A Few Thoughts on General Conference

“I know not by what method rare

But this I know, God answers prayer.

I know that he has given his Word

Which tells me prayer is always heard

And will be answered soon or late

And so I pray and calmly wait.

I know not if the blessing sought 

Will come in just the way I thought

But leave my prayers with him alone

Whose will is wiser than my own

Assured that he will grant my quest

Or send some answer far more blessed.” 

― Eliza M. Hickok,   Prayer

General Conference was incredible this fall! This was one of my favorite things President Monson shared during the Relief Society Broadcast last Saturday. I also loved the questions that were raised throughout Conference like What are your priorities? and Do you really know how much your Father in Heaven loves and knows you? And, when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir did their rendition of O Divine Redeemer!! 

I love how all of these inspired messages remind me what is truly important in life, like my family, faith, and knowledge of my divine nature and heritage.  The world doesn't seem so big (or so small) when we can re-focus our priorities to what matters most.

Did you know that all of the sessions are already up?!?  I can't remember them ever being up this fast!

I hope you had a great weekend! 

The Little Things

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We have been loving the little things around here lately.  Like how Penny sits outside close to the back door, but always stares off into the yard...she can't ever be too far away from us but will never miss an opportunity to chase a squirrel out of her yard.  Or, trying to make hibachi at home a few weeks ago.  We pulled out the magic bullet for the first time in forever and made the white sauce from scratch.  And I've been day dreaming about putting floor to ceiling bookshelves in our loft once we bequeath the couches that are in there to my sister and her apartment this fall.  We also could not have been more excited to learn that the Piano Guys are really coming to Raleigh in November and we scored sweet orchestra level seats!!

Life is as grand as it's little moments...don't you think?!?

Linking up with Falling for Friday

Weekend Getaway

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We are hoping to do a weekend getaway for our anniversary at the end of the month.  We still haven't chosen where yet.  The last two years, we have gone to DC, but I think I want to venture somewhere else this year.  I think I'm leaning towards Charleston... it definitely fits with the trendy wish list I have for that weekend.  I'm in love with this gorgeous print on that boat neck dress.  And, I'm in desperate need for a great weekend bag!  I've also been loving stud earrings lately and these orange Cabochons are so cute! 

Do have any good suggestions for an east coast weekend getaway? 

Linking up with Falling for Friday and Lauren

Be the good

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I found this quote a few weeks ago on Pinterest.  I haven't stopped thinking about it since.  It is so simple, but can be so profoundly meaningful in our lives.  Since graduating college and entering the workforce, my eyes have been opened to a world that I naively thought I would not have to encounter.  I knew it existed, but I was very content in ignoring it. I didn't grow up around bad language or dirty jokes, and I never thought that I would end up surrounded by it at work.  But with every job I've had, it's been there and it is so hard to shut out!  I will confess that I find myself slipping with a word or too at home.  I hate it!  And I know I'm better than that.

Being in nursing, I have also had to get used to being surrounded by illness and death.  I see firsthand how it can impact people's lives, the quality of life they live, and even their families. A few months ago I took care of a patient that was dying and saw my first code.  That patient did not make it either.  Growing up, everyone was pretty healthy, and I only attended one funeral before collage.  My great-grandfather died of pneumonia when I was 13.  He was 89.  Now, I see patients who have end stage renal disease and lose limbs before they are 50 because of smoking and poor health. Needless to say, sometimes ignorance truly is bliss.

It can be easy and depressing to get wrapped up in all of the terrible things in this world. That is why it is so important to believe and know that there is good in the world, and realize that we can be part of it by being good ourselves.  After watching General Conference this weekend, I feel even more renewed and resolved to do this myself.  How do we make it in this world?  Know who you are, be it, and be it well.  Not only can we stand in holy places, but we can make the place we stand a holy one just by being the good for this world.  I loved this quote that Sister Dalton shared:

You can get the free printable here!
I hope you all had a great weekend.  I know this week is going to be great.  I can just feel it!

Linking up with Molly and Carissa 

His Birthday Ideas

Wesley's birthday is coming up soon, so naturally it's all I've been able to think about lately.  I know, it seems so spoiler to blog about ideas before his birthday, but trust me... I have my reasons.  They may or may not have anything to do with reverse psychology. Or, perhaps I know for a fact that he is pretty much out of touch with any type of social media.  I did manage to pull off a surprise party a few years ago that I organized entirely on Facebook.  Just saying...

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First, I'm in love with this suit.  If only he hadn't made the "no clothes for my birthday" rule.  Seriously.  Second, I've thought about framing a few postcards that he brought back from Belgium and France, where he served his mission.  The only reason I'm doubting this one is that it kind of seems self-serving, as I would want to hang them in specific places in the house.  Rebuttal? Thoughts? Third, this fantastic chocolate cake.  Definitely doing this in conjunction with whatever I end up getting him. Forth, The Hobbit.  Someone may or may not already have called dibs on this one.  If I told you, I'd have to kill you ;) He is already suspicious since I won't let him buy it when it comes out on Tuesday.  Fifth, a lithium ion battery powered drill.  We have several cordless drills, but the batteries are completely shot. This Makita is supposed to be one of the top rated ones.  I've mentioned it in passing, but alas, wonder-boy has already shot it down. 

What do you think.  Anything good?  Or, is it back to the drawing board?!?

Linking up with Kelly

Free Font Love

I have officially discovered the world of free fonts.  That's why Pinterest is the best, right?!? They are one of my new favorite things to play with. I will confess it took me a little help from Wesley to figure out how to download them. Now I'm a pro. See one, do one, teach one! Here are my favorite collections:

Green

Perfect for St. Patty's Day!

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Eclectic

Love this variety
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Modern

Sail is my absolute favorite one of these
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Vintage

You can never go wrong with vintage
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Linking up with Shanna and The Vintage Apple 

Musings

The Magpie, 1868–1869. 

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This is one of my favorite Monet's.  As spring seems to be peaking it's face out now (finally!), I figured it was  the last possible time I could share it for a while.  Several years ago, I went to France with a small school group.  We traveled in Paris and the Provence regions for a week, and then headed to Nice for the last week.  Language school in the mornings, lazy afternoons on the pebble beaches or in the old ville...all in all it was a great trip.  I was given some of the best advice a few weeks before I left.  I was over the moon about all of the art museums that I would be exploring in Paris.  The Musee d'Orsay, famous for its showcase of Impressionist art, was at the top of my list.  A very wise person told me to go ahead and give up the notion of seeing every piece of art in the galleries.  There is almost never enough time to do that even if you live there, let alone the few hours I would have on my trip.  Instead, pick 1 or 2 paintings that strike you.  Stay with them, study them, etch it in your memory.  Those will be the ones you will have the time to find the meaning, feel the artist, and take with you when you go.  This, of course, was one of the paintings that I stood in front of for 20 good minutes and soaked in.  

I love it. I love the snow, I love the peaceful serenity it exudes.  I love the bird resting on the magpie.  I love the twisting branches of the trees.  I love the footprints leading off to goodness knows where.

This is one of the things I am really looking forward to when we are in England and France in August.  Of course, I can do this just down the road at the NC Museum of Art.  But things are just 10 times more exciting abroad, right?!?

Now, go to an art museum and try it. 

I dare you.

Linking up here and here

Spring Birds

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I think I have subconsciously developed a bird fetish.  Without purposely trying, birds have popped up in several rooms downstairs. Well, now that I think about it.....

I fell completely in love with the pillow at Pottery Barn and had to have it...

and then there was that birdcage that was on sale at Micheals with the irresistible fleur de lis on the top...

and then I remembered those beautiful dessert plates we got as a wedding gift and thought they would look great on display on the kitchen shelves....

Is it spring yet?!?

My house sure seems to think it is!

I also love these bird-inspired things that I have pinned recently...

So stunning!

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Love this art

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Great quote...and always love panel art

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This would be so cute on a mantle, hutch, or dining table!

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Linking up here

Find and Keep

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You would think that if you found something you were so passionate about, you would never lose interest in it. I mean, if you love it, why would you, right?!?  It's funny how life can sometimes get in the way...or maybe how life seems to always get in the way.  That is why I love this quote. No one could have put it better than Julia.

Finding seems to have always come easily to me.  It's the keeping part that I am working on. Here's are 3 simple ways we can be sure that we are keeping tremendously interested in the things we love to do:

1. Make time for it.  Make an appointment for it, even if it can only be for an hour once a week.  I've had to do this with painting.  Sometimes I do 15 minutes over 4 days, or one hour one day... whichever it ends up being, if I don't make time for it, it just doesn't happen.

2. Stay inspired. The more inspired I am, the more passionate I get. Love that cycle.  If I don't have time to  paint, craft, cook, blog... I at least write down what has inspired me so that I can pull it out and go to work when I get the chance.

3. Share it.  Don't be afraid of what other people think...share it anyway! You may end up inspiring someone else.  Besides, what you are passionate about should have absolutely no bearing on what other people think, right?!?

 Happy Monday!

Linking up here 

Week 1 - Photo-a-day February 2013

Day 7: Your Name

Remember that Photo-a-day challenge I started?

Here's a recap:

And here's how I've done so far...

 Day 1: Fork

Penny and I walk by here sometimes on our walks

 Day 2: Pattern

My favorite fabric pattern that is in the house

Day 3: Something that starts with E

My favorite pair of earrings.  I wear them all the time right now. 

Day 4: Hope

Really hoping we can visit all 4 of these places this summer!

Day 5: Something you smelled

Activity day girls made these this week - homemade soaps! They smelled like lavender. Divine. 

 Day 6: Soft

Double soft - Penny and the fuzzy blanket

Day 7: Your Name

Love my monogrammed phone case

You can always catch each day on Instagram....

Photo-a-day February 2013

I'm excited to try out the Photo-a-day challenge for February! You can read more about it from its creator here.  Its going to be challenging, but I think very rewarding creatively.

Here's the first one:

Fork

Penny and I sometimes go by here on our walks.
It makes me think of my favorite poem by Robert Frost:

The Road Not Taken

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;         5 Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,         10 And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.         15 I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.         20

Make me laugh

Sometimes you just need to laugh.  Sometimes you just need to take a moment, or two...or three, or four, and truly appreciate something so funny, you'll laugh about it later....

Like this...

And this...

And this...

who doesn't love a ridiculous dog?

and this video...

Do not even get me started on the Big Bang Theory and Modern Family.
Hilarious.

Bojnice Castle {Watercolor}

Bojnice Castle. Watercolor. 2013

My first completed painting in almost 7 years.  

I'm wincing as I type that number.  Far too long. Did you know that if you stop using certain skills, the neural pathways that perform those skills weaken and can even break and form new pathways for the current skills you are using?  They do.  It's called brain grafting.  

It's not my best work, but I think it's time to start again. 

Hopefully there will be many more to come.

Reflections

I have always been in love with this Irish Blessing:

"May joy and peace surround you,

contentment latch your door, 

and happiness be with you now,

and bless you evermore."

I have thought about it a lot lately and can vouch that we, ourselves, are in control of our own happiness.  It is through our choices, actions, and state of mind that this blessing can be ours.  It can start in our homes and radiate through the rest of our life.  It can start with those who we hold most dear, and expand to even those we like least or perhaps not even at all.  My one wish and goal for this year is to try to live this blessing each and every day, for there is nothing more grand, nothing more inspiring than joy, peace, contentment, and happiness.

Gifts of Christmas {Printable}

Remember that part at the end of How the Grinch Stole Christmas where he has his epiphany? It is such a poetic answer for the true meaning of Christmas:

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

I love this quote and I can still hear Boris Karloff's voice when I read it....our family loves watching the cartoon special every year.

However, I think I love this quote even more:

This is a great quote from Howard W. Hunter that we talked about in church on Sunday. That little bit more is the things that we say and do.  The best gifts we can give definitely don't come from a store!

Get my free printable here.

A life, still

Last Friday night, Wesley took me to the North Carolina Museum of Art.  We went to see the new exhibition "Still Life Masterpieces" that is running now through January 2013.

It can be easy to rush through a still life exhibit (as Wesley wanted to do), but when you take the time to stop and ponder the paintings that catch your eye, you can find a story even in something as seemingly simple as a still-life.

Here is a peek at some of my favorites that we saw in the gallery visiting from Boston:

1. Renoir is one of my favorite Impressionists.  He has an amazing skill of personifying beauty with movement and color.  This particular piece made me think of all of the charming (ok....eclectic) bouquets that Wesley has put together for me over the years.  And how when I am admiring the surprise he put together for me, I wish time would stop and be still for a while. (I confess I will often tote the bouquet around the house with me...it is so great that flowers can be so portable, especially when you want to enjoy them in every room!)

Renoir, Mixed Flowers in an Earthenware Pot, 1869

2. The Dutch put together some striking still life subjects called the "Vanitas" (Latin for vanity) that will tell you a story of how fleeting and vain human life is. By doing this, they are pointing out how important it is to turn to the eternal: "to lay our treasures in heaven."


Gijsbrechts, Vanitas Still Life, 1668

3. This piece is of apples that instead of being in the standard bowl on a table, are painted as a bushel on a sheet on the floor.  It looked to me like they had been wrapped in the sheet and in a mishap, or perhaps mistake of someone in the house, got knocked to the floor and began spilling out.  How many times after making mistakes in our own life do we stop, be still, and think about a lesson or two to learn from what just happened? In the rush and bustle of our lives, perhaps not often enough.

Sterne, Green Apples, 1924

Take a few moments to be still this weekend. Who knows what you could learn, appreciate, or discover?!?

Happy Friday!

Piano Love

So Wesley and I have discovered a new artist that we love.  Like they are our go to Pandora station when we are cleaning the house...

If you haven't heard of The Piano Guys, you should check them out.  They are the new age of "new age" instrumental.

Here is their latest single:

Beautiful, right?  Oh, and how come in my 9 years of piano lessons, I never learned how to play like that?

You can also checkout their YouTube station

Happy Wednesday!

Too Cool

When was the last time you thought "this is too cool???"  For me, it was Saturday.  


I went to Beautiful You, an event sponsored by The Closet Ministry with my sister-in-law, Katie.  Our mission: find a fabulous prom dress.  This Ministry gathers prom dresses all over the state of North Carolina so that these great girls don't have to spend money on a dress that they will probably wear only once in their life.  They had so many donations over the past year, that we actually left with 2 free dresses.   Both are completely fabulous.  Success!! 


By the way, where was this when I was in High School?!?......


For me, one of the best parts was that they spent the first 30 minutes telling everyone who came how beautiful and amazing they were - and that is definitely the best attitude you should have before you go shopping.... or before you do anything in life for that matter.


Here is another prom dress project that happened in Arizona.  This is so inspirational - you will have to watch to find out why:

Just too cool!