Plant a seed of friendship; reap a bouquet of happiness...

Happiness is what describes this weekend best for me. I gave myself one of my favorite gifts...a day spent with my women friends. I am blessed to have them. I can't imagine not having my friends. It would be an incomplete life. We spent the day at Village Venture in Claremont. It is a magnificent art show that I look forward to every year. We make a day of it and nothing gets in the way of me going. We laugh until it hurts and talk honestly about everything. This year we met for breakfast and then we were onto VV as soon as it opened. All of the streets in Claremont are closed off for the event and artisans and crafters fill the streets with their creations. It was hot! I mean 100 degrees hot! We hydrated and hid in the shade when we could, but we kept going. Anna and I bought hats for yard duty at work and soon we had them out and on. I don't think I would have survived the day without it. Slowly, our entire group bought them to stay cool. Next Tamie bought one and then Heidi. Leslie felt left out and caved and bought one too. I think people thought we were a group like the Red Hat Society or something. Who needs them?! We had a fabulous time with our little group...and probably more fun too! Elyse couldn't make it this year because she was sick. We missed her. Syl couldn't fly down this year for the event either...bummer. So the five of us braved the heat and I had the best time ever. These days always remind me that no matter how busy life gets, it is essential to make time for the special women in my life. It feeds my soul. My finds this year were as follows: quilt for Maggie's big girl room, silver rose bracelet, rose cross necklace, cubic zirconia ring made by female inmates, stuffing stockers for my daughters, a fabulous sunhat, petticoats for my daughters, bookbag for Bella, and pearl earrings. I also had a yummy breakfast and lunch at two new restaurants in town. It came after a very long and hard week and I am so glad it did! I am already looking forward to next year! Happiness is the word of the weekend.

"My friends are my estate". - Emily Dickenson

My bracelet that was sized just for me! I love it. Tamie bought a cool bracelet and ring set at the same booth.

Never thought I'd say this...

Thank you Colin Powell. (No, people who know me well...I haven't lost my mind). Thank you for making an extremely valid and honest statement. I say it all of the time - and so do people I know - but we do not gain international attention. You do. The current trend of conservatism in our country is alarming and hateful. It is downright scary. So much of it comes from people who claim to have found God too. It is pure fanaticism. Peace!

P.S. I will never call you a sell out again.