counting blessings

We just got some shocking news concerning taxes this year. I can't get my head around how it ended up that we are writing a check that will wipe out every penny of our savings. I'm scared and sick and worried.

I'm going to take some time out from all this worrying to count my blessings. My sweet Alfredo, our little miracle, is at the very top. I thank God for planting him in our life.

I think I'll go play a round of Hi-Ho Cherry-o with him and try to imagine life really is as easy as that. If your bucket is emptied out, it's really not that bad.

the help

Sunday afternoon I had a rare day to myself. Instead of cleaning or doing any of the things I coulda-shoulda-woulda do, I sat in a cozy chair sipping sweet tea, nibbling little treats and reading this...

I started it on Friday night and I was hooked immediately. I just finished it yesterday and I wish I'd gone slower because now I miss it. It's one of those kinds of reads where you're stuck between wanting to read it constantly and wanting to make it last and last. So good.

And now I'm looking for another good read...got any suggestions?

shadowboxing

I made the shadowbox yesterday during nap time. It's a simple cigar box (you can get them for free or close to it at cigar stores) I removed the lid and removed/sanded the paper. Then I painted the inside with a subtle gold metallic wash and the outside with a pretty pale blue mixed with the gold wash. The heart button and spool feet were hot glued in place. I had to stagger the spools back to steady the piece. It turns out I like the way they look all lined up.

Hope you're off to a good weekend!