Author: Laurel

 Like most little girls, I adored fairy tale romances. I dreamed of the day that I would meet my handsome prince who would carry me away to his castle and we would live happily ever after.  I whole-heartedly embraced the notion that I would “fall in love” with the man of my dreams and everything would simply fall into place for the rest of our lives.  I was also sure that in the midst of this there would be a well-placed musical number complete with a montage of our most romantic moments thus far.  And so I waited for him to arrive…  My “once upon

Out in my yard today… a balmy 51 degrees and sunny!  A bit of a January thaw here.  The landscape looks pretty desolate right now.  Lots of brown. our mulberry   I’m grateful for… the sacrifices of those who have gone on before me.  I am able to enjoy the life that I have because so many unselfish people made a way for me. One of my favorite things… challenging myself to consider something from a different perspective.  I’m not always successful, but I enjoy the challenge nevertheless. This week I’m reading… actually I’m just finishing up In the

Out in my yard today… it is a sunny, but cold 22 degrees.  Brrrrr!  Thankfully the wind is not blowing. I’m grateful for… the start of a new year, peppermint white mochas, and my fireplace. One of my favorite things… sitting outside in our hot tub on a cold, clear night and looking up at the stars.  As I look at those bright twinkles in the sky I am reminded that I am a part of something so much bigger than me. This week I’m reading…  Who Switched Off My Brain?  controlling toxic thoughts and emotions by Dr. Caroline Leaf.  I am continually amazed

Fresh authentic grace to focus, create, and live with joy, thanks, and love. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.~ Luke 1:45

I have a confession to make.  Christmas is not my favorite time of the year.  There.  I said it.  In some strange way it almost feels blasphemous.  Will others consider me not to be a true Christian because I don’t approach the season that celebrates the birth of our Savior with great joy and anticipation?  However, I’ve been trying this new approach to life where I have to be honest with myself, so there you have it. Out in the open for all the world to see.  Why don’t I love Christmas more than any other time?  I ask myself this question every year as the