Inspiration

I just finished a photo shoot and am editing images for my next HOMEWARDfound blog post, 

and thought I would share a 'sneak peek' image of a particular item... 

one that inspired what I was photographing today. 

It has a beautiful story...

Back in January of 2011, a sweet older friend sent me a house-warming gift.

[ Fran, of the wonderful vintage Christmas ornaments that I've shared here before ] 

When I opened the plain brown shipping box to find THIS inside, 

I sat on the front steps of my beloved island home and wept. 

It's the only Tiffany blue box I've ever been given, 

and the sparkling crystal votive holder is one of the most precious gifts I have ever received. 

Yes, it's lovely that it came from Tiffany's... 

but the true value lies in the message my friend was giving me when she chose it: 

I was worth it. 

Worth dreams coming true. Worth nice things. Worth the effort. 

Bless her sweet heart for loving me so...

I called to thank her, and cried some more.

Then I placed this beautiful piece in a small window by my front door, 

and lit a votive candle in it every day - 

offered up with a prayer of gratitude for dreams coming true (the house, and more.) 

Even when life was dark and stormy, I lit that candle. 

Sometimes in the morning to greet the day, sometimes late at night to pierce the darkness.

I did that every day,

 until the day that I moved out of the house that had been my heart's one true home.
The candle holder went back into the Tiffany Blue Box and into a dresser drawer

for safe keeping. Along with my heart and my dreams and my feelings.
Three months later, I brought it to California with me...

I have only lit it one time since the day I left that house forever, 

and that was on my 50th birthday. 

I just needed to feel connected to my friend that day.

I realize now that Fran saw and knew far more about me and my life

than she ever let on.
I remember the day I took her to tea to tell her I was moving away from Seattle... and why.
She was not surprised by the reason. 

She was MAD, and concerned - but not surprised. I think she always knew.

We both cried. And laughed. And prayed. And vowed to keep in touch.
I treasure this woman, I truly do.

And you know what? 

I just decided that while editing photos, 

I am going to light this candle and enjoy the light of friendship that sparkles within it. 

Now THAT's inspiring.