This is just the second day in our #InspiredFallNesting series. When I decided to embark on this series it was a very big step for me. As I am living in the "inbetween" and not my own home, I wondered if I could really do this. And then I thought, "Why not?!" BHG This is not going to be a show-off series. It won't be filled with bunch of my crafty accomplishments. Or views of my home decor. But, my gracious friend, will let me do a little playing with her decor. If all goes as planned, I will share a few recipes and a few updated posts from the past that really only a few people … [Read more...]
This past weekend we went from summer to fall in just a few hours. The weather was picture perfect in every way. Sunshine, temperature, the sky was even a gorgeous fall blue. It was just what I needed to get in the mood for fall. That got me thinking about some of my favorite fall things. Actually I came up with... 20 Things I Love About Fall! Homemade Apple Crisp or Apple Pie Amazing Fall Sunsets & Clouds Hot Spiced Apple Cider Wooly Bear Caterpillars Crisp Cool Air Apple Cinnamon Donuts from the Cider Mill Colorful Gourds Bowls of Steaming … [Read more...]
The other day I got up late. I hadn't slept well, really much at all. My day began without my usual time alone with God. Do I need to tell you that I had a very bad, awful, no good day? You might have guessed. I couldn't believe the difference in where my mind went with negative thinking. That was an eye-opener. It was a huge realization that I cannot make it through a day on my own strength. The following day, I was back on track and read this verse: Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak … [Read more...]
Spending the day at the beach isn't always possible. So when you find yourself dreaming of splashing waves and sand between your toes.... Put together a beach vignette. Don't roll your eyes....it really is a sweet band-aid solution. And it's super easy to do. Have you ever noticed play sand for sale at the garden center? When you do...be sure to buy a bag. Yes...it may be more than you need, but I'm pretty certain that once you have your bag of sand, you'll be glad you bought it (and it certainly won't break the bank). Plus, you'll find lots of ways to use that sand. In … [Read more...]
The plan was to meet my friend at one of the botanical gardens at Michigan State University. I Googled for directions and then wrote them all down on a piece of paper, for easy reference as I drove there. The route seemed easy enough, and I had the TracFone so I could call my friend in case we missed each other. Perfect. The sun was shining and I felt so blessed to be able to get together with one of my dearest friends whom I rarely see as I have been moving from state to state the last too many years. Up ahead, I saw the sign with the name of the road for my first turn. As I … [Read more...]
When my world gets turned upside down, I love to go on a nature walk. This quote by Sara Moss-Wolfe says it all. Nature is my medicine. Maybe you are like me.... Or, maybe another activity feeds your soul. When you're weary and worn and need to set things right, what do you do or where do you go? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Catch up on all that's Extraordinary... this week at An Extraordinary Day: Here's a rundown of the posts... … [Read more...]
This past weekend we moved. We only lived in our little spot in the mountains of Pennsylvania for 22 months. Yet, almost every one of our neighbors stopped by to say good bye and wish us well. Some even said that they would be praying for us. We were truly blessed and surprised. Right after we moved in all those months ago, Ann and her wiggly thirteen-year-old cocker named Niki stopped by with a container of fresh-baked brownies to welcome us. And just before we moved away, they popped over again, with a thoughtful card and sweet words and moist eyes (Ann's) and a wet nose … [Read more...]
Sigh! Have you ever found yourself making those deep sighing breaths? I did a lot of that this past week. My sighs were dramatic enough for my husband to ask if I was okay. My response was always, "Yes, I'm okay!" But really, how okay can a person be when their future is so unknown. Then again, do any of us know our future or what lies ahead for the day that moment we awake? Sure, we know our responsibilities for the day...even our dreams. But, we do not know if they will indeed become the reality. Life changes on a dime, so to speak. Those of you who are regular … [Read more...]
All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. Martin Luther King, Jr. May you and your family enjoy an Extraordinary Labor Day. And may the work of your hands and mind be a blessing. On Labor Day I want to celebrate the farmer. This Labor Day quote by Martin Luther King, Jr., truly speaks to the vital role of the farmer in our health and vitality. At our house we have a huge appreciation for farm fresh everything. We were blessed to be able to walk (it's a 2 miles round trip) or bike to a farm for fresh eggs or to the weekly farmers' … [Read more...]
10 Happy Things! The color yellow Vintage blue Ball Mason jars Going for a walk, camera in hand, with my husband A cat laying across my arms as I attempt to type on my laptop REAL hot chocolate A surprise note in the mail Knowing I really can trust God Hanging out with one of my dear friends - girl time Flowers Sunshine on my back on a cool day It's my birthday today! Help me celebrate by sharing your 10 Happy Things. I dare you!! It's An Extraordinary Day! Diane I'd be delighted if you'd share the extraordinary goodness here with your friends by clicking … [Read more...]
Packing. Packing. And more packing. That's our agenda until we get everything packed up and moved. Right now, we have a little more than half our "house" in storage. Whew! Three more days to get it finished. I'm just a little bit stressed over the packing. There's our bedroom, my crafting studio, my Christmas and basket storage areas along with the things in the kitchen we are currently using...yet to be packed up. [deep breath] I have too much stuff. I think you already knew that. [wink] If it comes to mind....your prayers mean so much. Everyone is gifted. But most people never open their … [Read more...]
Twenty-three days ago I read the quote below and tapped out the following thoughts. I'm not sure why I forgot to publish the post. But, I wanted you to know that little detail so the time reference makes sense. [sigh] We're hurdling towards the deadline all too quickly... “You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you. It is easy to say you believe a rope to be strong and sound as long as you are merely using it to cord a box. But suppose you had to hang by that rope over a precipice. Wouldn't you then first … [Read more...]
How was your week? Some days or weeks everything seems to go well. Others....not so much. One thing I've been learning is....that regardless of my circumstance....God is always good to me. Here's the New Living Translation of Psalm 13:5&6: But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me. What a great verse to meditate on when you're in a difficult circumstance. I'm guessing you're wondering why I would say that. It's imperative that we speak truth into our minds and … [Read more...]
When I came across this character quote I immediately identified with it. "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved." - Helen Keller It might not seem helpful, nor is it pleasant to go through a patch of trying circumstances. But somewhere in the midst, it does help me to know that something good will come of these trials. That I will be a better person because of it. At the very least I believe I will be more compassionate of others suffering through … [Read more...]
It's summer time and the livin' is easy....or so the song goes. One of my favorite summer time treats is a cool slice of watermelon. Remember eating it as a little kid with the juice dripping down your elbows? Yuuuuum! A few weeks ago, I was enjoying a lovely inside picnic (thank you Mr. Thunderstorm) at my friend's home and she served watermelon two ways. One...an amazing Watermelon Salsa which I shared along with the recipe here. And the second....Watermelon Cookies. The kind that make your mouth water and one is just not enough. Watermelon Cookies are … [Read more...]
A song. A psalm of David. 1 My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. 2 Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 108:1-5 NIV Speak these verses out loud. When I did.... God became bigger. I became smaller. He became mighty and glorious. My faith … [Read more...]
Want to bring the beach and summer to your tiny corner of the world? You really can enjoy coastal decor in small spaces. All you need is a spot to evoke the memory of wind on your face and waves splashing on the beach. It could be the corner of your desk, a spot on your bookcase, or the top of your piano as I've shown here. There are just a few necessary ingredients. A container. Beach or play sand. A sea shell or tiny piece of driftwood. This is a vintage turquoise glass bowl that has been sitting in my cupboard, for years, waiting. Waiting to show off. … [Read more...]
