The waiting is over. Months of looking, the surprises, the disappointments, and then a fresh hope. As I mentioned the other day, ten days ago we found 'the house'. But it was today that the bank approved our loan! Another month and we'll put the key into our OWN door for the very first time in our lives. I just couldn't wait to tell you, to thank you for all your prayers this year, all your kind words of encouragement, all the support which was felt from all corners of the globe. These two new designs were me putting my hopes into a sketch, then a stitchery...tangible hopes that I could see and pray over, hopes of what just may be if we did not lose heart. Home will truly be a place of comfort for us, comfort for our weary souls, comfort given by God in a way which may take many years to fully comprehend. And the gardens all ready in place, the numerous and interesting ornaments, pots, plants, bird life, trees...something which mattered more than I can say. In fact I think there will be a fresh outpouring of creativity in the months and years to come because the garden is a place of bountiful inspiration and my heart and hands are ready to add our touches everywhere too. And even though life is a continuous series of valleys and mountains and plains, just knowing we 'are where we are', that we have somewhere to put down roots, that our children and grandchildren finally have an address where they can always find Mum/Dad/Nana/Poppy, is answer to a three-decade prayer. Our God is good all the time, and in His time hidden goodness will always be revealed. The wait may be long, but it is worth it. Don't forget that we start our 26 week Alphabet Pincushions stitch-a-long this Friday August 31st. The patterns are free but you can only receive them by visiting my blog or signing up to my free weekly newsletter - they won't be in my shop. Righto, much to do and only a few weeks to get ahead with design work, pack up a house, and move into our home. As my beloved always tells me, "Breathe, Jen", because he knows me well and his reminders to stop and just be still for a while will be welcomed in coming days. In fact, I took time out the other day to get my hair trimmed, treat myself to a salad and chai lunch at a nearby cafe, and enjoy a favourite English magazine while I ate that meal alone in peaceful surroundings. I highly recommend this to anyone, but especially if you work from home like I do. To be away from work settled me on Monday (especially during the anxious wait for news from the bank) because I wasn't visually distracted with what needed to be done; instead I was right there in the moment, tasting the food, slowly sipping the chai, taking in pages of beauty displayed within my English country homes magazine. I shall be mindful to make future dates with myself away from work. May your day be blessed, your laughter felt in the heart, and your cup of kindness overflow. See you Friday... hugs PS: Those two new designs - do you like them? For information about the patterns head over here...