A Different Kind of Friday Faves

This photo was a gift from my friend, Se'lah.  

I was looking at my calendar yesterday and I realized that Mother's Day is only three weeks away.  To tell the truth, I usually let it sneak up on me and then find myself rushing around like a crazy woman trying to find a gift for my mom and Jeffrey's that can convey what's impossible to say: "I love you.  I thank you.  You make my life possible.  You are wonderful, amazing, nearly miraculous."  You know, just the little thoughts that add up to a speechless kind of love.

And, we really are blessed, Jeffrey and I.  Our moms have been pastor's wives for nearly 80 years between them.  They've raised four children, and enjoyed eight grandchildren.  They've taught me about the kind of home I want to make and the kind of woman I want to be.

Well.  What do you do for two women like that? My answer is, I try to find a gift that is as special as they are.  And, then, I write a card that doesn't say enough - not nearly enough about who they are to me.

As I was shopping for them, I visited one of my favorite stores, Uncommon Goods.  I love their whimsical selections, and I really love their blog, The Goods.  I spent hours following the links from this interview with Richard Upchurch.  We have so many spending options, don't we?  I want to spend my money with a company that tries to do a little good, even while they are selling goods.  I really love all the personalized options, too.  Uncommon Goods showcases the work of amazing artists, and I love their support of Reach Out and Read.

I had so much fun shopping for our moms.  But, I got a bit distracted by all the goodies I wanted to add to my own wishlist.  You know how much I love lists.  Maybe this one will help you as you shop for your moms.  Or, for yourself.

 I've always loved typography; especially the ampersand.  I just adore the whimsy of this.  

I think it's perfect for a mom who just happens to be a wonderful hostess.  

Sloane and I both fell in love with this crazy glowing dinosaur.  
It's full of bio-luminescent plankton and we have GOT to have one!

It might just be perfect for a new mom who has to stumble awake several times a night. 

Isn't this sweet?  I love the idea of tucking pink roses into this tiny wonder  and placing it 
on the nightstand when my mother-in-law comes for a visit.  It could also be a perfect gift 
for the amazing aunt or  older friend you love so much.  Why not use Mother's Day to thank 
the other women who have mothered you?

I don't know about you, but I have been searching for a stylish way to haul around all my library books.  This tote would be great for a bookish mom.  Or one who goes to the farmer's market every week. 

If you ask me, a woman can never have too many pairs of beautiful earrings.  Uncommon Goods has so much gorgeous jewelry.  I finally narrowed my choice down to my two favorite pairs of earrings.  The pair on the left is made from recycled sake bottles - I love that.  The pair on the right are handmade of mixed metals - so beautiful!

OK, I found it - a gift that's a perfect combination of tech and cozy.  This handy gadget can turn a smart phone into a projector.  Perfect for the mom who always has half the neighborhood kids in her backyard.  (Or wishes she did.)  Now you can give the neighbors one more reason to love you - backyard drive in movies.  

Do you have a mom who is always taking pictures?  Is she an artist?  Someone who sees beauty in imperfection?  If she is, let's introduce her to the Diana.  This gift is a perfect combo - a book and a camera.  Add lots of love, and a few sweet words on a card, and Mom is bound to be thrilled.  

I hope you've had fun exploring my little list.  One of my lovely readers is going to be really happy this Mother's Day.  I have a $25 gift certificate to Uncommon Goods to give away.  If you would like to enter, leave a comment and tell me which of my picks was your favorite and why.  Or, tell me what else you found over at Uncommon Goods that you would choose for yourself.

Be good to all the lovely, mothering women in your life this year.

August Break 12

Treasures and Tallulah

Today's prompt: treasures

Susannah's prompt today was interesting and thought-provoking.  She said, "Today's prompt is relatively simple and definitely illuminating: what inanimate objects do you treasure? Think about the items that mean the most to you. The objects that hold significance. "  I learned so much about myself from participating today.  

For one thing, I am not very sentimental or attached to things.  Yes, I love my books and have a TON of them.  I also have a thing for paper and have amassed a small art collection.  No, I'm not a minimalist.  I have more sets of dishes than I am willing to admit to. It's just that I have things for the purpose of using and enjoying them.  I choose them for their beauty and functionality.  I have very few things simply because someone I love owned or gave them. 

I knew this to be true.  At least until I went to my jewelry box to get my Dad's signet ring to photograph.  I hereby admit it.  I am sentimental.  I do keep and cherish things because someone I love owned or gave it to me.  And, nearly every bit of it lives in my jewelry box.  

My jewelry treasures are chronologically numbered. Number one is the oldest.

Treasures

1. My mom has the most wonderful charm bracelet that she began as a teenager.  By the time I was ten, playing with hers just wasn't enough.  I had to collect charms and create one, too.  I love it.  It's the story of my life, and I can wear it on my wrist.  Sloane has quite a few charms on hers already.  But you knew that, didn't you? 
2. I used every bit of my spending money to purchase this Egyptian cartouche when I was in Cairo at 19.  It's solid gold, handmade, and is my phonetic name in hieroglyphics.  I spent the next week and a half and the plane ride home nearly penniless, but it was worth every cent.
3. I have worn this ring nearly every day since I purchased it my sophomore year in college.  The seven interlocking rings was pretty expensive.  Seventy five dollars back in 1989.  I ate a lot of mac 'n cheese to pay for it, and it still took three months on lay-a-way.  I'm glad that I did every time I wear at it. 
4. My second year of teaching I had a student whose mom made beautiful jewelry.  She told her son how much I liked a similar necklace when I saw it at her jewelry show.  Ryan told her he wanted to give it to me for my birthday the next week.  Only, not the one she made.  He wanted to make one for me with his own hands.  It's the only jewelry he ever made, and it's still one of my  favorite gifts.  Ever.
5. When my Papaw lost his beloved wife, he gave me her string of pearls.  I had it strung into a triple strand bracelet.  I've always loved it, but kind of wished I hadn't restrung it.  I wanted a pearl necklace, but knew I would never spend the money on a quality one.  Still, I adore this bracelet. 
6. I never told him, but my Dad knew how much I loved my bracelet.  I never told him I wanted a necklace either, but one Christmas my Dad surprised me with this perfect strand.  He choose them from me himself when he was in Japan.  
7. My Mom and Dad brought this bangle back for me from one of their trips to Africa.  The black you see is actually giraffe hair.  My favorite souvenir?  Jewelry, especially silver bangle bracelets.  My favorite color?  Black.  My favorite animal?  Giraffe.  
8. This fabulous ring is amber.  My Mom brought it back from Russia for me.  Oh, she really knows me. 
9. This jade bracelet traveled in my Dad's briefcase all the way from China.  My mom and sister-in-law each have one, too.
10. This signet ring and one unphotographed bracelet are two of my most treasured possessions.  Those are my Dad's initials.  He wore this ring every day of my childhood and young adult life.  He purchased it on a trip that he and mom took before I was born.  I asked Dad if I could have the ring and his sermon Bible some day.  I received them both as Christmas gifts a few years ago.  
11. When I sold my first photograph, I wanted to use the money to buy something lasting.  If you look closely you'll see that my silver bangle is inscribed euchristeo and the dangles say give thanks.  Those words are a steady reminder to live out my beliefs and be grateful.

What about you?  What objects are your treasures? 

August Break 7

a love note from Sloane 

Today's prompt: handwriting

You know I love presents, right?  I love the big gesture, like the Christmas after Sloane was born when Jeffrey secretly saved up and bought me a video camera so I record all Sloane's precious babyhood before it slipped away.  I love the little gesture, like the note (above) that Sloane left for me in my closet, just because.  I love the cards in the mail from far away friends.  I love the packages that arrive from blogging friends packed full of creativity and love.

I don't just love getting presents, I love giving them.  I love writing cards, leaving a note and a candy bar on a friend's desk, making care packages to send to Sloane at camp.  I love mailing art and photographs to grandparents, and searching for the perfect gift to mark a birthday.  There are so many great things to give, but the gift I give most often is a book.  One of the books I read recently is by author/photographer JaTawny Muckelvene Chatmon. I am so pleased to have a chance to give away a copy of her lovely book, "Getting Lost".   It's full of beautiful black and white images like the one below.  The words are all love notes full of wisdom from a mother to her daughter.  Here is my favorite:

If you believe in magic, your life will be magical.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of "Getting Lost", just leave a comment below.  Please tell me one of your favorite gifts to give.  I'll draw the winner on August 17th.  Good luck.

Update: Wow, you guys are wonderful gift givers.  I am feeling inspired.  The winner is Grace Gal.  Congratulations.

of plums and delight

My dear friend, Gigi, was hosting a giveaway for this gorgeous painting by Elizabeth Floyd.

I really wanted to win because I have a funny affinity for plums.  Years ago when I was in Egypt.  We were at a dinner and this very kind Egyptian gentleman was slicing up these delicious fruits for me.  They were SO GOOD!  I asked him what they were called and he said peaches.  Please don't think I'm a total ding dong when I tell you that I spent years looking all over America for purple peaches.  (Can you tell my family wasn't big on fresh fruit?)  Then one day, Jeffrey, my love, brought me a fresh plum and sliced it up.  Eureka!  My purple peaches had been plums all along.

And, guess what?  I won!  Now, every time I look at my beautiful new painting, I'll think of my wonderful adventures in Egypt and of the kindness of strangers.  Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

wishin' and hopin'

Week 28 of the Wednesday lists.
Did you ever see the Ebay ad last year? It went something like, "They say it's the thought that counts. I say, 'Think harder.'" Ha. I loved that one. No thinking needed, here's my Christmas wish list. Though I do want peace on Earth and all those other lovely intangibles, everything on this list can actually be bought with money. Let's not talk about how much money. OK?

My Not Very Realistic Christmas Wish List

a playhouse for me

and one for Sloane

a Louis Ghost Chair

plus these chairs for the back yard

this book and this one

this perfect quilt

to take pictures like her or her

this camera bag or this one

this or any photograph by this genius

a big original oil painting of hers to hang over my mantle

a beautiful bathroom with a deep tub for soaking

this calendar and this one

to take Sloane to this and back here

to take a class from this amazing photographer

to meet in person, these wonderful blog friends. And you. I want to meet you, too.

What about you? What's on your list this year?

Click on the pictures for the original sources.

Autumn Celebration

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.

~ George Cooper

The Autumn Celebration Swap is an exchange of lovely things with an emphasis on autumn. October is when the days begin grow cooler and the nights longer. It's a perfect time for curling up with a good book and wearing something cozy. The Autumn Celebration Swap is for anyone who appreciates autumn, personal mail, and presents. I love, love, love mail and presents top my list of favorite things. I love the shopping, the choosing, the wrapping. I love ribbons and paper, stamps, and addresses. I even love going to the post office. I adore this season, and I want to celebrate with other like-minded souls. Care to join me?

Exchange Details

Swap Partners: I will do my best to pair you with someone who has similar interests. You do not have to have a blog to participate, but you should have some sort of online presence. Please remember that it will be harder for your partner to get to know you if you don't have a blog, Facebook, Flickr account - something. You are also welcome to participate if you do not live in the USA as long as you are OK with the shipping.

Interests: Please be sure to include all the requested information in the comments section of this post. You can email me with questions, too. You'll find my email address on the profile page. You'll want to include your favorite links, Etsy shops, etc. so you can give your partner an idea of your style and tastes.

Gift Details: Your package can include anything you care to wrap and ship. However, please be sure to include at least these three things:

• something created by you - by hand, on the computer, with a camera...
• a perfect book for these long,long evenings - gently used books would be even better
• something, anything that speaks of autumn to you & a note explaining the connection

As to financial guidelines, please plan to spend around $20, not including shipping. Obviously, you are welcome to spend more, but having a guideline might make everyone more comfortable. If you sign up, you are committing to sending a package filled with thought and love. Please plan to put real time and effort into the things you send, as well as how you present it. I think this could be great fun.

Dates: Sign ups will remain open until Friday, October 2 at midnight Central time. That gives us one week to sign up and to spread the word. Please do tell a friend! Partners will be assigned Saturday, October 3, and you will have 2 weeks to get to know your partner, shop, wrap, and send your package. Plan to mail your package by October 17.

Sign Up

To sign up, just comment on this post. Be sure to include all the information requested below. You won't need to include your address, as you can exchange that via email after you receive your partner.

Name
Website (blog, Flickr, shop)

Email Address
Location (city, state, country)

Are you willing to send overseas?
What are your interests?

Favorite shops?
Anything else you'd like to mention? (special requests, notes, etc)

If you are participating, would you please consider adding a link on your blog? Feel free to use the photo, too, if you'd like. I hope you'll play along. Let's celebrate autumn together.

Number 31 of the BIG list. Yay!

A Passion for Presents

I love presents. It's no secret. I just love them. I love the wrappings, the trappings, the loving thoughts behind them, the big gestures, and the small. I love giving gifts and receiving them. I'm the kind of girl who gets excited over a post-it note that says, "I love you." I'm the mom who wears a two foot long plastic purple beaded necklace to work because my daughter thinks its her most beautiful possession, and she gave it to me. How could I not wear it?

I'm the kind of girl who keeps scissors and curling ribbon in her glove compartment; blank cards in her purse. You never know when you might have a little gift to pass along. And. Everything looks better in curling ribbon. I just love occasions.

But, do you know what I love more than occasions? Just because presents. You know the kind. The drawing a child shyly hands you. Slightly crumpled from being clutched in a sweaty little hand. The fresh strawberries brought home just because you love them. The chores that were finished and you never had to ask. The card out of the blue that says I'm thinking of you. The CD sent to your daughter because your friend knew she would love it. Just because. For love. No birthday. No occasion. Just because.

Announcing my first ever give away - and it's just because. I thought I would have a 100th post give away. Oops. That one came and went unnoticed. Hmmm... OK. I'll have a give away for my birthday. Oops again. Oh well. Christmas? Not quite. OK. I'll do it for my blogiversary. Oops again. There are a million reasons why I want to give something back. I'm telling you, if I had showers of blessings before, the past few weeks (OK, it's months now.) have been a flood. To those of you who have been so generous and full of love, let me just say again. Thank you. You make my life richer, happier, more full of joy.

To say thanks, to end my month of passions with a bang, and because I have a passion for presents, I'd like to give away one or two gifts. Just because. I guess I just want to share the love. If you would like to participate, please leave me a comment. To make it more interesting, won't you tell me the story of the best gift you ever gave. I'll draw the names in one week. I can't wait to hear your stories.

You may be wondering what presents I'll be sending. I'm not telling. Surprises are better, yes? Of course, anyone who knows me at all knows of my passion for books. You have one guess as to one item in the gift package.