Little Treasures

Sending snail mail has always been an all time favorite of mine.  These cards are a great idea for any occasion from "thank you" to "just because".  And you don't need to spend a ton of money to create these...AND the person who receives it will have a unique one-of-a-kind treasure! Try it!

Hand-made journals are another unique gift...especially for those who love to travel or document their every day lives.  These were handmade by me and will be sent to loved ones.  Enjoy!

Let's Play...You Serve

 I love how children, (for the most part) will do just about anything you ask of them...especially when it comes to helping... (crayons, materials, trash, etc).  They love to feel affirmed and normally don't ask of anything in return.  I think as adults, we ourselves sometimes need to feel affirmed and know that we are making an impact on something or someone.  Jesus modeled serving. He told us to serve, told us He would bless us if we serve but for some of us it is surprising that this may not be enough to motivate us today.  Perhaps we want a reward of some kind for our service?  There are real needs out there.  There are real people who are hurting. There are real people who need our help.  Serve as if it's your last day on earth.  You'll be surprised what you get in return!

Amazing Grace

Easter should give us great optimism. It’s life over death! But sometimes it’s hard to find optimism when everything in our life seems to be negative, and we are always the victims.
For some, there are words that describe the dark cloud in your life right now: recession, furlough, lay-off, disease, aging loved one, death, divorce, depression. These words can describe our lives, and
indeed we can feel this is a season of dark clouds in our lives.
But there is good news...The wonder of Easter is that dark clouds can be changed into silver clouds! The silver clouds won’t be because we deserve them or because we necessarily worked for them, but because we are given them in grace.
During this Easter-tide, remember the wonderful blessings we have.

 I spent my Easter Sunday writing in my journal, reading some of my favorite books, and giving thanks for the many blessings.{In addition to my lesson plan for the week}.

The girls had fun helping with the Easter decorations and hunting for eggs. {MEOW!}

Life in Writings

All my journals since 1984...

 Perhaps many of us began blogging at a young age.  But before computers, there was pen and paper.  Can you remember the first time you kept a journal or a diary?  Maybe in middle school or earlier?  Keeping a journal has many positive benefits. Journaling can help with personal growth and development. By regularly recording your thoughts, you will gain insight into your behaviors and moods.  Also, your memories are preserved forever. {Like photography} Maybe you remember your first crush or the first time you slow danced?
I have kept a writing journal since 1983 {missing a few years here and there}.  Some of the books and letters are now lost but I have managed to hang on to a few. I still keep a writing journal to this day. I wanted to share a few keepsakes. Enjoy!

Scrolled pages from 2005 after the spine fell apart

This is an old love letter...look at the date!

This is my oldest piece from 1984 {I was in 8th grade!}  It tells of a tale from the first day of school and my hopes for the weekend.  Look at that old-school cursive! Enjoy the read.

I have kept all of my pocket calendars since 1987.

And of course, Annabel had to get in on the action.  She made herself comfortable on top of the journals and began to knead them!  Animals know. {Meow!}

The Galvez

 It is always important {for all of us} to take some time out.  Rest and reflection are essential to leading a balanced life.  Think about it, we all need a balanced diet {everything in moderation}. And what happens when we eat junk food for months at a time...our bodies will tell let us know!  It's the same with work and play.  It's easy to get caught up in the world's story...{just look at the headlines, which I try not to do so much}.  
I was blessed to spend the weekend at the historic Galvez hotel, opened in 1911, on Galveston island.  In addition to the haunts that live here, this immaculate get-a-way resort is just the prescription for a fatigued mind, body, and soul.  
Where do you like to go to leave the world for a while? 

Miles and miles of chocolate!

6th floor suite {with ocean view} in one of the original parts of the building

And of course, Annabel wanted to tag along...

{MEOW!}