Thank You~

I just wanted to say thanks so much for all the supportive comments I received in followup to my "A Few Bad Apples" post.  It's easy to forget that we're really not alone in this crazy world and that if we're going through something, chances are a lot of others are too.

Sure it's disenchanting to hear about each other's trials, and some even make us feel our own woes are "less than", but I like to tell myself it's the friendship and support that brings us all together and that is the truest treasure of all.

So thanks so much to everyone!  You sure make this little corner of blogland a brighter place to be!

Best,

Saying Goodbye

I had the chance to say goodbye to my friend Linda last Friday.  The card to the right is from that occasion.  You could easily see her kind and gracious heart through her children, husband, and friends.  Making my way around the room I saw a myriad of photos ~ all showing her smiling, laughing, and hugging those she shared time with.  Meeting her sons and husband, I had the opportunity to let them  now what a wonderful affect her presence had on us here in blogland and what an inspiration she was to so many of us.

It was the hug I received from her daughter after telling her I was "Plumrose Lane", that really touched my heart.  I knew the time we had spent writing to one another meant as much to my friend as it had to me.  What touched my heart the most was when her daughter said, "My mother was one of the lucky ones; she got to see her children grow and marry and spend time with her four grandchildren".  I believe the heart of gratitude my friend Linda passed on to her children and shared with all of us here in blogland, is the greatest treasure of all.

Best~

My Valentine

I simply can't thank all of you enough for the heartfelt comments on my last post ~ you touched my heart and comforted my soul. I've no doubt your prayers and healing thoughts for Linda's family will be heard and are appreciated.

It's Valentine's Day here in the U.S. and although I'm more of a "spread the love all year long" kinda gal, I can't help but say that in truth your friendship here in blogland is the best Valentine anyone could ask for ~ thank you so much!

Whether you celebrate this day or not I hope you feel the same comfort I do in knowing we are never truly alone in this world. We share it with a sea of other loving creative souls ~ they may be hard to find sometimes but they're always there if we're willing to look beyond the thorns.

Wishing you all a wonderful and very Happy Valentine's Day!
Best~

Losing a Friend

We lost a good friend in blogland today ~ Linda of Stealing Mom lost her courageous battle with lung cancer.  Linda was one of those remarkable souls who touched our lives ~ filling our hearts with laughter and gratitude at every turn.

I knew her first as a customer but Linda quickly became a dear friend.  It was her warm generous heart that always seemed to find the happier side of personal experiences that will have the most lasting affect on my heart and mind.  I admired her courage as she moved through the beginning stages of cancer treatment, sharing thoughts and feelings with a sensitive personal insight, laced with humor, grace, and a perpetual sense of gratitude.

It's always so striking to me how profound an affect someone can have on our lives, even if we never meet them in person.  I will finally have the chance to "meet" my friend on Friday when I say goodbye to her in person but like the best of friendships it's one I know will never truly die.  I have no doubt Linda is spreading her own joyous sense of humor and kindness in that vast blogland up above and for all of us still her I can say wholeheartedly that we will miss you very, very much.

Creating Our Lives

If I were to take a snapshot of this week I would have a few choices.  The question is, would it be the beginning ~ when the car died, my coffee maker broke, and I broke down in sea of frustration, or would it be the end ~ with a new car, a new coffee maker, and an overflowing heart of thankfulness.  At first glance it might be an easy choice but in truth, I think it's the middle that had the most impact ~ the part where I kept going and kept an open heart and mind of gratitude.

I think life is like that ~ it's not so much about what happens to us as much as it is about what we do with those events.  Case in point... I have a friend who's been slowly slipping away ~ not because of some insidious medical condition but because she allowed a few bad apples into her basket.  Once there, they rotted and spread.  I've been there and I understand how it can happen.  But standing on the outside watching someone you care about grow angry and withdraw is painful and saddening.  Over the years I've watched her slowly move away; stepping back from things that made her happy and exposed to other creative souls.  Each time she drew back to "stand up" for her principles she slowly pulled her beauty, her creativity, her intelligent insight, away from those of us who've appreciated it most.  I miss her musings and I hope one day she returns.

In the end I think the one thing we have is our perspective. I could be the arrogant debutante I was raised to be, or  the woman I was 12 years ago ~ broken by a heartless man, or  the woman I was 10 years ago ~ stripped of all hope or the woman I was 8 years ago ~ impoverished; washing my children's clothes in our kitchen sink or the woman I was 6 years ago ~ realizing I'd stepped into the arms of another liar or the woman I was 5 years ago ~ barely choosing to stay alive but for the sake of my children or the woman I was 3 years ago ~ desperately trying to change my mistakes or the woman I was a year ago ~ betrayed by the one I'd tried so hard to help.  I could be all of these or any one of the stepping stones along my own life's journey.

But you see, somewhere along the way, each time I picked myself up, dusted off my mistakes, and kept moving forward, I learned the valuable lesson of gratitude. Feeling grateful for the treasures in our lives, no matter how small, is one of the greatest tools we have.  It enables us to create beauty from nearly nothing and as an artist, I love to create.  I remember a counselor telling me years ago to find happiness in my current life ~ I thought he was nuts.  But in this sense we're all artists; painting the pictures of our lives that tell the stories of our own journeys through this world.  I believe the paintings we create, with the brush strokes of our thoughts and actions, are the most beautiful creations we'll ever possess. They are as open and new as a pure white canvas and possessed with nearly endless possibilities.

So while this week may have started off in some dark place in my mind's eye, it wound up being another stepping stone in this journey, another part of the beautiful creation I'm working on that's called "my life". My own canvas is filled with countless shortcomings and wrong turns but it's the change of colors and brush strokes that have brought me to today and help ensure I live with a heart of gratitude and a desire to continue finding my own meaning of success.

Best~

Soul Journey

I started reading a new book last night titled Soul Journey.  I was first drawn to this book through the holidays when a close friend posted about it on Facebook.  Upon closer investigation it immediately jumped to the top of my holiday wishlist, so imagine my surprise when a copy showed up in my mailbox yesterday, thanks to that same dear friend (love you Sherry!).

I began reading the book last night ~ I'll be honest and say I haven't read through a personal book in years. I've started several but put them down shortly after.  Text books have been a constant companion over the past two years but they're not the same.  In the more distant past, books served as a wonderful source for acquiring knowledge and insight.  Plowing through copies of "The Essential Works of Carl Jung" and "If Life is a Game, These Are The Rules" have been downright life altering.  But reading a good book is something that fell away after several traumatic experiences over the past 7 years.  It's tough to read when your mind is racing and your heart is broken.  So with the arrival of this book, an angel's gift straight from heaven, I'm turning over a new page in my own life.

I've only read the Introduction and already it's moved me. The truth is, this book is just what the doctor heart ordered. It's comforting know there are others out there who desire to "Be the change you wish to see.." and it speaks directly to that part of me that yearns to reach out and help other women who've gone through similar sorrows and hardships.  I know there's power (and company) in numbers so if you're interested in reading it too, you can buy a copy from the author, Lisa Cherry, at this link or buy a copy for your Kindle at this link.

My hope is to find the words to share my thoughts and feelings as I read through this book and I would love for you to join me. I know many times it's easier for me to communicate my own feelings when reading them through the musings of others. I'll leave you with a perfect example of this, directly from a page of Soul Journey...

""The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found a way out of the depths.

These persons have an appreciation, sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness and a deep loving concern.

Beautiful people do not just happen."

Elizabeth Kubler Ross"

Best,

Supporting & Sharing

A few weeks ago I posted about my dear friend/customer Linda who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer.  I can't thank you enough for all your prayers and messages on her behalf.

Linda has just started her treatments and as is the case in this day and age, has written a blog post about her first chemo treatment.  I find it so amazing that we really don't  have to travel down any roads alone anymore. With a few clicks of a keyboard we have the opportunity to share our stories with others. This not only helps us 'get through' tough times but it can serve as a beacon for others who are going through similar situations. What a gift.

Linda's sharings are heart warming and humorous and I'm sure you'll find them the same. If you'd like to keep up on her progress and leave some supportive comments you can visit her blog at this link: http://www.stealingmom.com/

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Words to Live By~

Recently I lost a friend and sponsor, Tami Lilly of Beyond the Lillypad. This is an excerpt from her birthday wish to me a few months back...

"There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living. "Being ALIVE is a gift, being HAPPY is by choice!""

Certainly words to live by and she was like that, always thinking of others, always sharing insights, wisdom, and laughs. It makes me sad to feel there's one less person like her in this world ~ we need so many more.

I miss my friend a little more today that usual ~

Drumroll, please....

....my husband found a job! I know, isn't that just the craziest?!? Not only did he find a job, but it's better than the one he lost, hah! Where he once had a 2 hour a day commute, he'll now be working 10 minutes from home ~ the pay is less but he'll save on all that fuel, cha-ching! He'll work less hours, spend less money, and be home more with us more, whoot!

Of course we're immensely (mind blowingly) thankful! And who do we have to thank?? Well, all of you ~ for all your amazing prayers, well wishes, candles, dear thoughts, etc. Yep, you my sweet blogging friends are the best, and we just couldn't thank all of you and the powers that be for this amazing change and wonderful opportunity.

For now, he gets a mini vacation until he starts next week, and even though that really translates into an extensive "honey-do list", he's happy to work around the house and it's a welcome break from the whirlwind week we've just experienced. So, I just wanted to share the news and say yet another... yep, wait for it...

Wishing you all as wonderful weekend~

thank you~

It's tricky to know what the 'proper' response etiquette is for blog comments ~ do we post comments on our own blogs?... do we send email follow ups?... do we write a new post altogether?... I've never been quite sure, but I had to step in and say thank you so much for all the supportive comments left on my "Sometimes" post.

I just can't tell you how much you've all touched my heat and how much your thoughts, prayers, candles, and well wishes mean to our family. One of my friends asked me ~ How can you write about something so personal? How could I not. In a world where most of us struggle to fit in, we've found a place where we can all meet, share, and support one another. Blogland is a place where each day we feel akin to other creative souls.

Beyond sales, money, and material needs, your well wishes in all forms lift our spirits and give us continued hope that we'll make it through this time ~ so thank you so much for all your love and support! You truly are the nourishment that keeps this plumrose blooming♥

Good Times, Good Friends & Johnnie

I'm back... all is in one piece or as it should be and I can't help but laugh at the title I selected for this blog posting, as I know a few others will too.

The weekend was a smashing success! It was an absolute honor to finally meet my dear friend in-person and we had SO much fun! The area is gorgeous too and I loved Madison with it's artistically eclectic State Street ~ mesmerizing!

standing in front of the Pink Poodle trying one of those goofy hand-held shots

I must say I'm exhausted from all the gallivanting and it's difficult to catch up on work and all I should be doing ~ the couch & an old movie feel sooo inviting ~ but there's always loads to be done. I know several of you wrote to me while I was away asking for help with blogging issues and I'll get those responses out just as soon as I can.

my two wonderful hosts ~ aren't they a darling !?!

While the weekend overflowed with activities like shopping and lunches out, delicious dinners and dancing the night away in costume with lovely handsome finds like ♪Johnnie♫, it was also filled with SO much more....

the spellbinding witch & the washed up beauty queen

It seems the universe seemed to knew that this little starving artist was hungry for more than just the usual daily cravings and so it not only brought into my life two of the most generous and kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, it also brought some long over due nourishment for this overly giving heart in the form of soulful enlightenment, pleasure, and relaxation.

So although I've said it in abundance, I'll pen it here as well and say thank you from the bottom of my heart to my dear friends for a weekend that surpassed my dreams.

Namasté

For a complete overview of what we did over the weekend, visit my sweet friend Teresa's blog.

Up, Up and Away...

I will be taking off for the skies this weekend, with broom in hand of course, as I'm off to visit my dear, dear friend Teresa, woohoo! She lives a few states away and so I'll be hopping some planes as I make my way to the lovely state of Wisconsin ~ whoot!

I have a few firsts to experience this weekend... first time to Wisconsin.... first time getting to meet my sweet friend.... first time leaving my child and fury companions in the trusted hands of my husband for an entire weekend (gulp! ~ we'll not think about that one and hope for the best). The excitement definitely wins out over any worries though and there's loads of fun planned ~ eating out, shopping in quaint nooks, a night on the town in costume, and even a *secret* appointment of relaxation on Sunday ~ ooooh... aaaah!

It's bound to be a whirlwind weekend and just the thought of backing away from this computer for a few days ~ yes... I will be pushing that "off" button (another gulp!) ~ is a huge step for this workaholic graphic artist but the greatest thing I get to experience this weekend is the company of a timeless friendship ~ sheer magick!

So, I wish you all a wonderful weekend, for those of you celebrating Halloween ~ a frightfully good time and as always...

Enjoy!

More Magic - gifts of the heart

Following on the heals of the magical blog party I just participated in I have some personal magic of my own to share... this is the type of magic where generosity and kindness prevail in the form of lovely friends and gifts.

The first I would like to mention is this beautiful painting sent to me by the wonderful and talented Lisa of The Wright Stuff. Lisa titled this painting Plumrose. I can't begin to tell you how insanely gorgeous this painting is in person and wish you could see the detail for the hair to the hauntingly beautiful eyes. I love, love, love this piece and am thrilled beyond words to own one of her fabulous paintings.

The next gift was in the form of a lovely and thought filled gift from my friend Paula of Tattered Gold. I received the most enchanting envelope with beautiful ribbon and handmade adornments which now hang from my inspiration board. Inside was a magnificent quilled card of great sentimental value. I was utterly speechless and completely filled with joy, humility, gratitude and flowing tears. There were two lovely personal notes inside that completely touched my heart.

I plan on framing both of these beautiful pieces so that they will last a lifetime.

Gifts of the heart are truly awe-inspiring. They bring us to our emotional knees making us stop and take pause of the beauty in our lives and fill our hearts with a sense of humility and gratitude. I find this to be the case, not only with material gifts but with the heartfelt sentiments I receive from friends and bloggers. This truly is an extraordinary community of souls who have the power to touch each others lives in such profound ways to bring beauty, love, and magic into our personal worlds. Thank you to these lovely ladies for their immensely generous gifts and to you all for being the beautiful spirits behind the magic in blogland.