My brother in law.

I'm a pretty private person and don't usually write things that are too personal.  I enjoy sharing my new designs, photos and recipes and I think sometimes you may catch a glimpse of who I am through my writings.  It's at this point though that all of these things just seem so trivial to write about and I can't really consider thinking about them without acknowledging the huge loss we have experienced in our family.

Earlier this month my brother in law (my husband's brother) passed away.  50 years young with a beautiful family including three fabulous daughters.  He died of melanoma and even when the cancer was spreading through every part of his body he remained optimistic and strong.

Mark Wallis

May 1, 1962 - October 9, 2012.

The things that I learned from knowing Mark are simple:  Live in this moment, approach everything with optimism, be kind to others, dance like there's no one watching (but if there is an audience that's even better!).

The loss is immense and heartbreaking but I will take the gift of knowing Mark into my own life.  I'm sure Mark is looking down at all of us and saying "Keep on Smiling"...and that is what we will try to do.

Please wear sunscreen.