For this season...

 

This has been a lovely fall.  I have been trying desperately to keep up with the leaves and all the other things that go with the season, such as camping and craft shows.  Yes, a lovely challenge. 

I must remember that this is a season that will pass in its time.  The busyness of day to day things cannot blot out what I stand firm on.  If I let it, I could be changed by the shifting tides.  Nope, I will be reminded:

"Praise be the name of God for ever and ever;

wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons,

he sets up kings and deposes them.

He gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the discerning.

He reveals deep and hidden things;

he knows what lies in darkness,

and light dwells with him."

Daniel 2:19-22

 

Blessings,

Kelley

 



Between the Rains

Last spring, I had the pleasure of participating in a Bible study written by Beth Moore called "Mercy Triumphs" on the book of James.  Her studies are quite in depth and this one amped up the challenge as expected.  One of my favorite "take-aways" was found in the verse:

"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains."  James 5:7

A major point was made that between those mountain top spiritual highs, like the rains in the verse, we are to be reminded of God's faithfulness.

So, what do you do when you find yourself in a time when your prayers seem to hit the ceiling or you are going through a time of seemingly endless trials? 

Be reassured that He hears your prayers, He is faithful.  Remember His covenants.  Guard your heart.  Praise Him without ceasing.  Stay the course.  Fellowship with other believers.  Know that the sun will rise tomorrow, and the rains will come.  

 

"So, if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today-to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul- then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil."  Deuteronomy 11:14 

Blessings, and never forget He is faithful.

Kelley

 



Our yard makeover

This has been the year of the yard.  My husband and I decided our goal for this year was to make our yard enjoyable and green.  We had a yard of moss, rocks and nuts.  We had never really made an effort to do more than mow and have a few flowers.

We truly did try to find landscapers to come do the work in a more timely manner.  Yep, we are totally aware that it is late to be doing this.  Sometimes, you just have to roll with it.

Living in the woods causes lots of shade and makes sun-loving grass a challenge.  Eight trees came down, logged and removed.  A professional did two of those because they were close to the house and my husband and son-in-law did the others.  Whew!  Then, a guy came and ground down all those stumps.  The dirt guy asked if we were putting in a golf course after I requested the eighth triaxle dump truck of topsoil.  A couple of weeks with my dad's John Deer was all it took to get it all over the yard and then Daddy used his box blade to smooth it.  Finally, 150 lbs of fertilizer was scattered, followed by 150 lbs of grass seed.  Oh, my!

Then, at last we rented a straw blower to scatter a truckload of straw.  I gotta say this was the most nerve wracking part of the operation.  It was "a monster" and unknown...but when we finally just did it, the whole thing was done in an hour. 

In a thousand years, when they excavate our property, they will wonder about the tornado specific to this area.  In other words,straw was forcefully blown into the trees and on the roof and everywhere.  I got straw in my grill (aka braces) and in my belly button.  And believe me, it was all covered in prayer.   

Moral of the story:  We can do this!

Blessings, Kelley

Finally, a bloom!

I am over the moon excited to have blooms on this hydrangea!  This plant was a gift when we first moved into our home, 13 years ago.  That poor thing would never really take off, and less than a handful of blooms in all these years.  This year we removed tons of daylilies nearby...wonder if it was struggling with all that competition for water/food?  We have 5 blooms so far. 

This year, our big project is getting a yard.  We have had gobs of dirt delivered and will boxblade soon, followed by seed and straw.  I know, it is late in the season but not for lack of trying.  We started talking to landscapers in February but no one followed through with a quote.  Very frustrating.  Then it became a DIY with lots of help.  We live in the woods and with all the shade and rocks, we have never had much of a yard.  We only mow 4-5 times a season.  But that is about to change.  We trying to REALLY get a yard.

One of my favorite things to do is go to parks and historic sites and play at being an artsy photographer.  This was a special day with my like-minded daughter.  We actually found lots of nice patches of moss, some even had snails hanging out, for The Moss Patch. 

Things are never boring here.  Painted front door, veggie garden, potted plants, guest room re-do (photos next post), yard sales, pup with ear infections, algebra tutoring, furniture projects...

Blessings to you and yours,

Kelley

Hot Date = Trash Can

My darling husband called one day and says how about a date tonight?  Awww...

I suggested, how about a project together instead?

We didn't really have a plan, but there was a need.  Our trashcan was cracked, country blue, no lid (inviting the cat to rummage) and not pleasant.  We used cabinet door panels that I "just happened to have" and odds and ends lumber from the scrap pile.  There was no arguing and we had a good time accomplishing something together.  Fun!

Fall is in the air

One of my most favorite things to do for entertainment is to play with my pretty things.  These items are usually meaningful.  This old UT Vols radio was my dad's in college.  The carved bird was a gift I got for my husband when we were dating.  And the amber glass was purchased on a trip with my mom and it has acorns from lovely walks with my dogs.

 I love old landscape paint-by-numbers.  And these "treasures" just feel cozy to me.  

 This bell jar is placed on a solid walnut pedestal my husband turned for me.  I am going to have a lot of fun with the little vignettes to place under glass.  I made the pumpkin out of the sleeves of a sweater left from another project.  It won't spoil!

Last night we hosted a wienie roast for my mom's milestone birthday.  We had chili with all the fixin's too.  It is definitely that time of year.  We are starting to see some color change on the trees here in Middle Tn, too.  Ah, fall is in the air!

Honeybees in my house!

So, one morning I was just hanging out with my BFF in our bonus room and we noticed the shadow of bugs swarming just outside the window. After much concern and observation, I called a beekeeper to confirm that is was honeybees who had made their home in mine. ^ I am allergic to bee stings.^ Calls to exterminators were futile since bees are protected in TN. Most good ole boys who do siding didn't want to shimmy up 20ft to tangle with bees. Finally, I found a siding company who would remove the siding and coordinate with a beekeeper who would retrieve the darlings. And after more calls, I found a bee suit to loan the siding guy. By now, we are into 2 months of phone calls and honey making.

Siding removed and saved, and ladders and walk board on loan, the beekeeper removed the chipboard to find that the bees were NOT under the siding but behind the bricks. Note that the guts of our home are VERY exposed. Mr. Beekeeper could not remove the bees from behind the bricks and said we would have to exterminate them. (This makes me sad, understanding that our bee population is so vital, but he did say the hive was very small. He encouraged this operation at this time so they had a chance to survive the relocation.)

It was challenging to find an exterminator to get rid of the bees. My house was hanging open for almost 3 weeks. See the trampoline under the walk board? That was my mother-in-law's brilliant idea for when I shimmied up the ladder to spray the bees myself-just in case I fell. In doing the math, at my weight, from that height, I still would have eaten concrete. What a hilarious operation it was just moving the trampoline into position! With unceasing and fervent prayer, no one was injured in this project!

Finally, the approach to the hive was through my craft room closet. (You know what a packed hot mess that must have been!)

Hopefully, it is done for now. I have seen horrible photos and read horrible stories online. I don't know what will happen with bees in the future but I am so relieved our house is sealed up and done for now! What an ordeal!

Blessings

Real World Easter Brunch

Perhaps after seeing this photo, I will have to hand in my Martha card. I have seen such lovely photos of tablescapes all over blog world. The centerpieces are color and style coordinated to go with the home's decor and the wonderful feeling of spring. The dishes are lovely with china and crystal. Fresh flowers and several eggs and bunnies are certain to make an appearance.
We have been basking in the beauty and hope of spring all weekend. There has been lots of time for laughing and sharing and living...not so much for angst in the dining room. We are rejoicing in the hope that Sunday brings- He is alive indeed! Our Savior defeated death that we may have this hope.
After sleeping in a little (Saturday morning), we enjoyed good coffee, breakfast casserole, biscuits and gravy. Our daughter and her husband were with us...a little mature for Easter bunnies but there were treasures to be had. We have much to be thankful for.
Blessings.

A Season of Change

Yesterday was the first day of spring and it was beautiful here in TN. We had clear blue skies and 70 degrees. It was a leisurely day. My how the weather changes...we may have snow accumulation tonight! I am so ready for that to be done for the season.
It is also a time of change for our family. We were blessed to have two healthy wonderful children only 15 months apart. Even when two were in diapers, it wasn't as hard as this season in our family. You see, our daughter married only 8 months ago and now our son is going overseas to study for 11 months. The empty nest is upon us.
This season is tough because the roles are changed. I have confidence in their adulthood, so I hesitate to call this feeling grief. I really like the people our children have become. Dare I just call it pride? It is the goal of good parenting but I didn't expect it to feel like this.
So, while I haven't posted in over a week, my home and heart have been quite busy. I will be pursuing a redesign business very soon. I know that life is never boring. While our children are going to be out of the house, our relationships are still strong and healthy. God's blessings are new every morning.

Do SOMETHING: aka clean out a closet

Well, it has been awhile since I have had anything to post. I have been dealing with allergies and that means antihistamines...kinda bubble-headed and low on motivation. So, as I was lying down, contemplating a long list of projects (aka, dosing), my buddy called and she was DOING things. Of course, this meant that I needed to DO something too.

This little closet is my pantry/catch-all. I had multiples and misplaced items and yuck. It was pretty tedious finding anything.
This is the difference a day can make. It is a little thing in the grand scheme of things but it is tidy and organized. I scrubbed the walls, floor and door....but don't you love the markings showing my family's vertical progress? If we ever move, that door will go with us!

So, the moral of the story is sometimes, we just have to DO SOMETHING. This will get the momentum going!

Blessings.

The heart of organizing

The other day at the library, I picked up the book organizing magic by Sandra Felton. I am always on the lookout for a better way to get the job done. I was surprised to find that most of the book is focused on the philosophy of getting organized from the inside out. We really need to start with our own goals. I am finding that each person has their own set point of order.
"I want peace. I want to see if somewhere there isn't something left in life of charm and grace." -Rhett Butler, in the movie Gone with the Wind.
I can really identify with Rhett. I feel the peace and charm and grace in a place that is relatively clean, interesting, personal, natural and real life. I guess the heart of the matter is usually the best place to start.

Come visit my house!

I am linking up with Transforming Home house tour party, my first linky thingy. I am delighted to welcome you to my home. We really live here...that means that you probably won't see huge, all encompassing photos because I moved the "pile" out of camera sight.

These are photos in my living room. Can you tell we have a gamer in the family? And we have the piano that really has no other home and we must keep even though no one plays it because...?

This is one tidy spot in my bedroom. I have tan walls, lots of white, some kinda denim-ish blue and a few pops of my fav, red. My bedroom is one of those projects that has taken so long that some things are worn out or out of favor. My red chaise is in this room.

My open kitchen/dining room is very casual country. The far wall is dark sage-y green beadboard which matches the backsplash in the kitchen area. To the left is my simple china hutch. I enjoy changing the display on the plate shelf, on the light side now.

And last, I thought I would share my laundry closet. It is painted a fairly bold aqua, with some red (of course). I am loving my machines, by the way. They are LG. I have a folding platform on top that we hinged for easy access if necessary.

Snow Day!

Looks like it will be awhile till spring comes to brighten my flower garden.

Introducing the very spoiled, Polka Dot.

And her faithful mentor, Ping Pong.

This was special sighting. I didn't go out because I didn't want to spook them and the photo is not great but we watched three does in our backyard for about a half hour. They were just lazily nibbling on a few leaves.

We had about six inches here in middle Tennessee. Even the malls were closed this weekend. I spent a wonderful day on my laptop, organizing photos and getting acquainted with Picasa. I am so excited about it and hope my pics will improve. (Let me tell you, I am very intimidated with tech stuff.)

I have also found more kindred spirits in blogland. What a fun day!

Blessings.

Knotted Knickers

I had had my knickers in a tightening knot for days. It seemed like once the tasks and activities of the holidays were over, angst built up. After I apologized for some of the things I said, a precious friend suggested I cut myself some slack. It has been a challenging and emotional roller coaster for months. It was also suggested, very gently I might add, that D (diet) and E (exercise) might be helpful. You know it is bad when she had to resort to code.

So, I did what I needed to do to take care of myself. Why do women allow themselves to fall to the bottom of their own to-do lists? I got a much needed haircut, primped a little more, and smiled more. I cut back on all those bad-for-you carbs and chose leaner meats and more veggies. Sleep is good, too. And I am getting some exercise and fresh air. For fun, I took a walk in the park with my camera and caught a few good shots.
Isn't this the cutest nutkin you have ever seen? How could you not smile at him?

This little fellow was quite cheerful.

This heron had a friend who escaped before I could get a shot of their "discussion".

Cardinals are a favorite...did I mention I love red?

What I learned from this:

• listen to your friends
• know the warning signs that the "knot" is tightening
• know what works for you to get out of the "knot"
• In all things, give thanks.

Be real. Be blessed.

A Fresh New Year

Yep, I have noticed the calendar says this first month of the new year is already half over. My how time flies. This is a photo of "useless decoration" on my deck. (My son had a few things to say about "the incongruous collection of useless stuff" on my kitchen table.) The ladder was found on a treasure hunting expedition with my best friend and the stones were from a family vacation stop in Portland, ME. Red is my favorite color, too. I haven't exactly been languishing on my divan (it is a project still) with bonbons (couldn't find any) and I am sure you haven't either. I always start the new year with a fresh hope. This year I will "Pursue Passion" to be the woman God wants me to be.

A recent road trip gave me lots of time to think through what that means. My daughter and I went to a wedding 10 hours away and it was wonderful girl time. Over the last few weeks, I have had lots of conversations with my man and we really do like each other still. My heart is to serve, to make others comfortable, to provide a supportive home base, to know others and to be known. I especially have a heart for mentoring young women. I have been blessed to help with home makeover projects through church, to volunteer with Girl Scouts, and most recently tutoring with Christian Women's Job Corp. All of these opportunities have fueled my passion. They are expressions of the woman God created.

Each of us are created uniquely and given unique opportunities and gifts. These aren't just for us but are pieces of the puzzle in His Kingdom. My challenge is this: What are you going to do with the unique puzzle piece you are?

Blessings

White Space

What a lovely fall! We live in the woods and are surrounded by all sorts of trees, especially hickory trees. Their leaves turn a glowing gold in the fall.

Artists and decorators will tell you to leave a little white space (empty spots) in the project to give the eye a rest as it travels through the view. I try not to cover every square inch of the walls with decor. I like to create art pieces that allow some areas to shine more while others rest in the background.

I like to leave a little white space in my day also. Then I can be available for the unexpected...a friend in need, bouncing on the trampoline, a nap, a good book, a chance to give a little, a lovely view.

Blessings,

Make time

I thought this was a great photo of a very happy little girl going for a pony cart ride with her grandpa. This will be a memory she will treasure. Doesn't she look proud to be going for an adventure? This man has made time to do something that will speak joy into this little girl for many years to come. It has taken a little effort, no doubt, and he could have been doing something comfortable/fun/relaxing for himself.
Our society has promoted many wonderful time-saving devices...don't even think I would give up my dishwasher or microwave. At the same time, we have constant access to mind-numbing TV and work via cell/laptop.
We have to make time to do the things that are important to us. What we invest ourselves in today, will be obvious when we see our fruits tomorrow. Make time for what is important to you.
Blessings on this new day...

Loaded Question #2

If you have already figured out your proposed path (because you must know that God has His plans for you), then answering loaded question #1 was no big deal. Some of us are still struggling to know what we are supposed to be doing. And that brings me to #2:

What is your passion?

Each of us are created uniquely to fulfill a purpose. We know we are in the right groove when we are following our God-given passion. Believe me, He can use anything. My favorite things to do are decorating and number puzzles. I found a group at church that does "Divine Do-overs" for needy families. We have done homes and homeless shelters: painting, furniture, organizing, crafting, all on a very tight budget at that. I mentioned to a friend at one of the jobs that I love budgeting (weird, I know) and numbers. She remembered this and introduced me to another opportunity to serve struggling women who are studying for their GED. I have no doubt that I was where I was supposed to be in both those opportunities. So, yes, He can use anything.

How do you find your passion so that it can be used and you know you are in the right groove? What experiences have you had that seemed like you had a "tailwind", like it was something you couldn't have done on your own? What activities/projects/ideas/plans keep you awake at night in a good way, and you think of first thing in the morning? What have you done that others seem to support (people you trust for more than polite lip service)? I would suggest that if you still haven't found "it", then maybe you have been in your comfort zone too long. Maybe you need to try some new things that you have held back on but always dreamed of. Fear is not a God-given trait.

Consider this encouragement to embrace the person God created you to be and to get about His business.

Blessings,

Kelley B

Feed your soul!

A recent conversation with a dear friend led us both to really think about what feeds our soul. I suppose that for some it is Bible Study, or family visits, or words of encouragement, or good ole chocolate, or a favorite activity. For me, it is a complicated combination of all of the above. I firmly believe that you must make time for this "feeding" for yourself. No one else will do it for you.

Since it has been raining here for a few days and I am avoiding cleaning up my garden anyway, I have taken advantage of this time to play, i. e. "feed my soul." Here is a photo of what came out of it. It is composed of 340 hand cut pieces of paper in a collage featuring a quilt pattern called "Churn Dash." After some thought, it seems to me that we all have a unique turmoil in our lives of some sort (as in caught up in a churn dash) and when it comes right down to it we must "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will given to you as well." Matt. 6:33

I hope to bless my newlywed daughter with this piece, maybe to remind them to seek our Father first.