ah, that's love: Reveling in the American Riviera

How was your Fourth of July, friendly folks? We just returned from Vegas, and commemorated Independence Day by attending a magnificent barbeque feast hosted by dear friends, and ended the temperate evening by gaping at fireworks at a local park with some church family. I am ever thankful to have freedom of all sorts: from freedom to lead the gift of an American life, one that is beyond opulent compared to so many others on this globe; to freedom from sin and eternal death through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who paid for my freedom on the cross; and even freedom to revel in little blessings, like summertime's opportunity to mosey about.

I journeyed up to Santa Barbara for the first time in honor of dear friend Elaine’s bachelorette getaway not too long ago. We all agreed that it was so very nice to simply rest and relax in the quaint oasis, far away from the constant frenzy of La La Land.

The bride-to-be had to wear her bachelorette gear the entire time we were there. I used feedsack for her heart sign, and strips of fabric and feedsack for her braided headband garland, as inspired by those princessy head wreath garlands made of curled ribbon. They are simple to craft and thoroughly festive, so give it a try if you are so inclined.

Our mini holiday was made even more special because we stayed at a lovely bed & breakfast in the heart of downtown’s whitewashed mission edifices. I had never been to a B&B, and we were all captivated by the inn's idiosyncratic rooms, early 20^th century architecture, and sincere hospitality via homemade goodies during breakfast, afternoon teatime, and wine & cheese social hour. There’s something so charming about an elderly innkeeper telling you the history of the inn since its heyday in the early 1900s while warmly offering you homemade granola and fresh-squeezed orange juice.