My mom is fabulous at a great many things. Some I recognized even as an awkward, mall-bang-wearing (not a word), self-conscious teen. Many, many more I have discovered like golden Easter eggs in the great hunt of parenthood.

She and my dad have been so gracious to come and stay with our family during the first few weeks home with each of my new babes. And, let me tell you, my mom can whip a house in to tidy, sparkling clean order like nobody I know, and she can do it with breakneck speed and still be raring to cuddle or cajole her precious grandchildren.

Growing up in my house, with my mom as the lone chef, I sat down to a hot meal every night, served family style with just the right amount for each of us and always little waste.

During my new mommy days, when my mom and dad stayed with us, my mom put on the apron (literally) as head chef, coming in with her meals and menus already set and a grocery list preplanned for my father's day trips. Those weeks, though exhausting and surreal, were totally heavenly and peaceful for me as my sweet mother added the delicious smells and necessary order that my new (and now forever) chaotic life so needed.

My mother knows how to present a meal. She presents a snack. She presents a drink. In creating her menus, she considers nutrition as well as color combinations, food placement, and dish selections. In my home, I watched her find new serving dishes, carefully fluff and arrange the food on my plates, and fold my cheap paper napkins into something special.

This gift is one of those I overlooked as a youngling, and one that I, now in her shoes as a mom of three, totally get. And I realize that all of these little (and significant) ways that she cared for me through her meals and treats and presentations made me enjoy food more and in the end make some better choices.

We all know just how beautiful the colors and textures of food can be, and we're blessed to have so many beautiful food blogs out there to elicit intense salivation (check out Dawn's amazing food photos that I swear I can smell through the screen). 

But before I had those, I had my mom, and I'm trying in little ways to incorporate her energy. I completely feel like a rockstar mom when our food looks like I want to take out my iPhone and snap a shot (and I get a great laugh out of little L asking me why I'm taking pictures of grapes). My children have a visceral reaction, too, though they would not be able to name it, much as I was unable to do the same in my parent's home.

It's a good mom day when the grapes are sliced and placed in a pretty white bowl. I've achieved the simple, true act of pouring out the love I've been so graciously given.

Love ya, Mom.

XOXO, MJ

A little break from the pattern around here.

May is a happy month around these parts. It's a month of birthdays (me and C), Mother's Day, and, for us, a special month focused on Mary, the mother of God. We joined our parish last evening for the annual May Crowning service and celebration (AKA: cake, icing, and chocolate sauce).

I head up a group that works with families, and I needed a quick craft that the kids could do as they gobbled up sugary goodies.

Insert happy pipe cleaner flowers. You've likely seen these around. This is not an original DIY, but it is a tried-and-true. We've made a few bouquets for get well wishes and more just because we love our grandmas. These blooms can easily be crafted by the smallest hands. L at age 2 hole punched, pick his colors, and added his drawings and felt really great about what a big guy he is. (*smiles)

The happiest part about these for me was that I saw all ages crafting. Toddlers, tweens, adults, and seniors tried them out, and everyone accomplished their stems in 4 minutes or less. Oh, yeah.

You'll be seeing a spattering of Kiddo Crafts, especially as we prepare for summer. The hubby and I are experienced (though not currently practicing) teachers, and we joyously throw ourselves back into all that we love about learning and host what we call Mommy and Daddy School during the summer months. Believe it or not, our littles love it, and even ask for Mommy and Daddy School during winter and spring breaks...

But, everyone needs a hiatus.

How are you celebrating May? Anything festive to share?

Thanks for coming over! Looking forward to telling you all about my latest Alt Summit classes on DIYs and Spectacular Blog Designs as the week goes on.

XOXO,
MJ

PS. Special thanks to Sage and Berries for the cute confetti banner background!

Big congrats to our winner, Gina!  She left this happy comment, "Genius! I love all things chalkboard :)" Gina, send me a direct message on Twitter with your address, and I will mail off your set of notes.

And big thank yous to all of the lovely folks who commented and are following Pars Caeli on Twitter. The response has me thinking up some fun future projects...

Happy Tuesday!
XOXO,
MJ

Here it is. It still opens, but it won't close. It was the victim of Saturday's rain/hail/wind storm soccer game.

This is my favorite umbrella, given to me by my mother-in-law (who is awesome) during a great family vacation.  It's a nice automatic from Vera Bradley, produced in limited edition to help support breast cancer research. Pink and orange are such fantastic color playmates and the vintage/photo collage aspect to the print always intrigued me.

Now I guess I'll make a lovely weatherproof clutch out of it. Oh, wait, I don't have any idea how to do that. (Mom??)

Ah, well, it's just an umbrella. But it does bring back lovely memories, and I'm glad I had it for a while. (Do you have souvenirs like this? Insignificant, seemingly, but treasured by only you?)

So, it's on to other water and weather accessories. I'm feeling something whimsical. Here are my top three choices right now. What's your vote?

 

1. comes from Uncommon Goods

2. is from Totes

3. hails from the MOMA store

If repins and likes are any indication, #1 is the people's choice. Is it yours? Can I actually walk and use it at the same time? I think that's probably a need I have. :)

Have a great day, rain or shine...and enjoy your umbrellas.

XOXO,

MJ

 Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Excited to be an official blog over at bloglovin! I had to get a handle on all the blogs that I check into daily, and I'm delighted that someone has found an easy way to organize and prioritize them in a way I find very friendly.

How do you read your favorite blogs? Do you use a reader of some kind or bookmark them? Some other cool way to keep track?

Blogging buds, are you over at Bloglovin?

XOXO,
MJ

What's up, Monday? It's going to be a good week, friends. My happy, striped ruffle shirt told me so. And I listen when my clothes make the effort to talk to me.

It was a chilly weekend here, but we made the most of it with a few local shows and some little people soccer games and birthday parties. How about you?

Today is a reserved striped kind of day - not too cold, not too warm, not too frenzied, with just a bit of classic pizzazz.

Here are some other reserved stripes that have caught my eye. On the left from Piperlime and on sale (oh, yeah) and on the right from Gap and super comfy.

What are you daring to wear today, friends? Hope it's a great week for you.

See you back here soon!

XOXO,
MJ

PS. Don't forget to leave a happy comment if you'd like a set of chalk notes (from Friday's DIY). I'll be selecting my winner and posting it tomorrow!

Happy Friday, friends! I have a fun little something to share with you today. It's easy, silly, and the kind of project everyone can handle (isn't that the best!).

I kind of have a thing for chalkboards. The chalkboard wall in our kitchen is one of my favorite spots in the world (I'll have to show it to you some time).

Here's a charming way to add whimsy to your notes...and you can make as many chalk mistakes as you want. Just erase! And if you have kiddos around, let them join in the fun, too.

 See how to make it happen!

The thicker the paper weight, the better. If you're hoping for a permanent fix to your images, spray gently with aerosol hairspray. And if freehand painting stresses you out, grab some stencils for your chalkboard shapes!

Thanks for stopping over. Hope your weekend is a bright one!

XOXO, MJ

PS. I made some extras that I'd love to give to you. Leave a happy comment below or follow me on Twitter (@parscaeli) if you'd like your own set of chalk notes.

 

this from here.

Today is Take Your Son or Daughter to Work Day. Did you know it? Likely the big day would have gone unnoticed to me had I not seen the Land of Nod's great pictures of smiling young faces immersed in cool, creative activities at Mom or Dad's super cool employer. (Do you follow Land of Nod on Twitter? Totally fun with impulses of creative ideas - highly recommend to any momma.)

I brought my daughter to work...yesterday (urgh, so close). I wasn't involved in a national movement or a part of a fabulous photo shoot involving super cute 4-year olds (I'm biased) and their mommas at work. Nope. Little C has strep throat. It's our first ever bout of the horribles like this so we adventured together to the doctor, on a few errands, back to my office, and then out for prescriptions. 

Have you ever taken your child or children to work, during office hours? I have, and I always relish hearing their response to my professional world. C noticed noises, pictures, and quirky happenings that I usually overlook.

I'm thinking a lot about "work" today. I describe myself as a hard worker. Most likely you'd probably fit into the same category, too, right? What kind are you? I'm the kind that goes full throttle and works and works and works until a project is where I like it, typically disregarding the cycles of the sun or moon. I'm kinda like a small rodent, let's pick a prairie dog, who digs and digs her hole, working away diligently, bit after bit. I work so hard to get down deep into that hole that often, once I'm down there, I just can't see the rays of sunshine any more.

this from C.

I can say with great certainty that my professional life has only been enriched and recharged by spending time here with you and fully jumping cannonball into the festivity of my kiddos.

Let's go ahead and give ourselves permission to take time to live our lives today. Sound good? I promise to remember from my beautifully dug-deep down hole. 

XOXO, MJ

Oh, my gosh, hello! How are you? Come on in, please. Make yourself at home. I'm M.J., and this is my web home, Pars Caeli (pars kiley). I'm kind of delighted that you've come over.

Have you ever started something just to inspire yourself? Get your creative juices going? Well, welcome to why this blog was born (are blogs birthed or hatched?)
So glad we caught up with each other! I'm a mom of three, wife, educator, and designer living in the Midwest. I have another full-time gig and for right now this blog is purely my hobby. I'm an avid blog reader, and I find the blogging community to be incredibly supportive and without (unhealthy) competition.

So I've jumped into the great big worldwide web to offer my voice and opinion. I find inspiration all over the place, and I really want to share it all with you!

These are my people, the inhabitants of Pars Caeli. When my hubby and I moved into our home ten years ago, right after our wedding, we titled our happy abode Pars Caeli, piece of Heaven.

And now we have three little people who vividly illustrate this story.

M: age 7
C: now five
L: "I'm two."

I started this blog to inspire. I started this blog to inspire myself.

It's working.

I believe that sometimes we're not fully aware of the little pieces of Heaven all around us.
And sometimes we overlook our own capacity to be one of those pieces. 

Maybe you might find some of the musings, ideas, and projects in my home inspiring.

I hope that you'll feel comfortable to leave a happy comment because I'm pretty sure you're inspiring, too.

XOXO, MJ

PS. I'm fully embracing this lovely quote I found from a wonderful shop on Etsy. Won't you join me in this quest?

My $1 dream journal is serving its purpose for now, but look at these fabulous pages I found in the aisles of Etsy.  For just a few dollars more, in most cases, you might just find something that fits your style just so.

And with Mother's Day coming quickly, one of these might the perfect spot for your momma's reading lists and to do's.

1. Wit and Whistle, $5.75
2. The Wallpaper Files, $9.00
3. Dandelion Tree, $12.50
4. Chikabird, $24.00
5. Elizabeth Rosemond, $12.00
6. Katie Blair Designs, $11.00 **this one got a lot of repins as soon as I pinned it!
7. Happy Dappy Bits, $5.75 **my personal fave, and I love the name of the store, too.
8. Jadi Hancock, $8.00

Which one's your fave? I might just be able to find a reason to fill all these pages...travel journal, wine list, great recipes, children's firsts...

If you're looking for a hip line of journals and accessories, check out Paige's post on Smash products.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO, MJ

PS. I don't know any of these Etsy dealers and I wasn't paid to endorse any products, I just like prettiness.

I woke up yesterday singing the Electric Slide. What on earth was I dreaming about the night before?

I've been thinking about dreams quite a bit lately. Not really the kind that have you gliding to silly group dance songs, but more those that ignite the engines and cause real change.

My children are really inquisitive, downright nosey, (where did they get that from, seriously? :) ), and M has taken note that I've been toting around a little blue journal lately with one word on the cover - dream. "What's that for, Mommy?" Excited me, hoping to give a meaningful mom response: "It's a notebook I keep with me to capture all my great ideas before I lose them." M: "Yeah, you do forget a lot." She's always honest.

In my life I've been a journal person and then not a journal person and then back to one again.

Sometimes I expect my journals to be sketchbooks, well designed and interesting to the eye.

I allowed myself to choose only from the dollar bins at the art store because I didn't want the kind of journal that looks pretty with a layer of dust. My dream journal is low stakes. So far it's captured books to read, lists of blog ideas, projects I want to take on, and little inspires. I've given myself permission to let it look uninteresting to the unsuspecting onlooker.

But for you, dear reader, here are two memorables that made it into the pages this week.
Thoreau is so good.
And another that I'm blowing your way on a great dandelion fluff...

I will not die an unlived life. 

I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise. 

I choose to risk my significance; to live so that which comes to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which comes to me as blossom, goes on as fruit.
-Dawna Markova

Happy Tuesday, friends! Are you catching your great ideas? You have so many - I promise - don't let them pass you by. 

Meet 'ya back here tomorrow. Thanks for coming over!

XOXO, MJ

 

How was your weekend? Did you enjoy a little breathing room and time away from the day-to-day?

I totally did. I was a pinning fiend and discovered and uncovered inspiration and ideas from some magical pinners. I'm so excited to share with you some great projects, gifts, and parties in the weeks and months ahead. Come back over for some fun, pretty please?

On Saturday morning, the whole fam took a trip to our local farmer's market. I adore farmer's markets and all the unique and fresh treasures they hold. True to form, one of my favorite little businesses was selling spring scarves for $7 (what a steal!), and, yes, I came home with a present.
Today's pattern is this cute purple, small-scale print scarf that's brand new to me. I have no delayed gratification skills whatsoever so I had to put it right to use.

I also found these great small print florals while shopping around with my laptop that make me want to run skipping into warm weather (I did find myself skipping through the grocery store parking lot this weekend, so I might as well look dressed for the part, right?).

These are total steals as well (left from Mod Cloth and right from Old Navy).

What pattern are you loving these days? Has it made it's way into your wardrobe yet?

Thanks for coming over...chat with you soon!

XOXO, MJ

C, age "almost-five", has her first wiggly tooth. My babies all teethed early, like at three months, and now these markers of childhood are wobbling their way out to make room for big, better, stronger, grown-up chompers. 

I was ready for this to happen two years from now. 

But I guess that's not really how life happens - when you're ready for it.

M sat in the backseat with her little sis this week, and softly asked, "Are you a little scared and a little excited about your tooth?" As I watched in the rear view mirror, I saw C hesitantly nod a smiling affirmation to her sister (now a boasting owner of 8 adult teeth). 

New adventures bring out these same emotions in me. I'm a little scared and a little excited for all that is to come, and I am a whole lot grateful for your presence in the journey.

Many deep and shallow thoughts (did you see the big banner and Instagram additions?!) going on around the blog this week, and I've loved hearing from so many of you in comments and tweets.

Thanks for your inspires.

Fun is in store next week with a little DIY and a giveaway (sneaky peaky below:)

 Thanks for coming over! Let's chat again soon. 

XOXO, MJ

These are my people. You may remember that I introduced you already. These are my inspires - my core, my life, and the best gigglers I know (yes, even my hubby).  

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. ~Mt 6

They are a super huge reason why I've started this blog, and they are the major reason why I've been only thinking about blogging and following awesome blogs for many, many years.

I have my dreams and in every one of them these beautiful people are the main characters. 

I'm not sure, however, if their dreams involve a leading role in the great worldwide web.

This little bitty blog is my place to share home, design, faith, and life - with you. 


Sooner than I'd like, these littles will be biggies with their circles of friends and awesome activities and, at least to begin this adventure (I reserve the right to change my mind*), I'm going to give them their own space to avoid the embarrassment of their momma. They'll be the protagonists in all of my stories but, for now, this is your key in the photo glossary of Pars Caeli.


So many blogging moms out there give us an open view into their homes, their professional life balance, their kids' interests and fashions. (e.g.: Gabby, Kelly, and Melissa are among my faves)

I have read along in awe and gawked at lovely photos - motivated to be more, and moved to be happy with now.


It's tough not showing you all the 1000s of cute photos I have of each child (yes, you've been spared), but I think for now, this is the right choice for us and Pars Caeli.

Pars Caeli (pars kiley) is the name my hubby and I gave our home when we moved into it, two days after our wedding. And now it's my great delight to welcome you to my web home, a lovely extension of our piece of Heaven.

What are your thoughts, dear readers? What guides you in what to share or not to share on the internet?


Thanks for coming over. Let's talk again soon.


XOXO MJ

Today's quote is from the wonderful Nicole Balch from MakingItLovely.com, a beautiful blog about stylish living. Nicole put on one great class last night through the Alt Summit Channel on Growing a Readership, and I was one of her 90 happy students.

I might be a little bit infatuated with everything Alt Summit, but in a totally unbiased way, I also think they are offering some fabulous classes for only $15 that are hip, informative, and filled with other really great bloggers (who you want to invite out for coffee after the one-hour class but they live all over the globe so you just meet up in the twittersphere).

I'm not going to give away all her nuggets, but here are 5 that you can put to use in your own blogging.

#1 Be Original              

What should you post to grow your blog? Original content that sets you apart from other blogs. Nicole recommended a ration of 90:10 - 90% original photos, layouts, tutorials, and creative writing and 10% share cute buys and faboo recommendations.

New to me: the idea of a blogger book tour. Some publishing companies like Chronicle give 10 or so blogs original content applicable to the new book and get the word out through great blogger reviews and posts. Love that.

#2 Share You

Your readers want to get to know who you are. Who is the great Oz behind the curtain? Share your story in fun and interesting ways. 

Nicole mentioned Mighty Girl's life list. Her blog follows the 100 or so things she wants to do with her life. Try spicing up your profile by letting people hear your story and connect with you, the author of your webhome. 

I also learned some awesome nicknames for loyal readers. I wish I could remember all the good ones, but it definitely made me think I need to have some kind of name for you good people who come here to see what's happening in my piece of Heaven. (my inspires? I'm still thinking...) 

#3 Predictable Fun                                        

Your readers come to rely on you, and consistency is key. Your timing doesn’t have to be every day. Nicole started blogging three times a week and now she's bringing us gorgeous photos and content daily..maybe even more soon. 

Stay consistent. But don’t put the pressure on yourself. Aim for once a day.

#4 Become BFF with Social Media           

Social media is fantastic. Stay attentive to the little things. Can your readers find you? This means easy buttons to follow you on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram.

Keep the same username for all your platforms so that someone can easily search for you.

Twitter = blogger water cooler!! Keep it fun. "Twitter is a great way to interact with your readers and jump into conversation…traffic will come naturally."

Oh, and match your header to your domain name.

#5 Comment Etiquette

"Don’t have anything in your house that is not useful or beautiful." via Pancakes and French Fries. That has nothing to do with anything, but I found it inspiring!

Stay active with other bloggers and leave a thoughtful comment. And a clear don't – don’t put your URL in a comment. You've already added it in to the basic info on the post. Double dosing here is clearly tacky.

Every post initiates a conversation. It's a like a great party. Be sure to respond to people. "Talk to the people who have been nice enough to talk to you."

And everybody loves comments. So true, so true.

Honestly, what I love best about the Alt Summit classes are the completely creative, dazzling folks who join in the very chatty webinars. You get a complete blog roll and a ton of twitter handles to follow...and I've found some great *inspires* to keep me going for quite a while.

Happy blogging!

XOXO MJ

I go through phases with patterns. When my eye is attracted to one, it subconsciously finds its way into a lot of my design at home and work.

I've got a bad case of chevron brain lately. The energy of the geometry and boldness of line makes me want to run - jumping - into summer.

Here's a DIY on how to make your own chevron goodness.

You'll need a canvas tote, masking/blue tape, fabric paint, paintbrush, iron, and your design on iron-on paper*. Iron-ons are so fun, and you can transfer any image/text onto fabric with them. The style of paper I used required me to reverse the image before printing. Just follow the instructions on whatever style paper you use (some need mirror image, some do not).

Make your chevron with masking tape (remember that the paint will go in the space not covered with tape). I learned the hard way that I need to cut clean edges for each piece to keep the paint lines crisp.

Iron on your design, using your hottest, no-steam setting.

**As a first-time fancy crafter (I am usually such a mess), it took me a few tries to get photos that made sense. And I, of course, ironed the letters on the wrong side, making the entire graphic melt onto my iron. Oops. Thank goodness for nearby hotpads to clean the surface pronto.

It felt so good to see the paper peeling away to reveal JOY underneath.

Using the foam brush, I painted on the lime green being careful along the tape edges. Oh, the satisfaction of removing the masking tape and seeing the grand reveal of a crisp, clean line.

And, that's it.

I use totes for everything...grocery store, library, farmer's market, storage, soccer gear, swimming equipment...you name it. And with this crafty addition you can brand away.

Happy creating, friends.

XOXO, MJ

Last night was a late night, and a late night typically equals a dress the next day for me. I find dresses to be so easy, like a great outfit in a box, and most of mine require no ironing. I think that's why they've become my trusted friends on sleepy mornings.

I had all of you in mind when I broke out today's pattern: ikat floral with a splash of matte sequin. I toned it down with some dark denim and flats so that my coworkers could handle the festive!

Did you try one today? Do share.

Happy Monday, friends! Was it a good one for you? We enjoyed a laid back Spring weekend with some friends and our backyard.

I couldn't help but celebrate just a little in my first guest blogger spot over at Approaching Joy. The post went up on Saturday, and Paige sent along a sweet gift donation to Heifer International in thanks for filling in for her (seriously? I get a gift for this, too?), and she sent along these lovely words:

You are someone who I've never met in person yet you were willing to help me out this week at a moments notice. This has proven to me that there are still amazingly cool people all around this world and, hopefully, through this "gift" others can have a bit more hope as well.

Collaboration is wonderful. Stay tuned for more! And thanks again to Paige.

I've been thinking about gifts, particularly for friends moving or transitioning to new places. I'll repost my gifting ideas here today and take you through my DIY tote tomorrow. 

What do you think? Do any of these seem just right for a friend you know on the move? Or maybe you'll be gifting one right back to yourself.

1. BE GLAD FOR THIS MOMENT TINY TEXT BOWL -  I love being surrounded (and reminded) with powerful words, and I find this thought particularly poignant for our besties transitioning and handling so many tasks and emotions. It's a super cute 3" size, perfect for jewelry or love notes, and it's $22.
2. WRAP IT AND MAP IT - This one's from Martha herself. She's so good. When you've found just the right present, why not wrap it in a map from your home city? Or the new city with a little tag noting the distance from you to her/him? No distance too far for friendship.
3. CAN'T WAIT TO PLANT MY FEET AT YOUR DOOR - Great design is everywhere, even in rubber doormats. How about a super stylish new welcome mat for your friend to put right outside? Crate and Barrel offers this one for $16.95.

4. MOBILE LOVE - If you have a little more money to invest, this metallic IPad leather sleeve is really beautiful. Dewdrop Designs sells this one for $55, and I adore the translucent leaf image!
5. THIS IS WHEN I'LL SEE YOU NEXT - Circle the date of your next girl getaway on this awesome calendar set from Monkeymindesign. In true quirky Etsy Shop style, the artists say that it is "inspired by modern fabric prints and design, this calendar is full of patterns, geometric shapes and color. Displayed all together, it will really jazz up a space." It's also automatic, stunning wall art for your pal's new pad. A total steal at $12.
6. YOU'VE LEFT YOUR MARK ON ME - I know, I know snail mail is so rare these days, but don't you love fine stationery? I'm a sucker for embossed stamps like this one. Tiny Prints offers this one with a great modern edge. This one tops the list at $69.99.

Thanks for stopping by! See you for a some pattern play in a bit...

XOXO MJ
 

 

I was just about to lay on the floor (it's where I get all my best work done) and write a thankful Friday post at the end of week one of blogging. It's been so much fun to discover the inner workings of HTML and blog interfaces, make my fair share of mistakes, and connect with great ladies out in the blogosphere.

I started this blog to inspire. I started this blog to inspire myself.

It's working.

Sometimes we're not fully aware of the little pieces of Heaven all around us.

Sometimes we overlook our own capacity to be one of those pieces.

I was just about to get into the meat of this post when this little guy (L, not Mickey) got something in his eye and needed his momma more than the world wide web needed more words from me.

Before I go, let me pass on a dash of happy that came to me through Adina and was written over at Tiny Twig on how to find, grow, and keep your passion. So good and well timed.

Okay, I'm off to do some cuddling and mending. Have a bright weekend...thanks for coming over.

And don't forget to check over at Approaching Joy for some great Saturday fun! I'll recap here on Monday, too.

I'm a new blogger (as you know), and in trying to get my comments section to work, the original post was deleted.

All for the greater glory, right?

My very supportive kiddos created some great bags inspired by their momma's frantic efforts to get everything ready for the Approaching Joy guest post. Before I know it, they'll be blogging divas and divos (!) themselves.

It's been wonderful to pour my creative energies into this, and my littles definitely took note.

Go ahead and go boldly in the direction of your dreams (Thoreau)...because you might take a few others with you. It's contagious.

P.S. I hope you'll join me back here for this great little DIY and ideas on what to get a friend on the move!