Making Most at Home


I enjoy slowing down for meals, especially when at home…and especially when I’m with my family.  During these everyday moments I like to take a minute or two to appreciate the food on the table as well as all the other good things that are in my life.  And sometimes these feelings are carried through into my handmade creations, such as the altered napkin rings featured in the most recent Somerset Home.

Things at home have been on the quiet side.  And there are still a few weeks left of summer for our household before Brook begins school again.  She’ll be entering her first year of high school…I can’t believe how quickly time speeds by!  Thank goodness we still have a decent chunk of time left with her at home – I plan to savor every bit of it together.  I’m so not ready to let go, but I know I must…eventually.

And speaking of letting go, Brook’s been away at summer camp for 4 weeks and we finally get to bring her home this coming Friday.  At first Bill and I were not keen on letting her go for so long, but Brook very much wanted the extended experience (for 5 years prior she’s been going to the same camp for their 2 week session) so we thought it would be okay for us to follow her lead and let her sign up for 3 extra weeks.  On one hand, I’m glad that our girl is gaining independence and ready to wander off a bit on her own, but on the other hand I’m fearful of letting her go.  Parenting sure is tough…and at the same time, I’m learning so much about myself (and life in general) because of it.  Who knew that my little girl would be my teacher…of life…of love?



10 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. Oh these napkin rings are gorgeous! I love the sentiment “be still”….perfect! I know how hard it is to let go and allow our babies to grow up. Seems like yesterday I was watching him clumsily ride off down the road on his first 2 wheeler. Treasure your moments! 🙂

    August 16th, 2012

  2. i saw those napkin rings when i purchased the mag several weeks ago. they’re lovely! i KNEW they were yours before i even looked at the “artists’ credit.” hope all is well. Bonne Chance to your sweet Brook as she starts high school….will be a wonderful time of “growth” for you all. (Mine is leaving for his LAST year in College! “Don’t blink!”)

    August 16th, 2012

  3. These are so lovely Becky! Reminded me that when I was packing for Seattle I started to throw out some old boring napkin rings…but then I thought…maybe I could do something to them to make them pretty! You have inspired me…once again!

    August 16th, 2012

  4. laura huffman

    Love the napkin rings. Good luck to Brook in high school. She’ll shine.

    August 16th, 2012

  5. I always enjoy seeing your creations. Soft and dreamy and gorgeous!

    August 17th, 2012

  6. congrats and how i savor all you do + are xox

    August 17th, 2012

  7. a heARTful life

    I love the napkin rings and sentiments, too…so lovely!! And I trust Brooke will continue to flourish and blossom in high school, too!! Enjoy these breaths of summer with her. 🙂

    August 17th, 2012

  8. Linda K

    what really lovely napkin rings Becky! I love your idea of using a single word coordinating with other words to create a set.
    Ahh, yes, letting go can be challenging; but it is part of life isn’t it? I’ll pass on something a dear friend shared with me whilst I was having a difficult time letting go. “Roots and Wings”. You give them their roots and you nurture their growth, allowing them to fly once they have their wings. I repeated that to myself many times over and one day it finally soothed my soul and I happily let go (sort of) 🙂 . Wishing Brooke a fabulous first year in high school!

    August 17th, 2012

  9. Congratulations on another publication dear. These are very special and creative. Wonderful way to begin a nourishing meal. Summer Sunshine Smiles…

    August 20th, 2012

  10. It never ceases to amaze me how much I learn from my children…and now, my grandchildren!
    All the best to Brook as she begins her high schhol years!

    Love the napkin rings!

    August 23rd, 2012

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