I have run into so many wonderful friends over the past two days — just the ones I needed to run into:). We are carrying the events of Friday in our hearts, trying to make sense of things, praying in our own ways for the victims and their families and friends, holding our loved ones extra close, and wondering if our own childrens’ schools are safe. One thing we all have in common is that we are searching for ways to create peaceful, loving spaces to be in and move forward in. We are gravitating towards light — flickering candles, twinkling Christmas tree lights, and fire in the woodstove or fireplace. We are finding solace in hugs, tender words, and simple things like a hot mug of tea, a hand-written card to a friend, a vase of fresh flowers, kneading dough, and falling snowflakes. We are being gentle with others. With ourselves. XO Lovelies. I will be back this evening to announce the winner of Jill K. Berry’s book, Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed-Media Mapmaking. There is still time to enter the giveaway HERE. You have until 9PM EST tonight, when I draw a random winner.