Thank Heaven, for little girls!

On Sunday we headed to Phoenix for the much anticipated baby shower honoring the lovely Lacey and her sweet bebe-to-be.  Our dearest family friends, Nancy and Ashley (Lacey's mom and sis) hosted the event at Nancy and Mike's home.  

Lacey and Tim have a very special connection to Paris as bebe was started there! Nearly newlyweds, the couple celebrated their 2nd Anniversary in October and their dream-come-true is due in January.  This shower was one of the most beautiful I've seen...but I think it was because every touch was done with the greatest love for mother and baby.  Nancy and Ashley are two of the most creative spirits we know. 

French touches abound everywhere...Come join the celebration!

a "welcome" at the front door

beautiful mommy-to-be, Lacey

the scrumptious dessert table

There were fantastic vignettes throughout the home...paying tribute to ladies, both young and old...

  the Madeline table, of course!!

Mother Goose was there

Ashley, Lacey, and Nancy

We will be dreaming pink...and French...and girly...and anxiously awaiting this precious bundle!  Thank you ladies for sharing this beautiful event with your "second family!"

I'm working like a crazed elf in my studio these days...just 12 sleeps until the Reid Park Arts and Crafts Fair Thanksgiving weekend.  This will be my first time as a vendor and I'm so excited.  I'll be sharing a sneak peek of my wares next Monday!
Oh, and for those who don't follow my blog on Google Reader, check out the post I snuck in last week about a truly beautiful swap.

Have a blessed week dear friends!
xoxo
Karen

Mother Mary

This swap was one of the most beautiful swaps I've experienced.  My friend Lynn, who I only know through Blogland, suggested we do an altered matchbox honoring the Blessed Mother.  You see, we both have a special place in our hearts for her.  I was truly inspired as I put together these special treasures.

Here is the magnificent box Lynn created for me.

Here are the treasures the box held.  Among them were a vintage salt cellar with blue glitter (Mary's color), an altered bottle cap, 3 tiny lockets, a "worry" charm, vintage hanky, chain of charms, and the most beautiful spoon necklace with the miraculous medal as a center piece.

Thank you, dear Lynn, for all this goodness.  The box stands on the top tier of a corner shelf in our breakfast room for all to see.

Here's what I created for Lynn...

the matchbox, a Year of Mary calendar for 2012, a tote bag from the Pope's visit to Germany

Thank you for visiting this special post with me.  Blessings to you and yours this weekend.
xoxo
Karen

Berlin Diary ~ Day 7

Well, the time has come and we mark our last day in Berlin before leaving early tomorrow morning.  We thought it was fitting to spend the day visiting the sight that is iconic to Berlin ~ "The Wall."
The Berlin Wall was erected in 1961 and boasted a total length of 96 miles.  It encapsulated the "free" area of West Berlin, while the remainder of the city was Soviet occupied and known as East Berlin.

We took the train to the outdoor museum in the Mitte district.

a reference to the Wall

this is the outdoor museum

doors were added to allow offical personnel to pass through

this is the subway station we used!  all subway lines were closed down

a "pit" used to trap cars 

the length of the memorial

a section of Wall in a local bakery

We have now traveled to the northern section of the district to view the Wall Art...this is at the East Side Gallery.  I will leave you with these images...they really speak for themselves.

translation...."No Man's Land"

We are enjoying a cold (53 degrees) rainy day in Tucson.  It feels like Fall has arrived!  Have a beautiful week, dear friends.  Auf Wiedersehen mein Berlin!
xoxo
Karen