Welcome to Day 23 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. No doubt you have read or heard this old proverb many times: All that glitters is not gold. One day my friend was sporting a new ring. It was really very pretty. I complimented her on it, thinking her husband blessed her with it for their anniversary. She thanked me and then went on to say, "I … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 22 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. Have you ever been a secret encourager? Several years ago the church I attended had a special year-long event for women. It was called "Secret Sisters." Usually there was an annual gathering where the "Secret Sisters" of the past year were revealed, a decadent dessert was served, and names were drawn … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 16 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. Have you ever had someone tell you, "You talk too much!" I don't know that I have ever been told that or have even said that. But...I have thought it. You too? Don't Talk So Much! Why is it that we think we need to give someone who needs encouragement a … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 15 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. Have you been noticing all the gorgeous pumpkins everywhere you look? All the colors and shapes. Truly amazing. Several days a week I drive by a spot that has tons of pumpkins. I've had my eye on a bright Cinderella-style pumpkin. You know...the one in the shape of her carriage. It's much nicer than … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 12 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. I coined the phrase "Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary." in 1992. Every time I shared about Longaberger at a home show I also shared that phrase. Hundreds of ladies heard the phrase and many of my friends today still might reference it on occasion. It … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 10 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. We woke up to our first frost this morning. Clear, cool, and crisp. When autumn comes, we're ready for cuddly sweaters and evenings at home. And hearty meals at the table. There's nothing like creating... a cozy and warm homespun table setting in the fall. My menu is generally … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 9 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. 52 Ways to Be Encouraging.... 1. Listen Have you ever been talking to someone and all of a sudden they are looking over your shoulder and it seems, though they may be going through the motions of conversing with you, they are not totally engaged? Or have you found yourself in that same spot? … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 5 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. Be Extraordinary! What does that mean? I think it means that neither of us settles for ho hum. I think it's breathing deeper. Looking harder. And living more fully. For starters. This weekend...remember my motto: Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary! ~Diane … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 3 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. Somewhere I came across this quote and saved it to share later. “Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher Later came, and I read it again. At first, the words seemed wonderful. And then I realized this is NOT how I want to paint … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 2 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be... Or...simply: Be... Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond. If you missed The Introduction or you'd like to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here. Let's be real. Life is hard. Some days are really hard. Have you had one of those hard days when a friend, a co-worker, or even a stranger said something that set you back? What if those words had been encouraging words? What if? Some people wear their emotions on … [Read more...]
Almost every where we look this time of year, nature has something amazing for us to see. Our world is a tapestry of color and texture. I couldn't agree more with this quote: Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him. ~Hal Borland What a feast for our eyes and our senses! And what a feast I had yesterday!! I know I talked about getting out in that world and bringing the outdoors in. Though I went out collecting yesterday, my next step is to assemble my finds and see if I can artfully photograph the beauties. You'll just have to wait a bit … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
"Never lose an opportunity for seeing anything that is beautiful; For beauty is God's handwriting -- a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, And thank God for it as a cup of His blessing." - Ralph Waldo Emerson Have you taken time to go for a walk? Not the kind where you try to see how quickly you can get the miles in. But, the kind where you try to see how much beauty you can take in. I dare you to play "I Spy" with your walking partner. I think Emerson had it right. Beauty is God's handwriting. Just look at … [Read more...]
An Extraordinary Day! is a place of joy and inspiration. Some days, the inspiration is as much for me, as it is for you. Sometimes we just need a ray of hope. The golden hour is the time when I prefer to take a walk. It's the time when I can get the best photos. Or at least I make the attempt. Not many, but when they happen they are dramatic thanks to the lovely light. Isn't this white Echinacea stunning in the light? As long as there is sunshine and flowers...there is hope. and then again... Hope is the only bee that makes honey without flowers. Robert … [Read more...]
