Happy new year

A new year, another chance. . . here's to a happy new year and a fresh start.

Sending love and hugs to my friend Deb. She is the Goddess of Overcoming Obstacles and I want to be just like her when I grow up.

The boy next door

It's been a long time since I freely admitted I really liked a boy. It has been my experience that admitting to such was to invite disappointment. But the boy next door asked me out. He's good looking, smart, funny, and genuine. To say I was surprised by his interest is an understatement. I was pleased but nervous about this change in our intentions toward each other. He's been a good friend and I'd really hate to mess that up. We've had some funny, awkward moments working through what we've been to each other in the past and trying to decide where we are going from here. I am still reeling by how happy I feel, though. Giddy, even. This week I found a single, chocolate kiss outside my door. Who wouldn't be happy to find chocolate outside her door? I was really moved by this simple gesture more than if I'd found a lavish gift. My friends know I'm likely to cry at the littlest things so I'm sure it's no surprise this gesture brought tears to my eyes. He really is the sweetest thing and I feel like the luckiest girl in the whole world.

It’s a wonderful life

I turned 38 on the fourth day of this year. I still feel doubtful that I did the math correctly. How can I be 38 when most days I feel like a girl making adult decisions? In some ways it seems like forever since those rites of passage into adulthood. My twenty year high-school reunion should be in a few months after all. I remember when my Dad attended his and having the thought that twenty years seemed like an eternity. My own twenty years away from all those kids I grew up with seems to have flown by and yet the years have surely separated and changed us. I keep waiting for the day when I feel inside my head the way the world sees me. I guess I’m not there yet.

As birthdays go, this one was special. My friends spoiled me and made me feel how much I am loved. Being surround by people who love you certainly takes the sting out of being a year older.

The end of the challenge

It's official - the card challenge Kimberly put together is done. What a great year of fun projects from my crafty friend! Thank you, Kimberly, for all the planning that went into this. It was great to see all the different interpretations for each challenge project. Having at least one card commitment each month kept me productive this year, too. Kimberly, you rock! Thanks again. : )

Happy Thanksgiving!

I feel very grateful for all my friends and family. You share your time, love, and comfort not only on these special days but all the other days in my year, too. I am thankful to have a job that allows me time off to spend the holidays with those I love. I cherish my splendid memories of holidays past while looking forward to building new traditions, too. I miss those who are gone but you will be lovingly remembered.

Blessings and love to you all!

Such a lovely Saturday

I hope everyone enjoyed the day. It was truly gorgeous here.

Bling

Ah, the beauty of the human form...

“British artist Damien Hirst revealed his latest work of art at the White Cube Gallery in London, June 1, 2007. “For the Love of God” is a life-size cast of a human skull in platinum and covered by 8,601 pave-set diamonds weighing 1,106.18 carats. The single large diamond in the middle of the forehead is reportedly worth $4.2 million alone. Hirst financed the project himself, and estimates it cost between 10 and 15 million. Of course, it will cost someone a pretty penny to own the work: it’s priced at $99 million."
Reuters

Talk about being a succesful artist! I would really love to touch this piece. I imagine the bumpy, cold texture would feel like touching a reptile. Rijksmuseum spokeswoman Elles Kamphuis said the piece was cast from a skull of a man who died in the 18th century. Hirst bought the skull from a London dealer. (What sort of dealer has bones on hand?) The teeth used in the finished casting are from the original skull.

Kamphuis said the skull will be on display in Amsterdam for six weeks starting November 1.