Say

Say "I Love You."

If your parents are like mine they grew up in a household where dad worked many hours, mom stayed home with the kids and being 'touchy feely' wasn't on the agenda. Sure my grandfather loved my dad but he was more of the strong, silent type that showed love through providing for his family, not looking him in the eyes and expressing his love through words - and I'm pretty sure hugging didn't happen all that often either. I believe my dad is definitely a bit of a softer soul than his father (grandpa died before I was 10 and I don't remember much about him). I distinctly remember dad telling me over the years that he loved me, and not just in passing either, but sitting me down to make sure I knew how much he loved me. This isn't something he said every day but I'm confident that it was substantially more than his dad ever said to him - it's quite possible that he did it deliberately because it was lacking in his relationship with his father.

Last week a friend and I, as we have for years, ended our conversation with

"I love you."

For whatever reason I started to ponder how different the generations are and how all of my friends tell each other they love them on a regular basis, even the guys, and none of us ever greets each other after an absence without a kiss and big hug.

When did being more reserved about speaking and showing love give way to "I love you," bear hugs, and "I am grateful to have you as my mom/friend/son, I appreciate you?"

Over this last weekend I got my answer: Whether is was us or someone in our line of relationships, someone made the choice to change things.

The news of Tim Russert's passing hit me in the gut pretty hard.

When I was watching Mr. Russert just after Obama clinched the Democratic nomination he said something to the effect of

"What an exciting race, I can't wait to see what happens through to November!"

And I said to myself, "I'll be watching it right here with you Tim!"

I was grateful to have Mr. Russert reporting on politics. Not only was he a no nonsense interviewer but he was a sincere, happy, good, solid human being and it showed through the TV and made him an absolute pleasure to watch.

I spent a lot of time tuning in to Tim Russert tributes over the weekend and I learned a lot about him. As I watched the interviews about his "Big Russ and Me" and "Wisdom of our Fathers" books I was brought back to that 'pondering moment' earlier in the week. It seems that Mr. Russert's dad was also that strong, silent type who showed love more through action than words. Whether it happened gradually or there was a defining moment Mr. Russert made a choice, both through speaking and the written word, to tell his dad, son and everyone around him that he loved and appreciated them. I think we can all agree that his decision has been exponentially infectious. His books have, in many cases, provided the catalyst to people enjoying deeper relationships with each other. Even more wondrous is that each of us can make an awesome impact in the lives of those around us simply by saying what we think. By making the choice to tell our family and friends how much we love and appreciate them - often.

I know it's given me a spectacular gift - to fall deeper in gratitude with my life.

Celebrate the summer solstice with

FREE SHIPPING THIS WEEKEND.

Celebrate the Summer Soltice with Free Shipping at La Muse!! Through June 23rd. Simply enter "solstice" and choose "Order will arrive in 5-10 days"

New to our website:

A mother understands

Brand new to our website is Laura Elliott and dvbny of New York. It is rare that we can find jewelry that speak our hearts and minds but dvbny has done just that. We are proud and excited to add them to our growing list of artists that inspire, provoke thought and make us smile!!

We've expanded our offering of

Island Cowgirl Jewelry. Our customers have asked if we can add more of Heather Kraty's unique creations - so we have. Please be advised that these are items that need to be ordered so please give us a 21 day lead time for that special gift.

As an incentive to place an order for Island Cowgirl jewelry it is on SALE through Tuesday, June 23.

Second Thursdays in Old Town

Shop Old Town during the second Thursday each month throughout the summer and enjoy extended retail hours and receive special discounts at participating retailers. The Old Town Business and Professional Association is also sponsoring entertainment at market square on these evenings. The next event is Thursday, July 10th.

Worth Sharing

Two weekends ago my husband and I headed up to the Shenandoah National Park area. We had a fabulous weekend meandering through the park, discovering small towns and visiting wineries. We found a super cabin in Linden, VA through Craig's List and wanted to share it with you because we enjoyed the accommodations so much and they were super reasonable ($100.00 a night, all inclusive, for a cabin that sleeps 4). The owner, Tony, is a very nice, responsive person and a pleasure to deal with.

http://www.DeerRunMountain.com

THANK YOU - our customers donated a total of $39.00 in May to La Muse's fundraising efforts for the Susan G Komen 3 Day.

HELP END BREAST CANCER
We need your help. Hook us up with some airline tickets!!

Do you have airline contacts? Frequent flyer miles to donate?

Team La Muse is participating in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day October 3-5. As part of our fundraising efforts we have secured a timeshare on Kauai, HI to raffle off and are looking for 2 donated airline tickets to complete the package. If you or someone you know is able to donate airline tickets we would GREATLY appreciate it!!

Please contact Debra at Debra@ShopLaMuse.net or 703-683-1696.

Please consider purchasing a "Save the Boobies" pink ribbon key chain.

They are $6.75 and 100% of the net proceeds go to the

Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Visit the La Muse team website and donate a few dollars to a very worthy cause!

Feel free to donate to any team member. 3 Day La Muse

Every dollar is greatly appreciated!

Debra Monahan
La Muse

108 N Patrick Street

Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 683-1696