Friday's Fancy

TGIF!!! 

Well we survived a blizzard here in CT. 

Today we have a bit of snow falling, Monday we expecting more, 

and they are keeping a watch on Thursday.

Today I thought I would share some funny sentiments

on found online regarding winter

...

Have a fantastic Weekend!

Finding Strength

Hi All! I have been somewhat absence from blogging since the holidays. I took a break to spend much needed time with my family. My parents came up from Florida to spend the holidays with us. It was great just to hang out and relax. 

During their visit I was laid off from work on December 30th after 14 years. This was a shock and a blessing as I was not happy there any longer. Right after the New Years my parents returned to Florida, shortly after that I pulled the muscles in my rib cage and was laid up for a few days. To top it all off, in the midst of getting better and trying to figure out what is next in my life, my grandma passed away. My mom was only home in Florida for a week before she flew back to be with her mom in her final days. My grandma passed away 4 days shy of her 93rd birthday. 

My grandma led a wonderful and blessed life. She and my grandpa were the center of our family. My greatest reward in my life is knowing them and nothing in the world could ever replace one second of the time I was lucky enough to spend with them. 

It has been a crazy start to the new year. I don't know what is in store next, which truth be told can be scary at times, but I know I have 2 angels watching over me... guiding me... loving me. 

I will end this post honoring my grandma with a poem I came across... 

Blowing Kisses to Heaven 

That's what I can do 

Every time I want to say 

Grandma... I Love You 

Blowing Kisses to Heaven 

I know that you love me 

I am so blessed and so thankful 

That God gave this precious Grandma to me 

Everyone that met her 

Claimed her as their own 

Gentle, so caring, so giving, so kind 

And we were privileged to have her with us 

For such a very long time 

Now she is receiving Blessings so deserved 

And every time I think of her 

I'll blow kisses to Heaven 

From my heart to her

~ Author Unknown

Leap of Faith

Hi all! I hope your first week of the new year is going well. 

Sorry, I have been a little absent as I was laid off from my job on December 30 after 14 years. I have not been unemployed since 1992, so the beginning of my new year has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster. From scary, to a little bit of self-doubt, and then to great optimism. 

I am hoping to start doing some freelance graphic design from my home. The hope is that this will turn into a great opportunity where I can focus more time on my blog and crafting.

Filing for unemployment is an experience in itself. There's a certain day you have to call to file and when you do you're told to call back later there are too many people holding. Which can be so frustrating. I did finally get through and spent 1 hour and 43 minutes on hold. I believe my lesson in this is patience, which I must confess, I sometimes don't have. 

So I ask you, dear readers, to please send some good wishes and even some prayers my way that this brand-new career adventure will be a success. 

Thank you

Luanne

Happy New Year

Hi All!  I had a fantastic time with my parents over the holidays. I hope you were as blessed as me and was able to also enjoy time with your family and friends. 

Tho, I love the holidays and decorating, there is something about taking them all down I find exhilarating. I love the feeling of  "extra" space that appears in the room, like it almost doubles in size. I love the feeling of a blank canvas, where new design ideas are imagined. I love the way I can change things up for the new year, giving an old piece a new look. 

I will be spending my first week of the new year doing just that, putting the decorations away and reimagining our space. I will keep you posted on my progress, so come on back. 

How do you decorate your home after the holidays?

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Luanne