"Don't be afraid to start again. You’re not starting from scratch this time; you’re starting from experience."

Hey there, Besties! 🌟

Guess what? I just celebrated another trip around the sun a couple weekends ago! 🎉 And oh boy, do I have some tales to tell. You know, sometimes I think my spirit guides must've been a bit too generous with the "experience" buffet, cramming a lifetime's worth of lessons into these last few years. It's been a wild ride, filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. But here's the kicker: despite the rollercoaster, I'm still here, still standing, and still grateful for every single moment.

Turning a year older always brings its share of contemplation, doesn't it? This year, more than ever, I found myself wrestling with the idea of aging, not because I fear getting older, but because life, in all its unpredictable glory, has been tossing me a few extra curveballs lately. It's in these moments, amidst the whirlwind of challenges, that I find myself whispering, "This too shall pass."

But here's the heart of what I want to share with you today: Don't be afraid to start again. You see, when life beckons us to begin anew, it's not a sign of failure or regression. Far from it. It's an invitation to lean into the wisdom we've accumulated, the battles we've braved, and the strength we've sculpted from our struggles. We're not starting from scratch, my friends. We're embarking from a place rich with experience, insights, and a resilience that only comes from having weathered a few storms.

So, as I blew out the candles this year, amidst the mixed emotions and reflections, I made a promise to myself—a promise to embrace every fresh start, to view each day as a new opportunity to frame my story through a lens of growth and gratitude. Because, let's face it, life's kinda like our biggest DIY project ever, right? Every hiccup and hurdle are not just random mishaps; they're part of this intricate blueprint designed to help us evolve, adapt, and, ultimately, shine.

Remember, Besties, we're all in this grand 'Earth School' workshop together. And just like my cozy crafting corner, where every project starts with a vision and a bit of faith, our lives are canvases awaiting our creative touch. So, here's to starting over, to painting our days with bold strokes of hope, and to remembering that every moment is a chance to craft something truly beautiful.

Until next time, keep shining, keep loving, and most importantly, keep crafting your masterpiece. 🛠️🌱✨

Hey there, Besties! 🌟

I'm super excited to share my latest obsessions - seven color palettes that are rocking my world right now! 🎨✨ From the depths of earthy greens to the warmth of sunset hues, these palettes are giving me all the feels, and I just know you're going to adore them as much as I do.

Imagine wandering through a mystical forest, with the sun peeking through the canopy. This palette is a dreamy mix of deep emeralds and sage tones, grounded by a rich, dark moss. It's nature's own cozy nook that whispers of secret stories and old-world charm.

Sunset on the Savannah 🌅

This palette is a safari of color, where dusty terracottas meet the golden hour. It's as if the sun is setting over a sprawling savannah, casting a glow that warms the soul. These hues are perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of adventure to their space or design.

Ocean's Depths 🌊

Dive into the tranquility of the ocean with this palette. From a teal that embodies the essence of the sea to a mysterious midnight blue, it's a color story that's both serene and profound. It's like the ocean's depth in your very own home, evoking a sense of peace and introspection.

Get ready for a cozy autumn vibe with this palette. With colors reminiscent of fall leaves and pumpkin spice, it's a little bit of that magical New England autumn, no matter where you are. These warm, inviting tones are like a hug for your walls or digital design!

Moroccan Bazaar 🏺

Step into the vibrant energy of a Moroccan market with this palette. With bold, spicy hues that tell tales of exotic places and distant lands, it's an invitation to infuse your life with color and energy. Let's bring the buzz of a bustling bazaar into our homes!

Desert Dusk 🌵

This palette captures the stillness of the desert at dusk. It's a blend of soft pinks and deep, earthy tones that echo the quiet beauty of the wilderness. It's about those moments of solitude and beauty we find in the most unexpected places.

Pastel Daydreams ☁️

Last but not least, float away with these whimsical pastels. This palette is a breath of fresh air, a gentle reminder of soft cotton candy skies and the sweet serenity of daydreams. It's perfect for crafting a space or design that's a soft place to land on the busiest of days.

Remember, Besties, these are more than just colors. They're stories, they're emotions, they're the backdrop to our lives. So whether you're painting a room, choosing a throw pillow, or upcycling that thrift store find, let these palettes inspire you to create something beautiful.

Before I sign off, remember to swing by the blog later for an update on my previous color palette post, now with a little twist of my new style. Spoiler alert: It's going to be fab! 🌈✨

Until then, keep shining and DIY-ing!

 Hey there, Besties! 🌟

In this grand, unpredictable journey we lovingly call life, we're bound to encounter a myriad of lessons, some tougher than others. Today, I want to chat about a universal truth that's as undeniable as it is challenging: You will be mishandled.

It's a peculiar facet of human interaction, isn't it? People, in their complex simplicity, will mishandle us. Sometimes, it's because they haven't walked a mile in our shoes or even glanced at the path we've tread. They see us through a lens clouded by their perceptions, unaware of the stories etched in our hearts.

But here's where it gets even more intriguing. Some will know our stories, perhaps even better than their own, yet they choose to mishandle us. It's a paradox that can leave us bewildered, nursing our bruises in the quiet of our souls.

Before we jump to conclusions or let this dishearten us, let's take a moment to reflect. As personal as it may feel, this mishandling speaks volumes more about the person on the other end than it does about us. It's a reflection of their journey, their struggles, and the lessons they have yet to learn.

Why does this matter?

Understanding this helps us navigate these interactions with a bit more grace and a lot less hurt. It's not about excusing their behavior but rather about protecting our peace and recognizing that their actions are not a measure of our worth.

This understanding is crucial in our 'Earth School,' where every experience is a lesson in disguise. It teaches us empathy, resilience, and the importance of setting boundaries. It reminds us that while we can't control how others treat us, we have the power to choose how we respond and who we allow to impact our journey.

Here's the takeaway, Besties:

Life's going to throw its curveballs, and people are going to mishandle us. But remember, we're in the cozy crafting corner of life, where every tool and material, no matter how odd it may seem, has a purpose. Let's use these experiences to grow, refine our ability to love and be loved, and shine even brighter.

As we continue to renovate our lives, let's remember to be kind to ourselves and others. After all, we're all works in progress; art pieces still needing to be finished. And in this beautiful mess, we find our strength and our light.

Until next time, keep shining, keep loving, and keep crafting your masterpiece. 🌍✨

 Hey there, Besties! 🌟

Today, I'm diving deep into an incredibly personal and universally human topic: the intricate dance between love and grief. As I scrolled through the archives of our journey together on "On the Creek," I noticed something that tugged at my heartstrings. A post from a significant moment in my life – my first Valentine's Day without James – stood out as one of your favorites.

Isn't it a peculiar thought? The idea that grief, in all its shadowy depths, is something that each of us will encounter, yet in such different ways. It's a bitter truth that the essence of grief is as universal as love itself. And it's this very universality that binds us, isn't it?

On my journey through widowhood, I've come to realize that grief and love are two sides of the same coin. To love deeply is a risk that invites profound grief when that love is lost. But would we ever choose to forego love to spare ourselves the pain of grief? For someone like me, who loves with all her heart, avoiding love is not an option, even when the price is a deep, aching loss.

But here's the thing, my dearest friends: it's okay to love, it's okay to grieve, and it's perfectly okay to let them coexist. Grieving doesn't mean we're stuck in the past, just as loving doesn't mean we're oblivious to pain. It's about embracing the full spectrum of human emotion and allowing ourselves to feel deeply, in all its shades and nuances.

I'm learning, day by day, that life is the grandest of all DIY projects. It's messy and unpredictable, and sometimes, the instructions seem like they're written in another language. But it's also beautiful, rich with lessons and opportunities to grow, learn, and love again.

So, as I navigate this path of widowhood, crafting a life that's full of both memories and dreams, I'm holding on to the belief that it's okay to be optimistic about the future, even with a heart that's familiar with loss. Because, at the end of the day, life isn't black and white – it's a kaleidoscope of colors, each shade representing a part of our story, a lesson learned, or a love cherished.

Remember, Besties, we're all students in this grand, messy workshop called 'Earth School.' Every experience, every tear, and every smile is a chapter in our book, a stroke of paint on our canvas. And it's up to us to embrace it all, the grief and the love, as we craft our masterpieces.

Until next time, keep shining, keep loving, and keep crafting your beautiful, unique story. 🌍✨🛠️🌱