Not too long ago, say last week, I was walking in the tropical heat of a tiny yet mighty island called Singapore. Not my first time there, but definitely my first time taking in a guided cultural tour, compliments of my host Elaine.
There, in the heart of Chinatown, I found treasures in drawers and apothecary cabinets (oh, how we squealed over how perfect the organizational pieces would be for scrapbooking):
And I marvelled at the beauty that man had created in the buildings all around us:
And cried a little as I learned about how that beauty actually hid some of man's worst sins...
I was inspired by all things paper related, even if I could not read a stitch of what was written on them.
And these buttons in an old tailor shop were delicious.
I found my maiden last name.
And around the corner, was my married name.
Visited an Indian temple, and learned more about Eastern worship practices and mysticism.
Indulged in a bit of henna handpainting.
We all did.
The reason I got to see these treasures on a sunny island walk?
And the people who made it all possible. Thank you, Laines' Papeterie!