Today is my twenty-first birthday. I was lucky enough to do most of the celebrating a day early. My mom made the classic chicken and rice casserole and my favorite jello-cake, we sang the family's extremely long, traditional birthday song, and I had leisure time to spend with my family and friends. It was a relatively 'normal' family birthday dinner. However, I did have an exciting and out-of-the-ordinary experience prior to the family dinner. My sweetheart planned a surprise for me:) and it was a very pleasant surprise! After church, Robbie planned to take me to meet his friend, Dan Barney. I had heard a lot about Dan and his home (which is marvelous), and his sweet girls. When we arrived at the Barney's home I was amazed by the beautiful art that was displayed so tastefully throughout the rooms, and Dan himself was very friendly and excited to meet me, but the experience only improved:) I knew that Dan had married the daughter of James Christensen, the creator of many pieces of art that I have admired since childhood, and I had recently become acquainted with some of her artwork...which I fell in love with upon first-sight. I had the pleasure of meeting Cassandra Barney, the thrill of seeing her beautiful studio, and to top it all off I received a gift:) Robbie knew that I loved Cassandra's work and was able to get me an original lithograph. It was wrapped in beautiful paper (I almost felt guilty opening it) and the litho was carefully matted and framed. I was and have been so excited about the piece of art ever since...all of my family and classmates have seen a picture of it:) I am grateful for such talent, and for the amazing man that made it possible for me to display such talent in my home. I couldn't ask for anyone better, and the surprise was a success in my book:) Now I just need to hang it!
