Good Things

They say that good things happen to you in three's and this past week has proven that statement to be true!
Good Thing#1:
Here I am holding the new Somerset Home Magazine ready to hit the newstands. They published my artwork and article. YEAH!!! Earlier in the year, Amanda Nolan contacted us via email through Lollishops and asked us if we would be willing to submit the Clothes Pin Birds we had for sale to the Somerset Home publication. So, of course we said YES! Lee and I brainstormed last June to actually sell the birds as kits. So off we went. Here is the magazine and the 3 page layout.
My article is entitled Roosters and Robins. I totally sweated the 600 word article. I don't enjoy writing. It is not my strong point, but I swallowed hard and sat down and finally typed out something I was proud of.
It has been a real thrill to see my work in the magazine and Somerset was wonderful to work with. It was a good day!!! Thank you Somerset!
Good Thing#2:
Seeing and spending time with the people you love is always a good thing. On our way home from NJ we stopped in VA to see Luz and her beautiful family. They are every bit as special as she is.
Her daughter Loren is a sweet copy of her Mother in so many ways. You just want to keep hugging her, too. That husband of hers was some cute Marine!!!! All kidding a side, they were all very warm and welcoming. We had some dinner together and Luz treated Judy and I to some incredible gifts.
All of our handmade goodies were in this bag made out of newspaper. Luz's hubby brought them back from overseas. They had paper handles and were so neat. Perfect for her gifts. Angela we thought of you when we saw these bags... our paper Queen!
The first gift was this lovely victorian lady perched on this spoon. There is tulle and lace and the sparkly blue glitter on the spoon. I don't know....this has a bit of a vintage feel to it. Could we have converted her in May????
The second creation was made on a ladle. It is the cutest little nest and eggs. Very, very clever. I love it and will be hanging it up in my kitchen as a daily reminder of my sweet friend.
This handmade cloth book blew me away and absolutely made me well up! Luz made a special remembrance of Girls Weekend that warmed my heart and brought back how incredible the weekend was.
The black and white photos add so much to this book as well as her choice of written sentiment.
It moves me to think of her spending the time to make me something so wonderful and so heartfelt.
We meet many people on this journey called life. They come in and out of our doors some to never see again and some that change your idea of what a friend really is. Thank you, dear Luz for being so generous and caring. My life is better for knowing you and I look forward to years of laughter, wild adventures and lots of your terrific hugs!
Good Thing #3:
It's official today! Mom and Dad's house was sold today. The closing is set for August 24th. We will be heading back up to Toms River in early August to help pack and move them into storage. I know that Mom and Dad are both relieved and sad at the idea of moving out of a home they spent 40 years in. It was pure joy to hear those words today for me. I know that is selfish, but I need my parents near now and so does Don and Shelby! My hope is that they will find a home here that they like in GA and finally be here. I haven't been in the same town as my mother and father since I left for College. It's time for a new chapter in their lives. I am happy and excited for them. Say both a cheer and prayer for them to help them get through this hectic time. Good days are ahead. Again, it was a good day!!!