Becoming a mother is a profound and life-changing experience that involves a mix of emotions, adjustments, challenges and joys. I consider my children to be my greatest achievements and I believe my husband and I have done right by them. They have all grown into competent, kind and successful men. On my wedding day, I gave my father a card with Goethe’s quote: “There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.”

I thanked him for both and believe we have provided our children with the same. Not that they have all flown away, au contraire, everyone is right here in Alexandria which makes for very large family dinners, which I love and wouldn’t want any other way. So, this is where another level of happiness begins…enter the grandchildren! Everyone talks about the joy and love grandchildren will bring to your life. I am here to absolutely confirm this to be true! It’s another level of love and guess what – they tend to adore you much more than your own children did!

And in my business world, I’m happy to share that the door marked “private” on the second floor of Patina is open. We have combined it with the room next door. It is filled it with items for the bedroom and gifts for children to include Herend keepsakes, Steiff toys and French bath and bedding items.

Here are some photos of the renovation process — we are almost there and plan on having the rooms filled this week! Be sure to visit us at Patina, and let us know what you think.

By the way, Omala is my grandparent name.

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