It's All In the Eyes

We have two fairly new feline arrivals at our house - Dakota & Sierra.  They are a constant source of entertainment, especially when you find one of them playing by themselves.

This particular morning, Dakota kept looking at the ceiling.  I still don't know what she was looking at, but it made me laugh and ponder what goes on in their little heads.

They seem to find so much enjoyment in life.  I often think we could learn a lot from our pets.  Mine are no exception!

For example:

• Being able to run in an open field is one of the best things in the world (dog's only for this one).
• Everyone eating together is pretty cool.
• Spending time playing is a valuable activity.
• Joy can be found in the simplest things (like string, feathers, shoes, etc.).
• It is fun to make someone laugh.

Enjoy!

Sending you Loads of Love

I was out of town on business this past Valentine's day, so I left my hubby a little surprise to enjoy while I was away.  His favorite - Giardelli's raspberry filled chocolate squares and a handmade card.

I used the New Arrival Cricut Cartridge on my Cricut Expression.  Gotta love that machine and I am just getting started.  I love how this simple truck turned out.  It is hard to come up with masculine images for the fellas, but trucks always work for my husband.

Unfortunately, we did not really get to celebrate when I got home because I came down with a cold for several days after returning.  He took good care of me though!

Are we able to see the beauty?

Heard a wonderful speaker yesterday at Willow Creek - Erwin McManus (link).  He is the lead pastor of Mosaic in Los Angeles, CA.  He challenged us by revealing that we often don't enter into the story that God has for us because it is free.  We don't have to pay for it.

Why would we do such a thing?  I know that I find myself trying to control all aspects of my life.  Not letting God have the reigns.  It is one of the key crossroads I keep coming to in my faith journey.

McManus used the illustration of a mosaic — the art of taking broken and fragmented pieces and putting them together to create a piece of beauty.  We often have to go through tragedy before we can see the beauty that God is piecing together for us.

He gave me a lot to think about!  It made me thankful that God is forgiving, merciful and above all in control of my life.


"Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind." Genesis 9:14-15

Ready for spring, anyone?

This is a photo that I was able to capture towards the end of summer last year.  The sun hit one of the water lilies in our backyard just perfectly.  I am still amazed at the beauty that surrounds us each and every day, so I wanted to celebrate that today.  Plus, I am so ready for spring and summer.  This helps remind me that they are just around the corner.  Enjoy!

First Blog Post

Here we go!  My first attempt at adding a post to my new blog.  I thought I would share photos from my recent trip to Florida.  It was so nice to have a respite from the cold and dreariness of winter that felt like it had taken over in Chicago.  No jackets needed with sand running through our toes.  Heavenly!

We also had the opportunity to spend quality time with both sets of parents.  We are so grateful to have parents that actually like to spend time together.

I am hoping to use this blog to explore some of my creative outlets - photography, beading, watercolors, scrapbooking and whatever else I decide to do that is creative.  I recently started reading, The Artists Way by Julia Cameron.  In a reaction to some of the lessons I am learning, I am creating this blog to be able to see progress in my creative journey.  Plus, it is nice to capture some of my best work all in one place.

I hope you enjoy what you see and I look forward to hearing your feedback.  Thanks for taking this journey with me!