tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91481793071139501072024-03-04T04:43:16.177-06:00A Little Lovelinesswith Melissa LesterMelissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comBlogger1349125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-61610976028414589742022-07-25T17:47:00.004-05:002022-07-25T17:52:03.781-05:00Carson & Mallory's Rehearsal Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiTo6XfyGiPyaIGNTlcQIIgwhsumi84B7488ZF1Xevc2BkPMYHxsSJfryApCyIrNxSwtqYgMRUxyP68LrJrG0xRFyfxMxxkQpb8akvEMPMYC6CsG3_YFL5ucWK4uNsNrfMWn8h-4L8Lrpyx0DsSDpjVTXKeBi45qEO104h1_MX8ooRgcq27KfW_JywA/s7984/945A5002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5325" data-original-width="7984" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiTo6XfyGiPyaIGNTlcQIIgwhsumi84B7488ZF1Xevc2BkPMYHxsSJfryApCyIrNxSwtqYgMRUxyP68LrJrG0xRFyfxMxxkQpb8akvEMPMYC6CsG3_YFL5ucWK4uNsNrfMWn8h-4L8Lrpyx0DsSDpjVTXKeBi45qEO104h1_MX8ooRgcq27KfW_JywA/w640-h426/945A5002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #f4cccc;">"Love is a flower which turns into a fruit at marriage." </span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: #f4cccc;">~ Finnish Proverb</span></b></i></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I am so behind in posting on the blog but wanted to share memories from the wedding weekend of Carson & Mallory. They married in June of 2021 at <b><a href="https://cypresslakefarms.com/" target="_blank">Cypress Lake Farms</a></b>, and we held the rehearsal dinner in the venue's outdoor pavilion on the eve of the ceremony.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPRGWfyNmfRGXzSSAN_ijawKT0UqtAjG3btjJSXcrvGscW-pNxPxcEtDKOeCAut353iknwwWT3ggZgNX56qLcSq7hiwwdrSYkjzuROg6QFsRNMW6kXl9L25kcQ94A6vxIXYt8YtgnwPokzxw15tArjhUnftfrgPsQXQGVsVlJKEEN18NS9WmwRGaCAQ/s2048/945A5620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPRGWfyNmfRGXzSSAN_ijawKT0UqtAjG3btjJSXcrvGscW-pNxPxcEtDKOeCAut353iknwwWT3ggZgNX56qLcSq7hiwwdrSYkjzuROg6QFsRNMW6kXl9L25kcQ94A6vxIXYt8YtgnwPokzxw15tArjhUnftfrgPsQXQGVsVlJKEEN18NS9WmwRGaCAQ/w640-h426/945A5620.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>My brother, <b><a href="https://nathanprichard.com/">Nathan Prichard</a></b>, was our photographer for the event, and I asked him to steal away with the couple for a few photos between the rehearsal and dinner.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16xuqGP5Ah8rbgPCir2qO6nm3ObzwuGe_R73j54P583s6rQ03VFDY1YpgzpYFxeb6QwoDiQbK9VQyWFnxhzx3B4C5pSm9XJNxQX9vwwUJRfWgrBO9auU9BU6fVKJ87S1lrrYSPbCq1kGUN47Pp33r8ewRB3k9iku_4d-0HtO99LWxtV9aFqkoIh5ckA/s7568/945A4927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7568" data-original-width="5048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16xuqGP5Ah8rbgPCir2qO6nm3ObzwuGe_R73j54P583s6rQ03VFDY1YpgzpYFxeb6QwoDiQbK9VQyWFnxhzx3B4C5pSm9XJNxQX9vwwUJRfWgrBO9auU9BU6fVKJ87S1lrrYSPbCq1kGUN47Pp33r8ewRB3k9iku_4d-0HtO99LWxtV9aFqkoIh5ckA/w426-h640/945A4927.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>We enjoyed a catered meal from one of our favorite Birmingham restaurants, <b><a href="https://www.ourbellinis.com/">Bellinis Ristorante</a></b>, and used a mix of traditional and disposable tableware for ease of entertaining outdoors. A small investment that I wanted to make was purchasing sixty <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3ouFoBC">Godinger Dublin</a></b> iced beverage glasses. I keep a dozen in our china cabinet for regular use, and the remaining sets rest in <a href="https://amzn.to/3b6SLoG" style="font-weight: bold;">stemware storage cases</a>, ready to be called into service for a larger gathering.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EvMELJrBzoPZm77GYXBaD5k4_JCmr0XbDP76O0Eh-QZfrpuGfkY9482W32ZqLjju-8FVAK83_3WOcMbvd84OqZbSGOaI0CoxyKOo1A6RRHhP1rysNminXAlEGMb2Lu3puSXahGl4UFbsjmg6VcTqeYV3o3Hd1tThgVjXqGWnrW65PtwVN3AiWSo1wg/s2048/945A5640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EvMELJrBzoPZm77GYXBaD5k4_JCmr0XbDP76O0Eh-QZfrpuGfkY9482W32ZqLjju-8FVAK83_3WOcMbvd84OqZbSGOaI0CoxyKOo1A6RRHhP1rysNminXAlEGMb2Lu3puSXahGl4UFbsjmg6VcTqeYV3o3Hd1tThgVjXqGWnrW65PtwVN3AiWSo1wg/w640-h426/945A5640.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>This is my favorite shot of Carson & Mallory from their session with Nathan.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WiA9z8I4BA3CHHrvNdcQEiwxqy-fJzbiwtwrtwyaHFQ1PWbHmRExXccpc7OfIs4MqzOvdFGfAiELbANgnYuVOU2lgFaCDHRgNfLD2JPxtKXRSLfDwfCEMZ9oUrtrrAyQGi4PugPOxQ0Zb06VzqG7W-AGVEwYlMO16-Rpsb76f95y63GbjLYqxyzUVw/s7174/945A4994.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4785" data-original-width="7174" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WiA9z8I4BA3CHHrvNdcQEiwxqy-fJzbiwtwrtwyaHFQ1PWbHmRExXccpc7OfIs4MqzOvdFGfAiELbANgnYuVOU2lgFaCDHRgNfLD2JPxtKXRSLfDwfCEMZ9oUrtrrAyQGi4PugPOxQ0Zb06VzqG7W-AGVEwYlMO16-Rpsb76f95y63GbjLYqxyzUVw/w640-h426/945A4994.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>For ease of cleanup, we used <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3ztQrkW">Occasions disposable plates</a></b> in the blue-and-gold Imperial pattern and wrapped <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3PYGuBv" target="_blank">Supernal silverware</a></b> in linen-like <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3OynHf9" target="_blank">BloominGoods napkins</a></b>. The cutlery was obviously plastic but had a nice gold color and hammered-look finish. I was most pleased with the plates and napkins.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyJ3otQqR4ewBXwdVE7ASGmIYMkBpS-4TWOHzscMLvSSUVPksXsEZh0BtaOGs-sEYJJfqXagHnMVrxO3ZKG0AvWkyLK5a8Bmn5iAyO74UgRtKS43ZDIt4uJVll9BLT24pj2I1Rl88eFohfAlevT1uItUTVZIc0E01aDYeyBwUO5Hu8G3uIjbpcDk8CQ/s2048/945A5605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyJ3otQqR4ewBXwdVE7ASGmIYMkBpS-4TWOHzscMLvSSUVPksXsEZh0BtaOGs-sEYJJfqXagHnMVrxO3ZKG0AvWkyLK5a8Bmn5iAyO74UgRtKS43ZDIt4uJVll9BLT24pj2I1Rl88eFohfAlevT1uItUTVZIc0E01aDYeyBwUO5Hu8G3uIjbpcDk8CQ/w640-h426/945A5605.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>We took advantage of the long hours of daylight to savor our time with loved ones. We gathered with the wedding party in early evening for the rehearsal. As the sun was beginning to set, we joined extended family at the pavilion for dinner, and we ended our festivities under the stars.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-ya6gbwiETlIoA-BB4v59lqbM-BMSD1awfQSstrcStOzQduGNb_4rfJe8ggg6sTXxMH6tEaBDf5SMfhRLWXwWdXmbSlX02YJvNNJsV2vZHIWpdyKFr3jPYfxKune46QwupvVn1ezw5N3suyq-5TwOaTfb1H_qSgQ24XtzFC9SJXYW8_fDpc6KNARuA/s6511/945A4996.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4343" data-original-width="6511" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-ya6gbwiETlIoA-BB4v59lqbM-BMSD1awfQSstrcStOzQduGNb_4rfJe8ggg6sTXxMH6tEaBDf5SMfhRLWXwWdXmbSlX02YJvNNJsV2vZHIWpdyKFr3jPYfxKune46QwupvVn1ezw5N3suyq-5TwOaTfb1H_qSgQ24XtzFC9SJXYW8_fDpc6KNARuA/w640-h426/945A4996.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Printable watercolor place cards from <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/682875313/diy-greenery-wedding-place-cards?ref=yr_purchases">BelleHanahPaperie</a></b> added a lovely grace note that coordinated with the floral centerpieces arranged by friend of the bride Brittney Gilbert, DMD. Brittney did all of the flowers for the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, wedding party, and reception and did an amazing job carrying out Mallory's vision for the festivities. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CnmTQfdifzDdC0zWY_0BRMdRTxeCw30jAjNug3rlhKL0bWxXxqTgdE2O7et-_wb_wuPw1KPjiU9NoU2-1UDqqOtDoJ71AUQ7eH7ySR9wm2Kknf8qD5uASfEJcmKgGI0QccgJSq6q5YdGBJR_ugBJ7b_Fa8Opt0uhk6Enot_ClMpEzXazWLT7y-NnUA/s2048/945A5610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CnmTQfdifzDdC0zWY_0BRMdRTxeCw30jAjNug3rlhKL0bWxXxqTgdE2O7et-_wb_wuPw1KPjiU9NoU2-1UDqqOtDoJ71AUQ7eH7ySR9wm2Kknf8qD5uASfEJcmKgGI0QccgJSq6q5YdGBJR_ugBJ7b_Fa8Opt0uhk6Enot_ClMpEzXazWLT7y-NnUA/w426-h640/945A5610.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Carson & Mallory's rehearsal dinner offered hours of golden memories that we will always treasure!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><h1 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f4cccc;"><i><b>"Life was intended to be lived in twos ... . Would the bird sing half as sweetly did he not have his mate listening to him? A man's life is only half lived till he finds his mate to listen to his song of love." </b></i><i><b>~ Etta Merrick Graves</b></i></span></h1><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-31711355201596211972022-02-15T00:00:00.001-06:002022-02-15T00:01:18.489-06:00A Sense of Place<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4sqbP1SA6mH5-g95CAfv1ID_-CgUA5eDanpE9H5cZH30GNH0aff8fyJ-FPHHUv6q_TLt8pLyc7PUnAOsf4vRhGWepTa_R5m-k4SPOp8dhYRzGC5nXmCGq-enqi82vtohihNHBHtZ0W5J8mmQRtC_n5rCz9LXElOF5iB19o6CdutkHqUQKH5QhVNXxAQ=s2400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="2400" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4sqbP1SA6mH5-g95CAfv1ID_-CgUA5eDanpE9H5cZH30GNH0aff8fyJ-FPHHUv6q_TLt8pLyc7PUnAOsf4vRhGWepTa_R5m-k4SPOp8dhYRzGC5nXmCGq-enqi82vtohihNHBHtZ0W5J8mmQRtC_n5rCz9LXElOF5iB19o6CdutkHqUQKH5QhVNXxAQ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Saying goodbye to my beloved grandmother—a lifelong treasure and our last surviving grandparent—brings waves of another grief that has been unexpected yet profound. Pleasantries of conversation turn awkward when someone asks, “Where are you from?” Having resided in five states and thirteen cities over the course of my life, I don’t find it an easy question to answer and usually respond by stumbling over an abbreviated geographical timeline of my past.</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">In my heart, though, there was always Jacksonville. Both of my parents grew up in this small city nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians, and it was home to all four grandparents. When I was in elementary school, our immediate family lived in the area for a time, but before, after, and always, this was the place that we returned to for vacations and holidays. Despite setting up housekeeping, over their nearly four decades of marriage, in destinations as far flung as California, North Dakota, and North Carolina, my parents settled in northeast Alabama near the end of my mother’s life, and she actually took her last breath in the same hospital where she had taken her first.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, the road to Grandma’s leads me through meandering paths of memory, evoking images of countless childhood trips in the family station wagon. To pass the hours, my sister and I took turns choosing sites along the way as our future houses. The game would slow, however, as we approached the familiar landmarks of Anniston because the city’s tree-lined boulevard promised a historic church that looked, to our young eyes, like a sprawling castle. Whoever missed out on that prime piece of real estate had little time to wait, though, before laying claim to the elegant Victorian hotel perched on a nearby hilltop.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Jacksonville, the town square is first to extend a welcome, showcasing new businesses alongside tried-and-true establishments. Up ahead, hallowed halls of the university beckon with knowledge of our maternal grandfather, who was a professor of economics, and our maternal grandmother, a librarian. Though Mema and Papa died years ago, their cottage, set within walking distance of campus, stands as a happy reminder of the affection that once filled its cozy quarters. I’m surprised to survey their tidy lawn and realize its modest size; in my earliest days, it was a vast wonderland to explore as well as a football field for twirling batons or cheerleading and an amphitheater for regaling relatives with dazzling impromptu theatrical productions.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just a few blocks away, 901 Fourth Avenue beckons. This little brick charmer, built by my paternal grandparents in the 1960s, brims with keepsakes from a life well loved. Mugs collected over seventy years of marriage edge the ceiling, family photos line the walls, and furnishings built by Granddad showcase Grandma’s creative pastimes, including painting, sewing, crochet, and ceramics. In the living room, hymnals rest on the piano, ready to play. Outside, a weathered basketball faintly echoes the steady percussive beat of pickup games among generations of neighborhood boys—sons who are now fathers and grandfathers.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">No matter how many times my address changed over the years, it was comforting to have a spot on the globe that remained constant. No matter how far we wandered in the name of educational or professional pursuits, our pin in the map was Jacksonville, and we could always go home.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">That sense of connection was shaken over the weekend with the news that Grandma, whose health had declined steadily since she became a widow, took a turn for the worse and was not expected to recover. The final pilgrimage to her bedside felt like a heartbreaking farewell, not only to my precious grandmother but also to the adopted hometown of my subconscious. For days, I felt uprooted, ungrounded, unmoored.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">With so many loved ones gone, where in the world do I belong?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Comfort has finally come in reframing reflections from <i>where</i> I grew up to <i>how</i>. That shift allows me to reflect on people instead of place, proclaiming the bountiful blessings of my upbringing. In truth, I’m from deeply rooted faith: listening to my father preach the message of amazing grace, reciting memory verses in Sunday school, singing devotional songs around the bonfire at church camp, praying for those in need, and saying “I care” through poppyseed chicken casserole. I’m from close-knit family: reading books with Daddy before bedtime; harmonizing with Mother as she strummed the guitar; playing house, hospital, and school with the little sister who turned into my best friend; and doting on a baby brother who is still the apple of my eye. And I’m from traditions: Thanksgivings that look like aunts, uncles, and cousins gathering from afar, taste like tables laden with time-honored recipes, smell like autumn leaves, and sound like oft-repeated tales that grow sweeter in the retelling. Mostly, though, I’m from gratitude: thankful that God placed me—gently, thoughtfully, lovingly—right where I was meant to be.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo by Alba Conejero Gutiérrez/JSU. Used with Permission.</i></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px;" /></a>
</div>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-55985631641832073452021-03-21T20:54:00.003-05:002021-03-21T20:54:44.072-05:00Carson and Mallory's Engagement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhV4EeMPbcNf6-GakAMBIXE0hryN1H6iIabVhyq-X-x_6KchDnge581AFgT4bW_btKRP4m5afjRnPXgjWeh4zsL26cNzalRSlUEcvftesO-wfybuZmuLM7C7TWLF38w-Yr_q5C1egGRfJV/s4500/Proposal-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhV4EeMPbcNf6-GakAMBIXE0hryN1H6iIabVhyq-X-x_6KchDnge581AFgT4bW_btKRP4m5afjRnPXgjWeh4zsL26cNzalRSlUEcvftesO-wfybuZmuLM7C7TWLF38w-Yr_q5C1egGRfJV/w426-h640/Proposal-005.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>If you visited </i>A Little Loveliness<i> years ago, may find yourself as surprised as I am that those sweet little ones who grew up in this space are now spreading their wings as teenagers and young adults. Our oldest son, Carson, proposed to his childhood sweetheart, Mallory, over Christmas break, and I am happy to share these photos from their special day.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTPt081_tKLY0Q-GWl7st2Hwhp7J9gLqOMzjYvjX2H36hVSHh75BzHkFbKtVgChlW9Kdh36VZa_ci0jKbt3geRaS1mP8G-BPZ3GlMBWHusKtwCaf9iWGbgs-DaV0zwJEo5BVYSh4a0hSu/s4500/IMG_4326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTPt081_tKLY0Q-GWl7st2Hwhp7J9gLqOMzjYvjX2H36hVSHh75BzHkFbKtVgChlW9Kdh36VZa_ci0jKbt3geRaS1mP8G-BPZ3GlMBWHusKtwCaf9iWGbgs-DaV0zwJEo5BVYSh4a0hSu/w426-h640/IMG_4326.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Mallory and Carson met at ages 13 and 14, respectively. The pair dated for a year and a half in high school and then again for six months while in college. Even during times when they weren't dating, they always seemed to be drawn back together as best friends. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjanum_iz6j_ry3etlZEcGX0ZgEF9z449QiUab9Gig_FBYxPR0W3tQb1J6PT1ietIoZeH9z_UG2hCtGYeo-4PeOypRiXOD5CtqR-0-e1AGW_yHaRd2cvLEqDY_XnCLTmVe5dYKmsZEI-Xu/s4500/Proposal-115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjanum_iz6j_ry3etlZEcGX0ZgEF9z449QiUab9Gig_FBYxPR0W3tQb1J6PT1ietIoZeH9z_UG2hCtGYeo-4PeOypRiXOD5CtqR-0-e1AGW_yHaRd2cvLEqDY_XnCLTmVe5dYKmsZEI-Xu/w426-h640/Proposal-115.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Carson realized early in 2020 that Mallory is the love of his life. While he was in basic training for the army, the two began corresponding via letters. Their relationship has only grown stronger in the months since, and they soon realized that this is true love.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh001u6gED_F8-8dNQeRvAA7n5El9iDExWE8jcCEsQ9VOLPIB6D6iNECpkmsr9wZ9r33NDCkDvKph4MpPmwRcqteVvRRKINyaTPlASNtPHd3RK2-dULCKsFhq8x4LkdT05Ib85gOlZF-kZz/s4500/Proposal-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh001u6gED_F8-8dNQeRvAA7n5El9iDExWE8jcCEsQ9VOLPIB6D6iNECpkmsr9wZ9r33NDCkDvKph4MpPmwRcqteVvRRKINyaTPlASNtPHd3RK2-dULCKsFhq8x4LkdT05Ib85gOlZF-kZz/w426-h640/Proposal-007.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>When Carson came home for Christmas -- such a thrill for us since, due to Covid, we were unable to see him for nine months -- he wanted to propose. Under the guise of a family photo shoot for New Year's cards, we invited Mallory to join but then let the two of them get a head start on the outing. Photographer Rebecca Long was in on the surprise, so when the lighting was just right, she posed Mallory and told Carson to get behind her to run in for a hug.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomEOuKUtf36NunJMWCeH1YYILL11yEpLl57bcQed_4J-kkEMw1dtxioWs-D0kX4QZp9cqh2Jj8t1S6Km0sVll8kDZQs4JuECVOneswFPNNau9xLsQvwamnpUCm-AHbAFRGzg_cjJcR96w/s4500/Proposal-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomEOuKUtf36NunJMWCeH1YYILL11yEpLl57bcQed_4J-kkEMw1dtxioWs-D0kX4QZp9cqh2Jj8t1S6Km0sVll8kDZQs4JuECVOneswFPNNau9xLsQvwamnpUCm-AHbAFRGzg_cjJcR96w/w426-h640/Proposal-012.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>But this was actually the moment when he got down on one knee.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"Mallory," he called.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EgIVlgZCDxVW2yZL41MqeyboMiaIgya2hAbiVWAgEa5Qc9AnNIH-XIh8ypCDB9dd668KRWJj0cUyJxUfcA6MDWOyCAw3Gmcuoh45yUFezwT3PepJ3RrPoF_RBIhcYxwOp3-hy7wwJ7ms/s4500/IMG_4342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EgIVlgZCDxVW2yZL41MqeyboMiaIgya2hAbiVWAgEa5Qc9AnNIH-XIh8ypCDB9dd668KRWJj0cUyJxUfcA6MDWOyCAw3Gmcuoh45yUFezwT3PepJ3RrPoF_RBIhcYxwOp3-hy7wwJ7ms/w426-h640/IMG_4342.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"Will you marry me?"</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdIKyNZMLudAX2_5WA6EI8E5Iz1EBMwkvCMHeTwvT7AW_ksW1L6Zenz05tyR-WyWLZqOOeOhiD_nXCKBDMSXYMSp8s29a25ayIctHNMYSEVVCmIHDRNeEV8DfBwTAZh7wmUxmHBFI34Bu/s4500/IMG_4344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdIKyNZMLudAX2_5WA6EI8E5Iz1EBMwkvCMHeTwvT7AW_ksW1L6Zenz05tyR-WyWLZqOOeOhiD_nXCKBDMSXYMSp8s29a25ayIctHNMYSEVVCmIHDRNeEV8DfBwTAZh7wmUxmHBFI34Bu/w426-h640/IMG_4344.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>She said yes!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzIkNVHDYxHfzRQKv6goRj7HLGTJMIqOXykunOgs0KnhyphenhyphenXSQwQ1eKra58qpEq0SSsQxsiVmBb7gUmbRhF4bLBpwVR3g88huxFtqcACB0wrYqKginKZj_RPmIRCOzrydmxCremNaQKGrXS/s4500/Proposal-017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzIkNVHDYxHfzRQKv6goRj7HLGTJMIqOXykunOgs0KnhyphenhyphenXSQwQ1eKra58qpEq0SSsQxsiVmBb7gUmbRhF4bLBpwVR3g88huxFtqcACB0wrYqKginKZj_RPmIRCOzrydmxCremNaQKGrXS/w426-h640/Proposal-017.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>We are so happy for these childhood sweethearts who have found their forever home in each other.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7-zgTvzyBUkRk25zyPJxYz_Ybv-GHcJ4x_VQgrNRqWkdQFg7ENCcrWWcxRjb81WIMMQ8Hu7Z77DW5AcknepEp9Xc-RJICzh4v1eUQha3VbPvFyPuRDBvZBAbtui44XxCheHBUtRlMDRC/s4500/IMG_4331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7-zgTvzyBUkRk25zyPJxYz_Ybv-GHcJ4x_VQgrNRqWkdQFg7ENCcrWWcxRjb81WIMMQ8Hu7Z77DW5AcknepEp9Xc-RJICzh4v1eUQha3VbPvFyPuRDBvZBAbtui44XxCheHBUtRlMDRC/w426-h640/IMG_4331.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Wedding plans are well underway, so you can count on seeing details of the festivities here.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPJdNnY_369OOoSkEQ3EYF_z63lk4uUJDLAVMlwnlZsdWE6626XoENyj7caZ0jA0_0PWuO_r1LGZDxk_DG9fwWls4FXQev-_TDKjpNJwWHnqw3m98-pdPOIss205sje0iPVJgJOMagi9f/s4500/Proposal-114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPJdNnY_369OOoSkEQ3EYF_z63lk4uUJDLAVMlwnlZsdWE6626XoENyj7caZ0jA0_0PWuO_r1LGZDxk_DG9fwWls4FXQev-_TDKjpNJwWHnqw3m98-pdPOIss205sje0iPVJgJOMagi9f/w426-h640/Proposal-114.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I love these two so very much and can't wait to watch them start their life together!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;"><b>"Love must be as much a light as a flame." ~ Henry David Thoreau</b></span></i></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-90193216968893314682021-01-10T22:38:00.005-06:002021-01-10T22:40:07.480-06:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApjJdg13nXTwiojuQRS2XJU4yvsgbRTnfz4NgELiZleVykgkv1lhJtD_5jdOjy_1CKTA_TEvKK1w8dfhboYoC_CYVfTsUk0zEwJ1JwfQrQ4JK1cXboWKS-jKWlvXBfnUQgtt1YbeAf_Ip/s2048/Proposal-062.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApjJdg13nXTwiojuQRS2XJU4yvsgbRTnfz4NgELiZleVykgkv1lhJtD_5jdOjy_1CKTA_TEvKK1w8dfhboYoC_CYVfTsUk0zEwJ1JwfQrQ4JK1cXboWKS-jKWlvXBfnUQgtt1YbeAf_Ip/w640-h426/Proposal-062.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>We pray God's richest blessings on you and yours in 2021.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOB19d3aNNd4qi1lIk66lg4Lw9uOtgswnri1X5NqxbeiuEG_ySBRujRjOlYX9r8ZfiMKq8dHyPa19A_B3ZEGz3qvQPf92rvimMphOpUG0OChq2B9HJtNrjC_krdffFjvJosIIKhtOPnCtD/s2048/Proposal-066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOB19d3aNNd4qi1lIk66lg4Lw9uOtgswnri1X5NqxbeiuEG_ySBRujRjOlYX9r8ZfiMKq8dHyPa19A_B3ZEGz3qvQPf92rvimMphOpUG0OChq2B9HJtNrjC_krdffFjvJosIIKhtOPnCtD/w426-h640/Proposal-066.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>This year, we look forward to adding a new daughter to our family, as Carson weds his childhood sweetheart, Mallory. In my next post, I will be sharing photos from this family photo shoot-turned-surprise proposal. This exciting event ended a challenging year with the sweetest of celebrations.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;"><b>"A new year is simply the turn of a calendar page -- and a beautiful chance for us to turn over a new leaf."</b></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;"><b>~ Terri Guillemets</b></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-69100940910784300702020-08-17T19:00:00.001-05:002020-08-17T19:00:11.681-05:00Christian's Senior Portraits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75MXVsiojmiueNNAp8eJPvgT63yi87vDxh1qupNa3mt8Ysr-KP5qfrpBU3gGkmhktokT-pYoGyD9ooA2AuSYfKiHSzR_E6QP0MpPORa7QPOa8IjUK7sMMrutLv46tH_5GPvMnOoTT7e82/s1600/cl1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75MXVsiojmiueNNAp8eJPvgT63yi87vDxh1qupNa3mt8Ysr-KP5qfrpBU3gGkmhktokT-pYoGyD9ooA2AuSYfKiHSzR_E6QP0MpPORa7QPOa8IjUK7sMMrutLv46tH_5GPvMnOoTT7e82/w445-h625/cl1.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Although son Christian began his first day of college classes today, I am taking a moment to reminisce over his senior portraits since I have not shared them here yet. We are so proud of this young man and pray for his next steps in the exciting journey that has just begun. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqc92hFJMRDA0oBMQL1mnsQfG-jMB5OYosgIJyRV4pslkJzEk7c_WWwP8VwHLZZzw6FolbUAzshdF34qjU8yp5DKJn9KmynMAU-iO7DNB2rTX50ht3ECT5RWZ5xYkicQmTZNNweAcH4L6F/s1600/cl26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqc92hFJMRDA0oBMQL1mnsQfG-jMB5OYosgIJyRV4pslkJzEk7c_WWwP8VwHLZZzw6FolbUAzshdF34qjU8yp5DKJn9KmynMAU-iO7DNB2rTX50ht3ECT5RWZ5xYkicQmTZNNweAcH4L6F/w445-h625/cl26.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDt7MLrjR9NtXYFpAW__2cbxEOfA_QlaHWClNV9azkd_B1xfIj-focHuOAg3Z3UEPtdYslpueLNyHgxX0OIGM-MnkRXbh6HIBnIelTt4kPsZKfFEliFMaIbtDfpJj63aw8psttkhs_sC1/s1600/cl25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDt7MLrjR9NtXYFpAW__2cbxEOfA_QlaHWClNV9azkd_B1xfIj-focHuOAg3Z3UEPtdYslpueLNyHgxX0OIGM-MnkRXbh6HIBnIelTt4kPsZKfFEliFMaIbtDfpJj63aw8psttkhs_sC1/w445-h625/cl25.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: x-large;">"My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: x-large;">preserve sound judgment and discretion; </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: x-large;">they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck" (</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: x-large;">Proverbs 3:21-22).</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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Photos by <a href="http://www.allisonhilyerphotography.com/" target="_blank">Allison Hilyer Photography</a>. Used with permission.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-38722531037885944942020-08-14T15:38:00.000-05:002020-08-14T15:38:12.105-05:00A Letter to My Son<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAFKRFAq9xJyddf_r1NIWMjcgbgBXaWMRMPLo9Z9rcCcMHl4HFnOVeGPaZkUcvv5wkidQTJyswMdcYgGctyteYM9hTrKYjDtMTyXmUmROam43M42S_xGTannl_gK-Md2Jv_w5CqRERc-N/s4898/cl12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4898" data-original-width="3265" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAFKRFAq9xJyddf_r1NIWMjcgbgBXaWMRMPLo9Z9rcCcMHl4HFnOVeGPaZkUcvv5wkidQTJyswMdcYgGctyteYM9hTrKYjDtMTyXmUmROam43M42S_xGTannl_gK-Md2Jv_w5CqRERc-N/s640/cl12.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">My dear Christian,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">What a blessing you are to my life. From the first moment I looked into your angelic blue eyes and you snuggled peacefully into my arms, you have had my heart. Your purity and sweetness have been evident from the beginning and have only grown along with you through the years. As you prepare to embark on the next chapter in your life, I want to share my hopes for your future while reminiscing about the qualities I admire most in you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">From the beginning, it seemed that our job as your parents was less about guiding you to the right path than preserving your innate goodness. When I think of your preschool days, I remember a precious little boy who set his own standard of behavior at being so good that he would earn three treats every day. After all, he had two little sisters to provide for at home. My favorite moment from Lads to Leaders was when you noticed that Mary Ashley’s new shoes were hurting her feet and, without a word, picked her up and carried her through the convention hotel. May you always strive to do your best and maintain a heart for serving others.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">When you were about three years old and riding in the car with Dad, you questioned a turn that he made, and when he retorted that he was a daddy and daddies know everything, you quietly replied, “You don’t know the mind of God.” At six, when you wanted to become a Christian but we weren’t sure you were old enough to understand the decision, you began praying aloud that your <i>earthly</i> parents would allow you to be baptized. More recently, you have looked for opportunities to share your faith and, in determining your next steps, considered where and how you can have the most influence. May you always have a spiritual outlook and a faith that grows stronger, deeper and richer every day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">You have brought so much laughter to our home! From the joke you delivered with a toothless grin in kindergarten—“There are three types of people in the world: those who can count and those who can’t!”—to today’s witty observations and endless supply of memes, you keep us constantly entertained. May you always look for the joy in the world around you and strive to share that sunshine with others.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">When you leave for college, I’m not sure how I will survive without my daily Christian hugs. I savored each one during your younger years, realizing that when you were older, you might not run across the school cafeteria to greet me and would likely be embarrassed to show affection in front of your friends. As time has passed, though, your devotion has never wavered. Just as I have always tried to wrap you in maternal love, you have given me that same feeling of abiding security and comfort. May you always be so free in sharing your heart, and may you be loved fiercely and faithfully in return.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As you have done throughout your high school career, I hope that you will continue to embrace the opportunities before you. It has been our pleasure to watch you succeed in the classroom, take a lead in the youth group, and sing and dance on the stage, knowing that you were giving your all in every endeavor. As much as I have enjoyed the victories along the way, even more I have been inspired by your tenacity. The indomitable spirit that helped you rise on the middle-school wrestling mat will continue to serve you well, whatever challenges lie ahead. You can be sure that your dad and I will always be in your corner to offer support, guidance and strength.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Our greatest hope has always been that you would live up to your name, and I will be cheering you on, even through my tears, as you embark on the special path that He has planned for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I love you,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Anna Clara";">Mommy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Photo by <a href="http://www.allisonhilyerphotography.com/" target="_blank">Allison Hilyer Photography</a>. Used with permission.</span></p></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-10406657151784083222020-04-27T00:00:00.000-05:002020-04-27T00:00:08.921-05:00Easy and Delicious Doughnut Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"New mysteries. New day. Fresh doughnuts."</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~ David Lynch</span></b></div>
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<i>Our art director for </i>Victoria<i> plans the most wonderful crafting and culinary projects for her children, and when she shared photos of doughnuts that her family made for their Friday morning breakfast, I knew immediately that I could not let the weekend pass without trying out her recipe. Using refrigerated biscuit dough makes this a super-easy endeavor, and a simple glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. Read on for the details!</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">Easy Doughnuts</span></b></div>
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Makes 8</div>
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Vegetable oil, for frying<br />1 (16-ounce) can refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough*<br />1 cup confectioners' sugar<br />3 tablespoons milk</blockquote>
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1. Fill a frying pan to a depth of approximately 2 inches with oil. Heat over medium-high heat.</div>
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2. Open can and separate biscuits. Using a small round or heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut center from each biscuit.</div>
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3. In batches, add doughnuts and holes to pan, cooking until golden, about 1 minute per side. Remove to paper towels to let cool slightly.</div>
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4. In a small bowl, stir confectioners' sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm doughnuts and holes, and serve immediately.</div>
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<i>*We used Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits, and I plan to use Grands! Flaky Layers Buttermilk Biscuits next time.</i></div>
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<i>These easy and delicious doughnuts made for a quick and satisfying quarantine breakfast before we gathered for Sunday morning worship in the living room. Over time, I look forward to experimenting with different biscuit doughs, glazes and toppings. Please let me know if you have a favorite combination to suggest!</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"Life, within doors, has few pleasanter prospects than a neatly arranged and well-provisioned breakfast-table."</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~ Nathaniel Hawthorne</span></b></div>
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Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-77706886692952520762020-04-22T00:00:00.000-05:002020-04-22T09:26:26.019-05:00As Seen in Victoria Magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>As a longtime reader of </i><a href="https://www.victoriamag.com/">Victoria</a><i> before I had the privilege of joining the </i><i>editorial staff, you can imagine my delight at finding some familiar faces in our current issue. Our team has enjoyed bringing fashion features back to the pages of the magazine, and you are certain to love the romantic billows showcased in the May/June story "Lasting Impressions." Christian was out of town when this photo shoot took place last summer, but y</i><i>ou will spy Mary Ashley, Emma and Carson on the third spread and then the girls on the following page</i><i>. A subscriber from Texas reached out to ask if these were my children, so I am wondering if anyone else recognized these cuties?</i></div>
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<i>What a lovely opportunity for my three and our other models! Find the May/June 2020 issue, absolutely brimming with gorgeous content, on newsstands or at <a href="https://www.victoriamag.com/product/may-june-2020/">victoriamag.com</a>.</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"Beauty is a nectar which intoxicates the soul."</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~ T.C. Henley</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-81832926677425869202020-04-20T00:00:00.000-05:002020-04-20T00:00:05.000-05:00Among the Wisteria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"In pale moonlight</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">the wisteria's scent</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">comes from far away."</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~ Yosa Buson</span></b></div>
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<i>Honestly, I took it really hard when last month's trip to the beach was cancelled. I needed to sit with this news for a while before saying it aloud, but Carson has enlisted with the army and was scheduled to leave for basic training in March. With his departure date looming and Christian heading off to college soon, I could see the sands of time with all four children slipping out of the hourglass and was heartbroken to lose what was possibly our last opportunity to get away together. </i><i>But these past few weeks with everyone home have brought their own sweetness with family meals, game nights, and plenty of singing, laughing and teasing. The slower cadence has allowed me to really savor each moment. And although I didn't get the seaside pictures I had originally envisioned taking to mark this end of an era, as we settled into the new normal of quarantine, God draped our trees with wisteria and gave us a golden sunset, allowing me to capture a few more precious memories of these babies that I will hold in my heart forever.</i></div>
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<i>Carson's departure date, originally rescheduled for late July, has been moved to today. Although it has been difficult to think about him leaving the nest, I am grateful that we were given a little more time with him and understand that he is eager to embark on this new adventure. I ask for your prayers as Carson begins this new chapter of his life. During this transition, how thankful I am for precious moments captured among the wisteria.</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses."</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~ Joyce Brothers</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-39433269439944947922020-04-18T12:00:00.000-05:002020-04-18T12:00:35.270-05:00An Easter Table Abloom in Pink and Yellow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there."</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~ Clarence W. Hall</span></b></div>
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<i>With this year's celebration of Easter taking place at home, I looked forward to creating some special memories around our table. During my grocery shopping for the occasion, I was so pleased to find lush pink roses, sunny yellow tulips and snowy white hydrangeas. Arranging these pretty flowers in favorite wire birdhouses offered a subtle reminder that beauty can always bloom, even during a season of confinement due to quarantine. Enjoy these glimpses of spring loveliness!</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"It is the hour to rend thy chains,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">The blossom time of souls."</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~ Katherine Lee Bates</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-88853930346371146952020-04-17T13:00:00.000-05:002020-04-17T13:00:01.890-05:00Easter at Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"For I remember it is Easter morn,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">And life and love and peace are all new born."</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~ Alice Freeman Palmer</span></b></div>
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<i>This time of quarantine has brought a range of new experiences, including its share of challenges and blessings. For us, celebrating Easter together has been one of the loveliest opportunities. We have traveled over the holiday weekend for many years, making some wonderful memories along the way, but I must confess that I have often looked forward to the day when we would gather again around our own table. Although I never pictured us spending the entire holiday at home, the sweet simplicity of setting the kids' Easter baskets in the kitchen, worshiping with our church family via livestream, and then stepping into the dining room for lunch gave a relaxed pace to the festivities. We were a bit more casual in dress this year, but I still wanted to commemorate the occasion with photos in our yard. Here are a few of our favorites, including the traditional pairings of Carson and Mary Ashley hugging and of Emma holding Christian. You may notice that the boys are sporting mustaches in these images -- a bit of quarantine entertainment!</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">" 'Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">Filled all the air with fragrance and with joy."</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-66998600081925804852019-06-19T00:00:00.000-05:002019-06-19T17:07:47.368-05:00Family Moments from Our Grand Getaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Last month, we slipped away for a few days of leisure at one of my favorite escapes, <b><a href="https://www.grand1847.com/">The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa</a></b> in Point Clear, Ala. We missed our annual visit last summer, so for months before our family vacation, I dreamed of strolling the gardens, lounging by the sea, and riding bicycles around the idyllic property.</i></div>
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<i>Joe and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary, so this trip offered a lovely observance of that milestone.</i></div>
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<i>Throughout the summer, the house has seemed to swell and shrink as Carson came home from college but then different children leave for camps and other trips, so we took full advantage of having all four available for a weekend away. I'm always happiest to have all of my babies together!</i></div>
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<i style="text-align: center;"><i>This trip was also special in that Carson's sweet girlfriend, Mallory, joined us for all of the fun.</i></i></div>
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<i>Mallory shares my love of beauty, photography, and afternoon tea, so I knew that she would enjoy the Queen of Southern Resorts. She was a lovely addition to our group and appreciated all of the amenities just as much as I thought she would!</i></div>
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<i>Emma was so little when we made our first trip to The Grand years ago, and now she is a teenager -- and taller than big sister Mary Ashley!</i></div>
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<i>I love and adore these three girls!</i></div>
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<i>And I'm so grateful for each moment spent with these precious four.</i></div>
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<i>And to think, it all began 25 years ago with these two! </i></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"In my garden there is a large place for sentiment. My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams. The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful."</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~Abram L. Urban</span></i></b></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-22735336093290900812019-04-22T19:05:00.000-05:002019-04-22T19:06:00.114-05:00Easter Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"Awake, thou wintry earth --</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">Fling off thy sadness!</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">Your ancient gladness!"</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~ Thomas Blackburn</span></i></b></div>
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<i>Easter weekend found us traveling to Searcy, Arkansas, to celebrate the holiday with Carson at Harding University. During Spring Sing, an annual competition of social-club shows, he dazzled us while performing with the hosts and hostesses as part of the ensemble.</i></div>
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<i>Mary Ashley's expression pretty well sums up our feelings to be reunited with our favorite college guy. Having all of us together, I could not stop smiling myself!</i></div>
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<i>Joe's parents joined us for this trip, so we were able to introduce them to Harding. It was so special having three generations together on campus.</i></div>
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<i>We were also able to celebrate with sweet Mallory, who is dating Carson. These two dated in high school and were best friends for a while before getting back together this year. She is a freshman at Harding, and we absolutely adore her!</i></div>
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<i>Campus was in full bloom, and the kids patiently indulged me in taking family photos. They know that I look forward to this all year and cherish every image of my chicks! Here are some more of my favorite images from Easter Sunday.</i></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"For I remember it is Easter morn,</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">And life and love and peace are all new born."</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~ Alice Freeman Palmer</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-90717635991979452632018-12-25T10:43:00.002-06:002018-12-25T10:43:33.584-06:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With love from the Lesters</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-17420516816272860552018-06-29T00:00:00.000-05:002018-06-29T09:58:38.420-05:00A Graduation Tea Party Menu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Sweet friend Mallory's recent high school graduation gave us a wonderful opportunity to plan a celebratory tea party.</i></div>
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<i>Mallory preferred an intimate get-together over a big party, so we were able to seat everyone together in the dining room. Visit <b><a href="http://alittleloveliness.blogspot.com/2018/06/a-tea-party-table-abloom.html">this post</a></b> to see the details of our table for ten.</i></div>
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<i>We began our teatime with chilled cucumber water and a salad of spring greens, blackberries, Parmesan and lemon vinaigrette. Mary Ashley and I took Mallory to Smith-Byrd House in Prattville, Ala., for tea a few months ago, and it was such a special outing. When I mentioned serving their Meyer Lemon Scones at our party, Joe volunteered to pick them up, adding, "Anything for one of our kids." So we enjoyed those fresh-baked treats topped with my homemade <b><a href="http://alittleloveliness.blogspot.com/2008/03/gift-for-you.html">Almond Cream</a></b> and <b><a href="http://alittleloveliness.blogspot.com/2012/05/easy-strawberry-jam.html">Strawberry Jam</a></b>. Perfection with a cup of tea!</i></div>
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<i>Our trio of savories included Chicken Salad in Phyllo Cups, Cucumber Tea Sandwiches, and Ham & Swiss Spirals.</i></div>
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<i>Mary Ashley put together our chicken salad cups, and I made our cucumber sandwiches with white bread, an herbed cream cheese and thinly sliced cucumber. For the spirals, I spread flour tortillas with herbed cream cheese; layered ham, Swiss and fresh spinach leaves over the cream cheese; rolled the tortilla into a tight roll; and used a serrated knife to slice the rolls into bite-size spirals.</i></div>
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<i>Dessert was a feast of sweet indulgences, including assorted macarons, Chocolate Pots de Creme and Fresh Fruit Tarts. </i></div>
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<i>I found the macarons in the freezer section at Walmart and prepared our other two desserts. Keep reading for the recipes!</i></div>
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<i>Shapely votives work well for showcasing a variety of teatime foods. I found a set of 16 at Michael's Craft Store and paired them with this adorable set of <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2yV2fQ2">Leyosov Demitasse Spoons</a></b>.</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;"><i>Fresh Fruit Tarts</i></span></b></div>
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<i>Showcase your favorite summer fruits!</i></div>
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16 frozen individual pastry shells, baked according to package directions<br />
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened, condensed milk<br />
1/4 cup lemon juice<br />
1 (8-ounce) container low-fat frozen whipped topping, thawed<br />
Assorted fruits<br />
2 tablespoons peach preserves</blockquote>
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1. In a medium bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.</div>
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2. Spoon filling into baked shells, and top with assorted fruits. (We used blackberries, raspberries, and mandarin oranges.)</div>
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3. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, microwave preserves on high until melted, about 10 seconds. Brushed melted preserves over tarts, and refrigerate until serving.</div>
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<i>Note: Reserve extra filling as a topping for pound cake.</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;"><i>Chocolate Pots de Creme</i></span></b></div>
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<i>Served in glass votives, this silken Rachael Ray-inspired recipe is a deliciously decadent teatime treat. </i></div>
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2/3 cup 2% milk<br />
1 egg<br />
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla<br />
2 tablespoons sugar<br />
Pinch salt<br />
Garnish: whipped cream, fresh raspberries</blockquote>
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1. In a small pan, heat milk over medium-low heat just until warm and bubbling.</div>
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2. In the container of a blender, mix egg, chocolate chips, vanilla, sugar and salt. Remove center from lid, and pour hot milk into container in a slow, steady stream; mix until smooth.</div>
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3. Transfer chocolate mixture to a measuring cup with a spout, and divide mixture among five votives, filling each about two-thirds full. Refrigerate until set, at least 8 hours.</div>
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4. Just before serving, top with whipped cream and raspberries.</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"The little spaces in time created by teatime rituals call out to be filled with conversation. Even the tea itself -- warm and comforting -- inspires a feeling of relaxation and trust that fosters shared confidences." -- Emilie Barnes</span></i></b></div>
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Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-84037468813203925012018-06-27T00:00:00.000-05:002018-06-27T00:00:13.383-05:00A Tea Party Table Abloom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhch0gsCR4okNRnjAbet6fVTofjEUdufO5VDXw43M5nA-bcdkijQaEKL1vX8SThd5mxlKyXxmdrUGmA9zvZI_hSozyooOeKht7qKPSHRlow7KN08-o9y0JkfKIj_TqyxYpA_e3KjuMd25z8/s1600/IMG_1868a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhch0gsCR4okNRnjAbet6fVTofjEUdufO5VDXw43M5nA-bcdkijQaEKL1vX8SThd5mxlKyXxmdrUGmA9zvZI_hSozyooOeKht7qKPSHRlow7KN08-o9y0JkfKIj_TqyxYpA_e3KjuMd25z8/s640/IMG_1868a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea." ~ Henry James</span></i></b></div>
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<i>Before our precious friend Mallory leaves for college, I wanted her to join us for a special celebration. We share a love of teatime, so her recent graduation gave us a wonderful opportunity to plan an afternoon tea.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBP_13nIWJIoy2jJvv6iDL1w63S_C4ULkzqkC2zItKcgMbUnnYNii8mE59kXoAFawlZ8yhAlkJH9K0GgeFIdJePczJy0xSdN-4-BdYxUw5xXm4OlbopJooNAJytSJm13e7jBe1e-gHgZtY/s1600/IMG_1891a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="1449" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBP_13nIWJIoy2jJvv6iDL1w63S_C4ULkzqkC2zItKcgMbUnnYNii8mE59kXoAFawlZ8yhAlkJH9K0GgeFIdJePczJy0xSdN-4-BdYxUw5xXm4OlbopJooNAJytSJm13e7jBe1e-gHgZtY/s640/IMG_1891a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Norwich by Royal Embassy set the tone for a lovely, feminine table.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWs2Ugp7RDvMJT_g0NC6vudjo9_4sOfwBK6S9pUwzXgb2VYrsBoJYh66Z4LeHkDYb4Lz2SEYiOlJvH-u7Q3tzAplqu4WPjtePQXumWx5w0MHywoubekdo4zpwlXBp5Y6Qhy8buTvaIjej/s1600/IMG_1872a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWs2Ugp7RDvMJT_g0NC6vudjo9_4sOfwBK6S9pUwzXgb2VYrsBoJYh66Z4LeHkDYb4Lz2SEYiOlJvH-u7Q3tzAplqu4WPjtePQXumWx5w0MHywoubekdo4zpwlXBp5Y6Qhy8buTvaIjej/s640/IMG_1872a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Fresh roses, peonies and hydrangeas echoed the beauty of the china's hand-painted blooms.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yicpq__WzbE5XbQalnTmj9lz0hsjvUWWH7Ud2yVJl9B2XN2imMELxuKf807wH-5jVOeJ3MGojwV4zLw0QkgWAh8T1ZCgqxng3fQukxENSrjM2jBAF3EyMTGbtt7kuBQNDuD4_VQzXvHk/s1600/IMG_1806a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yicpq__WzbE5XbQalnTmj9lz0hsjvUWWH7Ud2yVJl9B2XN2imMELxuKf807wH-5jVOeJ3MGojwV4zLw0QkgWAh8T1ZCgqxng3fQukxENSrjM2jBAF3EyMTGbtt7kuBQNDuD4_VQzXvHk/s640/IMG_1806a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Joe's mother found our dining room table and chairs at an estate sale a couple of years ago, and planning this party gave me the motivation to re-cover the seats -- a project I have had on my list for quite a while. <b><a href="https://www.joann.com/home-decor-fabric-waverly-chantal-vapeur/8599573.html#prefn1=refinementColor&sz=36&start=73&prefv1=Blues">Waverly Chantal Vapeur</a></b>, a flowing graceful floral design, gave me just the balance of elegance and interest that I was looking for.</i></div>
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<i>Instead of designing one larger centerpiece, I spaced out several posies along the table. These low-lying arrangements gave each guest a view of flowers without blocking views of each other.</i></div>
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<i>This soiree gave me the perfect opportunity to pull many pretties from the china cabinet.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW7BLMzLLm9vdaD7fkyAT3lqKPto60QfM4E84cAIBe7LtZgBGiV6y2mpf2PdfjPME2fC8i72NMDwhKjLquMgeci3EBtVmql_TLkdkcPJdl8O4YWvL59aOdaKbVprg5gSVZriTNS_Hmgv0/s1600/IMG_1857a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW7BLMzLLm9vdaD7fkyAT3lqKPto60QfM4E84cAIBe7LtZgBGiV6y2mpf2PdfjPME2fC8i72NMDwhKjLquMgeci3EBtVmql_TLkdkcPJdl8O4YWvL59aOdaKbVprg5gSVZriTNS_Hmgv0/s640/IMG_1857a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>This dining room table is a different size than the one we used previously, and I am still collecting linens that work with its long, narrow oval shape. For this event, I definitely wanted a solid white tablecloth. Although this microfiber one from <b><a href="https://www.belk.com/p/arlee-home-fashions-inc.-encore-microfiber-tablecloth-60-in.-x-120-in./71007703924130WHT.html?dwvar_71007703924130WHT_color=113294856188#q=white%252Btablecloth&lang=default&start=8">Arlee Home Fashions</a></b> was not exactly what I had in mind originally, it looked nice and was a practical choice. The polyester fabric is impervious to spills, so that will make for worry-free entertaining -- especially during the holidays when we often have little ones around our table.</i></div>
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<i>I hope that Mallory, along with our other guests, felt blessed by the beauty of the day.</i></div>
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<i>My cell-phone pictures do not do the ambience justice, but there was a sweet glow to our time together.</i></div>
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<i>And a lovely fragrance of friendship -- a sweet blend of roses, fresh-baked scones, and my favorite blend of loose tea.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgUWNC5W3gqLAAkW0k0hTNDx_TrSxAHSItgf_24AKFnJQKdtVgY-PuHzlvwKccDnWxkKTghEqu-R5t4u7mVXBsYRGW4hYD2WMdhIuavdLeDb4qrX-NY56HYIo8MD_mSiTn94eVTginiUO/s1600/IMG_1873a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgUWNC5W3gqLAAkW0k0hTNDx_TrSxAHSItgf_24AKFnJQKdtVgY-PuHzlvwKccDnWxkKTghEqu-R5t4u7mVXBsYRGW4hYD2WMdhIuavdLeDb4qrX-NY56HYIo8MD_mSiTn94eVTginiUO/s640/IMG_1873a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>In my next post, I will share details of our menu, including an easy recipe that has become an instant favorite for entertaining.</i></div>
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<i>Highlighting this side table are a framed invitation and menu. I used watercolor clip art from <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/digitalpaperie?ref=l2-shop-header-avatar">Digital Paperie</a></b> for our party printables. I adore these images of macarons and teacups!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NhyQ_4d_UZZ3U_gPav-jLO4z2OvCKJQzNoQGzbnmctD4ovLctsQXe-rbcH9Rvi2BCQnxvxsOLff9VadFzE-5PmIJ2_4jdcttKAUzj1R-Yg45IiOqW-xVdmylnwTvgP8gs9l-Tk7l-JW5/s1600/IMG_1812a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NhyQ_4d_UZZ3U_gPav-jLO4z2OvCKJQzNoQGzbnmctD4ovLctsQXe-rbcH9Rvi2BCQnxvxsOLff9VadFzE-5PmIJ2_4jdcttKAUzj1R-Yg45IiOqW-xVdmylnwTvgP8gs9l-Tk7l-JW5/s640/IMG_1812a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>And, of course, I never tire of beautiful flowers!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1q3_hb3igKfrdGLgThvD5nsVr9kMsvVRbdv5SpDbqJXEVH5v-V42wlORXkf0pe9NdoLp1X3Aycb_nVCuNqtBLdDoTCAIoaPwtSrm6TyMOJ2C5csPeH3W-E-Y1eKDtD-nFVfIUGXMKtumw/s1600/IMG_1813a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1q3_hb3igKfrdGLgThvD5nsVr9kMsvVRbdv5SpDbqJXEVH5v-V42wlORXkf0pe9NdoLp1X3Aycb_nVCuNqtBLdDoTCAIoaPwtSrm6TyMOJ2C5csPeH3W-E-Y1eKDtD-nFVfIUGXMKtumw/s640/IMG_1813a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>In this stage of life, it is rare for me to host formal gatherings, so I thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to celebrate such a beloved girl with a tea party. The afternoon was a gift of loveliness, and I hope it was a blessing to all!</i></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"I take pleasures in tea, appreciating it with my spirit and therefore cannot explain why." ~ Sen Joo</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-20165945315845858822018-06-25T00:00:00.000-05:002018-06-25T00:00:06.248-05:00A Tea Party for Mallory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrNQ3KRf17G-jJpzD3i9uLP83Hr9l0294ZhWoDlQWmjJObWSD9NonhLs0dj7CTwxLOOg9ohsXkncpWVUSPb2sSj11hqf_QS-nrfyR6__CV45HDgGToGRoJGOiMU-DVxyTZ0eBdjlFwPFd/s1600/Mallory+Tea+Invitation_BLOG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrNQ3KRf17G-jJpzD3i9uLP83Hr9l0294ZhWoDlQWmjJObWSD9NonhLs0dj7CTwxLOOg9ohsXkncpWVUSPb2sSj11hqf_QS-nrfyR6__CV45HDgGToGRoJGOiMU-DVxyTZ0eBdjlFwPFd/s640/Mallory+Tea+Invitation_BLOG.png" width="456" /></a></div>
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<i>Carson and Mallory dated in high school and have remained the best of friends since he left for college. This sweet girl graduated this spring, so the girls and I wanted to honor that milestone with afternoon tea.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBUiP5Igb4wZxc2NJH2-_XC6eJRBAGPNx2aNDakzG4KNubpJL8JEos0ndymH74u7sUpockUK90nbYVa-lTx3O9H2oNjh7uBuZVABOs5O93ESBQlNAAIqUtXiJEXW2C-_K1cDmwa8SVXRR/s1600/IMG_1965a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="404" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBUiP5Igb4wZxc2NJH2-_XC6eJRBAGPNx2aNDakzG4KNubpJL8JEos0ndymH74u7sUpockUK90nbYVa-lTx3O9H2oNjh7uBuZVABOs5O93ESBQlNAAIqUtXiJEXW2C-_K1cDmwa8SVXRR/s640/IMG_1965a.jpg" width="479" /></a></div>
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<i>We go to church with Mallory, and she is one of our favorite people!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDcoBKmseXXsP-uZZPXtX6Maq9c1qgKqF-t017PiJPdEmJjPrstpN-ilEzkEHuDquZU1syIBkNpXKY44fO0sf4tjznKatpM9Xnb7H7WacE9OPPzjxq8XRN4zRorZX5GouvBCFAkP4-1iX/s1600/IMG_1919a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="581" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDcoBKmseXXsP-uZZPXtX6Maq9c1qgKqF-t017PiJPdEmJjPrstpN-ilEzkEHuDquZU1syIBkNpXKY44fO0sf4tjznKatpM9Xnb7H7WacE9OPPzjxq8XRN4zRorZX5GouvBCFAkP4-1iX/s640/IMG_1919a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Here is a peek at our tea party, an intimate gathering that included Mallory's sweet mother and sisters. In upcoming posts, I will share details of our tablescape and menu, so be sure to drop by again soon! </i></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"Perhaps it is while drinking tea that I most enjoy the sense of leisure." ~ George Gissing</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-69176740764532699942018-05-24T00:00:00.000-05:002018-05-24T00:00:09.957-05:00Party-Perfect Yogurt & Berry Parfaits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQg_jE8jaldE0-1s5Mwa7MOXuWq8uIlJ0FPbK74Gpx4twRpk-XgBgjv-NtgjMccPRt68jxdbvP7-_MxHMOife3vlyxHHtV5EreeA0-AlF1Nf839YzY3vjFZcYsS49AWR-XOTCok_MTWEb/s1600/IMG_1601b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQg_jE8jaldE0-1s5Mwa7MOXuWq8uIlJ0FPbK74Gpx4twRpk-XgBgjv-NtgjMccPRt68jxdbvP7-_MxHMOife3vlyxHHtV5EreeA0-AlF1Nf839YzY3vjFZcYsS49AWR-XOTCok_MTWEb/s640/IMG_1601b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." ~ Unknown</span></i></b></div>
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<i>Tiny yogurt and berry parfaits might not have been the specific intended result of the above quote, often attributed to Mother Theresa, but these adorable appetizers were certainly small and definitely done with great love. As a healthy twist on the dessert-shooter trend, these breakfast treats were an indulgence that even guests following a diabetic or gluten-free diet could enjoy at Sunday's reception honoring the graduating seniors of our church. And the parfaits seemed to be a hit with the rest of the crowd, as well!</i></div>
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<i>For our reception, I purchased <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2LqzhK7">DLux Mini Shooter Dessert Cups</a></b>, available in sets of 50 or 100 with free mini spoons. For the reception, we only needed around 85, so I prepared several varieties of parfaits and saved the remaining cups and spoons for another event. Find the details below!</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">Petite Berry & Yogurt Parfaits</span></b></div>
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<i>Makes approximately 85</i></div>
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3 (32-ounce) containers Oikos Triple Zero Vanilla Yogurt<br />2 (18-ounce) packages fresh blueberries<br />3 (12-ounce) containers fresh raspberries<br />2 (0.5-ounce) packages fresh organic mint</blockquote>
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1. For each mixed-berry parfait, drop approximately 6 blueberries into the bottom of a <span style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/2LqzhK7">DLux Mini Shooter Dessert Cup</a></b><i>. </i></span><span style="text-align: center;">Nestle mini spoon in cup.</span> Using a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip, pipe yogurt over blueberries, filling cup halfway. Add 2 to 3 raspberries, depending on size, to create the middle layer. Pipe yogurt over raspberries, and top with approximately 6 blueberries and 1 mint leaf.</div>
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2. For each raspberry parfait, crush one raspberry in the bottom of a <span style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/2LqzhK7">DLux Mini Shooter Dessert Cup</a><i>. </i></b></span><span style="text-align: center;">Nestle mini spoon in cup.</span> Using a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip, pipe yogurt over raspberry, filling cup halfway. Add 2 to 3 raspberries, depending on size, to create the middle layer. Pipe yogurt over raspberries, and top with 1 raspberry and 1 mint leaf.</div>
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3. For each blueberry parfait, drop approximately 6 blueberries into the bottom of a <span style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/2LqzhK7">DLux Mini Shooter Dessert Cup</a></b><i>. </i></span><span style="text-align: center;">Nestle mini spoon in cup.</span> Using a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip, pipe yogurt over blueberries, filling cup halfway. Add approximately 6 blueberries, depending on size, to create the middle layer. Pipe yogurt over raspberries, and top with approximately 6 blueberries and 1 mint leaf.</div>
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4. Once all yogurt has been used, divide remaining blueberries and raspberries among cups, and top each fruit cup with 1 mint leaf.</div>
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5. Parfaits and fruit cups may be made up to 1 day ahead. Refrigerate until ready to serve.</div>
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<i>Note: You could also top these parfaits with granola, but in our group we have some serious nut allergies, as well as gluten intolerance, so depending on how much you know about the dietary restrictions of guests, the safer course would be to leave it off.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_eueX8r7UbWPRUkzREocgWhbu74c_dPUJU8FGh9pXlkTetxfX6abC9V_OlWqzIEnYYBHDy1TP6yDKnXPDEAe68upRFHQRNG1KXOD3h_x3I50468B7eEaA7P1w0liTWulBGZWEsb_6VLa/s1600/IMG_1602a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_eueX8r7UbWPRUkzREocgWhbu74c_dPUJU8FGh9pXlkTetxfX6abC9V_OlWqzIEnYYBHDy1TP6yDKnXPDEAe68upRFHQRNG1KXOD3h_x3I50468B7eEaA7P1w0liTWulBGZWEsb_6VLa/s640/IMG_1602a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Wouldn't these red, white and blue parfaits be perfect for upcoming Memorial Day or Fourth of July festivities? I am glad to have a record of ingredients and amounts for this year's parfaits, as you will likely find these again on next year's graduation reception menu!</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;"><i>"Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures." ~ H. Jackson Brown</i></span></b></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-87042060596976011242018-05-21T00:00:00.000-05:002018-05-21T00:00:05.249-05:00How to Revive Wilted Hydrangeas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"Flowers whisper beauty to the world, even as they fade, wilt, fall." ~ Dr. SunWolf</span></i></b></div>
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<i>Over the weekend, we honored the graduating seniors from our congregation with two very special events: a Saturday-evening banquet and a Sunday-morning reception. Friday afternoon and evening, I whiled away the hours blissfully arranging centerpieces with friends. To coordinate with our silver-rimmed plates and patterned napkins of gray, yellow and white, I filled glass vases with sliced lemons and snowy white hydrangeas. When we turned off the lights to head home, everything looked beautiful and the cold, dark room was fresh and fragrant.</i></div>
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<i>So imagine my heartbreak to return to the church building on Saturday evening, ready to light candles and capture a few photos of our tablescapes before dinner, only to discover that most of the blooms had wilted. Whether it was the acids in the citrus or the unexpected heat and humidity caused by the air conditioning turning off during the night, or a combination of both, my beautiful bouquets were a shadow of their former glory. I had planned to repurpose the centerpieces for our reception the next morning, but the blossoms looked so sad that as tables were cleared after the party, many of the blooms were immediately thrown away.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdAg7sa8JCqHJe2hrGvuye0cuvhF5md9HsVvWTauuCDpoiZBKYTvjMCohyphenhyphenzECgI8KoLT5I9MHhoQzfUhsvUL7cPTge2d2guaHYoTQVs1e_jPmRvw8cwPZy4ktEXR2GPzqm7oHpC04Ayiv/s1600/IMG_1615a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdAg7sa8JCqHJe2hrGvuye0cuvhF5md9HsVvWTauuCDpoiZBKYTvjMCohyphenhyphenzECgI8KoLT5I9MHhoQzfUhsvUL7cPTge2d2guaHYoTQVs1e_jPmRvw8cwPZy4ktEXR2GPzqm7oHpC04Ayiv/s640/IMG_1615a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>But not so fast! I rescued a few blooms from the trash heap to see if they could be revived. I filled a bowl with tepid water, turned the stems upside down, and let the clusters of petals soak for a while. Then I clipped the stems shorter (at an angle) and arranged them in smaller vases of fresh water. As you can see from the photos in this post, we were treated to a Sunday-morning resurrection story, and the flowers look as lush and healthy as ever! In fact, they are now doing triple duty, after suffering through the banquet and looking lovely during the reception, by giving us a poignant reminder that you never know where beauty might flourish, if only we will offer a little tender loving care.</i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"Flowers don't worry about how they're going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful." ~ Jim Carrey </span></b></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-57092972098311501532018-05-08T12:00:00.000-05:002018-05-08T12:00:05.912-05:0010 Years of Teacher Gift Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSnm6V44f5XI65seonoOTCmkoZYVCWVJKdKp-ReKpyXrfrrAqidHV8KE20vz5jec8AAAmy8jvKvqAFdH-GCKHSlAEPYcvsW7QgG4PyTG8lUaj0-kzf_3WFZCnj5uEU33DVtmgy8nUiJ8N/s1600/Teacher+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSnm6V44f5XI65seonoOTCmkoZYVCWVJKdKp-ReKpyXrfrrAqidHV8KE20vz5jec8AAAmy8jvKvqAFdH-GCKHSlAEPYcvsW7QgG4PyTG8lUaj0-kzf_3WFZCnj5uEU33DVtmgy8nUiJ8N/s1600/Teacher+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>One year we surprised our teachers with lush bouquets of peonies in crystal vases, but when the children were in elementary school, our usual tradition was to present a gift of flowers in a container that can be used long after the blossoms fade. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Day, here are a few of my favorite ideas from the past decade.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihb7p-WQl71lRtlmnPwzIFEhzy6bjkvHtBf51O-F7VzFsJGRUKYUXJum30D8lX23qH4UIDqwvopNLCTdH3uyuJgRaftXFkKbG8G0Gh6cps85PZxYoevz7nWw6BUx175Nq8cPb1sBU4vsNG/s1600/IMG_5653a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihb7p-WQl71lRtlmnPwzIFEhzy6bjkvHtBf51O-F7VzFsJGRUKYUXJum30D8lX23qH4UIDqwvopNLCTdH3uyuJgRaftXFkKbG8G0Gh6cps85PZxYoevz7nWw6BUx175Nq8cPb1sBU4vsNG/s640/IMG_5653a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>We all scream for ice cream with this festive arrangement, a sundae-inspired gathering of flowers tucked into a parfait glass.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOYaQTThegBc2ga-MXZVCzbzxwOd56rYw-2_kUbtI4k8v-Jl3PDm_K2Pj0flaYqY82Ma6ePXwlV_fjF7rtSZQdMAUO0o0K9Eg1NKdTu3XH_e0JnvJHDtos0-DhGBA8wNOKFq0nZzjzsS8/s1600/IMG_5689a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOYaQTThegBc2ga-MXZVCzbzxwOd56rYw-2_kUbtI4k8v-Jl3PDm_K2Pj0flaYqY82Ma6ePXwlV_fjF7rtSZQdMAUO0o0K9Eg1NKdTu3XH_e0JnvJHDtos0-DhGBA8wNOKFq0nZzjzsS8/s640/IMG_5689a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>This presentation included a gift card to a favorite local spot for frozen yogurt.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyP2GHvqkYhJnFD4VQSVyHwUA-9GhK6oXyWSQ7Oi-I5ivpPr0UtlOJ4lZ8MpEO35-ydF1WFYFKic7K2bedJtywwcc_LJAgQGkAJYk_BaQieyHcqJrm-euum4Ab0AI27ZjqHWxShdDMmGW/s1600/Teacher+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyP2GHvqkYhJnFD4VQSVyHwUA-9GhK6oXyWSQ7Oi-I5ivpPr0UtlOJ4lZ8MpEO35-ydF1WFYFKic7K2bedJtywwcc_LJAgQGkAJYk_BaQieyHcqJrm-euum4Ab0AI27ZjqHWxShdDMmGW/s1600/Teacher+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>For months I collected creamware pitchers and teapots for these gifts of white. The posies looked so lovely clustered in my sitting room.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEod0RivWT0lu5W6A7QGMD3SkP1pCc6AdsX1jZbRZvneWxOS90RDHmibTbIT1Tmw9Rr2u7JWAoQRaFfRl3tjAG0jZE8ixQCXzLzT2yPMVAT0PjK8bPvIcylkc9qDhyWXEYEYN8U3Khy49/s1600/Teacher+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEod0RivWT0lu5W6A7QGMD3SkP1pCc6AdsX1jZbRZvneWxOS90RDHmibTbIT1Tmw9Rr2u7JWAoQRaFfRl3tjAG0jZE8ixQCXzLzT2yPMVAT0PjK8bPvIcylkc9qDhyWXEYEYN8U3Khy49/s1600/Teacher+2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<i>I love this shapely creamer and hope it is still used often.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPcHgz06seXXSN-X9kqJsA_jKxwMZArwT2rIFjQ3A6STB1Y4_FYuyrDNEiYAQPTsF2Cq-f0YpX7CsyDAiuF7v7KKBSYVJlYLHeg2hFZWg0l-aL9JmWaAH5u5Wac0__LOF2eME4U45kAyr/s1600/Teacher+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPcHgz06seXXSN-X9kqJsA_jKxwMZArwT2rIFjQ3A6STB1Y4_FYuyrDNEiYAQPTsF2Cq-f0YpX7CsyDAiuF7v7KKBSYVJlYLHeg2hFZWg0l-aL9JmWaAH5u5Wac0__LOF2eME4U45kAyr/s1600/Teacher+11.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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<i>One of my favorite springtime gifts is a structured tote with a vase of tulips tucked inside. I have done these for teachers and graduates over the years.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnukc4KK4Dww3GdCEHA5f53EeqeCvzYXRnR08cMke63EdFDi_7qiSLF1m1126tjEM2FL2oAWZQ3l3naMey1fjzWO_l_fZPedx0x6lYrvWEkxoqGaYoJ2AYHkv8dUyzkUGfoyBVGtdEOTwE/s1600/Teacher+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnukc4KK4Dww3GdCEHA5f53EeqeCvzYXRnR08cMke63EdFDi_7qiSLF1m1126tjEM2FL2oAWZQ3l3naMey1fjzWO_l_fZPedx0x6lYrvWEkxoqGaYoJ2AYHkv8dUyzkUGfoyBVGtdEOTwE/s1600/Teacher+10.JPG" width="460" /></a></div>
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<i>A monogrammed gift tag adds the finishing touch to this favor. This gift can also be customized for a bride or mother-to-be.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOyiFd2MBoCbtgrZHzaOeMf0409Pz3MIrW2PyTudzNx23r2VbwLEu0mM-GZ-ArF1fvDeKHd8ZPNzptLUPgLDq8KTqsXRf33gaMznf8O11xHrUq4sltbjmdW13YrSgQCAGryiCBfVvmW9Z/s1600/Teacher+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOyiFd2MBoCbtgrZHzaOeMf0409Pz3MIrW2PyTudzNx23r2VbwLEu0mM-GZ-ArF1fvDeKHd8ZPNzptLUPgLDq8KTqsXRf33gaMznf8O11xHrUq4sltbjmdW13YrSgQCAGryiCBfVvmW9Z/s1600/Teacher+9.JPG" width="408" /></a></div>
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<i>Cheery bouquets of hydrangeas offered a ray of sunshine paired with sliced lemons.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-mcNxCIeDb7l39IIuRxeqBHZDRZoozx8PhBiWmcYxJ6XZRKmg4PDs1fnG2xg1NmpYKZcTGuIkfw9FWFp85J4tZL79biRtJs5Okl5OBKGa7NGlBdkIX0_U1_B4-XIA43v5G13q0S9RCXc/s1600/Teacher+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-mcNxCIeDb7l39IIuRxeqBHZDRZoozx8PhBiWmcYxJ6XZRKmg4PDs1fnG2xg1NmpYKZcTGuIkfw9FWFp85J4tZL79biRtJs5Okl5OBKGa7NGlBdkIX0_U1_B4-XIA43v5G13q0S9RCXc/s1600/Teacher+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Purchasing acrylic pitchers at a discount store and taking them to a local engraver to be monogrammed was an easy, economical option for this vessel.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wmyL-ikkmOe0PTgrDbw_fy0DLl4DdtTKNsAYDtxIzcLb5bnUBi21Webp8NPqHLGKMMLsI45xYyHhOvQEhvfDUbfZQh2O3oWgJifkUTprR-hIi2K7Bzp4vIiy5QVuWM_XrubgrPqcr6bx/s1600/Teacher+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wmyL-ikkmOe0PTgrDbw_fy0DLl4DdtTKNsAYDtxIzcLb5bnUBi21Webp8NPqHLGKMMLsI45xYyHhOvQEhvfDUbfZQh2O3oWgJifkUTprR-hIi2K7Bzp4vIiy5QVuWM_XrubgrPqcr6bx/s1600/Teacher+12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Rustic garden buckets made charming vases -- especially when accompanied by handmade cards featuring photos of the children taken during a trip to a local garden.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQgD-J9KJLhWSGhECWUXlU6_7UAd5zJdqEyAqymZJQ6PnKzeEgpQ8ms1gJ1cJ9i-9GXV6RIwufRspHHBIRTdFhx9sI3t5p4ay8Qfb4XOO5U6mjB1QhT7SCsAbFHjgk57GNN4oxIMlKYu_/s1600/Teacher+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQgD-J9KJLhWSGhECWUXlU6_7UAd5zJdqEyAqymZJQ6PnKzeEgpQ8ms1gJ1cJ9i-9GXV6RIwufRspHHBIRTdFhx9sI3t5p4ay8Qfb4XOO5U6mjB1QhT7SCsAbFHjgk57GNN4oxIMlKYu_/s1600/Teacher+7.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<i>Glass canisters finished with chalkboard labels made clever containers for fresh-cut bouquets.</i></div>
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<i>Whether used in the classroom or pantry, these should have a long shelf life.</i></div>
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<i>Finally, for a peek at periodicals tucked into magazine racks, see <b><a href="http://www.alittleloveliness.blogspot.com/2014/05/flowers-for-teachers.html">this post</a></b>.</i></div>
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<i>What could make a gift of flowers even more refreshing? Tucking the blossoms into a box of lunchtime treats. Visit <b><a href="https://alittleloveliness.blogspot.com/2008/05/to-go-box.html">this post</a></b> to learn more about the menu included in this decorative hinged box.</i><i> If you have creative floral gift ideas, please share them in the comments!</i><i> </i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;"><b>"Teachers believe they have a gift for giving; it drives them with the same irrepressible drive that drives others to create a work of art or a market or a building." ~ A. Bartlett Giamatti</b></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-89149375320794529702018-04-09T00:00:00.000-05:002018-04-09T00:00:17.191-05:00Flowers for Teatime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9FOO9gfWrOIUqJ6C5OaHQiG3-k4zxdLe_P45Cnb6wTGxIcjeBhMOEF448v9_ADGLMBIVaZLlDr_Uo-sdzvpIHGfuqBw56LRi6QPd0sIBg3T8yKC9aJlfQmtRHcWrnfoIqapnyE1lZMz4/s1600/IMG_0526a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9FOO9gfWrOIUqJ6C5OaHQiG3-k4zxdLe_P45Cnb6wTGxIcjeBhMOEF448v9_ADGLMBIVaZLlDr_Uo-sdzvpIHGfuqBw56LRi6QPd0sIBg3T8yKC9aJlfQmtRHcWrnfoIqapnyE1lZMz4/s640/IMG_0526a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"Some people will tell you there is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></i></b></div>
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<i>A gift of tea gives pleasure long after the final cup is steeped -- especially when the container is as lovely as the one pictured above, which was a birthday surprise from the </i><b><a href="https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/HM/VIC/VIK17_Subscription.jsp?cds_page_id=215127&cds_mag_code=VIC&id=1523239914128&lsid=80982111541018172&vid=1">Victoria</a></b><i> team.</i></div>
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<i>This shiny tin canister, with its pretty pink label, seemed perfect for holding a posy of fresh spring flowers. (For some other pretty selections, consider the <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2GIj8Ro">Nina's Tea L'Original Marie-Antoinette Pink Tin</a></b>, <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2HkPPBp">Harney & Sons Royal Palace Tea Tin</a></b>, or <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2JtIlN4">Nina's Tea Fete de Versailles</a></b>.)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPJK5KdOgQMegmn47_M86XTMmIr-cwgQHAk8B-w29-Uc5eL2hlGlIXaFPSxBzUYFpwQsXvRGnyYDit1sCHRHp9BjglbBV4EgdVJ754D5SSlnUOd9_F2cLQP2HcAASatsABXrHNb6sCns1/s1600/IMG_0532a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPJK5KdOgQMegmn47_M86XTMmIr-cwgQHAk8B-w29-Uc5eL2hlGlIXaFPSxBzUYFpwQsXvRGnyYDit1sCHRHp9BjglbBV4EgdVJ754D5SSlnUOd9_F2cLQP2HcAASatsABXrHNb6sCns1/s640/IMG_0532a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>To make this centerpiece, I slipped a plastic cup into the canister, added water, and arranged a brimful bouquet of fresh floral stems.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwyHrPmgFjyacE1UrlCT7mGInMEw91vdzohfnkxT16mVj1elwbChqV3AD8fu6LXq2SV0hrUHCcxrsG7zH2H2K11sQRKrAeEYGZL9JOeuMAP2b6HVWfSQ2ChOt__kssF2Ff05yMm4-S-pB/s1600/IMG_0509b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwyHrPmgFjyacE1UrlCT7mGInMEw91vdzohfnkxT16mVj1elwbChqV3AD8fu6LXq2SV0hrUHCcxrsG7zH2H2K11sQRKrAeEYGZL9JOeuMAP2b6HVWfSQ2ChOt__kssF2Ff05yMm4-S-pB/s640/IMG_0509b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Ready to be placed on the table or shared with a friend, this sweet posy doubles the pleasure of a teatime gift!</i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"The mere chink of cups and saucers tunes the mind to happy repose." ~ George Gissing</span></b></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-9098763352341940652018-04-06T00:00:00.000-05:002018-04-06T00:00:10.822-05:00Savor a Simple French Country Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoPhAB6VMSNC2KMsC5rFEltKidZi9PAnPhZVUM8CW8ZHQwYMntRhRzY39CEaFluS5dUcLZTisp2B24fQ_RRtKrWuuQd0AjoHBVq0450YFpT_yTjqlCnyJZPk1TbA16f9_YLQIIWr6Brr6/s1600/IMG_0320+%25281%2529a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoPhAB6VMSNC2KMsC5rFEltKidZi9PAnPhZVUM8CW8ZHQwYMntRhRzY39CEaFluS5dUcLZTisp2B24fQ_RRtKrWuuQd0AjoHBVq0450YFpT_yTjqlCnyJZPk1TbA16f9_YLQIIWr6Brr6/s640/IMG_0320+%25281%2529a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">"Take time enough for your meals, and eat them in company whenever you can." ~ Edward Everett</span></span></span></b></i></div>
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<i>Not too long ago, I put together a salad using leftovers from our dinner the night before. This easy weekend lunch was so tasty, it seemed worthy of a streetside Parisian cafe. It's a recipe I want to remember for sharing with a friend, so I'm providing the full details here!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr78cNtMlZQs_Zhu42-rHFmu-DoV0brRyN30lPeXz6cob_wP-2lmbYvVEc7ffXW1VXTna2vJplIX5NRQft5OLb9PPDZnIeHTHvZ8yruy6WUwxTO7kJqic4MI7Npoudotumd55OHhikhUU7/s1600/IMG_0314a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr78cNtMlZQs_Zhu42-rHFmu-DoV0brRyN30lPeXz6cob_wP-2lmbYvVEc7ffXW1VXTna2vJplIX5NRQft5OLb9PPDZnIeHTHvZ8yruy6WUwxTO7kJqic4MI7Npoudotumd55OHhikhUU7/s640/IMG_0314a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">Simple French Country Salad</span></b></div>
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<i>Prepare this refreshing mix to enjoy individually or to serve when entertaining.</i></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Lemon-garlic marinade*</span></span></span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Sea salt</span></span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Black pepper</span></span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Thin asparagus spears, trimmed</span></span></span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Olive oil</span></span></span></span></span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Shredded Parmesan</span></span></span></span></span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Spring mix lettuces</span></span></span></span></span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Honey-roasted pecans*</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil.</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">2. Butterfly chicken. Brush with lemon-garlic marinade, and season to taste with salt and pepper. </span></span>Saute over medium-high heat until cooked through, and set aside to let cool slightly.</div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">3. Meanwhile, on prepared baking sheet, toss asparagus with a little olive oil and season to taste with salt, pepper and Parmesan. Bake in one layer until stalks are tender and edges are slightly charred, 12 to 15 minutes. Set aside to let cool slightly.</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">4. Slice chicken into strips, chop asparagus, and slice strawberries.</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">5. Divide lettuces among plates. Top with sliced chicken, chopped asparagus, sliced strawberries, goat cheese crumbles, and pecans. Drizzle with lemon-garlic dressing, and serve.</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><i>*I used <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2ITJflU">Tessemae's Organic Lemon Garlic Dressing & Marinade</a></b> and <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2pEhrdc">Fresh Gourmet Honey Roasted Pecan Pieces</a></b>. For the salad pictured, we were out of goat cheese, so I used shredded Parmesan, which also provided a nice complement to the other flavors.</i></span></span></div>
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<i>This delicious recipe demonstrates that sometimes the best culinary surprises come about from using what you have on hand. Chocolate croissants from a local bakery provided a perfect end to this healthful bistro meal!</i></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"There is no need for hurry in life -- least of all when we are eating." ~ Edward Everett</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-17987822369177164932018-04-03T00:00:00.000-05:002018-04-03T20:45:02.256-05:00Easter Memories 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">"For I remember it is Easter morn,</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">And life and love and peace are all new born."</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~ Alice Freeman Palmer</span></i></b></div>
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<i>This Easter found us in Searcy, Arkansas, to visit Carson for Spring Sing at Harding University. It was so special to spend the holiday together, and I cherished every moment with our party of six. Here are a few photos from our weekend.</i></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">" 'Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">Filled all the air with fragrance and joy."</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large;">~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-33723696000749170472018-03-30T00:00:00.000-05:002018-03-30T00:00:13.478-05:00Easter Greetings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large; vertical-align: inherit;"><b><i>"Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life." ~ S.D. Gordon</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><i>Wishing you a lovely holiday spent in the company of those you love most!</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/105/5F323E33E666634D4BFF6C303B4588FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Melissa Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10451670238096966507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148179307113950107.post-28079309472368884502018-03-28T00:00:00.000-05:002018-03-28T00:00:17.712-05:00The Languid Beauty of Wisteria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large; vertical-align: inherit;"><b><i>"In memory of</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large; vertical-align: inherit;"><b><i>the spring now passing</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large; vertical-align: inherit;"><b><i>I drew</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large; vertical-align: inherit;"><b><i>the long clusters of wisteria</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large; vertical-align: inherit;"><b><i>that move like waves ... ."</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large; vertical-align: inherit;"><b><i>~ Masaoka Shiki</i></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><i>I have been even more eager to see wisteria this spring after writing about it for our <b><a href="https://www.victoriamag.com/product/march-april-2018/">March/April issue</a></b> of </i><b><a href="https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/HM/VIC/VIK17_Subscription.jsp?cds_page_id=215127&cds_mag_code=VIC&id=1522019941655&lsid=80841819016039593&vid=1">Victoria</a></b><i><b><a href="https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/HM/VIC/VIK17_Subscription.jsp?cds_page_id=215127&cds_mag_code=VIC&id=1522019941655&lsid=80841819016039593&vid=1"> magazine</a></b>. Although many of our photos for that feature were taken abroad, this vigorous bloomer also flourishes close to home. On a recent visit to <b><a href="http://www.smithbyrdhouse.com/">Smith-Byrd House</a></b> for afternoon tea, I was pleased to find clusters of lovely purple blossoms entwined with vivid pink azaleas.</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large; vertical-align: inherit;"><b><i>" 'Wisteria is my favorite flowering vine. Do you know why?'</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large; vertical-align: inherit;"><b><i>I shook my head. 'No ma'am.'</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large; vertical-align: inherit;"><b><i>'Because it's strong -- just like me."</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-size: large; vertical-align: inherit;"><b><i>~ Beth Hoffman</i></b></span></span></div>
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