All the boys...and Sophie!Just do it! I love that slogan!! It can apply to so many areas of our lives, but sometimes we need to hear the words and run with them. For example, my brother and his family recently moved back to N.B. after living out west. Although we saw them in the summer at their home, we had all expressed the desire to get together in my neck of the woods. Well, it seemed that life kept getting in the way, and it seemed like a case of "never the two shall meet" due to schedules, illness, etc. We finally decided to take the proverbial bull by the horns and just do it...
Sophie putting make-up on Aunt PatriciaWe had a lovely weekend with them. The weather wasn't the best, however, and although we had plans to head out to one of our beautiful beaches, Saturday seemed too cold, wet, rushed, and so on. Well, Sunday was no better (weather wise) so we fueled up on a hearty, hot breakfast, put on our fleeces, and headed there anyway. No point in having regrets, and when life has such wonderful, free experiences to offer, only a fool would ignore them. The kids had a wonderful time climbing the big "mushroom" hill and enjoyed their vista of the ocean, barely commenting on their achingly cold toes as they played in the surf while my nephew, taught me and my youngest son how to throw a rock "devil's cut throat" style into the water. The boys tossed the football around and it was so nice to see my family together... just enjoying what is there to be appreciated. Just do it...
Sophie and Kristen
Three of four cousins born within several months of each other!I look at this whole (new to me) blogging world in a similar light. I started blogging as a forum to showcase my personal style to those considering my services. I believe that just as you want your hairdresser to have a nice haircut, you should also have an idea about the style abilities of the individual you are hiring to help revitalize your home. Hiring a decorator can be an intimidating process , as one might worry that the decorator will impose her/his design upon the homeowner without taking into account their wants and needs. I think having a decor blog is a great way to help the client become comfortable with me and feel more assured that my personality will be a fit with theirs. 
In addition, I have also found my blog to be a great way to chronicle what has been happening in my life on a more personal level...a diary of sorts (without the juicy details...ha!!) for me. What I would never allow it to become, is a substitute for actually living my life. Over time, I have encountered some people who are never in the moment. They live in what I call "Cyber World" and spend more time in front of the computer blogging about all that they aim to do, instead of what they actually do. How can one blog about their experiences, if most of their time is spent in front of a keyboard typing out their ambitions and giving up to the minute details of the minutiae of their day? No matter how it is sugar-coated, that is not truly participating in life. Life is for the living; and in my opinion, glueing a cell phone to one's ear (instead of conversing with those around you), plopping one's self in a chat room, or texting someone while ignoring the physical presence of companions just seems somewhat pathetic to me. I remember taking my sister out for a late supper at a local eatery this summer and while we laughed, ate and chatted we couldn't help but notice a table of four adults where each of them were texting others and barely conversing with one another!! It all seemed so high school, and quite sad really. It seems to me that this electronic age is, in some ways, disconnecting people from one another and we are losing both manners, and an appreciation for face to face social interaction. That said,I have discovered many wonderful people through blogging and I dearly wish I could meet them. However, I likely will never get the chance, and I therefore place a strong emphasis on maintaining and forging new friendships with those who are close enough to reach out and touch. 
So, my advice is to get out there and live life...engage in experiences and each other. Just do it, in other words. Avoid the carpal tunnel syndrome, stretch your legs and be heard...in real time, not just online. If you want to read a truly compelling story about what is really important in life, read this... but first leave me a comment and share your thoughts!!
I have the best sister in the world. I know you all likely do too, but mine is extra special.
We are different in many ways, but we do have important characteristics in common. We both aspire to live life to the fullest, to live in the moment, and we value our families above all else. Wendy is an excellent mother. She homeschools her four children (although little Ella is just beginning this journey...) and truly devotes her life to her children. She cares deeply about issues that affect the beleaguered, and women's issues at home and abroad. In fact, these issues are the ones that keep her up at night. She worries about those who need help. She is probably the least self-involved person I know.
Wendy's master bedroom, and some of her collections...
Seeing so many great craft spaces/work rooms/creative corners on others' blogs, got me thinking: I should have such a space, but where?? My home is fairly small and I don't have a readily available room where I can set up shop and deem it my studio. I really wish I did. Up until now, I have always crafted at my kitchen table. I love being in the hub of my home, doing what I enjoy, and still feeling part of the crowd. Except, feeling like part of the crowd is just 
