"The wonder is that we can see these trees and not wonder more."-R.W.Emerson

I've mentioned my love of trees once or 3205 times on this here blog before. I do. I love 'em. Big, small, evergreen, oak, weeping willow (oh, the weeping willow); any tree is a friend of mine. I love them because they are good for the earth, because they provide shade,and all that good stuff.

But? Honestly? I love them the most because they give me a spiritual connection. Is that weird? Perhaps.

I haven't posted about it too much but I have begun a new relationship with my church, with God. I still have eleventy billion questions and wonderings but whenever I start to doubt what I've learned is true, I look at a tree. And for whatever reason, it makes me know that God is real. Deep in my soul where you just feel things, you know?

When I was in high school, my boyfriend and I used to skip Mass and go sit under a tree behind the church. It alleviated some of my guilt, sitting there, because as I'd explain to anyone who listened, that's where I felt closest to God. Well. Except my mom. Because I'd straight-up lie to her face and hand her the bulletin that I grabbed from the back of the church as proof that I was there.

Truth be told, though...that is where I felt closest to God. Nowadays, I have a fantastic church that I would never dream of skipping services. I feel closest to God there, as the music fills my heart and tears spring to my eyes (every.single.week!) and I find myself nodding and "mmm-hmmm"ing as the pastor preaches.

But when I do start to question, to doubt, to wonder, because I am human; I watch a tree waving, bending, standing in stillness and I know that God created it.

So when I received a CD of pictures in the mail that my friend Elizabeth took at L and G's dedication, it seemed so appropriate that there were a few breathtaking shots of trees on there. I was pleasantly surprised to find them, although not shocked, considering that I not-so-subtlely hinted to Elizabeth that she should photograph one particular tree near church. She also knows my tree obsession and feeds my addiction.

When Easy Canvas Prints contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in reviewing a canvas for them, I knew I needed one of Elizabeth tree photos on a canvas. I sent Melissa at Easy Canvas Prints a photo and within a few days, it was on my doorstep. I opened it, ready to be blown away, and was, well, pretty happy. It was a bit dark, but all in all, it wasn't bad. When Melissa emailed me to find out what I thought, I put my big girl panties on and was honest. I told her I liked it (I did) but that it was darker than I expected. Her response was to find out if she could help me fix it, and if not, she said I could send another photo.

It shouldn't be a surprise to know that I know nothing about photography. I doubted that the company could find a way to lighten it up.

Imagine my surprise when just a few days later, a box was waiting for me on my front porch.

It. Was. Perfect.



Please excuse the photo. It was taken on my phone and B is so particular about how things are hung. Unfortunately, he's pokey about hanging things too. So I'm holding it up. It's terrible. I promise a better quality photo in an upcoming Wordless Wednesday post. See? Proof about the photography knowledge...er, lack thereof. I promise, it really is perfect.

I'm not a huge fan of advertising on blogs. I love highlighting Etsy shops and helping my bloggy buddies out to advertise, but I wouldn't normally do this. In fact, part of the deal was not even writing a post. But you guys? This company is really amazing. They were so easy to contact; I didn't even ask for a replacement and they fixed it. They obviously know their stuff and take great pride in their company.

Now, if I can get my sweet hubby to hang my canvas this weekend, then not only will I be sure that God exists, I'll have proof that miracles happen.

I was asked to provide advertising in exchange for a canvas. But I promise it's all from-the-heart honest. This company is really great.

Reviewing shoes? Yes, please!

As I was putting on my shoes today, I suddenly had a flashback. Once I hit around eight months pregnant with L, I could not tie my shoes. Just plain ol' couldn't do it. I had to sit on one of my tall chairs or bar stools so that B could tie my shoes on a daily basis.

As excited as I am about getting past this nausea+food aversion+exhaustion+heartburn stage, I gotta say, I am enjoying the fact that I am not uncomfortable yet. I had to wear ugly clogs for the last few months of my pregnancy, which with L, happened to be in the winter. But my big ol' feet stage will be in the summer of this pregnancy. Considering I have major foot problems and need extra support (read: old lady orthotics), flip-flops are sadly not going to be an everyday choice.

So when CSN contacted me about doing a review for them, after I did a happy dance, I knew I had to try a pair of cute but comfy, stretchy shoes. CSN is an online retailer based out of Boston that has grown significantly since their company was born in 2002. They started out small, but are now one of the top 3 online retailers...they actually have 200 stores and sell everything from home goods to toys to furniture to pet supplies to office supplies. And a lot more, including shoes, fortunately for me. How I got lucky enough to do a review is beyond me, but I am super grateful for the opportunity.

So as soon as my shoes land in my mailbox, I will check them out and let you know exactly what I think about them. With any luck, I'll love them!