New Orleans Get-a-way! Part 1-Curb Appeal

Exhilaration....

When all your senses are on alert...and you are giddy with excitement...

When your creative adrenaline is on overdrive...

and your feet feel 2 feet off the ground....

If you are a creative-type...I know you know what I am describing.
It's awesome to feel this thrill..and that is exactly

how I felt during my recent visit to New Orleans.

Woven Paper Heart Baskets-{DIY Blast from the Past}

Old school inspiration...

Top 5 Posts of 2015

My New Year's post for 2015 was my most viewed of last year.

As I have mentioned many times, 2015 was a blur....but I am happy I was able to keep blogging during all the transition as it is fun to look back now and see how I was thinking during that phase. 

I didn't get to do much crafting, but instead focused on my photography.  

I love this photo of the coral. 

I collected this dead find more than 20 years ago 

off of the coast of Southern California, scuba-diving with my dad.  

Even though the water temperature was very cold, 

we used to try to go out a few weekends every month in the summer--

--he would hunt fresh fish, and I would treasure hunt in the rocks and sand.  

I remember this sea fan was "blowing" right across my path, 

in the currents on the sand, at the bottom of the ocean 35 feet under. 

It looks so delicate, but it is very strong and resilient.

Poetic.

Fun for 2016!

Happy New Year!!

Yes.  

I've decided that my 'new year' 

will officially begin on February 1st!

I will not apologize that I needed all of January to process all of the holidays.

And, I'm happy to say, my hubby officially put the Christmas bins up in the attic today....

there, the house is back in order...albeit no less hectic.

I am excited about this year for many reasons...

Christmas musings and tour 2015

I had grand plans.

I had grand plans...for a month of posts....with clever ideas...
yes. I. did.

Sunday Sentiments-Rainy day contentment

Things are busy around the house this weekend!

The weather literally changed overnight from 75 degrees to 40
and it feels like winter is in the air!

It is rainy and cold
but it feels cozy... 

to be home with a fire...

eating turkey leftovers...

and pecan pie for breakfast...

pulling out small bits of Christmas decorations 

while the hubby watches football.

Feeling grateful for a house full of family
and a husband who likes to put out Christmas lights!

{This is the earliest we have ever decorated for Christmas and it has been fun!}

"...for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." Philippians 4:11
On days like today, this verse is not difficult to apply, and I am thankful.

Have a wonderful week - enjoy the transition into the holidays.

Thanksgiving heart

What is at the heart of Thanksgiving...?

There is food, family, and gratefulness...

But what else makes it truly special?