Birthday's remembered ~

This is the last birthday card I had received from my mom before she passed. I love the message and for my last two birthday's, I make sure I re-read the message that mom wanted me to get . . . .

How to make

A Beautiful Life 

Reflections For a Daughter On Her Birthday

Dear Gini

Love yourself.

MAKE PEACE with who you are

and where you are

at this moment in time. 

Listen to your heart. 

If you can't hear what it's saying

in this noisy world, 

MAKE TIME for yourself. 

Enjoy  your own company. 

Let your mind wander among the stars. 

Try.

Take chances.

MAKE MISTAKES. 

Life can be messy 

and confusing at times,

but it's also full of surprises. 

The next rock in your path

might be a stepping-stone. 

Be happy.

When you don't have what you want, 

want what you have. 

MAKE DO.

That's a well-kept secret of contentment. 

There aren't any shortcuts to tomorrow.

You have to MAKE YOUR OWN WAY. 

To know where you're going

is only part of it. 

You need to know where you've been, too.

And if you ever get lost, don't worry. 

The people who love you will find you. 

Count on it. 

Life isn't days and years.

It's what you do with time

and with all the goodness and grace

that's inside you. 

MAKE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE . . . 

The kind of life you deserve. 

What more can I wish you, but peace and happiness, I love you, Mom

2009

Mom always gave me beautiful cards, this one just really stands out for me. It's a tri-fold card and you are only seeing the very front of the card.  I missed mom sharing my birthday with me, but I know she would have wanted me to enjoy it . . . I am enjoying it and honoring her too, after all, if it were not for her, I would not be here . . . I love you, Mom, and thank you for a beautiful life. 

Comforting words ~

Lovely cards, comforting words and a pretty rose from friends and family that I received yesterday (and today in my mailbox), on the one year anniversary of mom's passing . . . thank you all.

Letters, notes and cards ~

I love to write letters and cards to family and friends, which I have gotten away from in the last few years.  I have had this little collection of books for many years. I use them as a reference when I am lost for words . . . make calling cards . . .  or, when I make my handmade cards . . . and, they just look pretty sitting on my antique roll top desk.

Cards and Stationery ~

I have always loved greeting cards, making my own cards, and stationery. I'm still old fashioned in that even in our fast paced busy world, I love to send out cards and letters when I get a chance, via snail mail.  There is something about getting a personal handwritten note or letter in your mailbox these days.
In an attempt to organize and know what I have or need to get...years ago I created my own place to house all of my pretty papers and cards.  I have been re-organizing and cleaning my office lately. I have had this file so long, that the dividers are really getting beat up. I took this out so I can create some pretty new labels for each divider.