I Like What I Like

 I had worn the same sandals for at least nine years! 

 I know this because I found a photo of myself from nine years ago wearing the same shoes.

But who knows how long I had them before that picture was taken! 

Luckily, by the time I realized I needed a new pair, AI technology had advanced so much that Dwayne was able to take a picture of my old sandals and find the exact same pair available online. 

Amazing!  

I had totally forgotten where I had purchased them, and obviously, I could not find anything like them in retail stores anymore. 

So I was very thankful for AI technology for once. 

I am tempted to purchase another pair and hide them in their box in my closet for use in another decade. 

What can I say?

I like what I like. 

Recital 2026

The girls participated in an informal recital on Sunday.

It was Bethel Music Day, so Mr. Wade, their piano teacher set up a tent beside his studio with the instruments underneath. 

We sat under a lovely oak tree in the shade on our folding chairs. 

Passers-by could stop and listen as they came along the sidewalk behind us.

Over us, the lovely breeze drifted right along with the lovely music. 

Our best friends, the Beatties, also take lessons at the same studio and they performed right before our girls, so we got a picture of both families' students together with Mr. Wade. 

I'm so thankful God has blessed us with our community of friends. 

It's the richest of blessings to have other great adults in our kids' lives and other great kids to enjoy,  encourage, and watch grow up along with our own kids. 

 

Creating Keepsakes

My mom passed away this spring. 

She always wanted my sister or I to want her china. 

But, as it often happens, neither of us wanted it. 

We don't have a place to store such a large collections of plates, bowls, saucers, cups, etc. 

And we probably wouldn't use them, even on holidays. 

But I wanted to honor my mom and somehow try to fulfill her desire that we keep her china. 

So I took a teacup and saucer, and I added them to my collection of assorted cups and saucers. 

My collection of cups and saucers is one of my favorite things, so it is fitting that my mom's china is represented there. 

And, I took a few plates, sent them to an artisan, and had sets of jewelry made for my girls. 

Now there's a necklace, earrings, and a bracelet for each of my mom's granddaughters made from her china.

The girls already wear their jewelry quite often. 

I need photo above, my daughter, Avril, is heading to work, wearing her jewelry made from her grandma's china. 

I know my mom would be very happy!