This weekend has been a bit sad for me.  My little brick and mortar shop is closing.  Even though it is for the best, and it is what I wanted, I am still heartbroken.  My shop was like my little baby.  I created it from nothing, and I was so proud of my "little business that could."  So, I'm mourning the loss of my little dream.

I'm very excited about all my new dreams and adventures.

But, that's not what this post is about.

I'm also very disappointed in myself.  I've become so jaded that, instead of being grateful for huge unexpected blessings, I spend my time trying to figure out where the ugly is, how it's going to come back to bite me later.

To make a long story short, a stranger did something nice for me.  Something super nice, involving what I consider to be a huge amount of money.  She said, "Consider this a blessing from God, and I know I will be blessed because of this, too."  Instead of jumping for joy and thanking my God for coming through for me once again, I questioned everything about this beautiful momet.  What's in it for the stranger?  Could she somehow be conning me, will this hurt me later on?  and so on and so forth.  I wanted to call her back and talk her out of her generous gift, return her blessing with a polite "no thank you".  All because I have been conditioned to believe that people are only out for themselves, especially when it comes to situations involving money. 

This has to change.

I am ashamed of myself.

I am going to spend the rest of my day in gratitude.  And then, the rest of my life.  I am going to retrain myself to know that people are good, people are generous.  Good things do happen, with no bad side effects.

 

Let's play outside!

Rain Barrels

I know I've been MIA lately.  Hi everyone, I miss you too!  It's been busy around here.

Here's what I'm working on today: DIY Rain Barrel

I'll be back tomorrow to write a proper post!

Stephanie

Josephine is now 2 1/2 years old.  I love this age, and I wish we could stay here forever. 

Josephine is learning about "real life" and "pretend".  She doesn't understand why the people on TV cannot see and her her, when she can so clearly see and hear them.  Tonight we had dinner at a restaurant.  There was a man sitting at a table beside ours who caught Josephine's attention.  She watched him eat for a while, then she whispered to me, "There's a person over there.  Can he see me?"  I told her that he can, and she could even say hi to him if she would like.  They struck up a conversation, and she was satisfied.  In her innocence, she wondered if people in her life were like the ones on TV, just there for us to watch and enjoy. 

Later, at the shoe store, she intently watched the cashier ring up her purchase.  She asked many questions.  What are you doing?  Why do you need to take that tag off?  What is that sound from the cash register?  The cashier was so sweet, and patiently answered all of her questions.  Josephine turned to Daddy and said, "This is all very interesting to me!". 

I don't have any cute pictures of my Jo to share with you today (forgot the camera), so I'll give you a peek at what's new in the shop: 

 

Tomorrow, we are finishing up preparing the chicken coop, and hopefully we will have little feathered friends very soon!  I'll keep you updated. :)

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I had the honor of testing a new pattern for Baca Creations.  This is the sweetest little summer smock, and I can't wait to put it on Josephine.

Jo is having a rough day.  It's difficult, being a 2 year old.  So she has taken to her bed, and I will try this adorable top on her once she wakes up.  You know what they say, Let sleeping toddlers lie!!!