I used to spend my birthday money on clothes.  It just seemed like the thing to do.  Go out, do a little shopping, buy a few new things.  But, a few years ago, I realized that those clothes just got lost in the rotation of articles pulled from my closet when I needed something to wear.  I didn’t remember what I got for my birthday or what I bought when I needed or wanted something.  My birthday money wasn’t being spent on something that was truly special and I didn’t like that.  It felt wasteful. So, a few years ago, I decided to pool all of my birthday money together and buy something memorable.  I bought my 1800’s ironstone cake stand… Even as I was bidding on it on eBay, I was nervous; literally biting my nails.  I kept waffling and debating with myself.  I shouldn’t spend this much money

May was a good month.  That’s a simple, but true way to say it.  I’ve loved the cool spring weather in Minnesota.  I enjoyed being out on walks in the mornings and sitting on the porch in the evenings.  And, while it’s been stressful at times, I have been loving work.  I am working on all sorts of new things…things that make me uncomfortable in a good way because they are vulnerable and pushing me into spaces where I’ve been scared to go.  But, I’ve been working diligently, pushing and praying through any fears that rear and any anxieties that taunt me.  And it feels good. I am launching one of my newest projects to my newsletter subscribers tomorrow (Friday, June 7), so if your curiosity is piqued, make sure you’re subscribed and you’ll hear all about it tomorrow.  You can subscribe HERE (and get the Personal Retreat Guide for

My word…April flew by!  I can’t believe it’s May already and the end of the school year is just weeks away.  Crazy.  I’m not sure if I’m ready for summer just yet!  Anyway, before we get ahead of ourselves, let me share some of my favorite things from April… Les Misérables on Masterpiece I’m pretty eager to like just about any period miniseries, but I have been eagerly anticipating Les Misérables on PBS for a while!  I was introduced to the story through the musical when I was 11.  It was actually the first CD I ever listened to!  Anyway, the story is so beautiful and I have enjoyed the miniseries so far.  It’s still playing on PBS and you can also watch it on the Masterpiece channel on Amazon Prime. New Notebook I think I have finally found the perfect notebook (and, believe me, I have certainly bought and

Wow!  I wasn’t expecting such a response to selling the postal sorter.  I can assure you, though, that I’ve bought and sold a lot of beautiful things over the years…things that were rare, unusual, and things that I loved.  But I’ve learned that I can love something for a while, as long as I have the perfect place for it and a use for it, and then I can let it go if ever that changes.  I find just as much joy sending the beloved item off to a new home.  And I haven’t regretted selling anything.  There are times when I remember a piece with fondness or I think about a piece I sold a few years ago that would now be perfect for this house.  But, if I kept everything I might have a spot for in a future house, I would have to rent a storage unit.