Dorm Shopping

I finally caught Victoria at a weak moment of jet lag and convinced her today was the day to shop for her dorm room. After looking at every form of bedding in Tyler and not finding anything she liked we ended up coming home and ordering online. We will keep our fingers crossed that it gets here in time...otherwise she will be using her comforter for the twin bed she had as a child.

I do like the comforter she chose. It has zinnias all over it in different colors. We ordered solid sheets in a color called chrysanthamum. We decided we would wait until the sheets get here to pick out solid color towels so we can coordinate with the bedding since her vanity will be in her room at the dorm.

This is all seeming very real now. 18 days until she moves...

By Your Side

Victoria painted me a canvas for my office with words from a favorite song. The words are such a reminder to me that I don't have to do life on my own even though I have such a tendency to try to do everything myself. I love the colors and the design on this so much. The colors remind me of the warmth of the relationship I have with her and I feel sure the design will be an inspiration as I soon begin my new responsibilities of website updates at work.

Graduation Party

We had a graduation party for Victoria. I wanted it to be very meaningful to the seniors so we did sky lanterns to symbolize letting them go. These are made of waxed rice paper. After lighting the fuel patch in the bottom of them, they fill with warm air and will rise into the air for a couple of minutes. It was so pretty!

Simplicity

"Tis a gift to be simple, tis a gift to be free,
Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be--
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
Twill be in the valley of love and delight."....Shaker hymn

I have always loved this song whether it's done vocally or instrumentally. I need to be reminded so often to keep things simple and calm. So in the midst of all this craziness of graduation for Victoria I am trying to keep a balance of calmness. I have found it helps to take some time everyday to sit outside in the sun, even for 15 minutes, to read an inspirational book or even to just "rest my eyes". It seems by doing this I keep a better perspective on the things that come across my path each day.

Enjoying Life

Today I am enjoying the beauty of silence, the glory of sunlight, the sweetness of spring air and the love that lies at the root of all things. I have so much to be thankful for!

Precious Time

"Take good care of time, how you spend it, for nothing is more precious than time."....the Cloud of Unknowing.
How real the value of each second has become to me since Tom has started working overseas and as the days click by of Victoria's senior year! Each moment is so special. There are no little things. "Little things" are the hinges of the universe.

Warm Towels

You know how good fluffy towels feel fresh from the dryer? They caress you with fragrant, sumptuous warmth. Here's some "fluffy towels" for your day:

*Alarm Clock Alleluia: When the alarm goes off, open you eyes & say, "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad." Commit to living in gratitude for this day.

*Shower Power: As you rinse, pray to be cleansed of any feelings of anger or bitterness.

*Elevator Blessings: Say a silent prayer for the person on the elevator with you.

*Cook up a Memory: Use a recipe someone gave you and be thankful for the spiritual nourishment that person has brought into your life.