Have the Courage to Ask for What You Want

Jump in and take a risk you are thinking about– even if it makes you quake in your boots. I love this quote from Oprah Winfrey: 

• “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” 

For example, yesterday a local flower shop was giving away roses to people named Mary (they pick a different name every Friday for free rose Friday.) I was making notecards at home, but when I saw that it was my name they picked, I had to decide if I wanted to drive ten minutes to receive a free rose. I pondered the situation and then decided to go for it! I walked into the shop, asked for a rose, and they let me have this beautiful peachy/maroon bloom.
I’m glad I took that little risk because I have a rose that smells like honey on my counter. 🌹 Take that risk today!

-Mary Hope

Copyright 2017

Be Bold Today!

I love taking photos of my work space as I’m cooking. This is how my workstation looked as I was cooking Thai Chicken Soup (see my recipes category for the recipe!)

Recently I’ve been reading an inspiring book, and here’s a quote from it that is very reassuring:

I am loving what @christybwright says: “Fear isn’t a sign that you’re doing something wrong. It is a sign that you are doing something new. It doesn’t mean you’re not capable, qualified, or ready. It just means you’re doing something that matters to you. And fear doesn’t mean you are doing something bad. It means you’re doing something bold.” -Christy Wright on page 14 of #businessboutique the book. 

Be bold today! 

#joy #treesoftransitionart 

Success

Maya Angelou said this amazing thought on success: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

Have a great start to your week!

-Mary Hope

Copyright 2017

Catalpa Tree Blooms!

Driving to work yesterday I noticed this catalpa tree when I was waiting at a stoplight. Catalpa blooms look like little orchids with their cream background and maroon specks; they are one of my favorite blooms that come from a tree.

Happy Friday, Everyone!

-Mary Hope

Copyright 2017

Rhubarb Time

Rhubarb’s tang makes me feel like it is fully spring. I whipped up this pie last week and have been enjoying it ever since! I used strawberry jam in place of fresh strawberries, and that worked out just fine.

Happy Monday!

-Mary Hope

Copyright 2017

Savoring Having a Mom

Having a mother that is alive is such a gift. 🎁 My Mom has struggled with depression and over the last month has come out of a recent dark season–thanks to God, my aunt, medicine, and counseling. I’m thankful I could hang out with her yesterday and celebrate motherhood with her!

-Mary Hope

Copyright 2017

Spring Gray and Green

We have had long, cool, rainy seasons this spring in Chicagoland, and the green baby leaves against the misty sky have made me so happy!

Happy Thursday. ☔️ 

-Mary Hope

Copyright 2017