Weekend Wrapup

Good Morning! I hope y'all had a great weekend- and that those in the US had a fabulous Thanksgiving. The holiday season has begun!

We had a great time shopping at the cute little boutiques in St. Michael's Maryland...

via Virtual Tourist

(this picture does NOT do St. Michael's justice but I forgot my camera!)

and some shopping in downtown Frederick, Maryland ("home").

Downtown Frederick has really matured since I lived there- makes me kick myself that I am too risk-averse to have opened my dream wine/kitchen store there!

I saw a message that really resonated with me- sort of like the 3/50 project.

So my goal this holiday season is to find more thoughtful/unique gifts from smaller shops. I can't limit myself to brick and mortar as I love Etsy and so many other online boutiques! But I think the intention is the same. (That said, to be clear, I don't think Big Box is necessarily the enemy- and we are actually a household employed through large retailers- so I will stray from this a little bit.) OK, before I alienate everyone, onto politics. ;-)

On our way home, via National airport, we stopped by the FDR memorial. Fantastic views....

and amazing how many of the messages at FDR's memorial are applicable to today.

(note: this is not intended to convey a political message, but rather it's fascinating how history can repeat itself).

While we had a great weekend with family, I am celebrating our return to our furkids!

Thankful Giving

Raw Art Letterpress

Here in the States, as y'all have read and blogged about, we're preparing for our annual Feast of Thanksgiving. And in addition to the traditions like pumpkin pie (fresh pumpkin, of course), pecan pie, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, and turkey, we often take a few moments to give Thanks.

I love Raw Art Letterpress' play on words aboves- Thanks if For Giving or Thanks is FORGIVING. Powerful, yes? Christina at Down and Out Chic had a great post on forgiving earlier this week. (Side note: I'm thrilled to pieces to have won Bright Bold and Beautiful's Raw Art Letterpress giveaway!!).

TRMack Studio

This Holiday season, I have a slightly different interpretation. May we all be Thankful to be able to Give. Give freely- whether it's time, money, attention, love. Give not out of fear (of having nothing) or out of guilt. Give with respect, compassion, and love.

ForHisGlory

So whether you're traveling, staying home, with friends or family- this week or in the next few weeks- I encourage you to take a moment. Give thanks. And then find a way to thankfully give.

I'd also like to take this moment to thank you- all my followers, readers, and supporters. I am so glad to have gotten know you and look forward to building more friendships!

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Emmie