We didn't all know each other yet we accepted an invitation from our friend Julie and set out for a drive through Idaho to a beautiful cabin for a weekend getway. It was exactly what my soul needed. It was perfect timing!

We all have busy lives, families, and commitments but it's important to make room for friendships.

A retreat with new friends and hours of girl talk, good music, great food, spirits and laughter.

Boy did we laugh!

♥, Sylvia

I remember it like it was yesterday.

We were sitting on the patio on a Saturday afternoon in May. We talked for hours, describing our vision to each other. Our dream of owning our own business.  It was a dream that started twenty years ago at a very different time in our lives when we lived in Texas. But it's funny how dreams resurface and the timing couldn't have been better.  My husband was at a crossroads; the real estate industry had taken a downturn and everything in our hearts told us to move forward with our new goal. We continued creating, envisioning and pondering how and when to take the leap.

Fast forward to today. Our emotions, energy and resolve have been on a crazy roller coaster ride. There have been many roadblocks, red tape, and stop and go's but we've pressed on. Today was a huge step forward; we signed the lease to our 5,000 square feet facility. We have a lot of work ahead of us again as we start the count down to open for business. 

This quote fell on my lap at the most opportune time... "Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It's the courage to continue that counts."~Winston Churchill.

We're collecting all of our courage to realize our dream. 

Thank you for your support and for allowing me to share with you. 

♥, Sylvia

In some Latin American countries today is el Dia del Amor y la Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship). I love that friends are appreciated also; isn't that wonderful? 

We all have friends who enrich our lives every day with their support, encouragement and love. They are a part of the people who shape our lives and fill all the corners in our hearts. 

People who teach us to see the miracles we'd stumble over every day. To see things anew, stand tall and dance for joy. 

People who are the light of our lives.

Happy Love Day!

♥, Sylvia

This is my toast to you. 

May your light shine and your spirit radiate like sunbeams. May you make beautiful connections with what your heart desires. May your hardships and things that seem improbable develop into something beyond your wildest dreams. May the new year bring you the greatest gifts of your life. May joy be your medicine. May 2012 be lovely beyond words. 

I wish this for you with all my heart. 

Cheers!

♥, Sylvia

Oh how I loved looking through photographs of this past year. But today we say good riddance! Buh-bye! Tomorow is a fresh new year. May your days bring oodles and oodles of blessings. An over abudance of everything you dream of. May hope guide you and grace lead you to all the richness in your heart.

"Favorite people, favorite places, 

favorite memories of the past. 

These are the joys of a lifetime,

these are the things that last."

Herny Van Dyke

Wishing you love and wishes for a fabulous 2012!

♥, Sylvia

Giving thanks is what today is all about. Being grateful for our health, our homes, our loved ones. Acknowledging the good that exists in our lives. Being grateful no matter what our circumstances may be. Giving ourselves breathing space to appreciate what is precious. Doing a mental and spiritual inventory of all we have, and realizing we are very rich indeed.

Put your ear down next to your soul

and listen hard. 

Anne Sextor

Happy thanks giving to you and your families!

Sharing photo prompt at 52 Photos Project. 

♥, Sylvia

Today I reminisce and celebrate all the blessings in my life. 

Another year has come and gone. The past year brought me many laughs, a few challenges, new friends, special time with family and loved ones, and moments that have made my heart swell. 

Thank you all for your love.  

You make me SOul HAPPY!

♥, Sylvia

One year ago today I decided to start this little blog.

This space was my way of facing my fear of writing.  I started with baby steps, then gained momentum and ran with it.  And you know what happened?  Writing has been one of the most powerful gifts I've given to myself. It keeps me looking at the future while reflecing on some of my life's lessons. It connects me to you, helps me dig deep and motivates me to share.

It also, I believe, has strengthened my love for photography. Photography helps me savor life and see things with a grateful heart.  I've realized how much I need it in my life; it fills me with joy.

Writing and photography opened my heart and I'm happy to share both with you.

It makes me giddy to read your comments; when something I've written or photographed brightened your day. I hope it continues to inspire you, resonate with you and is a reminder to look at all the beauty within you and around you.

THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart for being here.  For allowing me to be a part of your life.  In celebration of my anniversary and to thank you, I'm happy to announce my very first giveaway!!!

Giveaway ~ One person will receive 4x6 prints of the Gratitude Collection:

Giveaway ~ One person will receive 4x6 prints of the Joy Collection:

Giveaway ~ One person will receive 4x6 prints of the Soul Collection:

This is a great opportunity for you to unlurk yourself, say hello and enter for a chance to win!

To enter please include your email address within the comment, link to your blog (homepage) or a way to contact you.  If you're reading this on Facebook, please visit my blog to leave your comment to enter.  Comments will be closed Thursday, November 3 at 9:00PM Pacific time. Four winners will be randomly drawn, contacted and announced here on Friday, November 4.

I invite you to like my Facebook page (I'd love to see you there) and share the giveaway opportunity with your friends!

♥, Sylvia

As long as we love one another,

God will live in us,

and His love will be complete in us.

1 John 4:12

The Ceremony - Marili's father walked her down the aisle to meet Isaac at the altar.  They were both radiant and lovely beyond words.  The pastor initiated the ceremony.  A bible verse was read and we were all lead in prayer by a family member.  The ceremony included traditional rituals such as the placing of the lasso chord (or lazo) over their shoulders as a symbol of their everlasting union.  The unity coins (or arras) were held as a symbol of properity; the 13 coins also represent Christ and his 12 apostles.  Both sets of parents placed their hands on the bride and groom and joined the pastor and guests in prayer. They were introduced as Mrs. & Mrs. Rodriguez, exchanged a kiss, lit the unity candle and walked out with beaming smiles. 

After the ceremony we all gathered outside the church to congratulate them and take photos with the happy newlyweds.  

The Reception - The reception hall was of pure elegance.  Isaac danced with my Mom (big sister tears flowing) and Marili danced with her Dad.  We were all touched by Marili's surprise.  She said words of love and appreciation to her Mom and danced a beautiful song with her.  It was such a precious moment. 

And then the party started.  The band was fantastic!  They didn't just sing, they entertained.  There was so much energy in that beautiful place!  It was a celebration of love, family and friends.  The entertainment was unique, fabulous and interacting!  Guests were dancing, high heels came off, and memories were made. So much fun! 

Our Wish - People are matched perfectly for the gifts they bring to each other.  May you stay connected through the various phases and seasons of your life.  Honor and respect one another.  Always know, that family is forever.  We wish you many blessings and the best of life!

Click the Facebook "Like" button below to share with your friends. 

Click here to view the slideshow in full screen.

♥, Sylvia