Sunday, March 22, 2015

Ash & Eish

www.facebook.com/ashandeish
I love living near a small town. The other day as I drove home, I noticed a new business had popped up. Ash & Eish Boutique, at 120 North Market Street in Batavia is a cute little shop filled with unique clothing and accessories for women and girls. The ladies who own the shop specialize in refreshing used clothing. Tucked in one corner hang patchwork items. In another, colorful accessories. Stop in and visit Ash & Eish. 





While you're out, a couple other new businesses sprouted over the winter. An antique shop on Kilgore Avenue and a shop on Main Street with prom dresses and artwork. I'm hoping this is the beginning of some great shops in Batavia.





Friday, March 20, 2015

They Offer Hope

Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” –Jesus

I’ve been reading the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. A friend gave it to me with a sweet “I’m thankful for you” bookmark. Ann set a goal to write a list of one thousand things she’s thankful for so that she can live a life closer to Jesus. As I’ve followed her story, she shares through heartache, grief, joy and pain the simple things she’s grateful for. Here are a few I’d put on my list—daffodils waiting to bloom, bluebirds, celebrating a child’s birthday, my grandchild’s smile, peanut butter toast.

Should I tuck these in my heart? I think so. I strive for the simplicity of Ann’s journey, to appreciate the true treasures of life on earth. Along with the natural wonders and the beautiful moments, I want to store the words of Jesus and the blessings of God in my heart. So many times when I’ve been anxious or distressed, the Bible’s words have come to me and calmed me. They offer hope. Praise God for the true treasures of life.

Early Bloomers

I found these spring beauties at Sycamore Park. 

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Are You a Nature Nut?

Does anyone else see the cushion used to lean on and study?
I've decided to find at least one moment of beauty in every day. I'm convinced I'll find more. But I won't find any if I don't look. Tim and I took a walk in our neighborhood and I saw several things I consider beautiful. 

I've always been a bit of a nature nut. Dragging (not literally) my kids into the woods, through parks and fields and teaching them names of flowers and trees. So it's no surprise to me to find the lovely even in the unlovely at times. 


Love the bird nest.
I hope you enjoy a few of my nature shots.



Share the beautiful you found in today.

Monday, March 16, 2015

A Little Easter Flower

I posted a while back that I was up to my elbows in ruffles. 



Here's the finished project on my sweet little granddaughter. She'll be a beautiful little flower for Easter. I used the scraps to make a bow tie for her big brother. 

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Have Courage and Be Kind

Any little girl who dreams of being a princess knows the story of Cinderella. A lovely young lady who lived a golden childhood is cast into the unexpected role of servant to some cold-hearted people. Fortunately for her, her mother presented her with a piece of wisdom that would carry her through life. "Have courage and be kind."

Some of my favorite princesses joined me at the theater to see the new Cinderella movie. All girls, 8-108 will fall in love with this magical story once again. The detail is amazing, the setting perfect, the costumes gorgeous, and the characters delightful. Lily James sweetness shined through Ella's misfortune. Cate Blanchett played the evil step-mother to a tee. Holliday Grainger and Sophia McShera's rendition of the step-sisters left me laughing out loud. And the prince, Richard Madden, was certainly charming. Disney did a fantastic job bringing this timeless tale to life.

After the movie, my daughter's were talking about there favorite Disney princesses. I had to admit I'd not really picked a favorite. I like Snow White, but I believe after seeing Cinderella defy the odds with courage and kindness, I've found a new favorite princess. I'll be buying this one.

Who is your favorite princess?