Paths less Traveled

The other day I had the opportunity to walk with a friend along a river trail in Pittsburgh, where I live. I have driven by this trail hundreds of times on my way to other places, but never really spent time on it.

Seeing the city's Downtown area from a completely different angle was really inspiring, and spending time on the Allegheny River, one of three large waterways around the city, was very relaxing.

I took the shot above from a lookout point on the trail and realized I had never seen this vista before.

I have promised myself to spend more time on this trail, and seek out any others I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet. Sometimes being creative means just spending time in a place you haven't been before, even if it is in your own backyard.

Chimney Swift Tower, river trail, Pittsburgh

Hearts to Hands

Our extended families have been growing lately, with several little ones being born to our nieces and nephews. Such joyful occasions! My sister-in-law found some things that I had made for her children about thirty years ago and has given them to her son's twin boys to use now.

I recently came across baby blankets my mother-in-law had made for my sons when they were babies. I also have a small quilt and a couple of wall hangings that I made for the boys when they were born and am holding onto those for grandchildren of my own.

I was thinking that I don't really have any toys or equipment left from the days of babyhood, having given it all away for someone else to use. But what we did hold onto were the handmade items.

How wonderful to be able to pass these things down to a new generation. They have held up through the years of use and being packed away and can now be used by new young families.

Next time you think about making a handmade gift for an expected little one, I hope you will do it. Future generations will thank you!