Beautiful

"One day in retrospect the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful"
– Sigmund Freud

But Why?


I read this quote, and there was something about it that struck a chord with me. I couldn't pin point it, couldn't figure it out. I kept thinking about it - I knew in my heart that it was true, or at the very least there was some truth to it.

Maybe it's because during those years of struggle you find out what is most important. You find out who you are, and what you - at your core - really need in your life.

Maybe it's because during those years of struggle you are forced to grow. Grow or give up. I choose to grow. And most of us do, whether we realize it or not.

Maybe it's because during those years of struggle you find out how strong you are. I thought that I could be strong if it came down to it, but it didn't stop me from being scared. What I learned/realized is that during times of struggle, you often do not think about how strong you are. You are just trying to survive. Survive and make it through the day to the next. Looking back, I almost can't believe how strong I was.

Maybe it's because after those years of struggle you can really and truly appreciate everything you have in your life. You can appreciate how far you've come and how much you've grown.

Maybe it's because after those years of struggle you can appreciate the little things in life that you may have forgotten. You appreciate your family. Your friends. Your LIFE.

Maybe it's because after the years of struggle you realize what life is really about, and you learn to love it and appreciate it for all it's worth.



And for some reason, I suppose that even though there are times when I get caught up in the daily stuff that is my life, I do appreciate all of it. I really do.



And that's what makes it beautiful. Truly. Beautiful.

Transitioning Out of Halloween

Falling for Fall... Part 2

Okay, so today we are transitioning from Halloween to Thanksgiving decorations in our house. So, since I am a procrastinator - I have been looking for some good (& cheap) ways to dress up the home. Here is what I found... click on the pics to link back to the sites with the instructions.


1. Welcome Message: So simple.



2. Fall Hanging Vase Arrangement: I love this because you can change for any season. :)



3. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat: Not sure why I love this, but I do.



4. Pumpkins & Roses: We have a craft pumpkin leftover, so this is what I am going to do with it.



5. Pumpkin Candle Centerpiece: Cute & Creative.



6. Mushroom Wall Art: I Loooooooove Mushrooms! I have to do this! :)



7. Seasonal Tags: Very cool.



8. Leaves & Light: I do love me a good candle project.



9. A cake stand, a lamp shade, a candle & a wreath = an awesome centerpiece! I love this because it can flow seamlessly into Christmas... just change the flowers & color of the candle.



10. Autumn table setting: I love this - gorgeous!



Well, I better get my butt off the couch and get to it, then. :)

Happy Fall!