“In the waiting, we become” –Jeff Goins Hmmm. What is it we become? Maybe Jeff tells us in his new book. Regardless.... When I read this at the bottom of the Nester's post, it got me thinking. We, my husband and I, are in the waiting. We know when we will be moving. We don't yet know where. God knows. We don't. So in all this waiting, I am becoming. What is it that I am becoming? The other day I mentioned that I think I am becoming more patient. Today, I realized that I am becoming more engaged in this moment and less so … [Read more...]
Patience. Most of us don't have enough, let alone some to spare. I don't talk much about patience. Mostly because I'm an impatient person and I have this crazy idea that if I don't talk about, or don't ask for more, it will be a non issue. When I read this quote: "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson I realized that nature is always in wait. When the earth's temperature is warm enough, plants emerge from their winter hiding places and seeds sprout. As the days shorten and temperatures drop, the life-giving nutrients reverse … [Read more...]
This has been one of those weeks.... where you realize that you are totally not in control and at the same time, grateful God is in control. If you'd like a 5x7 print of this photo & quote...click here...and save it as you would any photo. So...when this quote from C.S. Lewis came across my path it certainly gave me pause: Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny. ― C.S. Lewis The sun drops in the sky, the air begins to cool, and the lighting is exquisite. That's how it was this evening when we left the house for a walk, with plans to … [Read more...]
Hello, my name is Diane and I am enamored with chalkboard art. Chalkboards and chalk and I go way back. Last year at Christmas, I tried my hand at creating some chalkboard art. It wasn't magazine worthy by any stretch. However, that did not stop me from attempting to create some laundry room chalkboard art. [wink] You see I have this little laundry room makeover that I started last summer. And because I'm a finisher, I decided it was high time that I get the project done. So I started with giving you, and me, the ultimate inspiration, including a 'before' picture. … [Read more...]
You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck Happy Birthday America! I love the quote by Erma Bombeck, because really, we who are Americans, we who celebrate our Independence Day with fireworks and parades and BBQ's are a blessed people. We take so very much for granted. … [Read more...]
Recently I went for an early morning walk up the hill to the nearby school. There, I have a lovely view of the town and countryside. It's really quite beautiful. This particular day there was an ethereal cloud hanging low in the valley. The sun was shining high on the hillside as I stumbled upon these lovely daisies glistening with the morning dew. In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. Khalil Gibran Though I am not a fan of Gibran's theology...these words speak truth. We all … [Read more...]
Lovely pink peonies were blooming in my back yard. Their heads were heavy. Rain was in the forecast. What a beautiful excuse to pick these ruffled lovelies and enjoy them indoors. Once inside, they beckoned me to play with my camera and a few antique pretties. Pink is not one of my favorite colors. But, I do adore pink flowers in the garden....along with shades of blues and purples and white and everything in between. Together they all make my heart sing. As does this love quote by Browning: Who so loves believes the impossible. Elizabeth Barrett Browning If you are … [Read more...]
Wow! Talk about a fast change in the weather. Two days ago I set up a space in the basement to work where it's cool, because it was in the high 80's. And today, I don't think we got past 45 degrees and there are winds gusting up to 30 mph. Oh, and there's a freeze alert tonight too!! I know, it's May and anything goes, but I am so ready for just plain spring. Summer can take her time. I just want to relish in a bit of spring. I want to enjoy the Rhododendrons, the Iris, and the Cornus Kousa Dogwoods for more than a day. How about you? Having said all that. My level of discomfort is nothing compared … [Read more...]
Hope is the word which God has written on the brow of every man. Victor Hugo I am so grateful that these words are true. Despite my circumstances...I have hope. And more importantly, I know the HOPE giver. Victor Hugo had a way with words. His hope quote was a gentle reminder for me today. And hopefully for you too! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Do you ever find yourself thinking that you want to order a book for your Kindle or maybe a book that has real pages? … [Read more...]
Doesn't this photo make you think garden party? It seems with so many trees in flower and color everywhere the earth is having a celebration. I stumbled across this quote. Is it not perfect? Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" Robin Williams Speaking of party! There is a big party being planned for An Extraordinary Day! It all starts on Monday with a guest post from someone who is a VIP in my blogging book and one of the first people that I connected with in the blog world. It will be an honor to have her here to help celebrate my first year of … [Read more...]
I'm loving this daffodils quote: If one daffodil is worth a thousand pleasures, than one is too few. William Wordsworth Are daffodils popping up all around your neck of the woods? Almost overnight they are everywhere along my walking path. I snapped these photos in the late evening as the sun was low in the sky illuminating this patch in my neighbor's garden. From a distance, I get to enjoy this patch of sunshine from my window. Lucky me. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ … [Read more...]
I'm loving this dramatic moment on my cabinet. It's a simple tulip wreath DIY project anyone can do. And by now, you must know I love quick and easy DIY projects. What is it about spring? Are we so staved for color after a long cold gray winter that we are more than willing to put together such a glorious mix of colors? I surely am. In my sun room, anyway. Do you gravitate towards color in the spring, too? Summer...that's a different story. Though many plant reds and yellows together in the summer garden, mine will usually be filled with white, purple, pink, blue, and a dash of soft yellow. … [Read more...]
Flowers... Everywhere I go, there are little green stems with swollen heads. Daffodils waiting to soak in the sunshine and warmer temperatures. Wistfully wanting to slip out of their green cloaks and turn their little cheerful faces to the sun. I feel just like them. Basking in the sun sounds absolutely wonderful today. No doubt in a few short months we all will be seeking a reprieve from the sun and its heat. Perspective. As I was dreaming of flowers and warm weather, I 'flipped' through my photos and came across this one I took at Letchworth State Park some time ago. This quote seemed to marry … [Read more...]
An Irish Blessing May you and peace surround you, Contentment latch your door, and happiness be with you now, And bless you evermore. Peace & Joy to YOU! Diane To receive bits of inspiration like this in your inbox or reader, subscribe now. Please take a moment to “Like” An Extraordinary Day ~ A Place of Joy & Inspiration on Facebook! … [Read more...]
“The Bible teaches that true joy is formed in the midst of the difficult seasons of life.” Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God Honestly, I am in a difficult season of life. When the future is completely unknown and no one in the house has a paying job (not yet anyway), it's...well...difficult. Here's the remarkable thing. I told my husband the other day that I have tremendous peace. Doesn't that seem almost impossible in the light of my situation? I'm learning not to worry. That, is huge. I'm "putting feet" to trusting God. Believing that all … [Read more...]
Walking. It's something we do every day. We love it for getting our exercise. But, one reason that I choose walking is because it gives me the opportunity to actually 'talk' with my husband. And the other reason, is because it gives me more time to notice the world around me. I know, that's no surprise to you....especially as it seems that my second most favorite thing to do is to go out, camera in hand, and see what I can discover. Maybe that's why I notice things that change along my paths. Like the first day the Crocus stick up their pretty … [Read more...]
To live an Extraordinary Life is to see the Miraculous in everyday things. Emerson says it just a little bit differently. I like his thoughts too. “The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson Hmmm.... I'm thinking that if we're wise we will train our eyes so that we can indeed see the miraculous in the common. This beautiful plant is a Croton which I photographed on a recent trip to the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh. You will be seeing more photos in upcoming weeks from my little jaunt there. Certainly it was a … [Read more...]
