Home Sweet Home for the Holidays!

This Christmas we received a wonderful gift! Our house was finally fixed after water damage for more than a year and a half. The week before Christmas 2 lovely gentlemen worked their magic and gave us back our house! It's beautiful and I'm so grateful for our little home in the sky.

After a solid week of cleaning and re-decorating and sewing slipcovers I made a pie! A gorgeous oatmeal pecan pie. I don't get to bake often so this was a treat. I love baking with my Mom when I spend the week with her and Dad every December. Last year we had a blast baking pies and cookies together. She taught me everything I know. I think she would be very proud. Sadly, she didn't get to taste it. My husband and I loved it!! He did the pie crust for me so it was a joint effort!

I can't believe the year is over. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and I'm so excited to see what 2011 holds. It's been an adventurous year and I've learned a lot. There's so much I want to accomplish in 2011 and I'm determined to make a plan and get it done. I want to be "that" woman!!

Meanwhile.. it's time to celebrate the past year and look forward to a brand new one. I love it in Isaiah when God says "Look, I'm doing a brand new thing!" (Living translation)

This one thing I know: God is Good. He is for us! He will never leave us! And, He is the best part of everything. He will be the best part of the coming year and was definitely the best part of 2010. "Thank you, Lord. For your loving-kindness surely endures forever."

Happy New Year.....almost!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

It's Christmas Eve and it's been the most awesome day. Tomorrow is Christmas is I'm feeling very grateful for excited for the future. God is so good and kind and unbelievably gracious that it overwhelms me to think how I could ever even come close to thanking Him for all He's done. Can you imagine the "thank you" note you'd try to write? Oy! Words fail me. I usually call on David and his beautiful Psalms to help me find the words that sing His praises in a way that comes close to expressing how I feel.

I love to sing His Psalms back to Him whenever I get the chance. I found myself in the car the other day and overwhelmed with joy at the words of Psalm 63 ( I think it was) coming from the radio. I'm sorry! That's just good stuff!!

Well, on that note: I'm snuggling in after a wonderful gathering of friends and delicious food and celebration.

I wish for all who land here a very Merry Christmas. Jesus, my Hero, my Savior, my Defender, my Friend. I love you so! There is no more that I can say.

Good night and sleep tight.

Get the WORD out on CYBER MONDAY!

Having a CYBER MONDAY Sale in my Etsy store today. My Bible Totes are only $25.00 (reg. $29.00). If you have someone on your Christmas list that you would love to encourage to "get the Word out", or someone who already loves to GTWO and would appreciate a fun & fashionable little Tote to carry her precious possession in, I know you'll find the perfect Tote.

Please feel free to pass this on to your friends who may appreciate it. Thanks so much for helping me "get the Word out". If you tell one, and they tell one....well you get the idea (remember that commercial?)

Meanwhile...have a fabulous day, people. It's gorgeous here in Nashville again. Hope the sun is shining where you are.

Thanks for reading!!

Check out this video of my Husband singing!

I'm so proud of him and wanted to share his amazing voice with you. It's one of his finest moments I think! He just kills me. Oh, on that note: please forgive the groupy screams at the end. I can't help it. What's a girl to do?

AVON calling!

Good morning!

My 3rd Anniversary with AVON is coming up and I'm feeling the need to celebrate. I love my AVON business and find great pleasure in serving my Avon customers. Every other Tuesday is AVON delivery day and I can't wait to get my hands on all the goodies and wrap them up in pretty bows and ribbons for my Avon friends.

I want to give them the best AVON experience possible and if I can make them smile in the process then my work here is done. LOL. I'm such a girly-girl and I can wrap a ribbon on just about anything so it's pure joy for me.

My business model is "Neiman Marcus service on an Avon budget." I don't think we should have to shop at Neiman Marcus to receive excellent customer service and I want my business to be a gift to my customers. I have a long way to go in being the best I can be but I learn something new every day that makes me better.

To all of my AVON friends out there: I truly appreciate you and look forward to every opportunity I have to serve you with AVON. I know it sounds cliche but I mean every word; It truly is a pleasure to serve you!

My first Applique! What fun!

First, I'm really enjoying my new "Baby" Tote and am thrilled to hear that the Moms-to-be are happy too. My sister requested one as a gift and wanted a sports theme applique for the pocket. I called my good friend, Sherry for advice - as she's an expert - and went for it. I'm very pleased with how it turned out, but more importantly the Mom-to-be who received it is thrilled.

I can't wait to do another one!

Black & White Damask! What's not to love?

I've been meaning to post this gorgeous damask Tote and I'm finally getting it done. I made this at the request of a dear friend and I'm so pleased with how it turned out. It's a New size made especially for her but I'd love to do more. I think it's a really cool Tote and it holds a ton. The finished measurement is: 12h x 18h x 6d. The black and white damask is a classic combo and she wanted it paired with a sort-of lime green. I'd love to have this in the Damask with HOT PINK. Yeah, Baby. Anyway... it was fun trying something new and I just love how it turned out!

Birthday Girls Getaway Weekend!

I was kidnapped for my 50th Birthday! And, I'm not pressin' charges.

My girlfriends kidnapped me for a surprise Birthday getaway weekend in Panama City Florida. Two others of us had birthdays too so we just celebrated all weekend. Long walks on the beach. Bible study, pondering and great conversation. Good food and tons of laughter (these girls crack me up!). SO much fun and I'm eternally grateful and humbled by their generosity in creating this special moment for me. I have to thank my wonderful husband too because he was in on it all and helped them surprise me.

I wanted to share these beautiful women with you this evening 'cause I just think they're awesome. To Kelly, Janice and Trish I publicly say: Thank you for making my 50th Birthday to best birthday ever!!!! I gotta say thank you to Nayeli too because she helped with the surprise and was too funny in the process. She's delightful!!
I love you girls and am honored and humbled to call you "friend."

Here they are!! The birthday getaway girls.

Endings Always Bring New Beginnings!

Today is my last day to be 40-something. Tomorrow is a landmark day in my life. I will be 50 years old! WoW. It's very hard to put into words how that feels.

I'm excited and blessed and honored to be turning 50 tomorrow! I love my life and am incredibly blessed. Last Sunday my pastor taught about being GRATEFUL. I love the timing of this because it finds me at "almost" 50 saying "thank you Lord" for every good and perfect thing you've given me.

I'm grateful for the warm, comfy bed I woke up in and the strength to make that 2.2 mile morning walk with my husband. Sooooo grateful for the delicious cup of coffee that greeted me (from my auto-timed coffee maker) when I walked in the door after said walk, and for the freedom to spend my day working at home.

Today I get to spend a few hours studying the Bible for our Bible Study tonight (I co-teach) which is pure joy to me. I will reach out to my wonderful Avon customers to see where I can help there 'cause it's almost order time! Then I'm gonna sew at least 1 more lovely Bible Tote to hopefully encourage someone to carry their Bible out and about and make the most of every opportunity to read it! Get the Word out!!

I have a wonderful, caring husband and extended family that mean the world to me and friends that I adore and love to spend time with. I could not be more thankful this morning for all of God's rich blessings and I plan to enjoy every minute of this day He has made. I will indeed "rejoice and be glad in it."

I choose today to acknowledge every wrinkle, crinkle and ache as well-earned and thank God that I've been given the time to acquire them. My goal is the woman beautifully described in the Bible in Proverbs 31:

"She is a woman of strength and dignity, and has no fear of old age. When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule for everything she says. She watches carefully all that goes on through out her household, and is never lazy...Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn't last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised..."

A lofty goal for sure, but don't they say "a (wo)man's reach should exceed he(r) grasp?" I think so!!

Here's to 49 years behing me and another 49 to go. Thank you, Lord, for every breath. You're the best!!

Who loves FLEUR DI LIS? I do!!

I'm from Louisiana where it's all about the Fleur di Lis + I just think it's gorgeous in it's own right.

I was inspired to do a clean, classic PBT to showcase this gorgeous Fleur di Lis. Hope you like it. It's available in my Etsy store now.

Have a fabulous weekend.

GRAB LIFE BY THE BOOK - Part 2! Entering the "TWILIGHT" ZONE

So! What's the 1st book you ever read that completely seized you?

From the moment you started reading you couldn't put it down. And, when you were finished you wanted to go straight from the last page back to the first because you couldn't bear for it to end? What made you want to read that book in the first place? Did someone tell you about it? Maybe you heard a great review or everyone was talking about it and you were just plain curious?

Well, that's sorta how my love affair with the Bible began. I fell in love with the Writer - you might say - and I just flat couldn't get enough of Him. Please don't assume there is some holier-than-thou motive here, like the Miss America contestant that proclaims world peace as her most fervent desire when we're all thinkin' she really just wants to say whatever will get her that crown! LOL. When I say I have a love affair with the Bible, I mean it truly is my favorite book and, try as I might, I can't seem to put it down. If you really knew me, you'd know that is absolutely true. Just ask my friends who probably get tired of hearing me talk about it! LOL. It has - for lack of a better word - SEIZED me! And, I've never been the same.

I personally think it's the perfect book! For MEN we have a book that tells them exactly what they need to know - it doesn't make them guess. Even though the directions aren't always completely clear, they know you'll get to where they're going, and have a few adventures along the way. It's biographical, autobigraphical and historical... and it tells the truth! They don't have to guess what the writer's thinkin' or what's expected of them. It has action and adventure, war, fighting, intense brotherhood and loyalty, and great romance. It's full of heroes with heroines to save, battles to win, justice and righteousness to pursue, and it somehow makes them believe they are just the one to do it!

For WOMEN it's a book that tells us just how the Hero feels about us in words and actions...just reading it makes us feel part of something important. Like the beautiful Heroine of a great adventure novel, the Hero is always looking out for her, always rushing in on His white horse to save the day and rescue His bride. It has great romance, emotion and singing. And handsome, brave men like David who write beautiful poetry AND kill the giant. It has beautiful, exquisite women like Esther who change the course of history with her beauty and her brains. And, don't even get me started on the "Song of Solomon..."

Plainly speaking, it's an AWESOME book. It is God's Words and I just can't get enough of hearing His voice thru the pages.

So I was thinkin': so many of my friends have been seized by the "TWILIGHT" series for much of the same reasons: the Hero of the tale is so in love with the girl that He will move heaven and earth to protect her and be with her; the sound of His voice and His eloquent speech melt their hearts and give them hope for just a glimpse of something that lovely. Frankly, I haven' read it, for no particular reason except that I'm pretty much ruined for any other book. LOL I do have the 1st two in my book shelf but their time hasn't come yet. But I have wondered what it would look like if we all got hooked on the BIBLE the way so many millions are hooked on "TWILIGHT"?

Simply put: What would happen if the Bible entered The "Twilight" Zone? What if everyone was talking about and reading the Bible with the same enthusiasm and interest as the "Twilight" readers. That's what I call: Entering the "Twilight" Zone. And to think it all started because a young woman had a dream and then set out to put it down on paper. Hearing the story of how and why she wrote the book just adds to our desire to share it with her.

Well, reading the Bible is like that for me and I want to share it with you! If you're up for a challenge, read Psalm 119 in the Old Testament. It's this beautiful love letter about God's Word and how much the writer loves it and craves it. (I think King David wrote it but there are varying opinions there. The only thing that matters is it is fabulous!)

Psalm 119: 18-19 says "Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map - and your commands are my chart and guide. I long for your instructions more than I can tell."

I love to pray this one simple sentence before I read: "Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word." Works every time.

I hope you'll dive in today - maybe start with Psalm 119 - and just experience the pure, simple pleasure of reading the Bible.

On that note I want to welcome you to the "Twilight" Zone. Prepare to be seized!

Enjoy!!

Make mine "Fancy" please! All New Luxurious PBTs.

I'm so excited about my new "Fancy" PBTs and I couldn't wait to share them. I've been working on them for the past few weeks and I have to say I'm so in love with this new look. It's wonderful to have the opportunity to work with these beautiful fabrics that feel so luscious and luxurious to the touch. I hope you like them too!

In addition to the luxurious fabrics, these "Fancy" PBTs feature a roomy 4-pocket panel inside plus a single pocket that's perfect for your Cellphone, keys or Blackberry. And, to carry the luxurious feel one more step I've added delightful little feet on the bottom to help you keep it clean. I've been carrying mine (see "I made myself a new PBT!" post)for a few weeks now as my go-to Handbag and also as a Bible Tote when I needed a little extra room.

I'm going to be uploading them to my Etsy store this week, but I wanted to give you a sneak peak. If you have a second, I would love to hear what you think.

Stay tuned for more "Fancy" PBTs to come. Have a great day.

GRAB LIFE BY THE BOOK! - Part 1

I've always lived my life "by the book." I'm a rule follower and I find great comfort in that. Funny thing this is, since I've decided to live my life according to God's Book, I've never been more of a renegade, rebel and all out rule-breaker in my entire life...at least according to the world's rule book.

I love God's Word. I want to know it and study it and teach it, and live it till the day I die. My dream for Penny Bennett Totes is to encourage everyone I can to "Grab Life by the Book" - God's Book - and live it with passion, abandon, joy, courage and power. I want us to get it out of the bookshelf and into our lives. Mark Twain said the definition of a Classic is "a book people praise but nobody reads." Funny but true, no? Wouldn't you sometimes just prefer to see the movie. LOL. Me too!

But, what if you read this book review in the paper or in a magazine?

"This Book is full of living power, sharper than the sharpest dagger cutting swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires, and exposing us for who we really are. This Book accomplishes everything the Writer intended and is changing the lives of everyone who reads it!"

Come on, now! Wouldn't you go straight to Barnes and Noble to get that book? And, then everyone would be reading it and talking about it, and it'd be the Oprah Book Club Selection and then.... well you know what happens from there. LOL.

Well, this "review" is exactly what the Bible says about the power of God's Word in Isaiah 55 and Hebrews 4. (my paraphrase) It's an awesome book! It's God's Word, His plans, His story, His law! His Love! In Deuteronomy 6 God says "And you must think constantly about these commandments I am giving you today. You must teach them to your children and talk about them when you are home or out for a walk; at bedtime and the first thing in the morning. Tie them on your finger, wear them on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house!"

I remember the first time I came across these scriptures after I started diving into the Bible, I thought "man He ain't kiddin'. I think He wants me to read this book." LOL. I've been in love ever since.

I led a Bible Study at church called "Grab Life by the Book" where I simply wanted to tear down the walls of intimidation, or fear or disinterest - or whatever holds us back - and encourage people to face their fear, take the dive and experience the pure joy of reading God's beautiful Word. I wanted to inspire us to not settle for sound-bytes and cliff notes, but allow ourselves to really dive in deep and "grab life by the Book".

I thought it would be fun to revisit that class thru the pages of my blog so here it is: Part 1 of "Grab Life by the Book". I don't know how many parts we're talkin', I'm just gonna go where it leads me. But, I'm determined that the Bible is one "Classic" I will not only praise but actually read! I hope you'll join me and tell all your friends to join you! So grab your Bible - and your sense of adventure - and just take your dive. See where it takes you! It's an amazing ride and I gaurantee (or rather He does!) you won't regret it.

And away we go!!

Elvis? 33 Years? Really?

I know, I know. I'm a southern girl so it's kind of a rule. I LOVE Elvis. I'm not one to travel to Mempis every year to light a candle, or take a trek to Graceland just to see the house one more time. And, frankly some of the movies were just bad. But, I loved him somethin' awful when I was a kid and it just stuck! I admit I still can get very excited when I see him or even hear his voice. I dreamed of playing the piano in his band but he died before I got the chance.

Still makes me sad that someone with so much promise, so much talent, charisma, generosity and obvious good looks could get so lost. He was beautiful and truly gifted in many ways. And! I got to see him live in person twice! $5 seats. Can you imagine? I was 13 and I can still hear myself screaming. He overwhelmed me to say the least.

So, to all the Elvis fans out there...if you're listening...wasn't he awesome!? I feel your pain. Truly I do. I'm gonna go eat some ice cream with peanut butter on it in his honor and be grateful for all the precious memories he gave me. I'll have a bite for you!

Can't get enough of Polka Dots!

I've sold quite of few small Bible Totes with this fabulous polka dot fabric, but never made it in a Large Tote. I got a custom request for one and just love how it turned out. Thought you might like to see it.

Hey! Did you know that tomorrow's Friday? Yeahhhhhhh. Have a fabulous weekend.

I made myself a New PBT!

A friend asked me to make her a new PBT and inspired a design idea. I've been toying with it a bit over the past 6 months but never got around to it. Her special request was just what I needed to get me goin'. Don't know if she likes it yet but I love it!! It's the same width as my Large tote with changes to the height and strap length, as well as a few minor adjustments to the outside.

This fabric is a remnant I found a few years ago that I just couldn't decide what to do with because of the large pattern. I'm thrilled that it found it's way to this new look. I didn't add pockets to the outside because I didn't want anything to interfere with that gorgeous pattern. I love the creamy color scheme too.

I'm so excited to take this one to church on Sunday and see what my friend thinks of it. I'm wracking my brain to think of the perfect outfit to show it off! I'm like a kid for some reason with this one. I just love it!

I hope you like it too 'cause I'm seriously planning to add this to my line of PBTs. So, stay tuned. You will see more of this little baby!

Thanks for letting me share it with you.

P.S. I made that white button up many moons ago when I was a few sizes smaller...and then I quit smoking. LOL. I love it so much and couldn't bear to part with it so I decided to use it as decoration. Love it in my white room!

50 Days to 50!

Today marks 50 days before my 50th Birthday. I'm gonna ponder that while I go about my day. I have no problem admitting my age, or getting older or embracing this time in my life. It's a glorious time in my life...long awaited and hard earned. I do, however, like most people, have trouble believing it's already here! I feel like I'm a teenager...though I'd never wanna do that again!!

Anywho...just wanted to mark the moment. And, I'm gonna celebrate every moment of it.

2 Etsy Treasuries in 1 Day! Color me happy!!

Can you believe it? My PBTs were featured in 2 different Etsy treasuries today. What joy?

Check this one out! It's "Pretty in Pink". Delightful! and I'm so proud to be part of it.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c58d2392db26d91cc8faef1/pretty-in-pink

Enjoy!!!

PBT Featured in an Etsy Treasury!!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c584676709d8eef2b1a3ae1/flip-flop-time-without-the-shoes

I found out this morning that my "Flip-Flops" Bible tote was featured in a Treasury by a fellow Etsy seller. It's always a treat to be chosen for a Treasury and I'm honored.

It's a really fun one. Check it out!

If I were a horse I'd be a PALOMINO!

Look at this gorgeous creature!! I'm so in love with horses and particularly the Palomino. For starters Cream & Caramel is my favorite color combo. I can't get enough....as evidenced by my creamy & mocha logo, hangtags, business cards. It's all about the creamy!

I love this beautiful girl. Snapped her photo at the Kentucky Horse Park a few weeks ago on vacation with my husband. Wish I could have taken her home with me. All of the horses were so gorgeous. Check out the Appalousa (spell-check?) in full gallop.

I have always loved God's description of the horse in the book of Job (ch. 39): "He paws the earth and rejoices in his strength... Fiercely he paws the ground and rushes forward into battle when the trumpet blows."

"Rejoices in his strength". That gets me every time. How glorious!!

Ahhhh, I gotta go again to the Horse park. I highly recommend it.

Need a great gift idea?

Since it's Christmas in July I thought you might appreciate a few gift ideas. I've honestly never been good at shopping early for Christmas - because I hate waiting to give it to 'em - but maybe you're more disciplined than I am in that regard.

Here's a Bible Tote I gave to my gorgeous niece for her birthday this year. She LOVES her MeMaw's chocolate chip cookies so I baked a big batch of cookies for her from Mom's recipe and filled this "chocolate" brown PBT chock full of cookies. Of course, I had to make sure the Tote matched the whole chocolate chip cookie color scheme (what can I do? I have to!) I found the the plastic bags (for gift baskets) at the Dollar Store and then wrapped the whole thing in tons of brightly colored ribbons.

I did one for my Mom full of her favorite Avon products (lots of good smellin' stuff) and some beautiful earrings I found on Etsy. She loved it!!

Maybe you have someone special in your life who would love a Bible Tote filled with goodies? How about a "Perfect manicure" PBT, a SPA PBT, a Sweet Treats PBT, a Jane Austen PBT (their favorite Jane Austin book - uhhh Pride and Prejudice!!!! - and the movie to match)....the possibilities are endless.

I hope this helps give you lots of ideas of your own. It's one of my new favorite gifts to give. Who doesn't love a basket (aka bag) full of goodies.

How would you use the PBT to make a great gift? What would you want in YOUR PBT goodie bag? Don't be shy...tell! I'd love to hear it.

It's CHRISTMAS IN JULY at Penny Bennett Totes!

It's Christmas in July at PBT and I'm celebrating with a big SALE!





Starting NOW thru July 31st my Small Bible Totes are ONLY $22.00 (reg. $29) in my Etsy store (instock PBTs only).





I know that everyone could use a little break these days so I hope this will help in some small way. Please feel free to share with your friends and family who might appreciate a good deal too!





Thanks so much for allowing me to share my PBTs with you. It's truly a pleasure!!

I made myself a cute blouse!

I finally made this cute little prairie blouse for myself today. Had the pattern and fabric forever. I love the crinkle soft fabric with pink paisley embroidery. It's just a simple little pattern but I think I love it. Last summer I made myself some dresses and I wanted to make a few blouses for this hot weather. And I have the perfect PBT to match! Gotta love it.

I hope Mom will be proud. She used to make about everything I wore! All I can say is God love her for all those Electones (college pop choir) outfits. Everything was silky or stretchy or nylon. Oh my WORD. Horrible fabric. LOL She's a GOOD woman!!

4th of July Favs!

Shady bike route and home-grown tomatoes!!!!
Couldn't decide which to devour first. Both were delicious. The breeze on this curve was awesome..and man it was hot!

Free indeed!

It's the 4th of July and there is a spirit of celebration in the air. I can hear firecrackers outside my window as we speak. My Daddy made homemade vanilla ice cream this evening - our favorite - and I ate as much as I possibly could since I probably won't have any for a long time to come. What joy!

On the cover of the church bulletin this morning were the words "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM". (2Cor. 3:17). As I read those words I was immediately reminded of the time in my life when God heard my desperate cry to come running back to Him - after years of trying to do it on my own - and He enveloped me in the most luxurious love and peace I'd ever felt. I knew I was home. I was free!

I felt free to love Him and let Him love on me even though I didn't deserve it after years of ignoring Him. Free to let Him change me and show me the woman He created me to be. Free to let loose all that joy that had been pressed down with work and worries and life. Free to read His Word and not be afraid of it.. to know He would never leave me alone there. And, He never has. He's been wonderfully good to me there. A wonderful teacher! Every time I pick it up it's an adventure. That's why I take the Bible with me just about everywhere I go. I just can't get enough! There's always something new....a new adventure to be had. I never get tired of hearing His voice!

As I road my bike today with the wind blowing thru my hair and the sun shining on my face (corny by true) I thanked God for this glorious gift of freedom. I realize it comes at a great cost and I am truly grateful. I celebrate our freedom with God and thank Him for it! He loves to party ya know! Just look at all the feasts and celebrations He planned for His children in the Old Testament. He actually scheduled them and made it a law to come together and celebrate with Him. How cool is that? Ya gotta love it! I bet they had home made ice cream too! Ya think? Oh well, a girl can dream! With or without the ice cream I'll celebrate with Him any day!

Happy 4th of July everyone. I hope you've had as wonderful a day as I've had. Simple, relaxing and FREE!

Sleep tight......

"Delightful" ribbon

As promised! Here's a pic of the gorgeous ribbon I found today. Love it!!!

You've got the look!

I am officially in love with Shabby blogs. Being a shabby girl myself I love all of the wonderful muted colors, distressed edges, vintage designs and the all together delightful vision that is "shabby".

So, what do you think? I adore yellow and this one jumped out at me. I'll probably be changing my look a lot because it's just so fun....and I can! How cool is that? For now, I'm in a sunny mood and this is the look to launch the Penny Bennett blog. I spent the day at the pool with my Mom, Sister and Niece and the sun was indeed delightful.!

Then we went shopping and I found the most delightful white gauze ribbon hand-stamped with the word....are you ready?...."delightful". Well, of course I had to have it! Can't wait to wrap it around the perfect gift. I may just have to make some of my own I think. What a fabulous idea. I'll have to take a picture and show it to you later.

Till then... have a wonderful night.

Designed to get the word out!

I did it! I finally did it!!

I've been wanting to start a blog for some time now, but somehow the timing wasn't quite right. I love to read and journal my thoughts so a blog seemed a natural leap from the printed page. I'm an old-fashioned girl so I admit I've fought the urge to blog because I'm so in love with books and paper and gorgeous pens! I have no desire to read a book online. I want to hold it in my hand and feel the weight of it, ya know.

My husband bought me 6 gorgeous leather journals for Christmas last year... assorted colors. I screamed with delight. I chose the chocolate brown one for my worship journal (where I take all most notes every Sunday) because it matches my Bible. A silly little thing I suppose but it brings me great joy when I pull it out of my Bible Tote on Sunday morning to capture whatever profound thoughts, ideas and inspirations come my way.

I love to read!! And, the Bible is hands-down my favorite book. I sometimes feel absolutely overwhelmed with the desire to share some nugget of wisdom I just discovered in my reading. And, now I have a place to share it! I'm also pleased to be able to share my Bible Totes (Penny Bennett Totes) with you. I'm looking forward to keeping you posted on new designs as well as offering "fun and fashionable" tips on how to get the Word out. It's all part of the Penny Bennett blog and I can't wait to get started.

But, first I need to do some construction. I don't know how to do all that blog design stuff yet so please be patient with me. It's going to be beautiful!

See you soon!