I had to share this fun island themed tablescape Molly and I did on Anna Maria Island in January!  While Molly is building her home, they were able to rent out on the island.  And not just anywhere on the island, but the island home of our sweet Nona.  It’s an adorable cottage from the turn of the century.  Charm everywhere!  Sadly we lost Nona in 2021- it was a huge loss, and we think of her and all of the fantastic ways she inspired us and made us smile, all of the time.  She was one of the biggest cheerleaders of my life.  She faithfully read my blog every day back when I first started and was living in Switzerland, commenting on every post, and then following up with an email.  She and my moms other close friends, came to visit me in Switzerland.  I will always cherish that time together – eating, wandering Switzerland and Colmar, France, eating some more, and laughing until I cried.  Last week I was going through books and found one she had given my son, with the sweetest inscription.  She lives on – always inspiring me to think of others and to be kind and thoughtful in little and big ways.  I tell you all of this because she would be THRILLED to see this tablescape at her historic cottage on Anna Maria, and I can’t help but think she is smiling down on this little corner of the internet today.

Ten I learned from Nona:

1.  Always write a sweet inscription in books.  I’ll never give another book without doing that.
2. Be interested in other people.  ask questions.
3. Surprise people by paying for their lunch or dinner if you see them out.  She had done both for me when I was in Highschool, and as a newlywed.  It was so unexpected and sweet!   I fully plan on paying that forward for newlyweds, or a new mom, or kid I saw growing up.
4. Being tender is sometimes the bravest thing to do
5. decorate with beautiful old books.
6. Go on trips with your girlfriends.
7. Make time for your own hobbies and interests
8. Leave time to be available for your family and friends.
9. Support your friends dreams, and their kids dreams too.
10. Be generous with your kind words.

We love you Nona and all the ways you have inspired us to be kind and love big!