So I've been a little distracted lately...

The Hubs had not one, but two deaths in his family recently and went to be with his family to lend a helping hand.

E-man's birthday is this weekend -he's turning 1!- and we've been struggling to put away the mountain of stuff the Hubs brought home with him (about a hundred ceramic houses, some vintage train sets and other train layout goodies) before the party this weekend. We've since given up on getting the madness under control and are having the party at Dad's house instead. Thanks, Dad!

Lots of research and planning for the biz, Anna K. Originals. All in between painting and figuring out how my new-fangled printer works. I have a craft show coming up on May 1st and the In-Laws will be visiting the last few days in April. I'm trying to get everything done before they visit so that I'm able to see them and not be holed up in my studio. That may be a stretch for me, but I'm gonna try! I just got my packaging stuff in the mail this week and I'm all aflutter.

Have a great weekend everyone and, yes, I'll have lots of pictures of E-man's 1st birthday to share!

Singing at a funeral....not as easy as I thought.

The trio that I sing with was asked to sing a selection for a funeral that was held yesterday. I didn't think much of it, other than I was honored that we were asked and thoughts of sympathy at the family's loss.

The difficulty that I would be facing in singing for such a service didn't fully dawn on me until the family processed down the aisle to the distinctive sounds of a bagpipe belting out Amazing Grace. With one glimpse at their faces as they took in the sight of the casket at the altar and the way some of them held on to one another, my mind flashed back to Mom's funeral services.

Yikes.

The service was lovely and the recounting of her life touching and even, at times, funny. Then it was time for us to sing.....and I had the solo part.

With one final prayer the song began.....

I just couldn't look at the family. What can I say? Memories of one of the hardest days of my life and being a sympathy cryer will do that.

How in the world did I ever think that singing at such a service would be nothing to worry about? Silly, silly me.

Perfect Pic

My cousin, who blogs over at Boondock Ramblings, has quite a way with a camera. I consider it to not just be a talent, but a true gift. Most of my favorite pictures of family members have been taken by her. She emailed this pic of my Momma and the Bubs to both my dad and me yesterday. We cried. That photo perfectly captures how I remember her and want others to remember her.

Dad had it in a frame and it stayed on top of the casket (which was closed per Momma's request) tonight. It was a bright spot of joy in the middle of a very difficult evening. You cannnot help but look at that picture and smile. I know it was a comfort to Dad, who repeatedly touched it and shared in people's delight over it...in between the tears.

To my cousin, L~
I know you are in pain because you couldn't come down to Momma's funeral. We understand why you could not be here. Truly, we do. Please don't beat yourself up about it, shug. Know that we love you and that Momma loved you. She always thought you were very talented, creative, smart....and, well, the list goes on! As for this picture of Momma and the Bubs, I will never be able to fully express how much it meant to Dad, Aaron and I to have it there this evening. It was, if I can say this about a viewing, the highlight of the evening for many who were there. Thank you for being thoughtful enough to do that for us. The Bubs will definitely be getting a copy, as you requested and I know he'll love it.

I love you, L.