Tag Archives: friends

Christmas cards make year-round memories

Gina Gardner BrownSuperMom Gina has a world of great ideas and always seems to take life in stride with a smile. Whether she is running the concession stand at the swim meet, homeschooling her kids or supporting her babes in the mission field, Gina manages to do so with the kind of “Grace” that is befitting a woman of faith.

Now, before you go thinking that she is “one of those” perfect women, she will be the first to admit she isn’t. There are so many behind the scenes moments for a busy mom, that it wouldn’t be fair to comment-besides, we are all trying to look like a swan, while under the water, we are paddling like crazy ducks.

One key to Gina’s year-round “peace” is her Christmas card collection that remains firmly taped up around her kitchen all year long.

“I keep the Christmas cards that I receive hanging in my kitchen until I start getting new ones to replace them,” says Gina.  “That’s right, if you send me a card (especially with a picture) your smiling face is in my kitchen for a year” Her favorite part about that is the new December that brings new cards. “I love it because when I take them down I am more able to reflect on the changes that happen during the past year since the card was originally sent.” She looks forward to catching up on all those changes…one card at a time.

And the blog topic? It  just shows that you never know who is inspired by your Facebook musings on any given day! Thanks Gina for being a good sport!

Channeling Audrey Hepburn…or Happy Birthday Anita

ImageThe busy weekend included the celebration of my friend, Anita’s birthday…She is pretty comfortable being 40, especially since she looks about 29! The week preceding the party was a celebration of Anita’s many creative talents. She had envisioned her grand staircase no longer covered in carpet, but sanded, stained and turned out like the grand entrance it was meant to be. Her daughter, Kelly, was the beneficiary of the flow of creative energy. A bright green “lounge” complete with art-deco touches now occupies the former “beigeness” of the corner bedoom. Lucky Kelly-although it was her splatter-art panels that pulled the whole place together.

The piece de resistance was revealed as my tour entered the guest bedroom. A stunningly warm room with handmade bedspread, crystal lamps, heavenly candles and reclaimed furniture painted black was all watched over by the smokey eyes of Audrey Hepburn in a Breakfast At Tiffany’s pose. As I stood in the room admiring my friend’s talents, I was reminded of those qualities that make Anita such a beautiful person. Her own poise, beauty and grace is evident each and every time she opens her home to her friends-which is pretty often. I think she just might be channeling Audrey Hepburn. As for me…I am kind of a Katharine Hepburn gal who can appreciate a work of art.