Been Busy with Bambi

Paul and I went to the Mid-Atlantic Bed and Breakfast Conference in Natural Bridge, Virginia last week. It was a nice little get-away, and we met a lot of fellow B&B owners-- some of whom we hope to keep in touch with! Kiara missed some school because she was with my mom while we were away, then when we got home she missed the next two days because of weather. On top of having her at home unexpectedly, we have also been busy fostering a baby goat that lost his home to a fire. (We agreed to help out a friend whose barn burned and left Bambi without a shelter or siblings.) He's just adorable. Here are some pics...







Kiara had the weekend off and Monday (holiday) and today she went in two hours late because of ice on the roads. Needless to say, I am still trying to get back in the groove as our routine has been off since we left for the conference.

I did get to enjoy having lunch today with my mom and grandmother, which was a treat!

A Few of My Favorite Things

A friend named Adele inspired me to make a list of my favorite things.... I started this several weeks ago and just finished to post. Here they are:

Since I'm somewhat of a minimalist, it's hard for me to think of many THINGS that I like. The only nicknacks I guess you could say I collect are Willowtree angels. They are like the Precious Moments figurines of the new millinium. Each handcarved angel is so simple yet says so much. The have a "theme" that the figure symbolizes. Hmmm, guess I never thought of it before, but the reason I probably like them so much is because they are so simple! My minimalist side shows through!

I have this love for storage items. I love all kinds of containers that help me stay organized and keep things in their place. I know that sounds a little obsessive-compulsive, but I didn't say I was great at using them. My stuff still piles up in my little organizing baskets... but I love them nonetheless! (BTW, this is not my closet!!!-- I wish is was!!!)

I love the music of Wes King. He's a Pop-Christian artist with so much talent! He was recently diagnosed with leukemia and is a young father of 3. His determination to live and serve God inspires me.

I just adore baby animals. Any kind. (Well, except infant insects and reptiles!) Little lambs, puppies, kittens... they're all so cute! See post above for pics of our recent addition-- Bambi the baby goat (we are fostering him for a few months)!

I also love moonlight reflecting on an ocean, cozy fires, pink skies at dusk, fireflies on a summer night, rays of sun beaming through trees, flickering candles, and the anticipation of a sunrise (when I'm up early enough to catch it!) Most people don't realize the effect lighting has on our emotions and moods. I just love the calmness and peace it can create.

So, those are a few of my favorite things. Have any you'd like to share? Put them in my comments section. I'd love to hear them!

First Post of 2008

Wow! It has been about 2 weeks since my last post--Guess we've been busier than I even realized. Paul, Kiara and I welcomed in 2008 at our friends' house where we ate, watched fireworks, stayed warm by a bonfire and counted down to midnight! (One of the daughters of this family is pictured below with Kiara looking at the trains.) I recently discovered that a very good friend of mine from college is closely related to them. That's life in small-town America!

Paul's sister, Joan, and a friend of hers is here visiting us now. We are having a great time just hangin' out! Joan stayed at Roselawn for a few months when we first bought the place, so she has seen it since the visionary stage. She actually had her hand in transforming a lot of the areas in the house. Thanks, Joan!

Guess I'd better be a good hostess and get back to visiting!