Reasons to Stay, Ben West, Rob Parsons, and more on Weekend Meanderings.
Weekend Meanderings
Good Saturday morning friends. and a happy Valentine’s Day to you. It’s time for Weekend Meanderings with Kim and Juliet. Join us as we share all of the things that piqued our interests and caught our eye this week.
I hope this morning that you are surrounded by love from friends, family and your pets. There is nothing like a cold wet nose and a warm snuggle on a cold morning.
Do you have “big” plans for the day? Whatever you do, even if it is by yourself, enjoy a sweet treat and a good book. And while you are at it why not text a friend a “thinking about you” text. I received one yesterday from a friend and it made my day!
Have you been watching the Olympics? What do you think of the ice dancing outcome? I thought the American team did amazing and had the gold cinched but apparently that was not to be. Now there is a petition and calls for an investigation into the French judge. As for Lindsey Vonn I read yesterday that she could actually loose her leg? That would be tragic.
Ok, let’s meander.
Reasons to Stay
Reasons to Stay is close to my heart. I know several people that suffer from mental illness and they have struggled for years. One of my favorite aunts was bipolar and after 67 years she had enough and stepped in front of a train. To say that her husband, children and rest of the family were devastated would be an understatement.
Nine years ago Ben West lost his brother Sam to suicide. Since then he has become one of the most vocal mental health campaigners in the UK. Recently he launched an amazing website called Reasons to Stay where you can write a letter offering hope to anyone that visits the site. Two weeks after launching the site over 1 million letters have been written to help those looking for connection and a reason to stay.
Please visit Reasons to Stay and write a letter, you never know who will read it or how it will change their life.
House Tour~Jessica Kathryn Kain Barton
Jessica Kathryn Kain Barton is the founder and principal designer of J. Kathryn Interiors, a full-service interior design firm known for its refined aesthetic, timeless sensibility, and deeply personalized approach.
If you love collected, timeless interiors you will love this video from Schumacher1889.Jessicas’ house is elegant, lived in and filled with art, and fabulous fabrics.
Ralph Lauren Fashion Fall/Winter 2026/27
Ralph Lauren is one of my all time favorite designers. This week at NY Fashion week he presented a beautiful collection. The first half of the show to be seemed like a return to the classic roots of RL. Tweeds, white blouses, and other pieces to add to your wardrobe.
Wanderlust~Brunelleschis’ Dome
Florence Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower is the home of Filippo Brunelleschis’ Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore. This amazing architectural wonder is still the largest masonry vault in the world and in fact is not one but two domes.
I have been to Florence several times and this is one of my favorite places to visit, the view of the city is amazing. It is quite a climb so if you plan on visiting just know that in advance.
If you enjoyed this video and want to learn more about the architecture of the cathedral and the dome be sure to visit Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore.
Chateau St Victor La Coste
Chateau St Victor La Coste is the home of an adorable couple who dated, lost touch and met again later in life. This house and their loved story is perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Begin Again~Rob Parsons
Do you know the story of Rob Parsons? It is amazing! One Christmas Eve, Ronnie homeless man who was a friend of Rob showed up at his door with a chicken and stayed 40 years!
An act of kindness changed Ronnie, Rob and the entire family. You can read Robs book about this time in his life or choose one of his other interesting books.
LINKS TO READ+WATCH+LISTEN
Dawson Taught Millennials So Much About Heartbreak. No Wonder We’re Feeling It Now
The Simple Way to Get a Bigger Hotel Room for Free—Plus More Tips From Experts
Designers Say These 5 Living Room Trends Will Take Over Homes This Spring
83 mostly free ways to slow down your life
Shocking and strange: Experts compare Nancy Guthrie’s case to other missing persons(these statistics are amazing and not in a good way)
Can you trim a neighbors bush that grows in your yard?
Buddhist Monks End 2,300-Mile Walk for Peace in Washington, D.C.
AI researchers are sounding the alarm on their way out the door
In Case You Missed It
This week on Monday Musings I shared Alex Azat, Gracie Studio, The Last Dinner at Wisteria House, an early spring outfit and more.
Then I shared the easiest Valentine’s Day Oreo Bark! There is still time to make this for your Valentine.
Valentine’s Day in Midlife, it is different than when we were 20, not better, not worse, but certainly more comfortable and laid back. At least mine is.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
I hope that you enjoyed weekend meanderings. If you did please share the post on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter or Pinterest.
Before you go, tell me something fun that you have planned for the weekend.
Don’t forget to visit Kim and Juliet.
Have a wonderful day friends, enjoy your weekend and a very Happy Valentine’s Day.
This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Happy VALENTINE’S day Elizabeth!! I love your post so many wonderful things to read and discover.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Happy Valentine’s Day to you Francesca! I hope that you are having an amazing day!
Good morning, Elizabeth … I too have been riveted to the Olympics. I hadn’t heard Lindsey Vonn is in danger of losing her leg. How tragic. I’ll certainly hope for a more positive outcome. Using a wet nose and warm snuggle as the criteria I’d say everyday is Valentine’s Day at my house thanks to sweet little Pippa and Maggie. I can’t imagine life without them. I’m so sorry to learn of your aunt’s struggles. I’m glad we take mental health issues more seriously now and can discuss them openly so more families can be spared this kind of sadness and loss. As usual I’m moving to the sofa and enjoy your inspiration links and get this Sunday off to a good start. Hope you had a Happy Valentine’s Day! xo y
Hi Elizabeth, I am so sorry I am late to reading your great post. So good of you to share that about mental health. We all need to be more aware and open and helpful to people and families struggling with it. I am so sorry about your aunt.
Love the video of the Louisville home. That is where Max is from and there are some beautiful homes out there. The Florence Duomo is so stunning and you cannot really appreciate how huge it is until you’ve been standing outside of it. It seems to take up blocks and blocks and there isn’t a building like it! I always want to get back to Florence. The Uffizi is my favorite art museum.
I will watch this French video later. Love that story about the man who lived with that family for decades too.
The Ice dancers were robbed IMHO. I was so glad to see Alisa win last night.
Hope you’ve had a good week. xo