Religious denominations are fascinating to me. All are based on a similar foundation, yet have unique formal traditions. I have lived in multiple places, and have gotten involved with many different denominations. Learning the different belief systems has confirmed my belief in the New Church teachings, while making me curious about New Church structure.

Other church denominations I have experienced have consistency from congregation to congregation. Meaning that the programs in place in these church denominations span all congregations. Service structure, study materials, youth programs, mission trip programs, etc. all line up from church group to church group. So, if someone were to move to a new area and go to that same denomination church in their new town, they would know the structure they are walking into.
Continue reading Observations →

Can you remember a special single auntie? I think everyone should have one. I did. It was from her that I started hand crafts when I was very young. I went on holiday with her without my parents. She was very special. Aunties have a very special role to play in the life of children, and I think single aunties even more so.

I may not be a wife or a mother, but I have 6 children – 6 nephews and nieces. I’m not a wife or mother, I am an awesome aunt. My role as aunt is no less important or meaningful than mother or wife. It’s just different. It’s important. It’s valued. It’s blessed.
Continue reading I Am Blessed →

Once my dear friend had a little child in CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) with a scary infant heart surgery. 
That place is AMAZING. And heartbreaking.

Walking past numerous doorways, seeing through the glass windows in the doors, beautiful Arthur Rackham illustrations framed on the walls, messages from patients, and heartbreakingly inspiring photos of little children battling things one never should have to, I just yearned to be doing something useful with my life. 

‘I should work in a hospital supporting people who save babies!’ my heart cried.

Then, why am I a fashion designer?
Continue reading Tea Pots and Scrub Buckets →

As I raked leaves this afternoon, I came upon some pinks, purples and blues amidst the yellows, oranges and browns. I was reminded of sweet little flower ‘deposits’ that I had noticed strewn around the church property a couple of weeks ago. I wasn’t sure who had done this pretty work, but I figured it must’ve been my son and/or others of the regular church boys…. although it seemed kind of odd that they would do that. I later remembered that there had been a kids’ tennis camp on the property a few days prior, which had included a number of girls . ‘Ah, yes, that’s it!’ I felt sure it was they who had adorned the lawn so.

I think it’s fair to say that girls – female humans – are so much more into prettiness and visual pleasure than are their male counterparts. From a young age, we dress up our dolls, we decorate our bedrooms, we prettify ourselves and our children – and why? I reckon it’s because we want to please others – not in a submissive kind of way, but in a way that brings joy to others. Why? Because we want to connect with them. The older I get, the more life I live, the more I recognise and realise that, for women, it all* comes down to this: connecting with others.
Continue reading Connection – aka What Girls Do →