Two years ago, my husband gave me a very special Mother's Day gift . The idea for the gift was inspired by a painting my husband and I had admired in our daughter-in-law's studio. We learned the beautiful painting had been particularly difficult for her to paint because it had been her first blank canvas , hers to create whatever she desired, after several commissioned pieces in which people told her what colors to use and what design to paint. (You may check our her art at jenhorning.com ) Of course, I didn't know about my husband's inspiration as I unwrapped the golden-fabric covered journal on that Mother's Day. And while a new journal is always a welcome gift because I write in one almost every day, I had never received one from my husband. Trying to hide my disappointment, I turned to thank him just as he said, " This is not just any journal ." He paused. " This is your blank canvas ." Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized what he wa...