willing to help.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsou3IzII_nHTaiP1WeWcP4SlqeN6vuWEcwAFNOf2DDy3BACpiGjWLAGBUCqgWRdXTl2QUntuJMdXFz6zMTm-eig59ZRRZCzjuz5NgFM_285bcvmBLIS7WhiZa4KCGv8pfRtqI8cVzaY/s1600/untitled-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsou3IzII_nHTaiP1WeWcP4SlqeN6vuWEcwAFNOf2DDy3BACpiGjWLAGBUCqgWRdXTl2QUntuJMdXFz6zMTm-eig59ZRRZCzjuz5NgFM_285bcvmBLIS7WhiZa4KCGv8pfRtqI8cVzaY/s640/untitled-24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's a ....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhAFu04XHYb-Bj2dkkvnCqxTY8KuuzUav4Re2i_MBP8XnqnDInbhyBZ1x7_FBYHmNbF7AH22Umtr7sZjbT5soxphXbMuoAL0RFBvDsDPWtm8-WllKAqhxAQlr-t3MGqDXABncRrrdtXQ/s1600/untitled-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhAFu04XHYb-Bj2dkkvnCqxTY8KuuzUav4Re2i_MBP8XnqnDInbhyBZ1x7_FBYHmNbF7AH22Umtr7sZjbT5soxphXbMuoAL0RFBvDsDPWtm8-WllKAqhxAQlr-t3MGqDXABncRrrdtXQ/s400/untitled-27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aunt Bee got it right!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBpcMsF7FN7dzxOn04yAABPa_Vhwh1ZOWSEV3jfHwAbR3DG8EPW7XhycLv-MuSBZt6Qcbu_Nd_zgLa15ZpZikGxragxncB9hdzMTsejPuHcZ-vhI0if9eK154_I51VGAucBzJU2YoFn4/s1600/untitled-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBpcMsF7FN7dzxOn04yAABPa_Vhwh1ZOWSEV3jfHwAbR3DG8EPW7XhycLv-MuSBZt6Qcbu_Nd_zgLa15ZpZikGxragxncB9hdzMTsejPuHcZ-vhI0if9eK154_I51VGAucBzJU2YoFn4/s400/untitled-25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Proud big brother!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCl_ZR373E-fRc-FdM-SMNts9AUZ1nWdgJlkDnKUGF8g-IJ9tMeDwrUv-AJnjyPdtbDAvyrdSgemB1OFMUE2awV_2_Oe7zjl-UjwCFB4aYfBxUMyEgKt3oDsluvCZGC_q4XCxQtcF0Yw/s1600/untitled-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCl_ZR373E-fRc-FdM-SMNts9AUZ1nWdgJlkDnKUGF8g-IJ9tMeDwrUv-AJnjyPdtbDAvyrdSgemB1OFMUE2awV_2_Oe7zjl-UjwCFB4aYfBxUMyEgKt3oDsluvCZGC_q4XCxQtcF0Yw/s640/untitled-26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy parents!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtU9Hme6By6LWll_d0y0YEZL6GcblRbdnd9ZIX-c2QwJLanAv5BxGPBi7uDpvsJ1vg-VM9YbUZ_ryYSs6bMLGlyVi7i8LFDA6VhAtNjJhanmttdpkGo0lTrcIbmmJg3v4tLpckU5J9lQ/s1600/untitled-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtU9Hme6By6LWll_d0y0YEZL6GcblRbdnd9ZIX-c2QwJLanAv5BxGPBi7uDpvsJ1vg-VM9YbUZ_ryYSs6bMLGlyVi7i8LFDA6VhAtNjJhanmttdpkGo0lTrcIbmmJg3v4tLpckU5J9lQ/s640/untitled-28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1Qhxuo3A6t6DdtuK0AP61v1WWubX2I08g1fECjjMFWly2pojcTzJDqVijBbE5u-oXTv8sySeChSBt7dr1Y_Mxc_Ooey3BAFSliv0rPhROZXSQZudQkOfP8FfWTwRJiIHY6eWcM3_-lc/s1600/untitled-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1Qhxuo3A6t6DdtuK0AP61v1WWubX2I08g1fECjjMFWly2pojcTzJDqVijBbE5u-oXTv8sySeChSBt7dr1Y_Mxc_Ooey3BAFSliv0rPhROZXSQZudQkOfP8FfWTwRJiIHY6eWcM3_-lc/s640/untitled-12.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After the reveal, Blake and Angie gave everyone an envelope and told them to open them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw2GFg_SO3SpogfJKP5Fk2g13lx0A695TLLZohJYrPp5UIOHnPO58k0MGBi5ytOIjij7vnm6KeChdT-7q2V7zdsXh1TBoe7MDnMCjNxd2M2NBcv0s6aFW6OuXUCrGzUEOKAmLFg2OYOI/s1600/untitled-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw2GFg_SO3SpogfJKP5Fk2g13lx0A695TLLZohJYrPp5UIOHnPO58k0MGBi5ytOIjij7vnm6KeChdT-7q2V7zdsXh1TBoe7MDnMCjNxd2M2NBcv0s6aFW6OuXUCrGzUEOKAmLFg2OYOI/s640/untitled-30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They shared with us the baby's name. Introducing Hazel Elizabeth!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-38031253677787980752015-07-02T07:42:00.000-07:002016-10-05T17:34:19.712-07:00Our Anniversary Trip to New York City<div style="text-align: center;">
It started on Valentine's Day. My hubby sweetly gave me tickets to see Les Miserables... IN NEW YORK CITY! The tickets were for the week of our wedding anniversary, which is in June. So we set out planning our trip. My husband, who is a restaurateur and a bit of a foodie immediately started looking up restaurants to visit while on the trip. Forget the sights, bring on the FOOD!!! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The day after arriving in New York, we set out to find two of the places he had on his list. For breakfast his choice was a biscuit shop, which is no surprise considering his restaurants are biscuit shops. Empire Biscuit Shop on Avenue A in East Village was a quick subway ride from our hotel. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxW-kWSxxIapkpZ4MWhXn319h5i3huyF8Sg2SM9p-KKAxAhDiIvsZ5W23ubfhXLsXaZkDmdpaKrSEiA4S5bJIKraykL20t_dzR6jK5qb4U2Hg0zrb_PPqMUlrhuzX4hh-h7rAxjFQXkkw/s1600/untitled-2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxW-kWSxxIapkpZ4MWhXn319h5i3huyF8Sg2SM9p-KKAxAhDiIvsZ5W23ubfhXLsXaZkDmdpaKrSEiA4S5bJIKraykL20t_dzR6jK5qb4U2Hg0zrb_PPqMUlrhuzX4hh-h7rAxjFQXkkw/s640/untitled-2-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scott ordered the sausage gravy biscuit. It was definitely different then our gravy biscuit, but it was yummy all the same. They also let us try a biscuit with their own delicious brown butter lemon curd. YUMMO!!! Sorry, I was so busy licking my fingers, I didn't get a picture. But you can believe me when I say it was delicious!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQEYqnPYsh_Cu_ZGvN4xFQctoMzs2JGf2JhmhyaukZzpr4r4PoxXNSF3E6crhBRPu3fnHWGqCT69sinCAx8pDiPQP9ssG_NqQhgyxSEu3EqNn5WmAWbHDNaYJVfNO6mMwrgD1So5X63k/s1600/untitled-3-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQEYqnPYsh_Cu_ZGvN4xFQctoMzs2JGf2JhmhyaukZzpr4r4PoxXNSF3E6crhBRPu3fnHWGqCT69sinCAx8pDiPQP9ssG_NqQhgyxSEu3EqNn5WmAWbHDNaYJVfNO6mMwrgD1So5X63k/s640/untitled-3-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After we were fueled up on biscuits, we set out to walk around and see New York. We headed toward the Brooklyn Bridge (primarily because Scott's second restaurant choice was in Brooklyn!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the way, we went through China Town. We spotted our dinner spot for the next day while there!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDb0DFU5NrI_VS9e9CiMoz6StrqxyG5kX8yUBh7DRm7Ckdsst6FJ-p-Z8WovdXM2zopQNIgJVgbhEKyF2XSZnZyRtq5IEqPrsBqX0bGDhgFCRK27umjDh-L9_lKQlQyGC6DrrbLFj1hY/s1600/untitled-6-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDb0DFU5NrI_VS9e9CiMoz6StrqxyG5kX8yUBh7DRm7Ckdsst6FJ-p-Z8WovdXM2zopQNIgJVgbhEKyF2XSZnZyRtq5IEqPrsBqX0bGDhgFCRK27umjDh-L9_lKQlQyGC6DrrbLFj1hY/s640/untitled-6-2.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gdK6xJAhkGHeF7vRIiBuUFOeXc56H6ibAvkBQwwuHgTwsDaugB6dLzgk746D9m-EJNINhQjWGIlOnV7prCRhIZEl7Y6w5p51iiBqYjyajs1IQguANgTvJ9CctFwhT3aKBNQga0Aj3Ss/s1600/untitled-4-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gdK6xJAhkGHeF7vRIiBuUFOeXc56H6ibAvkBQwwuHgTwsDaugB6dLzgk746D9m-EJNINhQjWGIlOnV7prCRhIZEl7Y6w5p51iiBqYjyajs1IQguANgTvJ9CctFwhT3aKBNQga0Aj3Ss/s640/untitled-4-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wSXRMvarT8U7pQdSRP11R1IYxd7q8FMTVcAvriZ9HrPjddaGy240nqHdfOgqeN2Vol7C1QdZarOIYDD1Ssyzphdnc9e16j0lFHlUxBgx0unFHXpLIu8jkK39hEFlh6ezxwoEc3sjqwA/s1600/untitled-5-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wSXRMvarT8U7pQdSRP11R1IYxd7q8FMTVcAvriZ9HrPjddaGy240nqHdfOgqeN2Vol7C1QdZarOIYDD1Ssyzphdnc9e16j0lFHlUxBgx0unFHXpLIu8jkK39hEFlh6ezxwoEc3sjqwA/s640/untitled-5-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
China Town is very interesting. A lot of markets with unusual produce, sea food and spices sold on the sidewalk.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After about a 2 hour walk (no exaggeration!) we made it to the Brooklyn Bridge, which by the way, is over a mile across. When it was built in 1870, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-FrBpM6SMzoUVV0Wq2K7KEFGskbZGvzvQ5SKLe-Dx8NgDKLjVYYRPr_fLKUs9ZIm5JgdHGiRW1Uyo6iUsJj8wkD6H9A2S2qgE3ZYsxnCIZ_5dNr1Jl19GRGAhdkXqQZoJuYFxJcrH-8/s1600/untitled-9-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-FrBpM6SMzoUVV0Wq2K7KEFGskbZGvzvQ5SKLe-Dx8NgDKLjVYYRPr_fLKUs9ZIm5JgdHGiRW1Uyo6iUsJj8wkD6H9A2S2qgE3ZYsxnCIZ_5dNr1Jl19GRGAhdkXqQZoJuYFxJcrH-8/s640/untitled-9-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Hr3EQSzUFSfR9RrjGP_XH7kVUBGGeHGYW5sjrV83kEmzC_Q8DNxEFUKHEJOpnyi6rInub9lKxCpAMqwNCoPS_Jc3Bx7QLkltPSgUw2y-N_k6fCAoMVF63KfGAQNCwBXQww4E-BTre_A/s1600/untitled-8-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Hr3EQSzUFSfR9RrjGP_XH7kVUBGGeHGYW5sjrV83kEmzC_Q8DNxEFUKHEJOpnyi6rInub9lKxCpAMqwNCoPS_Jc3Bx7QLkltPSgUw2y-N_k6fCAoMVF63KfGAQNCwBXQww4E-BTre_A/s640/untitled-8-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One tradition people have when walking across the bridge is to leave something so others who come behind you will know you've been there. You will see hundreds of locks, tied ribbons, shoe laces, and just about anything that can be attached easily to the cables of the bridge.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAX3jrQ6e2eqdU6Xftg1KvYja7AV4SdIzcSyvL0Ymt1VnqNYaDsHWTkujjxG96FdDiboCHG1Xnimvg4SoZxHFoSUYGrfXmrMJzCgnwBjjwZQ-rACZyMvw6aCCqSEuseUsU4VU6KHObSU/s1600/untitled-11-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAX3jrQ6e2eqdU6Xftg1KvYja7AV4SdIzcSyvL0Ymt1VnqNYaDsHWTkujjxG96FdDiboCHG1Xnimvg4SoZxHFoSUYGrfXmrMJzCgnwBjjwZQ-rACZyMvw6aCCqSEuseUsU4VU6KHObSU/s640/untitled-11-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ix3jSyGocvhkGTs5RkAdKEl_E-5ifNSjtjPmNQZW7SqQglyU-AniR5bSgpXxa1x4yG4lee26WeSbSG2-aQXLtpQwsH4rF4MUQ6ms-qgtgkJMAfdrenG3Kia74aZk57qdNGW8IRfXL7Q/s1600/untitled-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ix3jSyGocvhkGTs5RkAdKEl_E-5ifNSjtjPmNQZW7SqQglyU-AniR5bSgpXxa1x4yG4lee26WeSbSG2-aQXLtpQwsH4rF4MUQ6ms-qgtgkJMAfdrenG3Kia74aZk57qdNGW8IRfXL7Q/s640/untitled-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoO01OB8lGzjGzZDNnTRpYxmsDwrsLdF5GyLDlK4JZXD_xLkFrsrpPTYqICfG3i5qubzmIHQMKtozAgf6edrEYFwvSklAmIH9cfGth6JfEnUIA9oHX4mj8jCZp8Zq-46ShdDZohm1S4Y/s1600/untitled-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoO01OB8lGzjGzZDNnTRpYxmsDwrsLdF5GyLDlK4JZXD_xLkFrsrpPTYqICfG3i5qubzmIHQMKtozAgf6edrEYFwvSklAmIH9cfGth6JfEnUIA9oHX4mj8jCZp8Zq-46ShdDZohm1S4Y/s640/untitled-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From the bridge, you see an amazing view of the city, including the recently finished trade center building.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGgrV3O-4PtSPAOp4ddBm9iWuXeWmiCQjj4OZkgyxC0A_vY2W169gtOxoJNy1MqFsSYNHUlUQjw1zKLpIPyAHZmq0tNOlQJODmW0gXgXSu8OaGIaKspwbzIiPYrvlHreC-rWLDGCf0rU/s1600/untitled-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGgrV3O-4PtSPAOp4ddBm9iWuXeWmiCQjj4OZkgyxC0A_vY2W169gtOxoJNy1MqFsSYNHUlUQjw1zKLpIPyAHZmq0tNOlQJODmW0gXgXSu8OaGIaKspwbzIiPYrvlHreC-rWLDGCf0rU/s640/untitled-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also a great view of the Statue of Liberty.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOr_ZfDJPkNXORox5nsfs8SDMIG3Nk3oPbfd3pbaOHFYQrNZs2RLg86U09_x5BipCdFzS_DkLi5EvBmAjiHgRNsp_wZHy9z_St3tcScA8-pYmHvpPcec-l6jgPqOfGYBPDVVvP_8iNOA/s1600/untitled-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOr_ZfDJPkNXORox5nsfs8SDMIG3Nk3oPbfd3pbaOHFYQrNZs2RLg86U09_x5BipCdFzS_DkLi5EvBmAjiHgRNsp_wZHy9z_St3tcScA8-pYmHvpPcec-l6jgPqOfGYBPDVVvP_8iNOA/s640/untitled-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After crossing the bridge, we set out to explore New York's borough of Brooklyn.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYK7yNmMjHD7BIAtDanxJClls5h2O12iQ-SUt4LauVNN7lq_jtijhzLlc8-lf1YYiUPcwjHLmDcuK2Cbt5iWaE8g2XUzS1SjFl_fpLgdl7Z8GwDHC5C4x8FH2sYonPsN-MqUsOoKxw0eM/s1600/untitled-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYK7yNmMjHD7BIAtDanxJClls5h2O12iQ-SUt4LauVNN7lq_jtijhzLlc8-lf1YYiUPcwjHLmDcuK2Cbt5iWaE8g2XUzS1SjFl_fpLgdl7Z8GwDHC5C4x8FH2sYonPsN-MqUsOoKxw0eM/s400/untitled-19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ708FTc6mTPDHtthqRfjnTr8ecRRE8S2mQ92HtQZ-m9YxCFDHMWVU4-pXexZSVJfnIFSCsdL4VxYy3I-HbugSygoNTXtdiJ0RaQy69MPh7z3J9Z58xsJg0_2yJYr2Iy7Ky0wRH_fNpI/s1600/untitled-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ708FTc6mTPDHtthqRfjnTr8ecRRE8S2mQ92HtQZ-m9YxCFDHMWVU4-pXexZSVJfnIFSCsdL4VxYy3I-HbugSygoNTXtdiJ0RaQy69MPh7z3J9Z58xsJg0_2yJYr2Iy7Ky0wRH_fNpI/s400/untitled-20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the great things we came across (partly because we had been walking for three hours and were feeling it!) was this park, set right in the center of Brooklyn's downtown. A great place for people to take their lunch break or a rest from the work day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After our little break, we set off to find where we would have our next meal. Scott read about this amazing pizza made by a 70 year old gentleman who had been making his home made recipe for over 40 years. Of all the places Scott had scouted out, this one was by far the restaurant he was looking the most forward to. One of the things he had read about the place was, "this pizza will change your life!" It was in the far end of Brooklyn, so after walking a bit further, we decided to take a cab since it was still over three miles away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr8hQoMs1yZpAv8foLSad4MScDlJPfN37U9p7CVl0lAC2KoHm5l9qPY6Lj-rggTJIlVlW8KoUC36U0W8OM1eplgm5nf1TUkjRrKTceRNH5FMwo0mFF35WgXbuxPVbKMN7SGpbdOuN6-o/s1600/untitled-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr8hQoMs1yZpAv8foLSad4MScDlJPfN37U9p7CVl0lAC2KoHm5l9qPY6Lj-rggTJIlVlW8KoUC36U0W8OM1eplgm5nf1TUkjRrKTceRNH5FMwo0mFF35WgXbuxPVbKMN7SGpbdOuN6-o/s640/untitled-22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can imagine our disappointment! After walking over 3 hours and taking a 30 minute cab ride, the place was closed! A sign on the door said it was due to a family emergency. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So we walked around the neighborhood, seeking another place to dine. Nothing could meet our expectations, so we headed back to the bridge and had a bite there while enjoying the beautiful views of the bridges before taking a ferry back to Manhattan.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Manhattan Bridge. The lower part of the bridge perfectly frames the Rockefeller Building in the distance.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOWh2tGDvWvuBTZCWUfqvmQFfBkbdGjLkMvHsVG2CZAd_2PCE4MMFPfwpZjihKtmaVmug6kHaf3Q00JratT228xJM4hebix_jdUdw9r8p185ylaTRlyljDcjJ89lLb0aAQzZxoBcobd4/s1600/untitled-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOWh2tGDvWvuBTZCWUfqvmQFfBkbdGjLkMvHsVG2CZAd_2PCE4MMFPfwpZjihKtmaVmug6kHaf3Q00JratT228xJM4hebix_jdUdw9r8p185ylaTRlyljDcjJ89lLb0aAQzZxoBcobd4/s640/untitled-25.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2vy5xRQrjvI2MXbWQsju1eUMRpJpSs_UYPPvz1-09S1ho4980Z5iHN51PB_4z20cFtgRNQv3xTFVCLxk5EajERTEhvGDKFRPaEjw9PJNl5MagV1EznpoTeL2JTOTOGQ-n8jBseXnZXw/s1600/untitled-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2vy5xRQrjvI2MXbWQsju1eUMRpJpSs_UYPPvz1-09S1ho4980Z5iHN51PB_4z20cFtgRNQv3xTFVCLxk5EajERTEhvGDKFRPaEjw9PJNl5MagV1EznpoTeL2JTOTOGQ-n8jBseXnZXw/s640/untitled-26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYWpw2YmrT_frj1VqL6pEHHGXDidVeI9y1ODzrdZ7nA0svFsCmo5dwN5DKg8Z7efvH_mDn1NywH140Dm-jT46ETQKjj08rwpeWwDH8LEWstjXSGOmb6tn8dGHLFnzYoHxXj9RPnPgSg8/s1600/untitled-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYWpw2YmrT_frj1VqL6pEHHGXDidVeI9y1ODzrdZ7nA0svFsCmo5dwN5DKg8Z7efvH_mDn1NywH140Dm-jT46ETQKjj08rwpeWwDH8LEWstjXSGOmb6tn8dGHLFnzYoHxXj9RPnPgSg8/s640/untitled-27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
View of the Empire State Building from the ferry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUamCSGFcEsq22ueU_7-GEkv20WU9HSCMW_Q6hh2-c-Z9_AP9c54rycAyRG3XQHSknNff_8LBhVWgZ5cba194uQCcNpirycUPM4FefmMY6Xu0fB997ycTP5FLmhfu91RNcAZqvVeq70pI/s1600/untitled-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUamCSGFcEsq22ueU_7-GEkv20WU9HSCMW_Q6hh2-c-Z9_AP9c54rycAyRG3XQHSknNff_8LBhVWgZ5cba194uQCcNpirycUPM4FefmMY6Xu0fB997ycTP5FLmhfu91RNcAZqvVeq70pI/s640/untitled-28.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What an amazing first day, huh? We were pooped, disappointed about the pizza place, but we covered a lot of ground, saw a lot of the city, and still had 5 whole days left of our trip!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day two was equally enjoyable. We set out to find a restaurant called Buvette. It's a highly rated French restaurant in the West Village.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdL9H8EgONohEDNyJbK_RoBT-I1RQj-46E-kJhwjto2OI2OFAgqEBDzTOytuFNT7jUXK_7ZYiKXEqr_Cx7Z03GNkdKEsgQXjYHPhuBAVTeeTD_DP7iUIhRrOUL7HSuR1YNe9cOqu18RzY/s1600/untitled-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdL9H8EgONohEDNyJbK_RoBT-I1RQj-46E-kJhwjto2OI2OFAgqEBDzTOytuFNT7jUXK_7ZYiKXEqr_Cx7Z03GNkdKEsgQXjYHPhuBAVTeeTD_DP7iUIhRrOUL7HSuR1YNe9cOqu18RzY/s640/untitled-29.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu2OKBeP7vIo1NdD-gJkbbmZ6Hv3e_hcLQeG2QqAjfKeJtnga1wcFyqczVzUi8j9zZLkVerqeX3bMrxdZyIdNGIgA14oAnkvNT3XSeMkPdm6TamSF3to_NlpuOSQl-p-Jy5cJlK7J_n4/s1600/untitled-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu2OKBeP7vIo1NdD-gJkbbmZ6Hv3e_hcLQeG2QqAjfKeJtnga1wcFyqczVzUi8j9zZLkVerqeX3bMrxdZyIdNGIgA14oAnkvNT3XSeMkPdm6TamSF3to_NlpuOSQl-p-Jy5cJlK7J_n4/s400/untitled-30.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCS4vB_plNdW0Jdpxs4DqKafMVaafg_AUG3nUcppRtBAbkPwSRSkr-8jgUqdrW6zEGSwZU4IPkXgQf8NVcAwMsFxXOzGB6Tl9tJR08JsD4PSpP6w542Q_4kpT6Zbt4pvhg6vDrHuFPoyI/s1600/untitled-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCS4vB_plNdW0Jdpxs4DqKafMVaafg_AUG3nUcppRtBAbkPwSRSkr-8jgUqdrW6zEGSwZU4IPkXgQf8NVcAwMsFxXOzGB6Tl9tJR08JsD4PSpP6w542Q_4kpT6Zbt4pvhg6vDrHuFPoyI/s640/untitled-32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scott ordered scrambled eggs and prosciutto on top of home made brioche toast. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFPQ4KwnjsG5JY_qJDPNk1SKLgo1I0TY4fvr5uopXoqKDYZmCHv-q4CgdM7UX2n7yMzUemqHu316ih_td-MbE6HjEyTxoiKgfAxUIvo664awna9JfcNEyUTb2OxVNKGskcdh8lLMpuBI/s1600/untitled-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFPQ4KwnjsG5JY_qJDPNk1SKLgo1I0TY4fvr5uopXoqKDYZmCHv-q4CgdM7UX2n7yMzUemqHu316ih_td-MbE6HjEyTxoiKgfAxUIvo664awna9JfcNEyUTb2OxVNKGskcdh8lLMpuBI/s400/untitled-33.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I got their house made honey almond butter on brioche toast, topped with fresh raspberries. Let me just say, I will be dreaming of that honey almond butter for the rest of my life! SO good!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKn7h7ScB1WMo8IoEFO5crfs5bCwMxAaa8wKcSa6bCN0kFNDmWUDtcbQMlbj6T4JXK3oFtI8DVZD_3TKVis3nV2d6CDrwpXKFfh7EXhq5tuHIQ5I9uzXIDt8nM57sgNElkFkM00OFF3vk/s1600/untitled-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKn7h7ScB1WMo8IoEFO5crfs5bCwMxAaa8wKcSa6bCN0kFNDmWUDtcbQMlbj6T4JXK3oFtI8DVZD_3TKVis3nV2d6CDrwpXKFfh7EXhq5tuHIQ5I9uzXIDt8nM57sgNElkFkM00OFF3vk/s400/untitled-34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After our delicious breakfast, we set out to see the West Village, the close by Greenwich Village and SoHo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In Greenwich Village was the Washington Park with the arch and fountain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxJRx1h-NPItGWwQ4y7QfOtvu15UrqmHQeXeFHc96FCgZxDOcLFjx_TvSvqaQ-ebVYKRFnlfCMRHmJ6cOjJypD1XqHkT4Fb1RklpmA8omXqgUrSGStFNOB6hIU3uUQpuFTqaA9HW31g0/s1600/untitled-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxJRx1h-NPItGWwQ4y7QfOtvu15UrqmHQeXeFHc96FCgZxDOcLFjx_TvSvqaQ-ebVYKRFnlfCMRHmJ6cOjJypD1XqHkT4Fb1RklpmA8omXqgUrSGStFNOB6hIU3uUQpuFTqaA9HW31g0/s640/untitled-44.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLsH7IZZ2XLyzET5W1un08s8ZfBbZShSWqAOTZQKByfiQVo9k2Yr7iTUG5ntS1wVDkeiraJnHntJ7-DXx8HCrlreIo68P3bdFcpJKSimHHfyL0ks_q2Nbt64K7HZ3ErDjPgQMNCbZE40/s1600/untitled-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLsH7IZZ2XLyzET5W1un08s8ZfBbZShSWqAOTZQKByfiQVo9k2Yr7iTUG5ntS1wVDkeiraJnHntJ7-DXx8HCrlreIo68P3bdFcpJKSimHHfyL0ks_q2Nbt64K7HZ3ErDjPgQMNCbZE40/s640/untitled-41.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcS6htWYeebBVBJ-s5kHmVjagAnBafFne78yI0s6a00iuNa1cGMj2rZgkeDj384Q1nIF4XuoZpHRKH2GdXwv0u-8SbA5SQFwdywhU8aPH7Le0inKsdsTIpeu65L50JCAyZFaFn_ILmoKo/s1600/untitled-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcS6htWYeebBVBJ-s5kHmVjagAnBafFne78yI0s6a00iuNa1cGMj2rZgkeDj384Q1nIF4XuoZpHRKH2GdXwv0u-8SbA5SQFwdywhU8aPH7Le0inKsdsTIpeu65L50JCAyZFaFn_ILmoKo/s640/untitled-43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRJ8R3uUv5NiDPqIklBpBOm-0duTRVegx9wMBsqepCR1z0I4aD1srjz5KoqGMmc8A9V3CRkZGxtOMcaxJk_BopeoZM0W1dc9ypfn_yufUtPBNXw-5BBxZ0w9mlMQPRUtr4LUtWEiBvwc/s1600/untitled-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRJ8R3uUv5NiDPqIklBpBOm-0duTRVegx9wMBsqepCR1z0I4aD1srjz5KoqGMmc8A9V3CRkZGxtOMcaxJk_BopeoZM0W1dc9ypfn_yufUtPBNXw-5BBxZ0w9mlMQPRUtr4LUtWEiBvwc/s400/untitled-45.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How cool is it to have the chess tables all set and ready for players in the park. Almost makes me want to take up playing chess!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoKpsFdFuYenf64FJ9uChoAJVU78nrmwfUMGu1pBqLsBOcwGlIbolU4B6rZo7pZ3Dsyiz1XOva_-h-98ushVLV8ZQsyaqo0DfhiMyRKnt-DpM1K5rJSao4KoX07JIw6_9foeNxHuIl-w/s1600/untitled-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoKpsFdFuYenf64FJ9uChoAJVU78nrmwfUMGu1pBqLsBOcwGlIbolU4B6rZo7pZ3Dsyiz1XOva_-h-98ushVLV8ZQsyaqo0DfhiMyRKnt-DpM1K5rJSao4KoX07JIw6_9foeNxHuIl-w/s400/untitled-38.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_wz1Gxc9FTSRP_XrpsQmfUN9x0ffWIw8VayJlm7OUtPy3fcGpo31Wiovu4A-aC-JO6dAu_W9QDekVKLM61ofOb5OaNO2gSchyphenhyphenzr95_mAqB3u0aSzdrSeEdKDR0kDHIOs236dMGVQqXY/s1600/untitled-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_wz1Gxc9FTSRP_XrpsQmfUN9x0ffWIw8VayJlm7OUtPy3fcGpo31Wiovu4A-aC-JO6dAu_W9QDekVKLM61ofOb5OaNO2gSchyphenhyphenzr95_mAqB3u0aSzdrSeEdKDR0kDHIOs236dMGVQqXY/s400/untitled-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also enjoyed the SoHo area. Beautiful architecture. All cast iron.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYnEw73eVDNNzLziiko_EpkZtEIF_XBR4Vj6RlzWFQ9EsfS4YOSE9W03mbzfolywpveqm9JAFqx3TddnwYdsvmMcn5lXDIYAd02oT8hte7D5EOyPtvI1p_jxRUxcrLgU6dZzEVh7MXy4/s1600/untitled-46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYnEw73eVDNNzLziiko_EpkZtEIF_XBR4Vj6RlzWFQ9EsfS4YOSE9W03mbzfolywpveqm9JAFqx3TddnwYdsvmMcn5lXDIYAd02oT8hte7D5EOyPtvI1p_jxRUxcrLgU6dZzEVh7MXy4/s400/untitled-46.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKUoqBeZFhwqQOhoTbrbCZytbeAdfM7JshBcLhOrDS_BKTTOlLu-oNMlcxDiun_XTScB4v4MOzI5kB0-az4qHLDWw1-VaXDZXiA364zEzIeSMkXqGiQc2vkG_zxftykq6sHhwSQgX0dw/s1600/untitled-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKUoqBeZFhwqQOhoTbrbCZytbeAdfM7JshBcLhOrDS_BKTTOlLu-oNMlcxDiun_XTScB4v4MOzI5kB0-az4qHLDWw1-VaXDZXiA364zEzIeSMkXqGiQc2vkG_zxftykq6sHhwSQgX0dw/s400/untitled-47.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2A7MrPH1YzziJG8L1I73NJZGSNpU9Uk03ra4ZsVwNrFZPfaruBTb24bJsRpd_6b4ofRT4Hv8TmPY3rhVaOcXQBQGk-z1gqGJBe9Lct5d8YrtPrC2cRKU-ESLKEIV9NYFBpQJF9XxcYE/s1600/untitled-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2A7MrPH1YzziJG8L1I73NJZGSNpU9Uk03ra4ZsVwNrFZPfaruBTb24bJsRpd_6b4ofRT4Hv8TmPY3rhVaOcXQBQGk-z1gqGJBe9Lct5d8YrtPrC2cRKU-ESLKEIV9NYFBpQJF9XxcYE/s400/untitled-48.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All this walking around makes one a little hungry! We couldn't resist stopping at this bakery. The cookies were as good as they look. You can't tell it from the picture, but they are at least 6 inches across. Plenty big enough to share!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEjI7-ovv6Wud35rmL1dMuP8Wp8UPujHLskJaY37lfw9Act9RtPevDwxvFE3I6hiQRtSZIMABT8Y-gnZlHlQwEKZtmIwIAnjCU8il_gKD-nxjSdpE231BalouqBd80TUyfLPMVce-o-0/s1600/untitled-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEjI7-ovv6Wud35rmL1dMuP8Wp8UPujHLskJaY37lfw9Act9RtPevDwxvFE3I6hiQRtSZIMABT8Y-gnZlHlQwEKZtmIwIAnjCU8il_gKD-nxjSdpE231BalouqBd80TUyfLPMVce-o-0/s640/untitled-36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrt4F-QRzqqKicBJGOOzRP5i-B428-cfzkHRAJLVYCqMwdJu7si-RjTmxanmi5mD2b3m6XmYbtMh2miPCKiOgztZ_RVyeIahINATSbZnWRDGfVrWxOVHks6L0SEr8Syzhq1PPpzZd7uE/s1600/untitled-37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrt4F-QRzqqKicBJGOOzRP5i-B428-cfzkHRAJLVYCqMwdJu7si-RjTmxanmi5mD2b3m6XmYbtMh2miPCKiOgztZ_RVyeIahINATSbZnWRDGfVrWxOVHks6L0SEr8Syzhq1PPpzZd7uE/s400/untitled-37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After exploring these areas, we headed back to Brooklyn via taxi to try Scott's pizza place, Di Fiona's, one more time. His trip would not have been complete without this "life changing" pizza. Thankfully, they were open. It's not a fancy place. Folding tables set up in the back of the store for seating. The elderly gentleman was busy making pizzas as the orders came in. We were told prior to coming it could take an hour or more to get your pizza, which was accurate. We waited 2 hours after ordering!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpl7erym_golB_Wn5NvB8lLBKYE0Vq-8EcZLv47AKYLoFHo2YrVvEcEa9CQcUQPLFSihSRSGsqtiC9GrmO2KIO82uTdauMKLXH7tKk04mPh272a3LHQyxIR2jG6VJojydqbO6d-Z9M-s/s1600/untitled-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpl7erym_golB_Wn5NvB8lLBKYE0Vq-8EcZLv47AKYLoFHo2YrVvEcEa9CQcUQPLFSihSRSGsqtiC9GrmO2KIO82uTdauMKLXH7tKk04mPh272a3LHQyxIR2jG6VJojydqbO6d-Z9M-s/s640/untitled-49.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTv3z7gOm94tTijLDnWh7WM2JbyzkpjQTmbW73FGejfI1il_Q_sOPvZMRjm8UaCO0kOxVfvOl6gC60Oc3nBwAXa0iCo5ey1oXv9qPw8Hkbpl5BVIrvSfsQ7GNQP7lQR4f5wj1I_92G6w/s1600/untitled-50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTv3z7gOm94tTijLDnWh7WM2JbyzkpjQTmbW73FGejfI1il_Q_sOPvZMRjm8UaCO0kOxVfvOl6gC60Oc3nBwAXa0iCo5ey1oXv9qPw8Hkbpl5BVIrvSfsQ7GNQP7lQR4f5wj1I_92G6w/s640/untitled-50.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Did it change our lives after eating it? Well, I guess it did because no other pizza will ever compare! The sauce was so fresh. The crust was amazing. For us, it was worth it. More then likely our only opportunity to have pizza made by this man. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We headed back to Manhattan, this time taking the Q train. This subway took us within 2 blocks from our hotel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day three was a bit more low key. We decided to stay close to the hotel, which was located just a couple blocks from Central Park on Park and 61st Street.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgYj5ucpCGbc-i6GC0I7AAn2rP9igzeVAtjqyzYMqMnGsed9tv_pJaItNq8VGIFAK1KumoNyvUqlhRFNKlclYBMEEUWg9KofSOnrNlm_BVHOuHDgn0nbB4v8aIjFaUL9AeKCyNKpBFCI/s1600/untitled-76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgYj5ucpCGbc-i6GC0I7AAn2rP9igzeVAtjqyzYMqMnGsed9tv_pJaItNq8VGIFAK1KumoNyvUqlhRFNKlclYBMEEUWg9KofSOnrNlm_BVHOuHDgn0nbB4v8aIjFaUL9AeKCyNKpBFCI/s640/untitled-76.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We walked to the west side of the park, and had our breakfast in a small deli.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKlR4AfNjG45u_AFmhcksgWyn0rmB4n5R4mruDBuo9qNmV3T2XGJauvOKbjQFHIjcewguNbPkBj0aS_dWsFi-7qVggBU-jVpGjtGJmnMCaQEscjw9_7TAYReLKEUEHbVoAahLGZnLAgE/s1600/untitled-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKlR4AfNjG45u_AFmhcksgWyn0rmB4n5R4mruDBuo9qNmV3T2XGJauvOKbjQFHIjcewguNbPkBj0aS_dWsFi-7qVggBU-jVpGjtGJmnMCaQEscjw9_7TAYReLKEUEHbVoAahLGZnLAgE/s640/untitled-54.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_aUvidIER1Xlhy00HI1HxzFso1yGjQCimQRuRKSrcUBu2jl-DJrQT2aixNBL5tI4P7D3dP93GEbTK-jVu4Y8hksNEPJ9LgzYY42wLJOnf3OYTF9qwC1f0i08picchSyNl6tmHyXH3BE/s1600/untitled-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_aUvidIER1Xlhy00HI1HxzFso1yGjQCimQRuRKSrcUBu2jl-DJrQT2aixNBL5tI4P7D3dP93GEbTK-jVu4Y8hksNEPJ9LgzYY42wLJOnf3OYTF9qwC1f0i08picchSyNl6tmHyXH3BE/s400/untitled-53.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We both got breakfast sandwiches, which fueled us for our day of exploring the park and surrounding areas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpN9u-MJk6-cTv9PbgeoaH02QMTRgw855vBhnIn3-Znx5uG4rMz5DRVu28IZx9kNCa9aJ777YCN1LFkpjbJtF3dwhyphenhypheniYQbIFTbsgZ4yc-5LcOgmc9bTvFrDhncewjatgjWxR8pntBjjo/s1600/untitled-58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpN9u-MJk6-cTv9PbgeoaH02QMTRgw855vBhnIn3-Znx5uG4rMz5DRVu28IZx9kNCa9aJ777YCN1LFkpjbJtF3dwhyphenhypheniYQbIFTbsgZ4yc-5LcOgmc9bTvFrDhncewjatgjWxR8pntBjjo/s400/untitled-58.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Roosevelt Park</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4oQVl5wf6jzYlXsOD2JfFW605Go9DdeozHiPn96lTKJwHkJXcRo9ZUMeYoYQ93kGEnFxzC1uBDtujkLLDRe-ZMlXn2uONgUc0mG80INiM7tMvznHepdX-jcf5HYubcvN9NiX16i0cfo/s1600/untitled-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4oQVl5wf6jzYlXsOD2JfFW605Go9DdeozHiPn96lTKJwHkJXcRo9ZUMeYoYQ93kGEnFxzC1uBDtujkLLDRe-ZMlXn2uONgUc0mG80INiM7tMvznHepdX-jcf5HYubcvN9NiX16i0cfo/s400/untitled-56.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Statue of Theodore Roosevelt outside the Museum of Natural History. Roosevelt served as Governor of the state of New York from 1899 to 1901. Prior to this, he was the police commissioner of the city of NY.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsgB3BBENtrpFxO23xYCT1wzbyotnqVKozdrzSrMGWrEkeP4FsyQiyGFj9mcopg2PjyNas6DWqpdzxqAXkCOgxXRVCLtzYN2ocIJTz8K4SqRRm4orNezasd6M94mIa_aHhM5-q3uCfdE/s1600/untitled-61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsgB3BBENtrpFxO23xYCT1wzbyotnqVKozdrzSrMGWrEkeP4FsyQiyGFj9mcopg2PjyNas6DWqpdzxqAXkCOgxXRVCLtzYN2ocIJTz8K4SqRRm4orNezasd6M94mIa_aHhM5-q3uCfdE/s640/untitled-61.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Strawberry Fields memorial on the west side of Central Park. In memory of John Lennon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGtZ0CAOgHXgQjilSTeF0uqL2evEUAs2RCHesYpYhpIkSK4zRAyy4AGq9M8DsYDmL_NgJUmGsYqCuoFRQWMqZKXJXW93rusyuI-aKlge1YyivLMJZd4u3XlCTnGjjcbC8r1XpYfGXj3c/s1600/untitled-62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGtZ0CAOgHXgQjilSTeF0uqL2evEUAs2RCHesYpYhpIkSK4zRAyy4AGq9M8DsYDmL_NgJUmGsYqCuoFRQWMqZKXJXW93rusyuI-aKlge1YyivLMJZd4u3XlCTnGjjcbC8r1XpYfGXj3c/s400/untitled-62.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the northwest corner of the park is Columbus Circle.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSjA7lr8La-ecC9wo0WCsu6eX_6F3SxaYeX2EmZConwc3KcgciPGWuovz7SoHLR-5pjzmzR5s8Pe209JRxHpGFVvrTh2aQlN0D1lm6Ap2r3ijDI64IGWmQkhpE8Jc5C5-XER5jkzISI0/s1600/untitled-63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSjA7lr8La-ecC9wo0WCsu6eX_6F3SxaYeX2EmZConwc3KcgciPGWuovz7SoHLR-5pjzmzR5s8Pe209JRxHpGFVvrTh2aQlN0D1lm6Ap2r3ijDI64IGWmQkhpE8Jc5C5-XER5jkzISI0/s400/untitled-63.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scott, taking advantage of my photography obsession to check in with the business. He was very mindful not to be on the phone any other time. I was very proud of him for that!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5F3LlUGYYsyjkHgorbAMGxC_ULzYkueIMtP40sSmpFw76fAka3GowmF5W3OpJbopHfFlcYLsg0Sk15Oqnw_gGlcF9p0cRrGv3QBEnkFF6_eFVYEVbz5oJXNZMpNaZeTTm0KXukT9jAzM/s1600/untitled-65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5F3LlUGYYsyjkHgorbAMGxC_ULzYkueIMtP40sSmpFw76fAka3GowmF5W3OpJbopHfFlcYLsg0Sk15Oqnw_gGlcF9p0cRrGv3QBEnkFF6_eFVYEVbz5oJXNZMpNaZeTTm0KXukT9jAzM/s640/untitled-65.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CC0ZJTfHhOenrVvN6P2raX5_MTdbWMxspuut_ySgJoWAv46IIz0JfyNwJEDoOdLLzAmHkhFxYaeaoSd6p0lDdLjw1ILxUknXu0VrAsKslgy8WT0doJrDWzSeqDJVE0aghyvoAG0AK_Q/s1600/untitled-66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CC0ZJTfHhOenrVvN6P2raX5_MTdbWMxspuut_ySgJoWAv46IIz0JfyNwJEDoOdLLzAmHkhFxYaeaoSd6p0lDdLjw1ILxUknXu0VrAsKslgy8WT0doJrDWzSeqDJVE0aghyvoAG0AK_Q/s640/untitled-66.jpg" width="402" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After our time around Central Park, we got on the subway and headed back to China Town for dinner. We found the little place we had spotted a couple days before. It was worth our trip back to China Town. Scott ordered a Sichuan noodle bowl.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIS4c2X5r_aHe2n2P_dGdSRd1U9V7D55iW9CSXdykGClomeL_S-1ZMcBzCJhU5FWO4gdEHOHs_gHZHcWoFOGzVPsBoviPRY4L0pFuwqOjUpLOrSuDgdAU5F40A5F5On8PRr8HB0iVVPMk/s1600/untitled-69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIS4c2X5r_aHe2n2P_dGdSRd1U9V7D55iW9CSXdykGClomeL_S-1ZMcBzCJhU5FWO4gdEHOHs_gHZHcWoFOGzVPsBoviPRY4L0pFuwqOjUpLOrSuDgdAU5F40A5F5On8PRr8HB0iVVPMk/s400/untitled-69.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8EWXafACYBuRAsc747HsCIJLeFAxyPvF6Zy3Y2wrlj-1q5zpSpIEwQnJKRvSH-GmmR-FLNgGPoLT99WjQ0hp934WkoJ36DqAFMozQn02FPuKoMn21HVXhgfv4kcXp-HKZ1tGyGaeNoE/s1600/untitled-67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8EWXafACYBuRAsc747HsCIJLeFAxyPvF6Zy3Y2wrlj-1q5zpSpIEwQnJKRvSH-GmmR-FLNgGPoLT99WjQ0hp934WkoJ36DqAFMozQn02FPuKoMn21HVXhgfv4kcXp-HKZ1tGyGaeNoE/s400/untitled-67.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After dinner, we walked around China Town. I was very tempted to have a foot massage there! But time would not allow it. We took the subway back to our hotel to get ready for our evening. For my birthday prior to heading to NY, Scott gave me tickets to see the musical, Finding Neverland. It was fantastic!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7nED8kWXgs3_XAxGgPLp2oxq26nBxJkEI2abE1XEEVV_AiaL8BD2QuA_AiQpRY4nK4bv2ZvXtPMoZgz1W1_-l9dktiQFgNuPCXzkphhDA6zReOgDiT48y76hm6W3-NqeZqL2jJZK1_Y/s1600/untitled-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7nED8kWXgs3_XAxGgPLp2oxq26nBxJkEI2abE1XEEVV_AiaL8BD2QuA_AiQpRY4nK4bv2ZvXtPMoZgz1W1_-l9dktiQFgNuPCXzkphhDA6zReOgDiT48y76hm6W3-NqeZqL2jJZK1_Y/s400/untitled-52.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It really is hard to describe the brilliance of Times Square when you come out of the theater at night. All the screens light up the square and it looks almost as if it were day. It is late, and yet there are crowds of people all around. When they say it's the city that never sleeps, it is true!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNofQWSdbJlPvfmZ_A_989TRW-slhvHfmitII5mXNaTAu1MzWIiFIikzPx9kPCLk_JH_NSGoQGm1Z5st0znxN_bbt9xlGDO7S92Gf0Oo1X33o_bpRX_oLP3jV1RKUDQZFCIhPARURadFM/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNofQWSdbJlPvfmZ_A_989TRW-slhvHfmitII5mXNaTAu1MzWIiFIikzPx9kPCLk_JH_NSGoQGm1Z5st0znxN_bbt9xlGDO7S92Gf0Oo1X33o_bpRX_oLP3jV1RKUDQZFCIhPARURadFM/s640/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were able to experience the night life again on Friday night, when we went to see Les Miserables. It was amazing. My hubby got fantastic seats. 4th row, center! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Friday, it rained all day, so we spent the day shopping. We did find a neat place for dinner. The Brindle Room. They are known for their burger, but we ordered something we couldn't get in Jacksonville, their potato chip frittata.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoS2-7zv7enucIMUCv_HdqlWCvmyJCXNuWtZWsZk_jgGzR2KsSW9O34XM3fzy_UBBWn78Oo_B8FWvnXMzZnuobQk1BfaAvh5M7ulWsAnxdJSpYLLvf5L9IDTEyFCvaM4ox4SHytBtJY3U/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoS2-7zv7enucIMUCv_HdqlWCvmyJCXNuWtZWsZk_jgGzR2KsSW9O34XM3fzy_UBBWn78Oo_B8FWvnXMzZnuobQk1BfaAvh5M7ulWsAnxdJSpYLLvf5L9IDTEyFCvaM4ox4SHytBtJY3U/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They also make their own cake donuts. They brought out the Hazelnut Almond doughnut while it was still warm. YUM!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hyphenhyphen3M-hzfGBelR5VrnixBzbKYd24h7o9IGSVzHL0_wIahyphenhyphend4zHgmwMPDixTKZibxueX4EO2i1BJvQmQbQlGw2d1A2n97dwVLFFJojlGaZCiD7ZUOmz0TVZmautIAZhZGd2gCWHXxWgDw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hyphenhyphen3M-hzfGBelR5VrnixBzbKYd24h7o9IGSVzHL0_wIahyphenhyphend4zHgmwMPDixTKZibxueX4EO2i1BJvQmQbQlGw2d1A2n97dwVLFFJojlGaZCiD7ZUOmz0TVZmautIAZhZGd2gCWHXxWgDw/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Riding the subway is a great (and inexpensive) way to get around the city. But it can be confusing. There are a LOT of different subways that run throughout the boroughs of NY. Scott downloaded a handy App before the trip that helped a lot. It is called Hop Stop. You punch in where you are and where you want to go, and it will tell you which subway to take to get there. VERY helpful!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzK73lWitwNZAirSodsH1PpzauKwuYNVmX8PL4c7mlk9bxpEdweWXMOZVLLfzOSGIFgLXZMTHmqzFjrvh-ZSaT_lEYgVZu3NsicMZ6rGMhoybCszWpC1IhAAzQb4IOujvN-bneM8Q_H6w/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzK73lWitwNZAirSodsH1PpzauKwuYNVmX8PL4c7mlk9bxpEdweWXMOZVLLfzOSGIFgLXZMTHmqzFjrvh-ZSaT_lEYgVZu3NsicMZ6rGMhoybCszWpC1IhAAzQb4IOujvN-bneM8Q_H6w/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97oRNQSW2ZIrXvc0zmrW9f8I7gJxJibd_t5fIUQiPhxdzXAzRfwDBmwUdR3IH6qgS9VDi1dI-zhMYy9JT2_uFuhTbX1T6tz6hvcx-ZGDflIuO9F89m0IyE0TDXFXt4C-fMkGtIwcCQpU/s1600/untitled-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97oRNQSW2ZIrXvc0zmrW9f8I7gJxJibd_t5fIUQiPhxdzXAzRfwDBmwUdR3IH6qgS9VDi1dI-zhMYy9JT2_uFuhTbX1T6tz6hvcx-ZGDflIuO9F89m0IyE0TDXFXt4C-fMkGtIwcCQpU/s400/untitled-51.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a little coffee shop we found right around the corner from our hotel. Birch Coffee Shop on 62nd.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTnmqkDfjdRszraDAuuGgo45j9AWMt3qLXpAVmoWhQjyZM2LIGMuM3YingS433uzVH7jTFuXl8kg3_Halh0yLzVrtsgioH9vZSCCeYGsAx-roWC4TfXizjwSPEo6vqUFxM2vj7A7Z-GA/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTnmqkDfjdRszraDAuuGgo45j9AWMt3qLXpAVmoWhQjyZM2LIGMuM3YingS433uzVH7jTFuXl8kg3_Halh0yLzVrtsgioH9vZSCCeYGsAx-roWC4TfXizjwSPEo6vqUFxM2vj7A7Z-GA/s400/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Sunday, after attending church at Redeemer Presbyterian on the West Side, we headed back to Brooklyn. This time on the southeast side. Scott indulged my fascination of brownstones.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPpPa0oOkNGryyg2iNpyZ8DOyZAYyeg3qZDYfNqFBpDvXyWe0ZXOq9uDYMgecSlAsn0Wf3jeT1VWiikwNuqSoXe-rAzE4JKqk1IwQeot2uvdI63fnduzKImy9XojHV4YakbxjpkOi-aw/s1600/untitled-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPpPa0oOkNGryyg2iNpyZ8DOyZAYyeg3qZDYfNqFBpDvXyWe0ZXOq9uDYMgecSlAsn0Wf3jeT1VWiikwNuqSoXe-rAzE4JKqk1IwQeot2uvdI63fnduzKImy9XojHV4YakbxjpkOi-aw/s640/untitled-2.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqELZ4tzeHMihgoo0dlEIrgaCrE1wEzOZvlt177qyp5FmaFdFF80wKKcFM6t9F5TY1QAgP_AxgVAbBVi4NUUy9cENPU4kwWutYMzAREgjkhSGUUpDFFyVWKwSQ-cj3m6O9Xw8Uh1Zn8U/s1600/untitled-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqELZ4tzeHMihgoo0dlEIrgaCrE1wEzOZvlt177qyp5FmaFdFF80wKKcFM6t9F5TY1QAgP_AxgVAbBVi4NUUy9cENPU4kwWutYMzAREgjkhSGUUpDFFyVWKwSQ-cj3m6O9Xw8Uh1Zn8U/s400/untitled-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwjFAHYtzCPG4e8lyN85IiAUymz9eVIgMdbMbAub_3mt7f-l9RQaXiURDBAYH6O30tfv9pmoVB2vNfe6cWeRDwO3DtpHyAdjZHG9fuct-anV6uqxIehcAJkz92CBOoqzoqJVgFsIsKuU/s1600/untitled-73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwjFAHYtzCPG4e8lyN85IiAUymz9eVIgMdbMbAub_3mt7f-l9RQaXiURDBAYH6O30tfv9pmoVB2vNfe6cWeRDwO3DtpHyAdjZHG9fuct-anV6uqxIehcAJkz92CBOoqzoqJVgFsIsKuU/s640/untitled-73.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZbCiQUUcaWA6TF3vIsB-1C0rzKNYKhWS_g8mx96T-ThbEnXiUs9UKL22ZRIk_01_JzNon2UOlfCcqhzj2EnT5vusDfiYq0j0aM8k3v6TiiwAFYjKfq0AWxuOp7a_dmt_lXaGwlwKfQ4/s1600/untitled-74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZbCiQUUcaWA6TF3vIsB-1C0rzKNYKhWS_g8mx96T-ThbEnXiUs9UKL22ZRIk_01_JzNon2UOlfCcqhzj2EnT5vusDfiYq0j0aM8k3v6TiiwAFYjKfq0AWxuOp7a_dmt_lXaGwlwKfQ4/s640/untitled-74.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were hoping, while in Brooklyn, to visit Di Fiona's again, but after calling, we found out they weren't open so we found an adorable bistro, Boccdino's, that made delicious brick oven pizza. Maybe not life changing, but still worthwhile.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhVIpiJayf7QP9a5P180D9d2e9iEqjMQirz9Rn3mHrlhgifY9M_EFfSNX7Jk4-LpbTlJcJdQ54B3M8PIqjshe61_h4A77PTZxv_7v4N6ANF-azddURk8HZlATPXUXTIkeSNSsw0vXGtw/s1600/untitled-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhVIpiJayf7QP9a5P180D9d2e9iEqjMQirz9Rn3mHrlhgifY9M_EFfSNX7Jk4-LpbTlJcJdQ54B3M8PIqjshe61_h4A77PTZxv_7v4N6ANF-azddURk8HZlATPXUXTIkeSNSsw0vXGtw/s400/untitled-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9ckhnIRKz3DZw8N140cxut65eO3sr7_l6p0y2VczDAf5LuKoEUmPAfI-g_uDJ91bqea6XtBQmqa1uXt52ywpGZy5blwOQzcJKkpdw3yg5NmiYwq1JXWfZhnA_khemms5qZFMEXgu554/s1600/untitled-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9ckhnIRKz3DZw8N140cxut65eO3sr7_l6p0y2VczDAf5LuKoEUmPAfI-g_uDJ91bqea6XtBQmqa1uXt52ywpGZy5blwOQzcJKkpdw3yg5NmiYwq1JXWfZhnA_khemms5qZFMEXgu554/s400/untitled-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After dinner we took the subway back to Manhattan on Wall Street to see the 9/11 memorial and museum. So moving. Definitely worth seeing. I can't think of a better way to end our time in New York.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbF7rkqr0J9qCyPaaFhhDVTPJtgbXBYrEOzjhdRFHw-ZClBWyZaDqIQGPXR6S6HpsiJCjM2fsuCHdZ6eetZQL59Oe6kwsVTT0TrisZTbqhMioGLW3gqUeoUZSlQ63XpuBl8JZf6viTDc/s1600/photo+1+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbF7rkqr0J9qCyPaaFhhDVTPJtgbXBYrEOzjhdRFHw-ZClBWyZaDqIQGPXR6S6HpsiJCjM2fsuCHdZ6eetZQL59Oe6kwsVTT0TrisZTbqhMioGLW3gqUeoUZSlQ63XpuBl8JZf6viTDc/s400/photo+1+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8XFJDn_ymEjpYXMqYSS50KRFLRTp0OYy1lPYfGpZ31kDN1ZiLRtg9f4SVaLLushk8hhblkz_n9OtnkrbMyPo0z5YNyNrugHidFeR2-gnGDZKeEXrXQgyk8qSbS9Aos5r5dqYxhaA3bk/s1600/untitled-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8XFJDn_ymEjpYXMqYSS50KRFLRTp0OYy1lPYfGpZ31kDN1ZiLRtg9f4SVaLLushk8hhblkz_n9OtnkrbMyPo0z5YNyNrugHidFeR2-gnGDZKeEXrXQgyk8qSbS9Aos5r5dqYxhaA3bk/s640/untitled-6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOJJhJkYcLwZp8BgxjK496Pg4ZYk4fhVpMPkrWRLWsS-BRaE4qrJfSipgAj-Lb3nuKfYDqiDQU_xgM61PfwTQCtZ8kUaxNkbdma9UEcIi-8XyOrnddUmtj-tkgTApcDWHwH0TQ-wRsDY/s1600/untitled-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOJJhJkYcLwZp8BgxjK496Pg4ZYk4fhVpMPkrWRLWsS-BRaE4qrJfSipgAj-Lb3nuKfYDqiDQU_xgM61PfwTQCtZ8kUaxNkbdma9UEcIi-8XyOrnddUmtj-tkgTApcDWHwH0TQ-wRsDY/s640/untitled-7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The new Trade Center stands tall over the memorial.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XBAHF8XYoRytRsq3_s30stT9-fHar9CeY90qMT27cbUp_8pFDM-bxyTspWAh3IdcurRg-d-6du8Xi2lsHdjgqT9V0KlkvORzlrUeIyBoiZBKFfWGbjRlyO9zzxqT3LtDczFK_YZp5rs/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XBAHF8XYoRytRsq3_s30stT9-fHar9CeY90qMT27cbUp_8pFDM-bxyTspWAh3IdcurRg-d-6du8Xi2lsHdjgqT9V0KlkvORzlrUeIyBoiZBKFfWGbjRlyO9zzxqT3LtDczFK_YZp5rs/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As we went back to our hotel, I couldn't help but reflect on our day, our week in New York and our lives. We have so much to be thankful for. The wonderful opportunities to indulge in simple pleasures like pizza, and appreciate a beautiful city like New York in all it's grandeur and splendor. But also just spending time together. Time not afforded to everyone. What a sobering reminder after visiting the memorial. By God's grace may I spend the time He gives me on this earth, thanking Him for these blessings, but also serving this gracious, giving God who has blessed me with so much when I deserve absolutely nothing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPJPEprRU56JWUUCMGwMGo3MCeGXRR-DfvbrXwsrdzNJvK0r7DQ9JfmjHJ-aRi9JzVxFq8jgwDiN-GpbhoBrPRR028wMqScIvqWecFFu29KSYg0ixfOlG3uJMeSLh0QfAMVijyXd9TBY/s1600/untitled-78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPJPEprRU56JWUUCMGwMGo3MCeGXRR-DfvbrXwsrdzNJvK0r7DQ9JfmjHJ-aRi9JzVxFq8jgwDiN-GpbhoBrPRR028wMqScIvqWecFFu29KSYg0ixfOlG3uJMeSLh0QfAMVijyXd9TBY/s640/untitled-78.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Picture taken from our hotel room, the night before we left NYC.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-84298210537426662962015-05-10T04:44:00.001-07:002015-05-10T05:32:29.755-07:00A Mother's Day Memory<div style="text-align: center;">
I have many sweet Mother's Day memories. In fact all 29 previous Mother's Days I have celebrated are sweet memories. But one Mother's Day always stands out to me as being particularly precious.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My three children were getting a bit older. My youngest was 4, my middle child, 6 and my oldest 8. On this Mother's Day, I was awakened by noises in the kitchen. Some pleasant, some not so pleasant. Noises of clanging, doors banging, and voices scolding one another as siblings often do when trying to work together. I was urged my my husband to stay put, so I did. These noises seemed to go on for quite some time, and my husband and I lay there snickering, wondering what these six little hands were up to. Soon, my middle child, Brock, came tip toeing in, assuming all that noise had not awakened me. He lay a tray next to the bed and tip toed out. On that tray was a plate with a Pop Tart, and next to it a cold can of Diet Coke. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I could not have been more loved on in that moment, if they had prepared a six course meal. The fact that they had planned to get up and do this together FOR ME touched my heart! It was precious then, and precious now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've always felt a little uncomfortable being "celebrated" on Mother's Day. Every single day I have been a mother has been a celebration in my heart. I am the one who should be celebrating this wonderful gift I have been given. I am so thankful God has given me the opportunity to mother my three kids. I love them and am proud to be their mom. Thank you Blake, Brock and Bethany! Love you all so much!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HkxwXr9ESKGM7sRy9FPUcgaIKY8yiNsvvwEtcczIS6OH46GMyTsygJNtezU2MV4crNfYkdYbqQ_W8xOigowDei2SUcjQULlQcndIGEK0mMf2ZxcAGk0e9-v7pK6wRCSbtRIZY1I8-MI/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HkxwXr9ESKGM7sRy9FPUcgaIKY8yiNsvvwEtcczIS6OH46GMyTsygJNtezU2MV4crNfYkdYbqQ_W8xOigowDei2SUcjQULlQcndIGEK0mMf2ZxcAGk0e9-v7pK6wRCSbtRIZY1I8-MI/s640/058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-12928455078185355502015-05-02T10:47:00.000-07:002015-05-05T13:50:38.428-07:00Why did I think I could do this? A young photographer's look at her first family shoot.<div style="text-align: center;">
I have recently found a new love. Photography! Saying I am a beginner to this new hobby is a gross understatement, but I am absolutely obsessed with it. The more I learn, the more I desire to know. And on the flip side of that, the more I do it, the more I realize I know NOTHING! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Recently, I asked some sweet friends of mine if I could practice my photography on them, by taking family pictures at the beach. Practice, being the operative word here! Rather naively, they jumped at the chance. What were they thinking, entrusting me to capture their sweet family in pictures? What was I thinking, to actually imagine I could do this? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See, this is where all the hours I spent, peeling over pins of beautiful beach pictures on Pinterest, was actually a very dangerous practice. I studied them long enough I convinced myself I could actually recreate the beautiful shots that some well seasoned photographer, who has done it countless times, and who, by the way, is more than likely very proficient at Photo Shop, has captured. Again, what was I thinking?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's talk about the variables. First of all, a family of 5. Five people, three of which are children, to have pleasant faces all at the same time. Five people to know exactly where I want them to stand, where to put their hands, and where to look! Secondly, the beach. THE BEACH! Yes, it's lovely, but let's think about this for a moment. Breeze blowing the hair that has been so carefully fixed, sun in the eyes, shadows, PEOPLE!. None of those pins I saw had those people at the beach, threatening the background of their shots! Do these skilled photographers, pinning their portraits, have their own private beach? A beach that coincidentally also has no breeze blowing the hair and sun that has no harsh light, casts no shadows and causes no squinting? Apparently so.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Needless to say, these variables were NOT on this inexperienced photographer's radar. In the 3 photography classes I have taken, I learned about aperture, shutter speed, the exposure triangle, rule of thirds. But I have no recollection about variables. Must be in the advanced courses. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXv_B8MUkfOPbE5ix9csVqL-IEwncYa9db6iw7vHbF_V0g3LqQa1GgBxtSon3kA_iiJuJK2fa7ObBSdZ26gWHM2CkHU779MiGq0bGG2TWwUC7MxalbepJJYpw6xJBWD2l3eo2A6xp-HEw/s1600/untitled-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXv_B8MUkfOPbE5ix9csVqL-IEwncYa9db6iw7vHbF_V0g3LqQa1GgBxtSon3kA_iiJuJK2fa7ObBSdZ26gWHM2CkHU779MiGq0bGG2TWwUC7MxalbepJJYpw6xJBWD2l3eo2A6xp-HEw/s1600/untitled-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjXkNW1N86se3TJc4A-DHGO361VqZcxyL-zrSrIHCfwkDN6fU7Tm55814hwA9ZDy8qS49OvCVEuzmh_9JJ3tKAh0dhJINTpJNMp5b3QsG0sA8kEqv1vurI_TkEBL71Q1-_JtQ_3LBFGw/s1600/untitled-3-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjXkNW1N86se3TJc4A-DHGO361VqZcxyL-zrSrIHCfwkDN6fU7Tm55814hwA9ZDy8qS49OvCVEuzmh_9JJ3tKAh0dhJINTpJNMp5b3QsG0sA8kEqv1vurI_TkEBL71Q1-_JtQ_3LBFGw/s1600/untitled-3-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBr-nd57TMzYe7eUiHxMge0BmMsDJSotRblSpJ0CfavQBWkq_yOfe0NShe5bww6KUEfKSjSpicEEW7WBGmuhws0n_nG8-StHLut7AsQHWcfpYisctchIySKhUr3NO_ebPHX7TujYjch8/s1600/untitled-5-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBr-nd57TMzYe7eUiHxMge0BmMsDJSotRblSpJ0CfavQBWkq_yOfe0NShe5bww6KUEfKSjSpicEEW7WBGmuhws0n_nG8-StHLut7AsQHWcfpYisctchIySKhUr3NO_ebPHX7TujYjch8/s1600/untitled-5-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_AmTPRXoQlnJ66LWkRuM0O9eQ7K5a51C0id1DQX8fuAy0a3AEJTIHhZ6xp-qNxAKBmNrvQ5p2ueFJc3oi5cdEMLT4hwcQqJkAqzCad3WpYy9mjk6ddxxF_Jlkx757870YuSY0IzwM-A/s1600/untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_AmTPRXoQlnJ66LWkRuM0O9eQ7K5a51C0id1DQX8fuAy0a3AEJTIHhZ6xp-qNxAKBmNrvQ5p2ueFJc3oi5cdEMLT4hwcQqJkAqzCad3WpYy9mjk6ddxxF_Jlkx757870YuSY0IzwM-A/s640/untitled.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHH2j2CBL9jfoIPUwo1oDPpLtZxOzyyWyHj8mVHZcux3enWeHBt_BZF8R7VQH0mW9MBjE6stfvzh6_TrHeQn4hyphenhyphenCfHoGGIAbErC9_EVGFnoXSX7Vgx4syrJ-2Q1TIxFCaIoQq6DkUyPkQ/s1600/untitled-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHH2j2CBL9jfoIPUwo1oDPpLtZxOzyyWyHj8mVHZcux3enWeHBt_BZF8R7VQH0mW9MBjE6stfvzh6_TrHeQn4hyphenhyphenCfHoGGIAbErC9_EVGFnoXSX7Vgx4syrJ-2Q1TIxFCaIoQq6DkUyPkQ/s640/untitled-38.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAg9WHx5AQI_F5UuNLZHz6yzHojVWsOhCK111o0hgS2BBnLkmv5DKLXkpmXwtKcpgraib0NVWji3a1aWk1i6VbH3NY2n1w-Z-VV_WlfBR6ie7wPjSVXudR2M_YmGPQJyYaevGxkjfn4ns/s1600/untitled-94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAg9WHx5AQI_F5UuNLZHz6yzHojVWsOhCK111o0hgS2BBnLkmv5DKLXkpmXwtKcpgraib0NVWji3a1aWk1i6VbH3NY2n1w-Z-VV_WlfBR6ie7wPjSVXudR2M_YmGPQJyYaevGxkjfn4ns/s400/untitled-94.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3Ux36DbcT_jYlgsKOefYaVRhKDc3N1YO61Tu6AAoejg_6vdRjagwslpffccCCjwCdSAYDFWgzSBW4n49kUvHpduH5vAV1cBp7Es0aNZ5nvXaqLzGZy4mpIGHxZFlZSa6Gig2sYXzQ4M/s1600/untitled-2-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3Ux36DbcT_jYlgsKOefYaVRhKDc3N1YO61Tu6AAoejg_6vdRjagwslpffccCCjwCdSAYDFWgzSBW4n49kUvHpduH5vAV1cBp7Es0aNZ5nvXaqLzGZy4mpIGHxZFlZSa6Gig2sYXzQ4M/s1600/untitled-2-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C-UMFaNcUmyvoolsxjWEmDKAsEtA-c49j7eN87ey3TxhsuIAuObvD_osVh-x-7pGE5eeqcUhZ4yE7hF9IGJzAkEENUSmj09TtXzJbGFtINAYmItf8tASR2DKDpNdWh58FXZJEfXHOYM/s1600/untitled-4-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C-UMFaNcUmyvoolsxjWEmDKAsEtA-c49j7eN87ey3TxhsuIAuObvD_osVh-x-7pGE5eeqcUhZ4yE7hF9IGJzAkEENUSmj09TtXzJbGFtINAYmItf8tASR2DKDpNdWh58FXZJEfXHOYM/s1600/untitled-4-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONjLehcIYl_-rn5M07wgp1vDFiUUEmqlqRT8J41QcEqhGqknv4gTuPfXRDUQ8rg4O6TH9eyhYYry9iIbNItkNxUA2LR48dquTQLNRLZvifi-18bq40lhv7f4hPSIM8IbN7xQYPvEQbIQ/s1600/untitled-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONjLehcIYl_-rn5M07wgp1vDFiUUEmqlqRT8J41QcEqhGqknv4gTuPfXRDUQ8rg4O6TH9eyhYYry9iIbNItkNxUA2LR48dquTQLNRLZvifi-18bq40lhv7f4hPSIM8IbN7xQYPvEQbIQ/s640/untitled-54.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-GxoK9_OKp3IFILlxJkDjYEECNyLaG63sGEPVtadWBtSII6Uhs3FQoQlVwimF23hjwN1uDkobQmxjfkPzCcX51WqbuQumHLiqOYrrzj2pVGbMrkY5hmW2YLCqBzXF8wxkiD7sC7Rnw0/s1600/untitled-2-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-GxoK9_OKp3IFILlxJkDjYEECNyLaG63sGEPVtadWBtSII6Uhs3FQoQlVwimF23hjwN1uDkobQmxjfkPzCcX51WqbuQumHLiqOYrrzj2pVGbMrkY5hmW2YLCqBzXF8wxkiD7sC7Rnw0/s1600/untitled-2-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpjoYzTqb2wfZHHdcgDEC6PdNsmSnEynu4TzxJYvi4P5bnrIEmUZ5oBf2Xxeq1ScJZvQPynAemWzxtcIt_zGVs5eq9m3mafiF9hre4FUtpdvRJfsJLLcIrWzjSQMkAaT6Y-kXXj2HMhY/s1600/untitled-2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpjoYzTqb2wfZHHdcgDEC6PdNsmSnEynu4TzxJYvi4P5bnrIEmUZ5oBf2Xxeq1ScJZvQPynAemWzxtcIt_zGVs5eq9m3mafiF9hre4FUtpdvRJfsJLLcIrWzjSQMkAaT6Y-kXXj2HMhY/s400/untitled-2-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix27eB2Mr-OMdimN2ocTQVKug7FJ5BzYGm_aCeE21Trz4Er1RttDrD9Re2P-f3cfGCIXopwZ9MGUJmidezmHPl5sbYfM11hvXXDIr_tJHO_cVfKX0t8HY8KmuSNttNzYwCbqqOATaYQmk/s1600/untitled-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix27eB2Mr-OMdimN2ocTQVKug7FJ5BzYGm_aCeE21Trz4Er1RttDrD9Re2P-f3cfGCIXopwZ9MGUJmidezmHPl5sbYfM11hvXXDIr_tJHO_cVfKX0t8HY8KmuSNttNzYwCbqqOATaYQmk/s400/untitled-33.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46sR69gxj-_PZJ8nLO-7E0RqOhzYcNO66G_QH9H7IinjGispbSOZivuEZT8wJKHk7MEow5N1OWgAytIKkkvceZWmtrZnnjB-ks2pDXVnLKTKK9qlqBOISGtidpeKoxUgWsm9uaUuAF-E/s1600/untitled-10-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46sR69gxj-_PZJ8nLO-7E0RqOhzYcNO66G_QH9H7IinjGispbSOZivuEZT8wJKHk7MEow5N1OWgAytIKkkvceZWmtrZnnjB-ks2pDXVnLKTKK9qlqBOISGtidpeKoxUgWsm9uaUuAF-E/s1600/untitled-10-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I will say, because of this sweet family's willing and VERY patient attitude, in spite of this inexperienced photographer, the wind, the sun, and the people, we had a lovely evening. I learned a LOT. And hopefully it will grow me and prepare me for the next time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, there will be a next time. I WILL be searching for that illusive private beach though.</div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-641749301575816455.post-17072421144937725662015-04-30T17:56:00.001-07:002015-05-01T05:16:06.233-07:00Summer Lovin' 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer. That wonderful time I remember from my childhood. Carefree days running barefoot through the yard, riding bikes around the neighborhood, laying in the grass and listening to the birds chirping from above, chasing fireflies at dusk, my dad churning home made ice cream by hand. <br />
<br />
I've never been one to decorate specifically for summer, other then maybe a bouquet of flowers from the yard, but this year I decided I wanted to do a bit more. So I took inspiration from some of those magical memories from my childhood summers, and made them a part of my home. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcnE-vbdzhOKOpHy18kbxqCpWE8zJcdlc1rS-3jVa2Q5Tzk12r7xoI_vppsTxU-w3HzoDtvbCVvnxOqhOe-sE129EoR-z7_wBoRjdxFyRcKRYSH4W7_By4yvpEK0bAF3cOgTphE6eBdQ/s1600/untitled-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcnE-vbdzhOKOpHy18kbxqCpWE8zJcdlc1rS-3jVa2Q5Tzk12r7xoI_vppsTxU-w3HzoDtvbCVvnxOqhOe-sE129EoR-z7_wBoRjdxFyRcKRYSH4W7_By4yvpEK0bAF3cOgTphE6eBdQ/s1600/untitled-10.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In the living room, I went with my memories of bike riding for my main inspiration. I started with the mantle, adorned with a cute, colorful bike sign hand painted by White Hen. I love the fresh, pop of color it brings into the room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcf_L5jExEP5KKdrjoq6OIj_bOKoZh0kdJ214ZWMmiRTdMdV9Mg1fa5GbZh2lQErVSAn1xUQcT91r9jcBU-L280P7xmnJtjfWNpiBSTqrJSx-f6SG_lJhL62ppJ9l0iT4i8nMZtDmaqgQ/s1600/untitled-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcf_L5jExEP5KKdrjoq6OIj_bOKoZh0kdJ214ZWMmiRTdMdV9Mg1fa5GbZh2lQErVSAn1xUQcT91r9jcBU-L280P7xmnJtjfWNpiBSTqrJSx-f6SG_lJhL62ppJ9l0iT4i8nMZtDmaqgQ/s1600/untitled-9.jpg" height="426" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvYCS2UFZKzkWoFfxhLsSmpyOmr6RozRIk10r806iPXBFyn1cmazpX2gbI8fX68PrKXxR5C4c8w_9poGq9xyXK3c17FD8tZ5iW_oiuWsccFCwPLdgifk8dY_5-DRKtb-QtK0Wbe-lRDM/s1600/summer+decor+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvYCS2UFZKzkWoFfxhLsSmpyOmr6RozRIk10r806iPXBFyn1cmazpX2gbI8fX68PrKXxR5C4c8w_9poGq9xyXK3c17FD8tZ5iW_oiuWsccFCwPLdgifk8dY_5-DRKtb-QtK0Wbe-lRDM/s1600/summer+decor+001.jpg" height="402" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I found this adorable pillow at a cute clothing boutique called Altar'd State. I thought it was a great addition to the space.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxqnhMw9Zwng6O6g43L-Xi5QMp_SMPsNtuFFdUN_kMFVHrsnux7hCmHzbwcFJzss33XwJIezZVczbrld44ff8WqSkMXphkscDRm0WlgwSCOCkKC_3o8TCiM4B0suvaZJxx01O4n8viN4/s1600/summer+decor+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxqnhMw9Zwng6O6g43L-Xi5QMp_SMPsNtuFFdUN_kMFVHrsnux7hCmHzbwcFJzss33XwJIezZVczbrld44ff8WqSkMXphkscDRm0WlgwSCOCkKC_3o8TCiM4B0suvaZJxx01O4n8viN4/s1600/summer+decor+005.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Another theme I used throughout the living room and dining room was the sweet sound of birds chirping. Growing up in Indiana, the birds returning for the spring and summer was always a welcome sight after the long winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgant5lFK2fooCHqP2iEjoT9invghX2ScZprjFbvtoWXY5yzbrlHELym9pbN8qB_YuILxgNk8ObB1wsbv5-Qr8ve0wDXatH84SQgl6AubA4UlVjj-A9uv8xohsMb8WgJpcvhCHZUJvpxBE/s1600/untitled-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgant5lFK2fooCHqP2iEjoT9invghX2ScZprjFbvtoWXY5yzbrlHELym9pbN8qB_YuILxgNk8ObB1wsbv5-Qr8ve0wDXatH84SQgl6AubA4UlVjj-A9uv8xohsMb8WgJpcvhCHZUJvpxBE/s1600/untitled-3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVDJ3_lGJaWKOi7btOrpXxDaviSkQxTnudl4-wBPRx-cz9zF5YeoTWz6lgVNikgP6fNI0KJTyY4vG6DS329UiRyj53KLzZCq02CX_7vSy4Ja_oCRZt7dYzfGqVjzX1rOGmoj8dZjcz3k/s1600/untitled-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVDJ3_lGJaWKOi7btOrpXxDaviSkQxTnudl4-wBPRx-cz9zF5YeoTWz6lgVNikgP6fNI0KJTyY4vG6DS329UiRyj53KLzZCq02CX_7vSy4Ja_oCRZt7dYzfGqVjzX1rOGmoj8dZjcz3k/s1600/untitled-7.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8MoCrvV7qMDLqunacdZKWaBrG3rt164vGVLgWLoz7pFhDXxmk-0GHns6yh-9dYfs-hezCei2Geis1OiPLA9Dc9e39yyk8N_9TAN1mCMFVdBoIngSb2WLqmkrQI-szSo0UvJJc37Ghuw/s1600/untitled-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8MoCrvV7qMDLqunacdZKWaBrG3rt164vGVLgWLoz7pFhDXxmk-0GHns6yh-9dYfs-hezCei2Geis1OiPLA9Dc9e39yyk8N_9TAN1mCMFVdBoIngSb2WLqmkrQI-szSo0UvJJc37Ghuw/s1600/untitled-11.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mMdChUlB07gErOd2DDdikHFws_wjx6QexQjVJoxfYv7jkiOHncE-H3XexIr6JKCP4CY_3-qvKccGTRKRoKanSruk0_ZUI0SjsdWhSRkM3mqWcUF14NCzS2oQ5IB_HCqb25TOEnODA_Y/s1600/untitled-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mMdChUlB07gErOd2DDdikHFws_wjx6QexQjVJoxfYv7jkiOHncE-H3XexIr6JKCP4CY_3-qvKccGTRKRoKanSruk0_ZUI0SjsdWhSRkM3mqWcUF14NCzS2oQ5IB_HCqb25TOEnODA_Y/s1600/untitled-8.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6eFMCIU-SjNZ6poGEotNSDrfIAySxA3SoIIF7LE1gAe-EiKLXfjyf2PcPccSpXi7rKmL_6fIg5tXq6j7BmuWXMMxIn0etA0GvyO77uNET5Z1sEkAJ9vlG_l0In-KtSCXtYahVrAG4p4/s1600/untitled-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6eFMCIU-SjNZ6poGEotNSDrfIAySxA3SoIIF7LE1gAe-EiKLXfjyf2PcPccSpXi7rKmL_6fIg5tXq6j7BmuWXMMxIn0etA0GvyO77uNET5Z1sEkAJ9vlG_l0In-KtSCXtYahVrAG4p4/s1600/untitled-12.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Bird seed and porcelain birds continue the theme in the sun room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fjUrBqH-1WyFFSznKTdAyrMF1uw19dmY4HTpGAW0X4ILrKvmPjUAE0t-pixZOa7DfHGqkf6K4LdAQVGRW3Wp6XenBvo7fEkFjLxGcQxptyxzdxbF-SOpDuoHbbcHXybciyZbWOlNGhY/s1600/untitled-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fjUrBqH-1WyFFSznKTdAyrMF1uw19dmY4HTpGAW0X4ILrKvmPjUAE0t-pixZOa7DfHGqkf6K4LdAQVGRW3Wp6XenBvo7fEkFjLxGcQxptyxzdxbF-SOpDuoHbbcHXybciyZbWOlNGhY/s1600/untitled-19.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In the dining room I used those same birds and birdseed in apothecary jars on the dining room table.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pcQHR_hVKnXz5nN-mO5LYJGryou8bbEeIqhF_I83_KMR4M3UjpfMeiagjt-VYPvDOS87nWMJoOlqN4hbMz1oAULd6kgQ4dE1zGm7hDASFD7xIQ9hbcm82XlQpLgl_1ne2NmGIcJuJIc/s1600/summer+decor+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pcQHR_hVKnXz5nN-mO5LYJGryou8bbEeIqhF_I83_KMR4M3UjpfMeiagjt-VYPvDOS87nWMJoOlqN4hbMz1oAULd6kgQ4dE1zGm7hDASFD7xIQ9hbcm82XlQpLgl_1ne2NmGIcJuJIc/s1600/summer+decor+006.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rERUX4-PULgiEJTzSqXXbqQH2J3UlP62cRs6LsWGMO62yYRPjxPbuudEKvRTmxkttrjistjJGHOJmPI6qSQZvbG9uqa7Lf7u0gy4weNwiTPeZ0w0lZQV8lC_NdMf41i31UVHdyLoFu8/s1600/summer+decor+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rERUX4-PULgiEJTzSqXXbqQH2J3UlP62cRs6LsWGMO62yYRPjxPbuudEKvRTmxkttrjistjJGHOJmPI6qSQZvbG9uqa7Lf7u0gy4weNwiTPeZ0w0lZQV8lC_NdMf41i31UVHdyLoFu8/s1600/summer+decor+011.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pWDRRGTiqWyEpyDMuWR8X7E843otpBrKKFQqqiellrGhE_OEPTrgO0ZfEGoo0Q8SkGR2u6xhYhiwMOw6N-PjX3hFzhqVBbnUE8_TpAhdFrS8ADEdijSb1NuE8qShrrCakg-7M-1BT9g/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pWDRRGTiqWyEpyDMuWR8X7E843otpBrKKFQqqiellrGhE_OEPTrgO0ZfEGoo0Q8SkGR2u6xhYhiwMOw6N-PjX3hFzhqVBbnUE8_TpAhdFrS8ADEdijSb1NuE8qShrrCakg-7M-1BT9g/s1600/005.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The chalkboard really doesn't have anything to do with summer memories, but I thought it was sweet childhood memory, non the less.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVMATv2sYLLOF0DIoFzS4R9Br42Rko44AFd_2MKQhg6DAdK9682nimEpegVtyrg6jBc_sBavwfu-rvkAb9fCHltgzIHqXRMcWWb1HCf_CLZCb3g_95TL-8zyO4dJ4Ra5yrC6jOmeWA94/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVMATv2sYLLOF0DIoFzS4R9Br42Rko44AFd_2MKQhg6DAdK9682nimEpegVtyrg6jBc_sBavwfu-rvkAb9fCHltgzIHqXRMcWWb1HCf_CLZCb3g_95TL-8zyO4dJ4Ra5yrC6jOmeWA94/s1600/003.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVMATv2sYLLOF0DIoFzS4R9Br42Rko44AFd_2MKQhg6DAdK9682nimEpegVtyrg6jBc_sBavwfu-rvkAb9fCHltgzIHqXRMcWWb1HCf_CLZCb3g_95TL-8zyO4dJ4Ra5yrC6jOmeWA94/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzupHZ8s81sexU9ai0R-rPGm-qGpX_dIES6da3JkDq62kiGAOMUsA5Ty8s8vBr5HThrRM7tPDbGAoVdnbyA6grx1ZAkVx9MSKuVHQciDMDG7t8l9oDhiF8i36qX1V1UkbOquhpot2NHc/s1600/summer+decor+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzupHZ8s81sexU9ai0R-rPGm-qGpX_dIES6da3JkDq62kiGAOMUsA5Ty8s8vBr5HThrRM7tPDbGAoVdnbyA6grx1ZAkVx9MSKuVHQciDMDG7t8l9oDhiF8i36qX1V1UkbOquhpot2NHc/s1600/summer+decor+017.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDW_9b6WrOTR87dQ8LP_Nl1U4jWSpmqA4EjSsdW-WorQSyYE0BroRA5EIk9fMQHHHAeqRQrr-gNfN2TW9ncY4Vw1XGBZTTFAHI72Z_okTJHVYRGNOQ0GJB2_Xig46qM0fKKsRrP3otfcI/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDW_9b6WrOTR87dQ8LP_Nl1U4jWSpmqA4EjSsdW-WorQSyYE0BroRA5EIk9fMQHHHAeqRQrr-gNfN2TW9ncY4Vw1XGBZTTFAHI72Z_okTJHVYRGNOQ0GJB2_Xig46qM0fKKsRrP3otfcI/s1600/002.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the kitchen, I accented my normal decor with more birds with these cute salt and pepper shakers I brought out for the season, and a nod to memories of fireflies with the chalkboard motif.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZ2PBf_6oA85wIu6thhBP7SqSgoWSmVtbSeLdAQkbsOS9Z43v8uF5zieNBIwRrGTCV6APaUbGXJ3CslxdlVvxpVhEIg9GmRWuVZDCPrFaOS74rwrNkwbzV4twtq-vcw0SR9r31O0fx1M/s1600/untitled-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZ2PBf_6oA85wIu6thhBP7SqSgoWSmVtbSeLdAQkbsOS9Z43v8uF5zieNBIwRrGTCV6APaUbGXJ3CslxdlVvxpVhEIg9GmRWuVZDCPrFaOS74rwrNkwbzV4twtq-vcw0SR9r31O0fx1M/s1600/untitled-22.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr72IDKNUaMOkuoX9E7mXWxORCmGgp-Wzz2Ztr8Tl7EgV93pdyzIuIFKHV-4h9oT-adk6oo0P7Smmhg172HCgyW_u66-8tYBOrNxSZGWl7d9Hdgxjt7bzcyaIAeMw4tf_M9BocsZpUX8I/s1600/untitled-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr72IDKNUaMOkuoX9E7mXWxORCmGgp-Wzz2Ztr8Tl7EgV93pdyzIuIFKHV-4h9oT-adk6oo0P7Smmhg172HCgyW_u66-8tYBOrNxSZGWl7d9Hdgxjt7bzcyaIAeMw4tf_M9BocsZpUX8I/s1600/untitled-23.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr72IDKNUaMOkuoX9E7mXWxORCmGgp-Wzz2Ztr8Tl7EgV93pdyzIuIFKHV-4h9oT-adk6oo0P7Smmhg172HCgyW_u66-8tYBOrNxSZGWl7d9Hdgxjt7bzcyaIAeMw4tf_M9BocsZpUX8I/s1600/untitled-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Are pears a summer fruit? I'm not sure, but I like the pop of green they bring to the space. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLLQ6Wrq6vBgT4fhV7ObFGmuk50WJnLHXUELWWgoWzKEK1JtS3H3wmuL85RhhbvuVPGv8EZbSeqwlkRqhiRgiMXviTtodN2p2hOvH7tU1NFdABfoPNrBS5x_MijIzQcXq_oxiBW0AocA/s1600/untitled-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLLQ6Wrq6vBgT4fhV7ObFGmuk50WJnLHXUELWWgoWzKEK1JtS3H3wmuL85RhhbvuVPGv8EZbSeqwlkRqhiRgiMXviTtodN2p2hOvH7tU1NFdABfoPNrBS5x_MijIzQcXq_oxiBW0AocA/s1600/untitled-35.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-HCP2IErKl_hXlHMzKLkwJ0ptyhpnc9_Mtyq-PqqCDAmz8BX9gslRd4tmNW_oEolYwrIXki9gwF0-Rhm7Ny_V4a_TOkSDjcq9IOFapUV-rWpNQoUJTHOfgM7sr-6FDSjUkg2p9TfgsQ/s1600/summer+decor+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-HCP2IErKl_hXlHMzKLkwJ0ptyhpnc9_Mtyq-PqqCDAmz8BX9gslRd4tmNW_oEolYwrIXki9gwF0-Rhm7Ny_V4a_TOkSDjcq9IOFapUV-rWpNQoUJTHOfgM7sr-6FDSjUkg2p9TfgsQ/s1600/summer+decor+021.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
OK, so there aren't fireflies in the jar. But this song is also a childhood memory and I thought the chalkboard was cute. It kind of reminded me of those evenings we would catch fireflies and put them in a jar to watch.<br />
<br />
What ever your summer memories, you can let them inspire you in your summer decor, and help you bring a bit of your childhood to your home like I did. <br />
<br />
Enjoy your summer everyone!!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzupHZ8s81sexU9ai0R-rPGm-qGpX_dIES6da3JkDq62kiGAOMUsA5Ty8s8vBr5HThrRM7tPDbGAoVdnbyA6grx1ZAkVx9MSKuVHQciDMDG7t8l9oDhiF8i36qX1V1UkbOquhpot2NHc/s1600/summer+decor+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzupHZ8s81sexU9ai0R-rPGm-qGpX_dIES6da3JkDq62kiGAOMUsA5Ty8s8vBr5HThrRM7tPDbGAoVdnbyA6grx1ZAkVx9MSKuVHQciDMDG7t8l9oDhiF8i36qX1V1UkbOquhpot2NHc/s1600/summer+decor+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzupHZ8s81sexU9ai0R-rPGm-qGpX_dIES6da3JkDq62kiGAOMUsA5Ty8s8vBr5HThrRM7tPDbGAoVdnbyA6grx1ZAkVx9MSKuVHQciDMDG7t8l9oDhiF8i36qX1V1UkbOquhpot2NHc/s1600/summer+decor+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
aneedlefandapaintbrushhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06386633608371766076noreply@blogger.com2