When Good things Happen to Good People. . . . .

and by "good" people,

i am referring to my daughter, Taylor.

for as long as i can remember, she has twirled her way through life.

(okay, run into a few walls, knocked over a Christmas tree here and there:)

but piroutte every chance she got.

she sacrificed a lot of typical teenage moments

(which, in today's world, probably contributed to her NOT getting messed up:)

all so she could pursue her dream.

every summer she auditions for a summer intensive at a ballet school.

but this year, it was a bit different.

she auditioned for a summer program,

hoping to get noticed throughout the summer

and asked to stay to continue training next school year.

that is the hope.

however,

when she auditioned for the summer program at 

the Joffrey Ballet Academy of Dance Chicago,  they did more than accept her

for the summer.

they gave her a spot in the Joffrey Trainee program for the Fall, also.

exciting days for this ballerina, I can tell you.

exciting and scary, at least for her mama:)

so, as she finishes up her high school courses and 

has rehearsals for Swan Lake with her studio,

she has a lot to look forward to, and a lot to think about.

i would appreciate any and all prayers for my little girl as she

steps out into the professional world,

and for her family who is very happy and extremely proud and supportive,

but who will miss her terribly.

                                    

go after the dream you have worked so hard for.

 and always know that if you should ever choose another path,

we'll always be here for you;)

we love you Taylorina!!!!!

xoxoxoxo

Mummy:)

Dream Come True. . . . . .

somehow, amidst all the sadness of young lives taken in Connecticut yesterday,

we have to remember that life goes on.

it is never easy,

but that's how it goes. 

we will go to sleep and God willing, wake up tomorrow.

we will pray for those hurting............

and live our day the best way we know how.

while so many saw dreams die yesterday,

my little girl is going to see one of hers come true on Saturday/

She has taken ballet since the age of 3 and watched the Nutcracker

 every single year at Christmas.

growing up, she loved her Barbies.

and two of her favorites were the Nutcracker Prince and Sugarplum Barbie.

even at play, she thought about her dream.

She has danced many of the parts in her young life...........

she has been a doll, spanish dancer, russian dancer, flower, snowflake, soldier, snow queen and the

sugarplum fairy.

but in her childhood journal, 

i found a note from her preschool 4 teacher saying when Taylor

introduced herself to her class as directed and told them what she wanted to be one day,

she said she wanted to be a ballerina when she grew up and dance the role of Clara in the Nutcracker.  

well, guess who is Clara in this year's Nutcracker?

my little girl!

she has worked so hard. . . . . . 

spinning, stretching, sweating. . .. . .

soaking feet and wrapping toes.

on Saturday and Sunday, she will lead her friends and fellow dancers on to the stage to tell the story of the Nutcracker.

not only is this a special day for her,

but for me too.

because that little girl I used to take to the ballet, is dancing a role she dreamed of.

a role she may or may not ever dance again.

and the whole time she is on stage, i will be silently cheering her on.

as her mommy and number 1 fan, i will be so proud.

proud of my little girl.

xoxo

Suzanne

now THIS is going on my list...

...my WISH list

...my BUCKET list

...my SHABBY CHICKS list

...my someday i REALLY, REALLY want to go here list!

i love flea markets (the antique kind...not touristy junk) and antique shows...

especially the kind that are filled with LOTS of shabby, chippy stuff.

i have wanted to visit the Round Top Texas show for a long time...

2 shows a year...I should be able to make one, right?

wouldn't you think?

well, now there is another reason to go to this show...

Rachel Ashwell...

 Ms. Shabby Chic herself...

bought a Texas guest ranch a few miles down the road.

formerly the Outpost at Cedar Creek,

i saw this on her site in December...

The Ranch by Rachel Ashwell...

Here is how she describes it...

"A bed and breakfast. Seminars on inspiration, creativity and business.  A place for events...and dreams."

oh my gosh, i'm ready to make my reservations!

She held a sale and sold everything to make room for her shabby makeover...

and to get ready for her guests (that would be me:)

yep, I'm sensing a girls road trip someday in the future...

but then, since my husband is actually a fan of hers too,

he just might crash the party.

hmmm...don't think so;)

The ranch has several different buildings...

this is one of the cottages waiting for her chic, tattered touch...

 there is a barn cottage...

 take a peek at this...the prairie cottage...

(looks like somebody was already a fan of Rachel:)

log cabins...

and there is even an airstream 

 how adorable will THIS be when she's done!

bet it will be THE place to stay...

"a house becomes a home when life happens and memories are made"...Rachel Ashwell

i bet the kitchens will get a redo in the shabby style...

 and a comfy bed 

 with her favorite, white poplin linen and as Rachel called them

in her DVD I watched the other day,

"smooshy" pillows:)

 who wouldn't appreciate a LOVELY cup of tea in this dining room...

 bet she's busy in her workroom coming up with all kinds of goodies to decorate her new ranch.

 

but you don't have to take my word for it.

visit Rachel's blog (TELL ME YOU SUBSCRIBE...PLEASE!!!)

www.rachelashwellshabbychic.blogspot.com

or you can also visit

www.cotedetexas.blogspot.com for a lady who is in the know.

Shabby Chic:  “Evidence of life.  Anything from children’s art to dog-eared magazines to fresh-cut flowers that aren’t perfect.” – Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic

and keep an eye out for her NEW, 7th book that is due out in October...

Inspiration & Beautiful Spaces

just in time for another LIST...

your Christmas List!

ciao!!!