Dreaming of Brighter Days...

My cup is rather full with stress right now. 

But I'm pretty sure that the sun'll come out tomorrow... and until then, I'll just stick out my chin and (try to) grin!

sunrise at OBX

Out of the Blue

You know how sometimes a friend just comes through for you, right when you really needed it?  It's that kind of encouragement that sweeps in from out of the blue, and takes you to a place of feeling blessed. 

Thank you to whomever stuck this in my mailbox at church on Sunday.  You knew I love blue!  And you knew that I needed a rainbow! 

I'm so grateful.

Announcing the Winner...

Thanks to those of you who entered your name in the drawing.  There weren't many entries, but that was good news for those of you who did comment! 

I apologize for the delay.  I promised that I would announce the winner on Tuesday morning, but I had to wait for my "random generator" (i.e. youngest son) to come home from school.  :-)  Everyone, including the dog, wanted in on the action!

He pulled out #3 for the prize.  Sorry, Lori (1st commenter), but I could not count your comment since you do not live in Canada!  But come back another time.  :-)  After taking out the first comment, the 3rd commenter was Marg from Home Again.

Congratulations Marg!  Marg is a member of the Mennonite Girls Can Cook blog.  She wrote:

The mittens made me smile...I just finished a photo album of the Olympics and my favorite photo is when after a long day of walking...my feet were soaking wet and I jumped in the car and put my mittens on my feet.
Looks like we all like the winter berries.
I love the wonderful color of the seasons and what better place to show off our country with my European guests.
Have a wonderful day.

Marg, please send your mailing address to me at this email address:  alderferfamily@aol.com.  I will ship the necklace of your choice right out!  Looks like you preferred "Winter Berries", but it's okay if you change your mind.  Congratulations!  Thanks again to all who entered!  I loved reading your comments about Canada.  I will visit there someday, and see the beauty for myself.  :-)

Oh Canada...Just For You!

I'm still coveting these mittens from the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. Aren't they cute?




Speaking of Canada...I have a special announcement for all you Canadians out there who might browse my Etsy shop and wonder why I don't include Canada in my shipping information. 

ARTFUL ACCENTS IS NOW SHIPPING TO CANADA!  It's official.  What took me so long, right? 

To kick off this fun piece of news, I'm doing a giveaway...but only for those of you from Canada!  If you live in Canada currently, then you are eligible to have a chance at winning one of the necklaces pictured below.  Sorry to everyone else not from Canada!  You'll have your chance again. :-)

Please leave a comment (and be sure to include your name if you don't have a blog or website), and tell me which necklace is your favorite.  I would also like to know what you like most about living in Canada, convince me!  I will refer you to my earlier posts here and here, reminding you how much I love warm weather.

Both necklaces are red, in honor of the Canada flag! 

"All In A Row - Cardinals"
sterling silver chain, dark red opaque glass rondelles

 


"Winter Berries"
brown cotton cord, sterling silver ring pendant, mix of glass beads, coral, and shell

 


The winner will be chosen randomly and announced on the morning of Tuesday, February 8 (EDT).  Good luck!