My Joys

Dear friends,
Many of you have been concerned about me lately, and I believe I owe it to you to reassure you somehow. While the last few weeks have certainly not been the happiest, I do remain deeply grateful for many, many wonderful things that have been going on in my life. Yes, my heart is heavy about my Grandma, and I think about her all the time; however, it would be sinful to overlook some other essential blessings.

Here are my deepest joys lately (and not so lately):

Seb's and my continued path towards an ever deepening understanding, tolerance, esteem and love of each other, that shall lead to our wedding next August.
Seb's freely deciding to embark on this for me - for us - in spite of his own beliefs or disbeliefs. Because, even though he personally didn't feel the need to get married (love is such an intimate, personal thing, and we don't need ours to be written anywhere to make it any truer), he acknowledges that I wouldn't be "me" if it weren't for my faith - I wouldn't love him the way I do, if it weren't for Him. Sébastien wouldn't want me any different. And he knows how much it means to me - acknowledging the place of God in our love, in our story.

Seb's and my parents' happiness at our telling them last week that we were getting married in August.
Their understanding at our not telling them earlier, although we've been spiritually preparing ourselves for more than a year, and meeting regularly with a priest for the last 6-7 months. Seb needed us to be "on our own" in our preparation, so that we could feel utterly free and unbiased in our decisions.
(Which is also why I haven't told anyone of you earlier, although there were times when I really wanted to - and I hope you will understand...)
Their understanding of our absolute wish for a no-fuss wedding - we just can't bear to be in the spotlights and be made a fuss about. The marriage is what matters to us, not the wedding.

Here are some other daily joys in my life:
the pictures of Robin that my sister sends me several times a week, such as this one:

I am so grateful for the Internet. It allows me to follow Robin every day, despite the distance.

A couple of mini-movies my brother-in-law just sent me, from a couple of weeks ago (at the countryside), where I singsong lullabies and Irish ballads to Robin... who sometimes wants to sing along.

Your continued kindness and support. Thank you for being such kind and thoughtful friends! That is a great joy, as well. My life would be very different without you.

Having finally everything ready to make my wedding dress: pattern, fabric, lining, muslin fabric, and a couple of great books.
I'll be telling you more about it later - actually, there are probably going to be quite a number on posts about it. Although it is to be a very simple gown (I can't picture myself in anything else), I would really like it to be full of little details that bespeak my passion for sewing. Details my Mamie would be proud of. If I don't attempt my very, very best for my own wedding gown, then when shall I, right?

By the way... This is the special project for which I started the boutique! The funds are going towards the gown's material, the rings, etc.

Love to you all