A best thing

One of the best things I have done for my spiritual self is read through my Bible chronologically.  I have been told Bible stories since I was a little girl but even now after the first five books I get lost and can't quite figure out who is who when it comes to all those kings and kingdoms and prophets and name changes.  I did it for the first time last year and find I am grasping so much with this method.  I have a special Bible software on my phone and iPad but you can also find the chronological order here.  If you download their calendar for each day you can start at the beginning or if you don't mind picking it up midstrean, have them email you.  It's quite convenient and you do not have to search around for addresses, they do it for you.  I love smart programs!

Introductions

Miss E and me in my studio doing what we both do best

I am smack dab in the middle of  'joy'.  Surrounded on all sides.  Let me introduce you to Miss-E.  She is living in our house at the moment with her parents.  We will have five wonderful months together.  New to this task my SwtHt and I love to take our turns.  SwtHt has always had the most wonderful knack with little people.  It's a gift.  It doesn't matter the size.  Of all the long talks that started early in 1975 it never once dawned on me back then to check and see what kind of father and grandfather he would be.  Even though, the answer to this and a few other questions are deal breakers.  No... I just thought he was cute, immensely talented and the thing that mattered most to me was that he listened to my words and heard my heart. I have never met a man like this before or since.  As I've told my kiddies on occasion, picking the best dad in the world is the greatest gift I've given them.

Right word... Right time

It's Monday and I was thinking I need to introduce you to a very new and important person in my life but I will do it on a later post because this is a good New Year thought!

My SwtHt and I each have a new toy... an iPad2!  My game playing has increased 70%!  A new way for me to slow down my day (at the end <grin> no game playing during of course or I'm hooped!).  The iPad effect on him is he is reading heaps!!!  Who knew?  He's a natural learner and absorber.  The iPad makes his books more accessable and organizes them all in one place.  This, my friend, is how my guy's mind works.  The benefit for me?  He is my best referral recommending articles etc.  Last week he hit it on the head when he first taught me what he is learning from an article by Peter Bregman, 'Your Problem Isn't Motivation'  (it's follow through!)  I've been letting this principle simmer and I think it will be my buzz quote this year.  I am a thinker and even though it is my strength to 'think ahead', I can 'overthink' things. Yup... the other side of said strength and gets me in trouble regularly.   If you get snagged in the thinking tank, like me, check it out.  If you don't.  I would like to hang with you.

Sometimes you say it... Sometimes you show it

It's official!  Check it out!  On Dec 29, 2011 my goal to raise $200 to provide a Dalit family with a micro loan was accomplished with an extra $10 to throw in for good measure!  So many wonderful friends coming alongside.  Great things are never done alone.  To all of you who spread a pocket of love through purchasing a Love Letter... Thank you from me and from a Dalit family on the other side of this very earth.

This does not shut down the LOVE LETTER shop. It helps me think through what other project I want to work toward!!!  Keep watching! 

Christmas Dinner

I don't know quite when it started... sometime while our kids were in the teens.  I made Eggs Benedict for a New Year's meal.  It was a raving success and called for each year.  Once our kidders were married it became the ultimate Christmas dinner request so.... this meant we had to have spiral ham somewhere prior in order to have the appropriate layers for Christmas dinner.  Spiral ham = slices that are to mm perfection creating an exact ratio proportion on top of a delicately toasted muffin, (still with crispy bits) christened by a poached egg, then sauce.  I understand that there are shortcut Eggs Benedict versions for large groups but once these cherished beings of mine received this freshly stacked creation there was no turning back.  Be careful what you start people!  So with my SwHt, who is the ideal cooking buddy and yes, it takes the two of us to pull this gastronomic extravaganza off.  Always to rave reviews which is our payoff! The closest we get to fowl on this holiday is the egg.  Although I do make a kick'n turkey and stuffing at Thanksgiving.

My girls are incredible bakers and Rachel (who is expecting a baby any day now) had a fun idea up her sleeve.  They taste as good as they look. She is going to make a fantastic mommy.  Next big news will either be a baby or how we are progressing toward our goal over here.  Stay tuned!

Christmas Lites

Monday night my SwHt and I went with our kids to Van Dusen Botanical gardens in Vancouver.  I have no objections when people go over the top in this Season. Some day, when I'm in heaven, there will be a light display like no other.  Just the thought of it changes the mood of my day right smack dab here on this planet!  I needed that!

This beautiful shot from here

We're stitch'n

Stitched up and ready to carry words of love.
Wish I could peek at what people are writing!

Orders have been coming in and are getting lined up to be sent out.  Can't believe it is happening from my little studio.  And... thanks to sweet friends who have been the trial testers, we can invoice and receive payment via credit card on-line and ship out pillows!  Just email us at you-me@telus.net.  It's that easy!  So many great people helping us reach our goal.   And if you do not know what these are?  Check out the LOVE LETTERS tab above.  You will be glad you did!

And for those of you who knew her, our 16 year-old chocolate lab Koala passed away suddenly yesterday morning.  I say suddenly because early yesterday she still went down the 15 stairs on her own, she had her morning walk like always and barked for her cookie like every other day.  We had no idea it would be THE DAY.  Tears flow pretty easily.  This morning SwHt and I woke up for the first time in 25 years to no one needing to be let out for a pee or to go for a walk.  It's going to be a huge adjustment.

Don't forget to check out how we are doing with our goal to raise $$ for a micro loan!  Take a peek here!