Hallway decor opinions needed

This is the end of our hallway. We have a mirror and table.



This is the table with a really cute fish candle holder, but...something's not right. Either it just doesn't go or the candles aren't tall enough or something. What should I put on the table and how big should it be?

Favorite New Product

Clinique's Liquid Facial Soap.

Pump and wash. No messy bar of soap that gets cruddy and requires the dish to be cleaned. Why didn't I know about this sooner?

Eva

My former co-worker Eva passed away Tuesday. She fought a hard battle against cancer and was fighting until the very end.

She was originally from Poland, emigrated to Canada, and then finally to the U.S. I remember when she first came to my department, I told her I wanted to learn Polish and hoped she might teach me some words. She very happily told me she would. I wish I had taken her up on that offer. I also told her how I loved Polish food and encouraged her to bring Polish food to our department parties/potlucks. She made some great cucumber salads.

The main memory I have of Eva was from one Friday afternoon when the power went out in the building. I was sitting in my friend Angela's office talking and Eva walked by. We encouraged her to come in, sit down, and chat. I figured she wouldn't, as Eva was the most dedicated, hard working person I know. However, she agreed to sit and chat. She told us of the lives of her three children, all of whom are successful and living in Canada. She was beaming with pride. She also told us of a "cruise" she went on with her husband. Not your commercial huge cruise, but more of a "sail" with less than 50 people. The enthusiasm she exhibited while telling us all about it was amazing.

I remember seeing her some days with her wig on and thinking she was in a treatment cycle. She never once acted "sick" at work. When my mom and my sister-in-law were diagnosed with breast cancer, she came over to talk to me and be supportive.

Thank you for touching my life, Eva.

Mother's Day

I am thankful for ALL of the mothers/motherly figures I've had in my life.

First, and foremost, I am thankful for my mom. There are really no words in the English language that can express how much I value her. She has loved me unconditionally, been there to help me up after I've made mistakes, and been a friend. (Oh, and she's my go-to-gal for decorating, too!) I am truly lucky I was "matched" up with her. Thanks for everything, Mom.

I was lucky to know both of my grandmothers and have great memories from those relationships. I knew my Grandma (Mom's mom) for the least amount of time and wish I'd had her in my life for longer. For the ten or so years that I did know her, we shared many a Scrabble game and watched many episodes of "As Schools Match Wits." Her golobkis were quite supreme. I love you and miss you Grandma.

I had my Nana (Dad's mom) in my life longer and enjoyed many things with her, although on my wedding day, I remember thinking I wished she was there. I wished she had been there pre-late stages of Parkinson's. She would've been so happy and proud. I know she was watching and keeping her eye on Granddad. ;)

When my Mom lived far away and I came back to Boston, my aunt Ange was my surrogate mom. She housed me and then took me out to look for apartments when I was ready. She always checked in on me and made sure I was OK. Oh, and took me to the hospital for stitches when I sliced my finger trying to open a hot dog package.

Thanks to you all -- for everything.