Looking Beyond its summer and it’s hot. But the heat does seem to make ice cream floats taste even more delicious. There are also mosquitos. But let’s not forget about the fireflies. Some parents may be hearing endless cries of “I’m bored!” Yet they can be ended with a bucket of water bombs. Endless lists of mandatory summer reading may exist. But the right book can change everything. Life is full of opportunities to focus on the positive. It’s true that there is beauty in ... View the Post

Tears streamed down my face as I struggled to climb onto the metal gurney so an x-ray could be taken. Sleepless night after sleepless night due to pain. Day after day of lying in bed when I needed to be doing so much more. Through it all, for some reason, I didn’t pray for healing. Instead, I was quiet, prayed for clarity, and for once just tried to Listen.  Listen Over two weeks ago I worked in the garden for six hours straight. Twisting, turning, pulling, stretching and lifting. Later ... View the Post

Earlier this week Mr. Decor announced “I’m off on Friday. Would you like to do something together?” I immediately felt heartsick. I needed to refocus. Refocus I am a planner by nature and each week my calendar features a precarious schedule so fully packed that a shifting of events is almost impossible. But I know what is important. With work, school, a child on summer vacation 24/7 and a home that has me employed as it’s a full-time gardener, maid, and chef I could see only one area ... View the Post

I recently attended a design event. As I approached the venue I saw a room full of well-polished people. Nothing can make me feel more like my awkward 12-year-old self… just desperate to fit in. Nobody Special. I scanned the crowd and someone caught my eye. She was standing in the corner tightly clutching her purse. I made my way over to her. “What a crowd. Looks like a lot of important people.” I said, a bit cheekily. She responded, “Yeah, I’m not sure why I’m here. I’m nobody special.” ... View the Post