A Dream Come True

Today I had the great fortune of visiting with one of the most beautiful women I know, Mattie Seale.

Mattie is the mother-in-law of one of my dearest friends, Susan. (Mattie is quick to point out that Susan is not "just" a daughter-in-law, but that she has become a true daughter over the years.)  To many of us Mattie is "Mama Seale" and just a few moments in her presence today left me with a feeling of peace and contentment.

Mama Seale has a heart of gratitude.  She is well-loved and she loves well.  She has lived a big life filled with the usual ups and downs but when she looks back on it all, she says life has been good "without interruption".  She told me that her faith is the foundation that allows her to enjoy life to the fullest and that her life today is like a "dream come true".  I felt peace and hope settle over me as I listened to what she had to share. 

It seems that every day I am bombarded with information about how to make my life "better".  I am encouraged to do more and be more.  Teachings abound on how to "create the life I want" and "live my best life now".  I believe, though, that great lives are not orchestrated or acheived.  Great lives are simply lived, facing whatever comes with courage and grace.  Mama Seale knows this and her words of experience and wisdom resonate with something deep inside of me.  They call forth a desire to simply let go and be content with what I have and what I am this very day...to realize that my life, with all its challenges and triumphs, disappointments and victories, really is a dream come true because I am loved and I love and in the end that's all that really matters.

For the Sake of Giving

Drip, drip, drip...definitely an inside day.  I intended to organize my studio this morning, but as I was getting started, I heard a local radio station request handmade valentines for kids in the hospital.  Hmmm...spend the day cleaning, or play with scissors, paper and glue...honestly, which would you choose?

 

I had the best time thinking about what would put a smile on the face of a child.  I thought about the time I had chicken pox and my classmates made get well cards for me.  I kept those cards for years.  My favorite was made by a friend who was super-artsy, even at the tender age of seven.  I'm sure Deborah is out there scrapbooking and altering books even to this day.  Way back then, she glued a little pouch to the inside of my card and included a tiny note complete with artwork.  I remember pulling that little note out and reading it again and again just because it was so stinkin' cute.  Today I put lots of surprises in the cards, imagining little hands touching and little eyes lighting up.

I loved working with bold "kid" colors and fun images (not to mention stickers and pipe cleaners and google eyes).  More importantly, though, I love knowing that these creations will be given anonymously. 

This year I have a goal to give more just for the sake of giving, without looking for any acknowledgement or anything in return.  Care to join me?  Let's see just how many kindnesses we can share without telling a soul!  Of course this one won't count since I told you about it :) 

Have you ever been blessed by an anonymous giver?  I'd love to hear your story!

Baby, You and Me

got a groovy kind of love
You give me freedom to explore and express and grow. Thank you for growing with me. Thank you for your patience and your gentleness. Thank you for your faithfulness to me and to our children.
In 22 years we've had much more laughter than tears and many more good days than bad. As each year passes, I appreciate more and more the way you sharpen and soften me at the same time. You hold the key to my heart. Thank you for carrying it lightly.
I hope this year we will take more walks together and linger over breakfast more often. Maybe we'll even do a bit more star-gazing. Life is moving quickly. I want to savor every moment with you.

I love you, my husband. Thank you for loving me.