Autistic-ally Beautiful #Giveaway

Usually when logging onto Facebook, I see your typical updates from family and friends -- quotes, updates about them being back-to-school broke, toddler just learned to potty train, "Is it Friday yet?", what they are whipping up for dinner or how many km they ran that day and usually they come with pictures too including the sunset over Bora-Bora water or Eiffel Tower vacation pics that I so very much begrudge revel in.

Yesterday Monday morning, coffee in hand and ready to do some quick perusing and reading before the kids woke up, what I saw sprawled across my computer screen literally got my hands shaking.

This was what I read:

Brenda Millson (Grandmother) said this letter arrived at her home Friday from someone claiming to be a mother in the neighbourhood. (@lennonandmaisy/Twitter)

The person that wrote this and sent this to the family of a 13-year-old autistic boy was not only a woman claiming to be a fellow neighbour but also a mother.  

It broke my heart thinking how the family must have felt reading this.

I'm a mom myself and although none of my children are special needs children, does it even matter?

As a mom, I can't fathom the feeling of someone thinking and saying such hurtful things about my child -- I would be so bereaved and absolutely outraged.

I shared the letter plus my thoughts on my Facebook Page and received a lot of feedback from readers that were clearly as dismayed and shaken up as I was.

CAC Facebook Fans that took time to express their emotions on the hateful letter.

Max's Grandmother, Brenda Millson, was the one to receive the letter.

She said Max lives with his parents and older brother in Oshawa, Ont., but he had been visiting her home in Newcastle.

She said the author of the letter may have assumed she is Max's mother.

"At first I couldn't believe what I was reading," she said, adding that she was shaking in disbelief.

"It's just so sick."

Durham regional police said they have been investigating since Friday and that they are taking the letter seriously.

Max's mother, Karla Begley, 44, who is in a wheelchair with multiple sclerosis, said police told her they had never seen a letter "that despicable."

The Crown Attorney's Office in Ontario says the letter falls below the threshold for a hate crime, despite the hateful language, Durham Regional Police Service said in a release Tuesday.

However, police will consider whether the letter violates other Criminal Code issues.

Really? I would say it's pretty hateful, threatening even.

But this, this at least made me smile.

On Sunday night, at least 120 people waited outside the home for more than an hour in order show their support, Begley said. Families with autistic children drove in from Oshawa to show their support.

"Max was high-fiving everyone. He didn't understand but knew it was for him," Millson said.

Begley said support for the family following the letter has been "bittersweet," adding it's too bad it took such a letter to bring attention to a special-needs child.

"It's just a reminder, you know, you've got to treat these kids like they need to be treated," Begley said. "They just want to belong."

Anyone with any new information regarding the investigation is asked to contact Const. Thompson of the East Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1604.

Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.

We don't need Autism Awareness, we need Autism Acceptance.

I'd love to share a beautiful book from Chicken Soup for the Soul to one of my readers that are "Raising Kids on a Spectrum". It offers 101 Inspirational Stories for Parents of Children with Autism and Asperger's.

1) Simply 'Like' Carol Au Courant on Facebook and Leave a Comment underneath the Giveaway Photo above.

(Open to Canadian Residents only)

Contest ends September 1st.

****

Credits: www.cbc.ca, 

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Opening Hearts & Rekindling Spirits: Chicken Soup for the Soul 20th Anniversary Book #Giveaway

The past few weeks have been very difficult for me and my family.

Aside from the stresses of day-to-day, we lost my father-in-law a few weeks back and that was really rough on our entire family.

This was also the first time my 4 and half year old daughter (and 10 month old son) attended a Funeral and of course we had to prepare ourselves for the questions that would be thrown at us.  

"Where is Lolo (Grandpa) going?" 

"Why is everyone crying and sad?"

"What happens when you die?"

"When will he wake up?"

"Will I see him again?"

Of course this is never easy -- losing someone you love and care for yet trying to keep strong for your children and answering their questions to the best of your ability.

Sometimes we question life and why things happen. We wonder why so many bad things happen in this world... especially to good people. Why no matter how hard we work, we still struggle and stress.

Why do we stress? Why do we hold onto anger? Why do we find it hard to forgive... and forget?

We have enough problems to deal with as it is. We need to start opening our hearts and rekindling our spirits. Finding the good in all circumstances and counting our blessings.

I read somewhere that if you were to throw your problems in a pile of others' problems, you'd probably grab yours back.

It's true.

Life goes on. 

You can never take back moments lost... cherish each one. Especially with those you love.

Use your time and energy to do what makes you happy. And never cease the opportunity to tell those you love how much they mean to you.

Of course the first book I grabbed in my hands during this rocky time the past few weeks was Chicken Soup for the Soul. I happen to have been sent their latest book which is the 20th Anniversary Edition and it couldn't have come at a more fitting time.

The twentieth anniversary edition of the original Chicken Soup for the Soul is brimming with even more hope and inspiration - the stories you’ve always loved, plus bonus stories, plus 20 bonus stories from today’s thought leaders.

You will find hope and inspiration in these 101 heartwarming stories about counting your blessings, thinking positive, and overcoming challenges.

If you're on Twitter, make sure to enter my Tweet to Win #CACInspire Giveaway to Win 1 of 3 Copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul 20th Anniversary Edition.

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Crying Helps Me Write Better {Giveaway}

It took me about 20 minutes... 20 minutes of tears and blank stares at the computer screen while my 8 month old continuously sobbed in the background to write this paragraph that I'm writing right now.

My son is going through an extremely needy separation anxiety stage where he requires an arm and a heartbeat to place his head on otherwise the world is coming to an end. I feel bad for my 4 1/2 year old because she gets the short end of the stick these days with mommy focusing 80% on her brother, 10% on her (most of which is during classes - my daughter is home-schooled at the moment) and the other 10% on work.
I would say that's an unfair ratio, wouldn't you?
I try and balance my days as much as I can for my children (they are 1st priority) and then work. My blogging has been on the back burner as I have not only lacked time, but also ideas and inspiration.

This hurts me as a woman that has prided myself on my writing and the amazing and loyal readers that I have built in the 2 years that I have been actively writing and sharing my life with the online world.
Blogging was my escape and my chance to connect with other mothers and women out there during times when I really just felt very alone and needed to hear that I was doing okay. Doing okay as a mother that chose to say good-bye to her successful career and focus on my most important job, motherhood.

It wasn't until I received a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul's Inspiration for Writers that I finally felt like invisible hands were lifting my broken pieces of creativity and slowly gluing them back together.

"Balancing Motherhood, family life, and writing is not easy. With the stress  and duties of daily life, it's hard to find the time to sit down and write. And I sometimes feel like the world has enough writers. We don't need one more. Nobody needs to hear my words. 
Because who am I? Why should my words matter?
Well, my words do matter. All our words matter. They tell us who we are.
But words will never see the light of day without discipline.
Devoting time. Putting the word "write" onto an actual schedule to give it validity.
Your words represent who you are, and sometimes the duties of life can hide that person."
- Good Pasta by Mary C.M. Phillips, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers

"I feel fortunate to have found something I am passionate about, something that allows me to escape into the magical realm of make-believe on a daily basis. Ever since I regained my creativity, I appreciate it much more. Creativity solves problems and inspires curiosity. 
Creativity unleashes big, beautiful dreams. Nurturing my creativity has not only made me a better write, it has made me a better person -- more optimistic, compassionate, and open to life's unending possibilities."
- How I Got My Creativity Back by Dallas Woodburn, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers


Just before writing this post, I had one of the best cries I've had in a while.
I really, really needed that.
It has been a really rough past few weeks -- horrible bouts of viruses and tears, the stress of work and deadlines, motherhood and everything else in between has finally kicked my butt.

I am so grateful for the support of my husband and family that have taken the time out of their day, to give me more time in mine. To allow me to exhale and work on nurturing my artistry.
And most importantly, to help me to discover who I am once again and why I started doing this to begin with.

I also am grateful to those that amongst their busy schedules, take the time to pour themselves a cup of tea or coffee (or wine!) and click onto my blog and actually read what my heart is saying translated into words.
Thank you for that. It means a lot more than you think.

I want to allow my readers, especially to those that understand what I'm saying in this blog post; those that are seeking a writing awakening and encouragement, a chance to get their hands on a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul's Inspiration for Writers.
This book has helped me immensely and provided the motivation I need to start really writing again.
I hope it helps you.

"You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage -- pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically -- to say "no" to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger "yes" burning inside."
~ Stephen Covey

I'm giving away 3 copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers - Budding or Bestselling - from Books to Blogs and all you have to do is to comment below telling me 
the reason WHY you started writing.
I'd love to hear it!

The giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents.
Ends Friday, June 14, 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Wordless Wednesday

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Wordless Wednesday

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A Child's 10 Commandments to Parents

I have to admit I got all teary-eyed when I was reading this.  If there's one thing that my heart aches for it's children.  It's their innocence, their patience, their curiousity and their love and need for their Parents.

This is a timely and very important reminder for us Parents.  

1. My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely: don’t restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there. I’m only little such a short time—please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don’t nag me all day long. (You wouldn’t want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement, but not your praise, to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I’ll be prepared to make the kind of decisions life requires of me.

8. Please don’t do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t quite measure up to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but please don’t try to compare me with my brother or my sister.

9. Please don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together.  Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

10. Please take me to Sunday school and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.

I know that this would be perfect for those days when I feel like my little girl is driving me up the wall so I can sit down and read this and feel so much better! Where was this yesterday!?!?! 

*Feel free to print off and put on your fridge for a daily reminder of how to treat your kiddos!

**A Child’s Ten Commandments to Parents, by Dr. Kevin Leman

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Embrace your Flaws: Imperfect Perfection

I still remember that amazing Born this Way episode on Glee inspired by Lady Gaga's hit song.
It was such a refreshing thing to see on television amongst the plastic and drama you usually get suffocated with on the tube these days.

My (almost) 3 year old daughter was playing dress-up like she usually loves to do. I was sitting in the guest room/office in the next room finishing up a few online projects and responding to some email's listening to her jabbering away. This time she was a girl that discovered secret beans (jelly beans) that turn her into a giant, big and strong, that outshines all the other little people. She has a very vivid imagination. I love that about her.
She scurried into the office, placed a jelly bean on my lap and said, "Mommy. Here's your magic beans." I smiled and replied, "Why thank you! What happens when I take my magic beans?"
"You become big and strong! And your eyes turn blue!"
Huh? I gave her a puzzled look and proceeded to eat the "magic bean's".
"Why would my eyes turn blue? I like my eyes brown."  Ava giggled.
"Because it's beautiful!"
"I think brown eyes are beautiful too."
"But blue eyes are nicer, mommy!"

Okay. Not sure where and when she got the idea that blue eyes were more beautiful than brown eyes (or green eyes, or hazel eyes for that matter)
My husband and I make it a point to not only compliment and praise our little girl for her outer beauty but on her inner beauty and intelligence too.
We want to raise a strong, confident yet humble & loving smart young lady that takes pride in who she is and where she came from and to love every little "flaw" and perfect thing about her.
Everything that makes her was shaped and artistically etched from every little part of her mommy and daddy... with love. Hating something about her looks, makes her hate something about ours.
She needs to grow to love everything about her.

I'm not one to talk though. For many years, I hated my forehead. I thought it was too big. And on top of that, when I was a year and half, a bad fall left me with a nasty scar on my forehead to remember... forever.
For many years growing up, I attempted to cover up these "flaw's" by adding bangs and makeup to somehow make my forehead look smaller and minimize the scar.

As I got older, I started realizing that it didn't even look bad and that my mom (who I got the "larger" forehead from) proudly embraces hers and is beautiful with it! So I started embracing mine.
It's a family thing and I should wear it proudly.

Tyra Banks, a former Victoria Secret Model, also suffered from "big forehead anxiety". She's one of the most gorgeous women out there! And plenty other beautiful women in the limelight rock their big forehead's - loud and proud.

Miley Cyrus, a teenage sensation, has a scar on her forehead that you pretty much bypass because of her awesomeness!
And we all know of one very famous comedian that sports her facial scar without care - Tina Fey!

Aside from the forehead's and scar's, there are plenty other "flaw's" that we all complain about - Men and Women both.

I came across this youtube video by Caitlyn Crosby that I was completely inspired by and just had to share with my readers (if you haven't already seen it).
She created this video to highlight men and women, including Crosby, showing off their natural beauty. 
Many have contributed to the video and website campaign, including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jordan Sparks, Zachary Levi, Margaret Cho, American Idol's Jason Castro, Russell Simmons, Linda & Brooke Hogan, Brie Larson, Avatar's Joel David Moore, Olivia Munn, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Charlyne Yi, Emily Osment of Hanna Montana, as well as hundreds of fans who want to show off their flaws! 
View the video and more at www.caitlincrosby.com and www.loveyourflawz.com - Song and Album available here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/flawz/id310738706.






Of course, for many people, the opportunity to correct a perceived flaw is a welcome one, and the results come with a renewed sense of confidence and self-esteem. I suppose it all depends on how you view your imperfections: for some, they truly are flaws in need of repair, while for others, gaps, birthmarks, and scars aren't imperfections at all, but rather a piece of oneself to celebrate and be proud of, things that shouldn't be hidden or fixed, but should be held up as unique and beautiful in their own way.


What “flaw” that is a unique part of you do you think it is time to embrace?

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Beautiful Imperfection

The November issue of O (Oprah Magazine) has just been released. Katie Halchishick – co-founder of Healthy is the New Skinny and the Perfectly Unperfected Project – anchors an 8-page section on beauty and body image with a photo destined to be an iconic image.  Shot by famed photographer Matthew Rolston, Katie stands naked (the first nude in O history), holding an equally bare Barbie doll.   Dotted lines, of the sort that might be made by a cosmetic surgeon (or a photo editor preparing a retouch), cover Katie, indicating what would have to be cut away in order for her to have Barbie’s body.

It’s a striking photo.  There’s something revolutionary about a naked plus-size model.   Think how often this image from French Elle of Tara Lynn has been reblogged – and remember the reaction to this famous Lizzie Miller photo in Glamour?  What sets the O photo apart is the powerful reminder of how far even such a gorgeous model as Katie falls short of an unattainable ideal.

The article that follows the image includes the fascinating results of a survey of O magazine readers in their teens – and in their 60s.   There’s some encouraging news: older women report having better body image, though not by as great a margin as some might expect.   But when asked for one adjective that described how they felt about how they looked, “grateful” was the most popular choice for women over 60.  “Self-conscious” was the clear winner for the teen girls.  And we’re troubled – though not surprised – that while older women listed “staying healthy” as their number one reason to exercise, “losing weight” was the top choice for their younger counterparts.

But next to Katie’s picture, the highlight of the issue is a “Dear Every Woman” letter from novelist Amy Bloom.  Here are a couple of excerpts I loved:

You cannot be a healthy person, let alone hope for healthy children, if you sigh and moan every time you encounter your own image, eat a cookie, or see an airbrushed model on a billboard.  Even if it amounts to wholesale pretending, go pretend.  Walk around pretending to be a woman who likes her body… Because every step toward self-love you take, and every inch of confidence you give someone’s daughter, makes the world a better place….

You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed.  And you are beautiful.

Katie's photo was shown to a 15 year old teenage girl. She stared at it for a long time without saying anything.  Finally, she spoke: “At first this photo made me feel a little bad.  I thought if a girl as pretty as that has to change so much to be perfect, it made me wonder how much more I’d have to change.  Then I realized how ridiculous it would be to try and change (Katie’s) body.  She’s perfect the way she is even if she’s imperfect in the eyes of a plastic surgeon or some dude who wants a Barbie doll.  And if she can fall short of the ideal and still be so beautiful… maybe I can too.”

She paused and smiled at me.  “Um, can I take the magazine when you’re done writing about it?  I want to show it to my friends… and I want to keep the picture.”

That’s the power of an image – and the power of being Perfectly Unperfected.

I'm grateful for O’s brave and refreshing take on this issue that matters so much to all of us.

Credits: healthyisthenewskinny.com

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Inspiration is Contagious

Recently, a fellow twitter mom and writer of mumandchums.com, Sara Hodge, had called upon the help of fellow SCCTO attendee's to complete a mini survey to share their experience in the blogging and social media -world - how they got here and why? With all the responses she received she compiled a wonderful article, Inspiration is Contagious.  I was happy to take part and have my comments included in this article.

It's always refreshing to read what others have to say because we grow from learning.
It's a fantastic article for those that are quite new to blogging/writing and would like to hear from women that were in the same shoes not too long ago (me included!).
I'm still growing and absorbing all the wealth of information and advice I can get to better my content, all at the same time growing confident in my writing.
I wish you all a wonderful experience and please do share any tips, comments, questions you may have.

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21 Suggestions for Success

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Wordless Wednesday: Today's Inspirations

 I think I can make these (felt). So cute!

 Did I ever mention how much I LOVE mason jars?

 Save those egg cartons! Perfect for storing your upcoming Christmas ornaments.

 Photobooth art? Love!

 Loving orange this season!

Super cute!

                Candy Corn and Candles? <3                                        Mums in a pumpkin? Fab idea!

 Just because I LOVE large, chewy, garlicky and cheesy pretzels.

Yelllow and Grey = beautiful!

Perfect dinner date to me. :)

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Mount Washmore

I think all I ever do is laundry.  There are always baskets and baskets in one stage or another throughout my house.  There is the overflowing dirty clothes basket in the bathroom, the folded but not put away baskets in the hallway, the not folded or sorted baskets outside the laundry room, and the baskets piled high with dirty laundry in the laundry room.  And the one basket of clothes I’m gonna have to wash again because for the 2nd time I didn’t take it out of the washer in time to avoid that familiar mildewy scent. Lastly, there are the clothes all nicely folded and sorted on the kitchen table until we need the tabletop and they are pushed aside, over and into things.

I wanted to find some amazing spiritual lesson in all that laundry – Perseverance?  Character development? Contentment in chaos? Joy in suffering?  I tried to think of something each basket of laundry in its particular location and situation could represent in my Christian walk.  I couldn’t think of any.  I guess sometimes chores are just that, chores.  I must figure out how to do it without so much grumbling. I've been trying for everyday in (almost) 3 years I've been a Mom, I’m sure one of these days it’s gonna click.

As a stay-at-home-Mom, the laundry nightmare is particularly daunting.  It seems like it shouldn’t have changed that much, but I guess it’s compounded by the unmanageable amount of chores and responsibilities that we as SAHM's have.  There are so many tasks to do and, unfortunately, laundry sits in one of the top spots.

I think the key to most housework battles we face as SAHM's is to embrace the chaos – to simply enjoy a full house, noisy nights, messy tables, yucky floors, and loads and loads of laundry.  I’m thankful for all those clothes because there was a time not too long ago when I worried about us being able to provide for my whole family while I chose to stay home.

I’m constantly reminding my daughter (and hubby)  to do everything without grumbling or complaining.  Must be another ‘do as I say, not as I do’ mama thing.  But it shouldn’t be!  It should be second nature for us to give thanks in all circumstances (even buried alive in laundry), pray without ceasing (even that the laundry would decrease a bit) and rejoice always (even if it’s just for the 5 minutes there is no laundry in a basket.  Wait!  Does that ever happen??).  I have determined to strive to model thanksgiving instead of grumbling no matter how the clothes pile up around me!

I want to find that even in doing my laundry I can be a blessing to my family and my Lord.  Ultimately, I want to find a way to bring God glory through my life, my attitude and, yes, even my laundry!

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Beautiful People

Was inspired by this quote by  Elisabeth Kübler-Ross  that a young lady on Facebook had shared and I thought it resonated with me. It's a lovely and powerful quote that speaks so much truth.

We - in our times and societies - are (almost desperately) convinced that beauty is the absence of struggle, the absence of sorrow, the absence of ageing, absence of deficiencies and defects, absence of scruples, of morale and ethics.

But life, character, individuality (and even faces) are hand-carved by the above.

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The Dailyness

This is such an eye-opening devotion message that really hit home and thought I'd share it for all the mom's (and even just all the women) out there.
Just to remind us that it's the "dailyness" in our lives that we need to stop and appreciate - even during those "oh-so-wonderful" moments of motherhood.


Life wouldn't be so hard if it wasn't so daily. As I sit here surrounded by laundry and dishes piled high in the sink, I see more than ever how life wears us down one day at a time.

Crumbs litter the floor and dirty smudges cover the windows. And I have yet to discover where that smell is coming from. For this mother, a simple trip to the grocery store requires an act of God and Congress – attempted only when we are down to powdered milk and Ramen noodles. Not thirty minutes ago a little one-year-old clung to my legs, belting out that scream - you know the one, bats can hear it. And I felt my coping skills slipping away. Not because he was crying but because he cries every day.

The daily-ness.

The job of motherhood feels so vast, and frightening, and unending. I am called to raise these children in the fear and admonition of the Lord and yet there are days that I can't seem to get out of my pajamas much less lead them in a time of prayer. I think anyone could endure the temper tantrums of a small child or the rebellion of a teenager or the constant needs of another if they lasted just one day. But the truth is that these things are the stuff of daily life. And when I am honest with myself, they grind down the rough edges of this woman. Because parenting can not be all about me when diapers must be changed, noses wiped and beds made.

In those moments I force myself to take a deep breath and thank God for this season of life. These children. The privilege of wiping noses and bottoms and countertops. A privilege many women would love to have, but don't. I remind myself that the days are long but the years are short. And one day I will look in the rear-view mirror and see empty seats. The cup that is overflowing right now will slowly drain. The stretch marks will fade. And I will find that a new set of daily struggles has overtaken me. When that day comes I will find the strength to face them as well because God gives the grace, daily.

The daily-ness.

As C.S. Lewis once said, "The thing is to rely on God… Meanwhile, the trouble is that relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing has yet been done."

Your daily-ness is probably different than mine, but it is nonetheless God-ordained. It is exactly what we need to live dependent on His grace instead of our own strength. The One who knows us best, who knit us together in our mother's womb, has allotted these days that are equal parts trial and triumph. And He knows that we will see Him most clearly from a place of dependence.

So today I embrace the normal things. The daily things. Another round of laundry. The ring in my toilet. The dust on my dresser so thick a child could write his name. But even more than that I want to celebrate the important things. A child slowly learning to read. A husband that finds his comfort in my arms. A baby who learns to walk and talk. Because all these are the things of life: some mundane and some holy. And all of them must be received daily.

Dear Lord, sometimes daily life is just hard. And we're tired. And overwhelmed. But You promised to be our strength and our hope and our comfort. So today we look to You for what we need. Would You meet us in this, our daily-ness, and help us receive Your grace? In Jesus' Name, Amen.

(Courtesy of Ariel Allison Lawhon, She Reads Co-Director)

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Today's Inspirations...

 This beach picnic looks absolutely perfect! Love the magenta, green & flowery motif - very pretty! 

Can I just be here now? Pretty please?

There's something about touches of blue infused into a white and black palette - so fresh and airy! 

Digging that bowl!

 Beautiful pink and white peonies (well, they sure look like peonie's, correct me if I'm wrong please) is a perfect touch to any home. Loved them in these stone-like square vases.

 Nothing beats fresh food! Paired with these gigantic sunflowers and antique bistro set = the perfect spread! But, where's the wine?

Scattered cobblestone's, hints of blue paint on white exterior's, bright flowers, luminous blue water peeking in the background... Oh, sweet Greece. How I love thee. Hope to see you soon!

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