sad news

Seth's cousin Danielle was in an accident on Sunday. She was a passenger on an ATV which struck a tree. She was air-lifted to the hospital where they determined that she had suffered extreme brain damage. Sadly, she died yesterday. She was only 13 years old.

Danielle was the daughter of my brother's wife's sister. I saw her just before Thanksgiving at Seth's birthday party and I was so struck by her loveliness. She was so sweet and happy, smiley and easy to talk to. She was having so much fun playing with Maggie and holding baby Shelby.

Thoughts and memories of her are weighing heavy on my mind today. I'm thinking too of her family. It is so tragic. And it happened so quickly.

mo made...

My friend Mo made a ton of real-life doodads for inspireco.com. Click here to see for yourself!

p.s. The sweet little face in the picture is my niece Kylie who stopped by today for a visit while her mom went to the doctor. Boy did we have fun.

visions of these dancing in my head...

Last night in bed, neatly tucked in, I perused a holiday brochure that my grocery store sent me. In it was an article about their masterfully created chocolates.

Now I'm not a chocoholic by any stretch of the imagination. I do enjoy a bit of chocolate now and then. And I can't remember even once turning any down.

Oh, except last night when Rich wanted to order (and share with me) something called "Mile High Chocolate Decadence". I waffled since it is not often Rich wants to order dessert at all. But finally I decided that this chocolate confection would tickle my throat, land in my stomach with a thud, and would probably be served super duper cold. Oh, and probably was made a week ago.

But, about the box of chocolates...I have this idea that I would like a whole box of chocolates that is completely and wholly mine. And I would like to go through the box slowly, perhaps just a selection aday. I will ponder each selection with deliberation, truly tasting and enjoy each one as a separate and special thing. In my grand imagining of this, I am picturing a magnificent secret and locked cabinet to hold the box of chocolates, with a column of light illuminating it and an angelic chorus sounding.