Live An Extraordinary Life Are you really living? Download your 8x10 Free Printable here. If you're reading this I'm sure you're living. [wink] However, I'm not talking about whether you're breathing, though I must say, I am grateful for every breath I take. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that all we have is this present moment. Yes, we have hope for the next moment, day, week, month, year. But, in actuality, all we have is this present moment. Are you in the moment? Or, are you living in the past? ....recalling missed moments, relational regrets, and a host … [Read more...]
There is an old adage that says no one except a wet baby likes change. None-the-less, change is in the air here at An Extraordinary Day. I have had the privilege of co-hosting the Project Inspire{d} Link Party for the past 8 months. It's been wonderful meeting and getting to you. I'm amazed each week at all the talent you bring to the party. And frankly, each week I have found it so difficult to choose just a few projects to feature as you all have truly extraordinary ideas! This is my last week as co-hostess of Project Inspire{d}. I'm going to miss partying with you. But, I do hope you will continue … [Read more...]
Have you noticed how dark it is these days? The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn't extinguish the light. John 1:5 (CEB) The news on TV, online, and even our Facebook feed is filled with bad, scary, and horrific details. We need to remind ourselves, and each other, that as dark as it gets....the darkness will not put out the light. Have you ever noticed that when the light comes on in a dark place, the light is even more bright? That's the contrast we are seeing in our world right now. People living in darkness need to see. They need … [Read more...]
Have you ever wanted to bring someone a bouquet of flowers, or have a beautiful vase of fresh flowers in your home, but didn't have the extra money to pick up something from the grocery or florist? Unless you live in a concrete jungle, I have a great tip for you.... Look along the roadways as you travel and start to notice all the wildflowers growing along the byways. That is where I found the flowers to create this arrangement for my friend who just had knee surgery. Over the years, I've noticed that when I gather these bouquets, the flowers just naturally complement each other. … [Read more...]
Are you one of those blessed few to have you own creative space? Here's me, hair pulled back, no makeup, with my one and only selfie from my favorite camera, giving you just a peek into my favorite space through a vintage looking-glass. That's the way we bloggers roll. The before photos don't do the color justice. [wink] Here it looks like light greige, but in reality, it was much darker beige that turned to an odd reddish pink when the sun reflected off the dark brick-red siding into the room. I couldn't wait to repaint. With new paint, the room came … [Read more...]
Hope. I can actually say I have hope. The only reason I can say that is because... This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:19 (NLT) Maybe you're familiar with this verse. One day as I was standing on the dock taking photos in the early morning light, it came to mind, and I had this peace wash over me. No matter what happens each day, my anchor is the Lord. If you're familiar with this verse... do you realize that there is a second part to the verse? Here's the second sentence in the verse... It leads us through the … [Read more...]
On these hot summer days, we're all looking for ways to feel cool and comfortable. One way to feel cool as a cucumber is to surround ourselves with cooler colors likes blues, whites, and greens. Last summer I had fun playing around with a tablescape in coastal blues. What blues are coastal blues? Just look at your favorite body of water. Notice the many, many shades of blue. Use them freely and you're off to feeling cooler and refreshed. Who knew it would be so easy. Now go check out my Casual Coastal Tablescape here. Can you believe that in a … [Read more...]
Faith is believing what we do not see, and the reward for this kind of faith is to see what we believe. Saint Augustine You've heard the term "blind faith." Usually a person with blind faith is looked upon as weak or helpless. How many times have we heard someone say, "Trust me." In the recesses of my mind, I remember my dad telling me that I could not trust anyone. I'm not sure what life experiences my dad encountered to help him develop that cynical outlook. Fortunately my dad did not live his life that way before me. He was a very gentle, kind, and caring man. And I … [Read more...]
Last summer I wanted so badly to be at the lake that I created my own view of the lake... If you're a sand-in-her-toes, sunny day at the beach kind of gal, you, too can set a coastal vibe with DIY paintings you create. Don't say you can't create art. I've never painted like this and I painted this seascape. You'll never know unless you try. Pop over to the original post and learn how I put together this fun coastal styled vignette. Speaking of getting creative with DIYing... Over the weekend I shared a round-up of some Pretty Extraordinary DIY Makeovers which were linked … [Read more...]
Let me tell you how blessed I am. Every morning I wake up next to a man who loves me with his whole heart. I pretty much jump out of bed each day because I can. Clothes hang straight in my closet sorted by type and I get to put on something to fit the day and occasion. When I go to the kitchen sink and turn the faucet, out pours sparkling clean water. As I grab my Bible to sit on the couch, I turn and look out the window and see the morning mist rising or dancing across the small lake. Turning the pages of my Bible, I read words of encouragement, and I'm blessed that I have the ability to read and … [Read more...]
Extraordinary Inspiration for Your Weekend No. 7 Happy Weekend! We've been having the most amazing weather this week. Mostly sunny and wonderfully mild temperatures for mid July. I could take a whole summer of days like these. It's the perfect weather for getting lots of DIY projects done. And speaking of DIY projects.... Let me present you with some pretty Extraordinary DIY Makeovers... Check out the features...Left to Right...Top to Bottom. Metal Cabinet Makeover by Red Tin Inn Lampshade Makeover & Tutorial by DIY Beautify Vintage Wrought Iron Table & Chair Makeover … [Read more...]
Complete a meal with a delicious and easy cheesy supper biscuit. I love these days when we're able to throw open the windows during the day and appreciate cooler evenings. These cooler nights make it possible for us to enjoy a roasted chicken dinner one night followed up by homemade chicken soup the next evening. A hearty homemade chicken soup is a pretty complete meal in itself, but there's nothing like a good homemade biscuit to accompany all that soupy goodness. For some time, I've been thinking I'd like to make cheesy biscuits. … [Read more...]
What goes through your mind when you think of summer? For me...it's a few hours at the beach. Today I'm over at Homework sharing how you can enjoy time some beach time, even if you're many miles away. Please stop by Carolyn's and check out my post. And check out her extraordinarily creative blog. Speaking of summer... Over the weekend I shared a round-up of some amazing looking Fruity Summer Treats linked up at last week's Project Inspire{d} link party. Click here if you missed it! Are you drooling? Everything looks absolutely … [Read more...]
Everyday, as I walk, I am amazed by the tapestry along the roadside. Today I noticed leaf shapes. Each leaf was the same tone of green. Yet, from plant to plant and bush to bush, each had its own exquisite shape. Together they created the most beautiful tapestry in green. A few days ago we took the rowboat out on the lake just before sunset. In the stillness the lily pads and other water plants reflected the setting sun's brilliant light. We were in awe of another tapestry at the water's edge. A mirror formed across the face of the water. It captured the … [Read more...]
Extraordinary Inspiration for Your Weekend No. 6 Here, in my neck of the woods, we just finished enjoying fresh picked local strawberries and now it's blueberry season. The one thing I love about living in the fruit belt is....drum roll please....the fruit! Everything is so fresh and delicious. That made it really easy for me to choose these extraordinary fruity summer treats you all linked up this week. Yumm! Check out the features...Left to Right...Top to Bottom. Tarte Tatin by Army Wife to Suburban Life Guest on Homework Red, White, & Blue Pancakes by … [Read more...]
Getting together with friends is one of the most challenging things about long distance moves. Living five to nine hours away from each other means we stay connected via Facebook, email, and of course, by phone. But, there's nothing better than being face-to-face, is there? Recently I was able to spend some time with a dear long-time friend. After getting into town, I joined her and her family for breakfast. After a delicious breakfast of baked stuffed raisin bread french toast, we covered three coastal towns and visited some of her favorite thrift shops, enjoyed … [Read more...]
The 4th of July weekend is over and I hope you had a great one. The weather was perfect here and we indulged in some delectable delights. This delicious Fresh Watermelon Salsa is so good. With watermelon season upon us, I thought I'd pull it up from the archives so you can add it to your summer supper and entertaining menu. Enjoy! Before the big holiday weekend I put together a round-up of Last Minute 4th of July Ideas from last week's link party!! Click here if you missed it! This is one fun party with four extraordinary hostesses. Mary Beth … [Read more...]
