Sunny Sunday

Today, we welcome a Sunny Sunday and a new sunny J.McLaughlin shoppe in Ocean Reef, Florida.
After the stormy weather, I plan to take some time to soak up the sun and start making my list for the week ahead.  Hope your Sunday is a sunny one too.

pretty packages

I love satin ribbon and tying up pretty pve packages and as we head on our way towards the holidays, I am stocking up on pretty ribbons for boxes of notes that I send to clients and often use as gifts.

The above notes were printed for "For the Love of a House"

Today, I am busy wrapping up some other boxes and packages to send.

Wishing each of you a wonderful weekend full of pretty packages.
There is still time to order from my etsy pve shop but orders for custom work are closed.
I will be accepting new orders in January 2013.

skyfall

Our first November sky fall of snow left a blanket of white.

Indeed, it seems odd to see leaves and snow falling simultaneously.

We lost power again on and off yesterday and then last night we went to bed early as the power went off.  In the early morning hours, I heard the hum of my printer and felt the glow of lights turn on.

While I count my blessings, I also count the days that we have had to do without and now I shall add the snow days to my list as I do believe we are in for a long winter.

be you

Be who you are

and say what you feel

Because those who mind don't matter 

and those who matter don't mind.

Did you know that it is up to you? 

After last week and not feeling very me without power, I am getting back to feeling more me now that we have lights, heat, internet, phone and cable.

Now I just need to remind me that is it all up to me and to you to move forward.

Just be you.

What are you doing to be you?

that thing

After last week of living without many things, this week, getting things back to normalcy around here seems almost surreal.  A week ago, no power, no lights, no heat, no internet, no phone, no school. Today, I thank you for all the things.  Power is back, heat, lights, and internet too.  That said, there are many living without many things and everywhere one goes, there are drives to donate to those in need.  Think of that thing you no longer need or want and donate it to the victims of Storm Sandy.

By the way, I did that thing, I voted today.  Get out and vote, it is a right and choice.  Now I need to get to work on some commissions.  Yes, that thing called work is calling me now and I am full of thanks.

monday motivation - nest

My heart goes out to many who are still living without power, heat and even a nest to return to after Storm Sandy left a path of devastation.   Our power was restored on Saturday and it felt so good to return home to warmth and to light.  We are waiting for internet, phone and cable but we are so thankful to have heat, light and electricity.

I wanted to share this innovative thermostat.  I happened to find this nest thermostat during our renovation.  I hope everyone's power is restored soon and that homes will be provided for those that are in need of a comfy warm nest.

comradery of connecting

We are still without power however there is something incredible about witnessing the spirit of connecting.  Many friends have been incredibly supportive offering their homes to do laundry, grab a meal, charge-up, offer a coffee or tea and to also talk about just how lucky we are.  Many have lost much if not everything.  

So many readers have been in touch too and worried about my lack of posts.  How kind of each of you to reach out, your concern makes me feel loved.  One reader had sent me an image of her home and I worked on the above artwork for her in hopes to share some good Karma.

To restore power, to rebuild the many homes and to connect to each other and find support.

So during a time a stress, feeling the sadness of so much loss in the aftermath I am trying hard to do my work and to know that soon, our power will be restored but in the meantime, please know that the power of connecting is more than just uplifting.

Still without power but just wanted to let you know you, dear readers how much you mean to me.

The connections that I have made here are amazing.

My heart goes out to everyone suffering from Storm Sandy and I am also amazed at the kindness of many during this time of crisis.

update

This photo was taken by Suzanne Levine who lives in Hastings on Hudson, NY and as you can see the Hudson River before the actual Storm Sandy was rising.  The row of benches you see is under water.  I wanted to give you an update and let you know I am at a friend's who has power.  We have no power but are lucky to have our home.  There is no school and we are all trying to do our best as we wait for power.  I will be taking a break now and will be back as soon as we have power.

surprise me not

I feel as though I am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for a surprise.

 A part of me loves surprises and then a part of me not so much. 

 As we sit waiting for Storm Sandy to surprise us or not, we all wonder what sort of wallop lies ahead as we busy ourselves with routine tasks to make us all feel as though we were in control (not).

Here is my pretty white pumpkin perched on a plate with a pretty porcelain berry that I found on my walk.  

I plan to continue on, about my daily business and my routine

Stormy Sandy, surprise me not.

Everyone, be safe and I hope we can all keep calm and carry on.

Let's hope we are all ready and that there are no surprises.

hello and thank-you

A little Hello and Thanks to J.McLaughlin and the new shop in Southport, CT.  I did this illustration about a week and a half ago and love this announcement and the gratitude expressed as well.  How often do you say Hello and Thank-you?  Stop by, tell them PVE sent you.