I first heard Rob say this gem, earlier this year, on a live chat that Rob's wife and business partner, Debbie Phillips, was hosting for members of her community of women, Women on Fire.

The words brought tears to my eyes.

At the time, Rob had been diagnosed and was dealing with gastric cancer. Despite being ill, Rob, a Master Certified Coach, decided to spend his precious time with the wonderful women of Women on Fire to share his wisdom with us.

And, as usual, Rob's words were inspirational and thought-provoking.

Every. Single. Time. I heard Rob speak (which was many) or had a conversation with him, I gained a new nugget of goodness to take into my life and make my world a little better.

And for that I am deeply grateful.
Thank you, Rob!

Sadly, earlier this month, Rob passed away.

As a tribute to Rob and all of his wisdom, I created this artwork. It is heartfelt.

ps... This week I created two originals - one for the One a Week Art Challenge and one as a gift for Debbie. (Love you, Debbie!)

pss... As with all the pieces that I create this year for the One a Week Art Challenge, the original is not available for sale until February 8, 2019 when I host my celebratory art show.

psss... I do have both prints available in my shop.
​If you want the dark blue "drop", click here.
​If you want the light blue "drop", click here.

Happy a joyful Holiday Season!

​And MAKE it a HAPPY day!

Every year decorating the Christmas Tree is a trip down memory lane. Each ornament is like to seeing a long lost friend.

When Jeff and I got married in 2003, we combined our ornaments - many of which were from our separate childhoods. As we decorated the tree in the early days of our marriage, we swapped stories. I learned that the fragile little red trumpet with the green tattered bow and broken off mouthpiece was given to him for his first Christmas when he was just 10 days old. He learned how much I cherish the antique delicate hand painted bulbs that were my grandmothers.

Every year, ornaments are added and more memories have been created. We have ornaments from our honeymoon out west. Our boys each have a special "My First Christmas" bauble that hangs from the branches. When our boys were toddlers, our tree gained an awesome red and white ladder, after an outing to "see all the lights" at a local Christmas store. We have added holiday treasures that our sons made in preschool and elementary school and other special ornaments that were given to each of us from loved ones.

Nowadays, our boys, ages 12 and 13, tell stories about their ornaments as we decorate the tree. They fight over who gets to hang the ladder and which train engine ornament is theirs. We reminisce and laugh. It's a treasured time.

​This year, another trumpet and a tuba will find their places on a branch. And, joyfully, our Christmas tree will continue to tell our family's unfolding story year after year.