I knew this would be a bugger-of-a-week. Just a lot of stuff, personally, to do and to manage. And then it got even more complicated. And that’s before considering the always-house-on-fire . . . still burning . . . in the background.

I don’t know. Maybe you, too?

Let’s duck into the Sanctuary, shall we? And, hopefully find a few moments of respite.
(And if you are wondering about this Sanctuary business, you can click here and learn all about it.)

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Let’s begin with something magical . . . from the animal kingdom.

These creatures are called mobula rays . . . and I find watching them (in these very short YouTube videos) to be soothing, relaxing, and amazing. Magical!

Next, let’s look at something beautiful and inspiring!

Fourteen years in the making, The Red Dress project is an amazing art project conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod and created by embroiderers around the world. Here’s a description of the project from The Red Dress website (where you can also find much more information about the project — and a lot of beautiful photos).

The Red Dress project, conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod, provides an artistic platform for individuals, particularly women, and communities around the world, many of whom are vulnerable and/or live in poverty, to tell their stories through embroidery.

From 2009 to 2023, pieces of The Red Dress and later the completed garment travelled the globe being embroidered onto. Constructed out of 87 panels of burgundy silk dupion, the dress has been worked on by 367 women/girls, 11 men/boys and two non-binary artists from 51 countries, earning it a place in the Guinness World Records 2025 for the largest collaborative embroidery project. All 141 commissioned embroiderers were paid for their work and receive a portion of all ongoing exhibition fees and merchandise sales. Further embroidery was added by willing audiences at various exhibitions and events.

And here’s a 6-minute video featuring artist Kirstie Macleod explaining how the project came to be . . .

And something cool and tasty . . .

It looks like the summer is going to heat up this weekend.
Like . . . in a big way. (At least here, where I live.)

When I saw this recipe earlier this week, and I decided that . . .YES! What I need to get through these hot, summer days  . . .  are some homemade Smitten Kitchen ice cream sandwiches in my freezer!

They look fun to make (not too fussy) — and really tasty.  Here’s a link to the recipe.

And, finally, something from Instagram to make you laugh.

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And that’ll do it for this week.
I hope you found some sanctuary here today.
At least for a few minutes.

Enjoy the weekend!
Find some joy.
Protect your peace.

Resist, my friends.
Resist.