Fall Fashion? I think YES.

No doubt about it. Autumn's nearly here. While we may not have actually crossed the calendar date that says "first day of Fall" ... everybody knows it. Pinterest is exploding with pumpkins, apples, cinnamon, wreaths, boots, and halloween everything. I didn't realize how many halloween boards I was unintentionally following! (Yeah. I've been clicking "unfollow" on all of those. Sorry, ya'll, but ghosts, spiders, and witches are not what I delight in... why would we try to make something 'cute' out of such horrid things? But that's a rant for another day...)

One thing I love about living in the south is that while most of the year is warm, we do get a nice cool, crisp fall season if we're lucky blessed. :D This means we get to dig out the sweaters, scarves, gloves, hats and boots that have been waiting all year. AND we get to update our look a little bit with some layers and warmer wear...

How about this fab new fall line from eShakti.com?


Oooh, some of that stuff is CUTE. Almost makes me wish I had darker coloring so I could pull more of those pieces off. ;) I'm definitely in the "Spring" category when it comes to complexion. Light and warm. :)

If only I had more time to gab about how much fun our Fall Cleaning project is becoming... Today we dusted down the log ceiling and walls of the Master Bathroom with brooms, and I completely cleaned and reorganized the under-the-sink cabinet, drawers, and linen armoire. It feels so good to get the house really clean! :)

Hope your days are sunny and bright as we head for chillier weather!

Overcoming

Dear friends,

I am sorry to say my engagement is over. After I returned home from our trip, it became more and more clear that the relationship was not going to work. In the best interests of both hearts involved, we felt that it was necessary to call it off. Thank you for your understanding that this is all I am able to share.

As you can imagine, the last couple weeks haven't been easy for me... but to my great surprise, they have been easier than I would have imagined. My family and friends have been so amazingly loving and supportive. Instead of going under or drowning in the depths of despair - I discovered that I'm still me. I can still smile and laugh, and I am still blessed.

God has given me so much. He loves me tenderly as his child, and I fully trust in his perfect plan for me. He knows my future and I know it's going to be more wonderful than I can even imagine.

Even if I can't see what's around the bend... I still believe it's a beautiful road to be traveling on. :) And I can honestly say that even if what's ahead are hard lessons to be learned, I know it will be good. I have already learned so much and grown in grace through this experience. Perhaps that's why the Lord allowed it to happen, hmm? :)

My heart has healed. It's not broken. And really, seeing myself stay so strong through this has been eye-opening. I didn't know I had it in me. I know it's God, because I couldn't do it in my own strength.

^ This song started playing on the radio yesterday and it was the first time I'd heard it... wow. My heart leapt for joy inside me... the words resonated so powerfully with what I've been going through. And right then and there I (raced to my laptop and bought the album on iTunes) claimed it for myself. Yes! I am an overcomer. 

As I wrote in my journal the other night... now I'm rediscovering my sparkle. There is beauty and happiness waiting for me to reach out and take hold of it. I have some delightful projects in the works... including crocheting a beautiful pink-chocolate-and-cream afghan for my mother and overseeing a complete redecoration of our house... making it look fresh and updated, as thriftily and DIY and Pinterest-inspired as possible. :D 

Keep me in your prayers, if you would. I appreciate it. :)

Love & Blessings,