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...]
Since I couldn't go to the beach....I decided to bring the beach to my house this summer. It's amazing what you can do with some sand, shells, and stuff from the stash. Join me for a super simple seashell art DIY project. Who knows why I purchased this small square photo frame at The Dollar Tree some time ago. As I was trolling my stash, I was so excited to find it, and the wheels started turning. This post contains affiliate links. Then I remembered I had some scrapbook paper in coastal colors. Yay! Originally I purchased it for making some masculine … [Read more...]
As the days get shorter, we hang on to every breath of summer's sweet breezes. There's the "one last time" at the beach day. Or, if you live in the mountains, the desert, or in America's heartland, all of that may be just a dream. But, it doesn't stop us from creating our own little breath of fresh air and wind and waves....even on our supper table. Our own casual coastal tablescape....ah! Today, I used my everyday, Longaberger Classic Blue dinner plates and Woven Traditions Cereal Bowls. No...we won't be having cereal for supper. These generously sized bowls are perfect … [Read more...]
Want to bring the beach home or create a coastal or nautical feel in your decor? Create an Easy Nautical Life Ring Wreath. Hang it on a vintage window like I did here, on the wall, or even on your front door. It's a super quick and easy wreath to make. You need a few supplies and in less than an hour, you'll have yourself some classy coastal decor. Easy Nautical Life Ring Wreath Supplies: A foam wreath form; mine came from the Dollar Tree. Ruler Scissors Straight pins Cream or white fabric cut into two and one-half-inch strips. An … [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...]
There's nothing like a day at the beach. Living at least five hours from the beach, I decided to bring the beach to the mountains of Pennsylvania. At least to my dining area. Will you join me for a beachy brunch? The table is simply set with my Longaberger dinnerware and crystal goblets, and my vintage silverplate that we use everyday. We're having the yummiest blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup. Creamers sitting on saucers are perfect for serving the syrup. And cute too. An old vintage low bowl with a sea green interior is … [Read more...]
