Inspired Beauty. AF & SH

I like to try to surround myself with positive people and influences in my life, therefore, to me, I am surrounded by beauty in every which way. Each and every one of my loved ones inspire beauty differently, in their own way.

If I blogged about all of them, this entry would go on and on and on, SO, instead I am going to narrow it down to two of them that I think are the epitome of beauty, to me. A.F & S.H

A.F.

I met A.F in 2006 through a mutual friend (though that friend is now her sister-in-law). I was instantly drawn to her caring and nurturing nature. She didn't even KNOW me before that night, but about a week later, she found me online, and wrote me asking how I was feeling and if I'd got any answers from doctors (I had just started suffering dizzy spells about a month before we met). The fact that she took time to personally check up on me, someone she had met ONCE, really struck me. We stayed in touch after that, and though we don't get to physically hang out often, we have been able to keep up to date with each others lives via facebook. I have watched her blossom into an amazing wife, and mommy of twin boys. I find her to be beautiful not only on the outside, but more importantly on the inside. She is a woman of faith, and is not afraid to show it. That in itself is a beautiful thing. Even in the midst of her busier than ever life (she recently started her own business venture, Deceiving Desserts) she has committed to helping me plan and coordinate my wedding. I am thankful to have her in my life to inspire me.

S.H.

S.H. is another amazing woman in my life who inspires beauty. Yes, she exudes beauty on the outside(look at that bright smile!), but more importantly, the beauty of her heart is never ending and it shines completely through her. She is very compassionate, and always understanding.  She is one of the most accepting and welcoming persons that I have ever met. She cares about others in a way that you are supposed to, without judgment. She is one of those people that though she may not agree with you, she will give you her honest opinion, yet still support you if you don't take it. Friends of her children (myself included) fondly refer to her as "Mama H" as she has made us all feel welcome at her home, any time. She is as passionate about animals as myself, and is the proud mommy of three goats, two dogs, a cat, and numerous fishies. I am so thankful to have had her in my life, as I have received countless pep talks with much wisdom from her. The way she handles all situations her family may encounter with such grace, is one of the many reasons I admire her, and she inspires beauty to me. I hope that one day, when I have a family of my own, that friends of my children can look at me with the same fondness that I feel when I look at her.

I am inspired to do this project thanks to the creator, Mandy, at She Breathes Deeply. Her blog is pretty amazing, so if you haven't checked it out before, please do so. :) Maybe you will be inspired too!

XOXO