Kibou

I learned today that Kibou means Hope in Japanese. Hope is my word; everyone knows that. I have hope that things will get better in Japan because despite all of the bad in this world, the good will overcome and rise up and care and help one another. I believe it. I do. I believe in Hope and Love and Compassion. I came across a few dolly related raffles and auctions today that have proceeds going towards the Tsunami Relief in Japan. Many of which are listed on Eurotrash's blog. One that really touched me was Rag Pets' Kibou...a rag doll kitty...her raffle proceeds will go toward animal rescue and relief in Japan. Let's help the kitties (and humans too). By a raffle ticket, donate somewhere, search and see what you can do to help. Have hope.

rooted in hope

Here it is- my new tattoo!



I decided to get it on my foot. Chris at Peter Tattoo in Fort Myers was my tattoo artist. He looked at my sketch and did his own take. He drew it out in a ball point pen first and kept tweaking it until I was completely satisfied. I'm really glad I allowed Chris to convince me to color the leaves green.



Now for a little background on why I choose what I did and why... I decided back in November that I wanted a seedling on my foot to represent new growth and starting fresh. I wanted it on my foot to start from the ground up. There are three leaves to represent the Trinity. The roots symbolize continuous growth and the fact that what you see on the surface is just the beginning. And since "hope" is my new mantra, I had to work that in!



Last night, I discovered there is a hidden heart in the roots which I think makes it that much cooler! Anyway, I am very pleased with it!

happy heart day

I think it's all about good friends (maybe because I'm single?)...thoughtful, sweet friends that send you text messages like this. Yeah, Annie, I'm talking about you!



Happy Valentine's Day! I'm off to spend it with the ones I love....oh wait, that's not entirely true. I got called in to close on my day off. But I do love my job and guests, most of the time. Today they'll either be happily in love or completely bitter. I can't wait to find out, chat and make them a caffeinated beverage! As for me, I'm hopeful love is still out there somewhere.

tattoo sketch

I sketched this out on Sunday evening. I'm meeting with the tattoo artist in a little over three hours to discuss the particulars. I may thin out the roots a bit so that "hope" is more visible. I think I decided to have it done on my hip, and eventually have some vines and other whimsical things connecting it to my swallow on my ribs. I want a whole side piece eventually...just building it little by little. :)

Anyway, I'll have some fresh ink come Friday afternoon/evening. I'm so excited!

128:365 hold on hope

Bought this lovely "Hope" magnet at ArtFest Fort Myers. "Hope" has become my motto lately during this hellish beginning of 2011. Latest...my favorite cat, Mischa died this week and my niece had emergency surgery to remove her appendix. So yeah, I'm holding on to hope...things will get better. They always do. God is faithful, even when I'm not. :)

seek peace. respect others. have hope.

three important things to remember.