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Saturday, August 8, 2015

Miranda Moves....to Prague!

Hello friends! I'm finally back and have a fun post to share today. I hope you enjoy it. If you're a regular reader, then you know that I have been preparing mentally for my daughter's move abroad. Well, July 31st she left and I want to share with you a few special things/moments.
This is my beautiful Miranda and this is her story. This girl young woman makes me so incredibly proud. She has always been a light in my life and she inspires me each and every day. I don't know where she gets her bravery, but this girl has more than her fair share, especially considering she is a quiet person by nature and doesn't like to be in the spotlight. She has always been independent though (I fostered that in both my children) and has never let fear of the unknown keep her from living. She has been out on her own for the past 5 years and has been quite successful in her young life already. She had a great job and was happy with her life, but she knew she was meant for something more. When her friend told her she was planning to move to Spain to teach English as a foreign language, something sparked in Miranda. She knew this was what she was supposed to do. She told me about her plans at Christmas last year and she immediately started putting her plans into action. She didn't know if she would be able to financially do everything that had to be done and paid in 7 months time, but by golly, she did it! She was provided with more overtime than she wanted at work, but it helped her realize this dream. Here she is on the day we took her to the airport. This was before the emotional good-bye scene.


She has always been passionate about travel, so what better theme for her going away party. I used things I already had along with some of her vintage travel items that I am keeping for her while she is abroad.


I took the easy stress free way and bought the party food from Sam's Club. It was all delicious though!


I ran out of room so I used Miranda's vintage piano bench and my Raskog cart to hold the overflow.


The banner above the buffet says Oh the Places You'll Go. I made it for her FSU graduation party 3 years ago and had saved it. It came in handy once again. I just cut it apart to reuse it. 


Yumminess! That strawberry dip is absolutely delectable and so easy. You just mix together a container of marshmallow Fluff and a block of cream cheese. Oh my! Run to the store now and get the stuff to make some. I used this brand because it was the right amount. You could use two of the Kraft brand if you can't find this one.


I love all her vintage travel items and am still using them as decor in my dining room for now. 


She made this wanderlust banner using pages from a vintage travel note pad I purchased.


And I made this one. We just wrote the letters. I was going to do them all bold like the first one, but my marker was about dry...lol! There's more of her decor on the china cabinet. I used my milk glass vases turned upside down as pedestals for the globes.


It was a fun day filled with her closest family and friends. I wanted to show you the quilt I made for her to take with her. This is on the back. I hand embroidered it. All the family signed their names in pencil and I stitched over them. Click on the picture to enlarge it if needed. 


This fabric was the inspiration for the quilt. Miranda moved to Prague and as you can see, this Metro Cities fabric that was given to me has Prague printed on it. I added the two little patches I got at Michael's.


Here are the other fabrics.


These  next two are by Tim Holtz. I love his style!



Here it is all together. She loved it!


Here it is on the bed in her flat in Prague. If you are not familiar with Prague, it is in the Czech Republic in Europe. This is her temporary home while she is in school for a month. She will find her own place when the course if over and she finds a job. She attends TEFL with 25 other students. She is loving it! She just completed her first week and has been teaching volunteer students from day 2! 


She was blessed with a long layover in London and is fortunate to have a friend, Jessica in the US Air Force based nearby. She and her husband picked Miranda up and took her on a whirlwind tour of London. She had a blast! Here's a picture of Miranda, Jessica, and Big Ben!


And here a just a few photos she has shared from Prague. She can't believe how inexpensive things are there compared to the US. This delicious meal called goulash with dumplings, along with her beverage (a beer, Prague is famous for their beer and while she isn't a fan, she wanted to try it) was just over $4 American! In Koruna or Crowns, it was around 100. Their currency is like 25 to our 1! You can't get a value meal at McDonald's for $4, let along a meal as delicious looking as this, not to mention a beer!


This beautiful astronomical clock is something I plan to see when I visit. It is amazing! I read about it  here and it has been in use for over 600 years!


The Vltava River is just beautiful!



I want to ride in the paddle boat shaped like a swan. Do you see it?


Beauty everywhere she turns and she is in love. So am I but for now I only get to see it through her eyes. Next best thing to seeing it in person though, especially since I know how happy she is.


She knows she did the right thing, even though it was a huge leap of faith and a difficult thing to do. Here she is in front of the Lennon Wall.  


Today she is out and about on a walking tour of the city. I am typing this at just after noon which means it is just after 6 o'clock PM over there. Hopefully I will be hearing from her soon and seeing some more pictures! Miranda blogs over at Miranda Writes if you want to check it out. 

She is safe and happy and I couldn't ask for more. I thank all of you for prayers and support during this time. I felt them...truly! Continued prayers that she will be able to get her Visa to live there and also get a job would be appreciated. Thanks so very much my friends!

Adventure awaits!
 
 

33 comments:

  1. Oh Vicky, you are so blessed with her and she is a blessed young lady to be able to do what she loves. You certainly have instilled some wonderful values in her.....you have every right to be proud! I look forward to hearing more about her journey...a lifetime experience for her. I love the quilt!!!

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  2. Your dear daughter is beautiful just like you, Vicky. I am thrilled for her and the opporunity she has to be there in Prague and what a blessing for you to watch her grow in life.

    Hugs and blessings to you, friend!

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  3. So excited for Miranda!

    I think I mentioned that Steve and I picked up and joined the Peace Corps when we were about Miranda's age. It was one of the scariest things we ever did, but a decision that shaped our lives. I wish Miranda well.

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  4. Wow Vicky what a great opportunity for your lovely daughter. I wish her all the best. I love her farewell decorations you made and the party looked so nice. Take care and be week.
    Julie xo

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  5. Vicky, what a wonderful post! I've been waiting to hear all about it and so far it sounds like she is loving Prague! The quilt made me tear up, love it!! I know you miss her but your love and pride in you beautiful girl shine throughout this post. Hugs to you and praying she gets a job.

    Linda

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  6. Such an amazing young woman - you should be so proud. What an opportunity for her. I'll have to go visit her blog. LOVE the quilt you made her.

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  7. Wow... how exciting!! What an adventure for Miranda! I will continue to pray for her and of course for you. :) That quilt you made is so awesome! I love that you hand embroidered the names...what a treasure!

    I hope you have a delightful weekend, Vicky!
    Hugs, Amy

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  8. Wow... how exciting!! What an adventure for Miranda! I will continue to pray for her and of course for you. :) That quilt you made is so awesome! I love that you hand embroidered the names...what a treasure!

    I hope you have a delightful weekend, Vicky!
    Hugs, Amy

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  9. Wow... how exciting!! What an adventure for Miranda! I will continue to pray for her and of course for you. :) That quilt you made is so awesome! I love that you hand embroidered the names...what a treasure!

    I hope you have a delightful weekend, Vicky!
    Hugs, Amy

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  10. How exciting! I bet you can't wait to go and visit her! Prague is high on my "must-see" list and might have to live vicariously through you until then!

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  11. Oh Vicky! What a delight this lovely post was...so beautiful and full of happiness and adventure! Miranda certainly is very brave and adventurous, and I am off to visit her blog now! I really enjoyed all the photographs of Prague, and how sweet she was able to spend time with her dear friend in London! The quilt you made for her is simply beautiful and very special - I think Miranda will treasure it forever...loving that fabric! And how sweet you stitched over the names signed by Miranda's close friends and family...a simply stunning idea!
    Aww! And her going away party looks like it was a wonderful success...I am sure a little bittersweet, but certainly memorable! The vintage travel items add such charm! I am so excited for your daughter...such a fantastic opportunity to travel - may the Lord watch over her, and also allow you to visit her sometime in the not too distant future! Thank you for sharing all the pictures...oh! I so enjoyed this post!
    Blessings to you, dear Vicky! Sending you hugs and so much love...have a blessed Lord's Day!
    Kelly-Anne

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  12. The love you have for your daughter shines though the pages and your words Vicky, and no doubt she feels the same about you. The quilt is so beautifully filled with meaningful items that I'm sure will be of comfort to her during those times she misses home.

    This experience is something that neither she nor you will ever forget. It's a wonderful excuse for you to see part of Europe. My daughter visited Prague while in Rome for a semester in college, and said it is a lovely city filled with beautiful architecture.

    She looks very happy, and I wish her nothing but great adventures during her stay.

    xxx

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  13. Oh, I'm so glad she is enjoying herself. Sometimes you have to follow your heart no matter how scary it is. I think Miranda is an inspiration to us all and we should pay attention and follow our hearts! How fun that you'll get to visit too!

    Tania

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  14. Vicky,
    The quilt is just wonderful! I know your sweet girl loves and appreciates it each and every day! Love the patch on the back with the signatures! Perfect touch.
    It looks like she is really enjoying herself and yes! She is brave. You are a wonderful mom to encourage her to live her adventures- you should be proud! I will definitely keep her in prayer. Can't wait until you get to go and share with us. Love the pictures of Prague.
    Hugs and a happy week,
    Cecilia
    PS
    Have you started back to work yet?

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  15. Hello Dear Vicky, She is going to live out her dream! I am happy for her and you did a wonderful job on her quilt and I am sure it will always make her think of home! Loved the photos, as I can not believe all the places she will see and the God ordained situations she will encounter!
    I will keep you both in my prayers tonight...
    Hugs, Roxy

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  16. What a wonderful adventure and experience! Love the quilt you made for her. It gets really cold there in the winter, doesn't it? Another new experience for a Florida gal! Sending prayers and good thoughts for hef Visa and job.

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  17. Hi Vicky! :)
    I loved reading this post! Oh, that quilt, so amazing! I loved all of your decorating for the party, it looked like a fun time!
    She is living a grand adventure and what a great life experience it will all be! And I agree, she is very brave!
    I can't wait to see more photos of her adventure!
    Hugs, Kimberley :)

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  18. It is so wonderful to watch a young woman fulfill her dreams. What an inspiration and testament to you, her mentor! I wish her many blessings on her new life in Prague. When do you get to go? Bet you can't wait!

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  19. You have done a wonderful job parenting your children. Miranda is so brave and adventurous. Praying for her Visa and job to come through soon.

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  20. Just look at this beautiful post...every bit of what you have shared with us is exciting! Oh the joys and blessings for dear Miranda as she begins a new chapter in her life. Your heart must be so blessed Vicky, even though she will be living at a distance, just to think that she will be growing in her space.
    May your heart be encouraged through all this newness.

    I must say, your Miranda is as beautiful as yourself. She certainly looks like you.

    I hope your week is off too a great start.
    Bless you ~ Debbie

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  21. How exciting for her.. and for her proud mama.
    Beautiful quilt that I am sure she will treasure for always!
    Blessings Vicky.

    -Tina

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  22. Hi Vicky, young women these days are so brave . . . my daughter is the same way. Living life to the fullest. I've asked her, "aren't you afraid?' She'll answer, "Sure mom, but when I am, I just do it afraid and overcome my fears, God is with me." We can certainly learn from your daughters:)
    God bless.
    Miranda is in my prayers.
    Connie :)

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  23. I love everything from the decorations and how you spread them out....to of course the quilt. It turned out just perfect. All that hard work and love you put it in it is just a little piece of you that your daughter took with her on her new adventure. She is so blessed to have such a supportive mama in you. I loved looking at the pictures through both of your eyes. Thank you so very much for sharing with me! XO
    Alison

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  24. SO EXCITING. You must be so proud. Thanks for sharing her journey with all of us. Great pictures and a fantastic going away party too. Her new quilt is just beautiful and such a thoughtful gift. So glad you have the internet for keeping in touch with her.

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  25. How proud you must be of your lovely daughter! How brave and smart she is for tackling a move to a foreign land and have the experiences it entails! Loved your blog post!

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  26. Great news that she's settled there. I remember Prague from a short trip and it's a beautiful visit. You'll love visiting her!

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  27. How wonderful for Miranda! She's living her dream. What is better than that?

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  28. I'm glad she arrived and is safe and sound there. It's gorgeous! Especially that clock... wow.

    xo,
    rue

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  29. Vicky, hello! I've been wanting for so long to stop by and say hi to you... it's been awhile since I've updated my blog but I think of you and your wonderful knack for thrifting quite often. So - HELLO!! Glad to see you are still updating your blog with all of your fun finds, makeovers, and crafty projects! I read this particular post of yours with a sense of... hmmm, let's call it wonderment. Meaning, I cannot imagine how you are dealing with Miranda moving so far away. I suppose you have had a lot of time to prepare emotionally, and maybe that makes it easier. I am not sure I could do it, personally. I wish your lovely daughter the very best, and will most certainly look forward to all the updates you'll be sharing. Okay now that I've stopped in to say hi, I'm going to work my way back through your posts over the last few months and admire all the goodies! Your bloggy friend, Janet!

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  30. Hi Vicky, so nice to catch up with you this morning and see how well your daughter is doing. So glad she arrived safe and sound and loving the beginnings of her wonderful adventure in Europe. The pics are great and she looks so happy. I know that means the world to you. The party pics are great. Love how you arranged all the treats around vintage treasures. Love the banners.
    Have a great week and blessings to you. cm

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  31. What an amazing experience for her. Gosh to be young and free to do these things. I really want it for my kids too. Good luck to her and I know you'll miss her but what a fun thing to do.

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  32. No wonder you are so proud of your daughter, Vicky! This is such a wonderful adventure and learning experience for her. I wish her all the best. And bless your heart for being such a brave Momma!

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Thank you so very much for taking time to leave such kind words for me. Your sweet comments make my heart smile!
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