Pillows: when you HAVE to craft!

You know that I LOVE red! I had burgundy pillows on my couch for the longest time because it went with the rug, but I prefer the good ole fire engine red with a folk art-ish feel. This was a little piecing, a little applique and a few vintage trims. I can easily change the covers when I change my mind again! Sometimes, you just gotta craft!
Blessings

Easter Decorations

I wanted to share my latest crafty project. I blew out eggs....quiche for dinner!...and decoupaged with cut out napkins. On a few, I just painted my favorite robin's egg blue and speckled (I know, really huge for robin standards.) Notice how cute they are snuggled in and around the lovely turned wood pieces my husband made. Maybe I can keep my Martha card.
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.

Words through a whatever filter

You have probably heard the analogy that words are like toothpaste...once spoken you can not take them back anymore than you can get the toothpaste back in the tube. How many times have I said something and then thought about what the impact of the words would be? I find that I must daily pray for help in guarding my tongue and that my words would cause no harm.

"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Matt 12:34 So, I am searching my heart. If I think on things, it will eventually effect my emotions. My actions are usually the result of emotions. A good place to start in clearing up the sludge would be my thought life.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." Phil 4:8
So, bring on more "whatever"!
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.