New life

Being that it is summer and we have already done our traveling, I am now home with the kids--our schedule wide open with plenty of chances for them to complain of boredom. So today we headed out for the craft store and I let them pick out some "building" supplies: popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, and the like. I even purchased some lanyard supplies and I taught them how to make a lanyard. (Every kid should know how to do that at some point in their childhood.)

While cruising the rows of glue, paint, paper, etc. I found some bags of shells, which I was immediately drawn to. Holding them in my hands reminded me of a simple wooden framed mirror that has traveled with me throughout the many places I have lived. I have almost tossed it several times but have hesitated simply because it begs to be "re-born" in a different paint color. Maybe I would learn to like it again?

So today it has begun its new life as a display-er of sea shells. The last few hours I have hot glued each shell, one by one, onto the simple wooden frame. It has been a cathartic process: fitting the shells like puzzle pieces into perfect little places while my kids sit on the couch making their lanyards. (Oh, and listening to the Journey's Greatest Hits.)

My only sacrifice? Two lovely burn blisters on my fingers from the hot glue. Workin' through the pain though...totally worth it.