Becoming Part 2

As promised I am here to share more about one of my favorite parts of the Becoming Conference.

 

One of my favorite sessions was Trash to Treasure with Angela of Button Bird Designs.
These are her cute owls.

 

 

She had many of her amazing creations and by the end of the  session we were all wishing we lived next to her neighbor, who by the way is just one source of her great trash to treasure supplies.

 

 

Check out this old window revamp.

 

 

and here's her cute desk.

 

For more of her great project that will inspire you as well check out her blog here.

Have a wonderful Friday! 

Becoming Part I

If you were not able to attend the Becoming Conference in Asheville this year, you missed a real treat! If I had to sum it up with just one word, it would be REAL. These ladies were real, sharing real stories that encouraged, inspired and motivated.

 

 

Here's Jen at the very end of the conference sharing "Living Large on Less"

Her story was very similar to our family's story. Living through job loss, and how they did it. And steps to take so that you would be ready if you had to face that situation in the future.

 

I arrived with pretty high expectations since I had driven 6 hours to get there, and I was not disappointed.

 

 

The first thing that we jumped into was the Hands On Painting Workshop that was offered. This was an extra that you could sign up for, and I was so glad that I did.

 

 

MJ gave us instruction on the details and How-To  of Annie Sloan Chalk paint, and it was a blast! We were able to bring a small side table that we would transform with the chalk paint that afternoon.

Many wonderful ladies were there to help with questions that we had and offer their expertise along the way.

 

And here is my finished piece.

 

 

The top really looked pretty good, and they talked me into leaving it and just painting graphite on the legs. Just a little bit of distressing, and now I have a new table.

 

Have a blessed Wednesday, and I will be sharing more before the end of the week.

Worth Listening To!

I know it has been a while and hopefully someone out there might still be reading. I have started a little part time job at "The Little Red Wagon". We are an antique Mall that has a little bit of everything. Over 30 vendors, with not only antiques, but new, used, painted furniture etc.

 

All that said, my summer has been a little busier than I expected, between working and maintaining my own booth. The girl that I work for has a son that has moved to Nashville with his band, "Finding Favour" and here is their single that will be released November 2nd. It can be downloaded from iTunes, and every download will help to support them.

 

You will be glad you listened. I think this song is a reminder that we all need.

 

Have a blessed evening!

 

Hunting for Heels and other ramblings.......

This picture is totally unrelated to my post, but two of the three most handsome guys I know.

Once again I have been missing. Since I last posted things have been busy.

*We closed on the townhouse! YEAH!

*Got better news about my feet!

*Judah came and stayed for a week. I must say that was a busy one!

*Got a cold while he was here, that turned into an awful sinus infection.

Now I have mostly been hanging around the house trying to get a few things done to go to my booth, and take care of my feet as the Dr. has recommended....

which involves hunting for the right pair of heels!

Who would have ever thought that heels would take away all of the heel pain that I have been experiencing!

You heard me right. I have something called Rear foot varus, aka crooked feet.

This in turn has caused Haglund's Disorder, which has something to do w/ Achilles bursa.

The tissue around my Achilles tendon is inflamed.

To relieve the pressure, heels with a 1 1/2 height more than the platform of the shoe will relieve the pain.

I am icing my heels and using a cream for inflammation, and praying by the time I return to the podiatrist, there is enough improvement to start doing exercises for my feet, and getting an insert to correct the crookedness. Not even sure I have this all correct. However, you will see me walking around in my gym shorts wearing heels during the day. I do cheat a little when I go out so I don't look quite so ridiculous.

For this flip-flop, flat shoe girl this is quite an adjustment, but it beats surgery any day. The Dr. who gave me the 2nd opinion says we will proceed conservatively to try to correct the problem, so I am trying to do my best!

I was looking on Zappos.com tonight, and think I may have found some Teva wedge flip flops that fit the bill.

That's about it for me. How about all of you. How has your summer been?

Counting Down ( in more ways than one!)

This summer is already turning out much different than I had planned. There has been lots of busy! We have already vacationed, which is a good thing. Just a little less than 4 days until the closing on our townhouse!

Packing up an artist is quite a challenge, especially when you are trying to be sure you don't damage anything. This is my husband's van (both back seats removed)  and by the time we were finished, it was completely full of one small piece of furniture, and the rest was artwork. Canvases, stretchers, ceramics, supplies, etc!

Edgar, waiting to pull out Saturday AM. We saved a space for a dog in each vehicle

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After all the packing I had to have a little fun. Wondering if this chalkboard would look good in my breakfast room?

This little guy will arrive before I return from the closing on Friday. He will be staying with me for a week.

After a week with the little one. The busy will come to a screeching halt!!!

I will soon be counting down days until I have surgery! Found out today that I will be having surgery on one of my feet. ! I have been having a lot of  pain for quite some time. While we were on vacation my boy pointed out to me that my feet are not normal, and I should definitely have them checked out. They pain has gradually increased, so much so, that I cannot even walk for exercise.  I went and had them checked out today. Let's put it this way. The Dr. would not even talk to me about what my left foot needed, because the recovery time for my right foot will be approximately 6 weeks in a cast!!!! Boy was that a shock to me! Seems like at some point in time I have actually had a break on the top of my foot, and there is a bone fragment sticking up, not to mention the large bone spur above my heel due to, too tight tendons. Will have the right foot done, and then see exactly what may be needed for the left foot. Still processing the news.

Packing

This picture has absolutely nothing to do with this post.

Today I am headed to Augusta to pack up our townhouse. After a long year and a half we are set to close next Friday. I did not realize what a burden taking car of 2 places had become. It can be mentally exhausting.  

I had sort of kept holding on to the townhouse. It was nice to have a little place to get away. It was ours and it could be fun. It is a lesson to me, that sometimes when we hold on, the Lord will let us do just that....hold on. It is only when we let go of the situation  and allow him to have control that He will things work for our best. In the past couple of months I had come to the realization, that this was a luxury for us. It was not a need. Once I made the decision to let go, and do what we needed to do to sell it, God did it all!

We had let the advertising expire, so the plan was to advertise again, and begin working to have it in top notch shape to sell when we returned from vacation. Well, when we returned from vacation, there was a message from the Homeowners Association President and Treasurer, that they knew of someone that would be very interested in possibly buying and were already pre-approved. I literally sat my suitcase back in the car and headed that way to show it. We had an offer that evening, and signed the contract the next day!

The next dilemma would be what to do with all the furnishings and stuff left. My son is living in a place that is furnished and has no need for any of it. We don't have the space to store it, and my little booth will not hold it to sell. We immediately saw this as an opportunity to bless someone that has been a wonderful help to us in trying to sell it, my son's former roommate. He probably showed it for us 20 times. Always willing to help. He had moved into a place to  take care of some property for the school where he teaches, and I now understand that he has very few furnishings. We have chosen to offer almost all of it to him. He will be loading it up and moving it to his place, which will leave us with the small stuff to pack, and just a few very small pieces of furniture. Being able to bless him has been a fun part of this letting go process.

If there is something that you are holding on to today, I challenge you to let go and follow God's leading. He always knows best!

Have a blessed weekend.



Showers, Showers!

Several of us had the opportunity to bless a sweet couple that is getting married in August.

The shower was yesterday.

A friend shared a template to make my own cupcake liners out of scrapbook paper.

I decided to add the little pennant on top. 

 Those that attended also addressed envelopes for the thank-yous. Someone had done this for my daughter and I thought it was a great idea. The bride-to-be loved it.

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In the way of other showers, we are getting a lot of much needed rain. In less that 2 weeks our rain gage shows 12 inches! The plants are loving it!

Have a blessed week.

Work of Art

As I have mentioned before, my son is an artist among many other things. I thought I would share this picture (that was tucked away in a closet at the townhouse we are selling).  While in school he was required to paint something by a famous artist. This is his rendition of  Girl With a Pearl Earring, by Johannes Vermeer. I had been saying that I would have this framed, and it would be on a wall in my house somewhere, even if it matched nothing. I think it is beautiful as well as intriguing. Last week Hobby Lobby had their pre-made frames half off, and this canvas fit perfectly. It now hangs in my dining room.

By the way, the inspection went well, as well as the appraisal, so we are two steps closer to a closing!

Trying Not to Think About It

Right now, at this moment the townhouse inspection is happening. I would like to say no big deal, but we have been trying to sell for over a year now, BIG DEAL. Do I know that God is in control? YES, absolutely! I still have a tendency to worry, and have to keep reminding myself,

"HE really IS in control"

So with that being said, I am trying to work on other things, for example the shower that I am doing for my best friend. Her second son is getting married.

Here are my good ole standby decorations. I have learned from the many showers I have given and helped give, it is best to keep it simple so I can actually have fun doing it.

This is a church-wide shower, so the menu will be simple:

Cupcakes

Cheese Wafers

Nuts

Lemonade

I like to practice my decor a little before hand so I don't end up w/ surprises. There will be some aqua gingham on the tables as well, and the tables are larger so the gingham will actually just be a square topper. I love being a part of blessing a new couple as they start their life together.

Now I think I will go clean some in the kitchen, while I am trying not to think about IT!

A Lot of Coming and Going!

For two whole weeks I got to see this every day! This picture was actually taken during the time Beryl was out in the Atlantic. Great waves!

Rows of these...

blowing in the breeze...

and this little guy loved the ocean!

I am missing this already! I came back feeling more relaxed and having more clarity than I have had in quite some time. Lots of time to think read and enjoy God's wonderful creation.

Here's where all the coming and going comes in. We arrived home Sunday afternoon with a message that someone was very interested in our townhouse that we have been trying to sell for over a year! My husband sat my suitcase (which I had not unpacked) back into the car and I headed for Augusta to show it. The couple made an offer that evening and we have a contract!

This was definitely a God thing, because we had not been advertising for several months and during vacation we had decided that it was time to really get diligent and go at it again. Clarity came concerning this while we were away. Sometimes I think God is just waiting for us me to let go.

Inspection is tomorrow at 9:00 AM. Please pray that all goes well.

I traveled back to Augusta this Sunday afternoon, picked up a table and chairs that I will be putting in my booth, then yesterday traveled to Athens to surprise my Mom for her birthday, have lunch with her and my Sister, visit for a little while, then 3 hours back home Monday evening.

After we hear that all is moving forward to close on the townhouse I will be headed over there to pack, and hopefully sell a few things on Craigslist. We would like not to have to rent a U-Haul to bring it back here.

I will be keeping the little fella above at the end of June, which will involve a little more traveling. Needless to say, I have got to focus on a some organization, and have a plan to be more  productive in the coming weeks. Hope you all are having a blessed summer.





On The Road Again

This year seems to be one where I have constantly been on some sort of road trip. This past week I took this sweet boy's Mama for a Dr. Visit. He is growing like crazy and no longer the little baby he was. He is always on the move, and doesn't like to sit still. Afraid of nothing.

 He loves Edgar and is constantly trying to pull him by the tail, kiss him in the mouth, you name it, Judah is trying it. Fortunately Edgar tolerates it very well. Stella on the other hand is another story.

I

I have another upcoming road trip and can't wait! This should something that I will see soon. My boy will be coming from NC, as well as Judah and Ansley. There's nothing like long days listening to the tide roll in and out.

When I return I plan to be more regular with posting. Sharing some thoughts with you and hopefully a little inspiration as well. I am looking forward to this being a productive summer with all sorts of projects happening around here. Hope you'll join me.

Weekend ReCap

I had not seen my boy since Christmas and it was time for a visit! I left Friday, and headed to Charlotte. It was so good to see him. He humored his Mom and let me take this picture of him in front of this huge display in one of the Charlotte malls (don't know which one) just know that it was the one that was not, for the most part in our budget. He is 6'3" so you get an idea of how huge this window display was.

I lead such a sheltered small town life, I had never been to Anthropologie. I have now checked that off the list. I came away with two coffee cups. Very unique merchandise, again a little on the pricey side for me.

We attended a talk at the Seminary, and just had some great time hanging out. It was a wonderful weekend.

Not Anthropologie

This little fella is not from Anthropologie, but I thought it was delightful enough to pick up at a yard sale this weekend. It will be headed to my booth space soon.

Hope your day is as sunny as mine!

Progressive Haircut

Now that I have had an adequate dose of morning coffee, here are a few random things.  

My latest little project involved a haircut.

 Not mine, but Edgar's.

Lots of long thick hair! I had put it off as long as I could stand it!

Lots of hair shedding to sweep up after.

I clipped about 4 piles that had this amount or more. I started on Thursday evening with the back legs and hind end, and worked my way forward. I will add that he does not like it at all, and I am having to constantly remind him that he gets a spanking if he doesn't cooperate. He knows what spanking means and he complies (most of the time).

Here is a glimpse of him sporting his new look, but he is camera shy. I kid you not, when I bring the camera out, he turns away every time. You also get to see my bargain wool rug that I purchased from a friend last weekend.  Lots of pretty colors, aqua, bright green, bright blue and red. It is huge and all for 50.00!

I snapped this this morning when he ran out to chase those squirrels. If he ever catches one he will not know what to do with it.

Have a great weekend!l

Busy Boy!

Over the past week we were busy with this little guy! Definitely a good kind of busy! Of all of the pictures that I took, this is my favorite. He is one difficult little one to photograph, and with my lack of photography skills it doesn't help.

Papa loves this boy.

Can you see a little look of mischief in those eyes?

We had a wonderful week visiting.

Hope you have a blessed week.

 

Annie Moses Band

Tonight I had the opportunity to see this band perform at our church. They are truly amazing, and have such a  unique style in their performance. The story of how they began was told throughout their performance and truly a testimony to our amazing God.

Take a listen at this sample. It was a great evening.

Pillow Case Dress for the Birthday Girl

Here's my latest little project.

 My daughter was needing a birthday present for a friend's daughter, and wanted to give something more that just another little toy, and asked if I would make her a pillow case dress. I had been out of town until yesterday afternoon. See the thing is, I had to get it in the mail today so she would have it in time for the party. I dropped it in the mail just a little while ago, and hope it fits! I am not the quickest seamstress around, but I really want what I make to look well done (pitfalls of not completely giving up being a perfectionist!)

Here is a close up of the bottom of the dress.

 Not the best picture, but here it is. I have another little project in the works and hope to show it to you by the end of the week. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

On Getting Older

Today, I am one year older. I haven't fully embraced this aging process with open arms. What I have decided is... I am getting older therefore I need to:

• make healthy choices
• start exercising.... again
• break my diet soda addiction (yes, addiction!) by the way,  today,8 days with no soda
• I have a good bit of weight to lose, and NOW is the time to start the process

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
                                                                                                                              I Corinthians 6:19-20

It's Been a While!

In January I had decided that I would be posting more often, and now you see how that has been working out! Here is what I have come to realize. I compare myself to others, much more than I would like to think,  their blogs, their projects, their ideas, their life, well you get the idea. I started feeling like I had nothing to say, so I did just that...said nothing.

When we make the wrong comparisons we can quickly become discouraged. God tells me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).  I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10).

He is reminding me that I need to be careful to whom I am listening. Will I listen to what Satan has to say to me and about me, or will I take every thought captive (II Corinthians 10:5) and listen to what God has to say?

How about you, who are you listening to today?

Happenings Here

     Just a little of what has been happening at our house. Not that I have mentioned it before, but we still have a townhouse for sale in Augusta, GA. Our son was in school there, and we purchased it when he went to school. Purchasing seemed like a good idea, and was actually cheaper than rent. The problem was is that we purchased in the height of the housing market, and well, we all know what it is like now. So needless to say, a year later we still have it for sale. We have had many lookers just no buyers. This is and old picture, but thought I would share with you. I would love it if you would be willing to pray for it to sell. We know God has a reason even if we don't know what that is.

     Last night started the Beth Moore study on James: "Mercy Triumphs".This is very different from the previous studies, and challenges us to move beyond just the normal Bible study. There are 5 different levels that you can choose to participate at and level 5 being to memorize the entire book of James! We will have a project to participate in each week, so we can be not just "hearers of the word", but "doers" also. This weeks project is to "Feed the Poor". When we left we each were asked to take a paper grocery bag, and given a list of staple items to fill it with. There are probably at least 100 or more women combined in all of the sessions, so that will be a lot of bags of groceries. I hope to get a picture next week . What a great idea to incorporate w/ each study. We will not know what the next project will be, until the next week. Looking forward to sharing with you.

     I am feeling a little under the weather, so that's all I have today. I am trying to be more consistent at posting, one of my goals this year. What's been happening at your house the beginning of this new year?

Blessing to you all.