Thankfulness comes from strange places

Today I realized that I am absolutely thankful for EVERY struggle I have ever encountered. I am thankful for my past because it has brought me to this place - right here right now. These past 15 years of my life have been such a struggle to find my place - to figure out who I am and where I want to go. I am becoming more profoundly aware that it is in these struggles and these valleys that I am given the privilege to become more like my sweet Savior, Jesus Christ.

And it is because of these struggles that I have had to lean into my family and depend on them to keep me moving when it seemed I couldn't take another step. What an honor it is to be able to depend on your family and to have them respond in such gentleness and kindness.

And where would I be if it were not for my precious children, Cooper and Katherine? For they have given me purpose and chipped away at my hard exterior allowing me to feel love deeper than I knew was humanly possible.

And my loyal and honorable husband, Tom, who has shown me what commitment looks like. He has proven to me that we can press forward to find a new day.

And THANK YOU giver of all good for allowing me the privilege to work with my hands in an art form that is nothing less than exquisite. How utterly blessed I am that I am allowed to add to the beauty.

I hope that everyone finds reason to be thankful this November 27th.

Hot September Wedding

This lovely little bouquet is the result of a wildly creative and fun bride named Ruth. She loved (almost as much as me) Ariella Chezar's floral work. We worked together to come up with this hot garden styled bouquet only enhanced by the silk dupioni ribbons hanging down. This was one of my VERY FAVORITE weddings because The Zeros were playing and as I was setting up the tables - the Zeros were warming up their insturments. Ruth had invited my husband and I to the wedding, but we couldn't make it because we were flying out to Italy the next morning. I did seriously consider moving the flight just to stay for the awesome reception. Thank you, Ruth, for being so much fun.

August Wedding

I thought I would try to post some pictures from weddings that I have done. This is from a wedding in August of 2006. The bride, Amy, was such a pleasure to work with and purple was the color she was most excited about. Purple hydrangea was the flower that she wanted most of all. Her budget wasn't huge, but we made it work. You can't see it in the photo but a purple ribbon was tied to the back of every chair and it really dressed up the room.

A Touch of Dutch

Who doesn't want to walk through this door?

Well, anyone with a hankering can hopefully do so quite soon.

Belli Fiori has found and purchased a white dutch door similar to the one above.

We can't wait to put it in the shop....