Finding that perfect color...

This post falls under the category of 

"wish I'd known this last week"

Whew, what a weekend, I'm pooped. The Master Bedroom and Bath are done, more on that this week, but just wanted to do a quick post inspired by an email from Catherine from Freddy and Petunia. She told me about a great design tool available with Behr Paint to find the "just right" color. So I'm sending you over to F&P, she has some super info that all us die hard DIY'ers will find pretty handy!

Click Here

See ya tomorrow for Monday Marketplace,

hope you've had a great weekend!

I'll announce the winner of the give away

from French Bleu Vintage tomorrow morning.

xoxo,

5 Things to Grow On

So I was just minding my own business hanging out over at Thistlewood Farm, enjoying all the pretty pictures and humor, when Karianne posed a question to Blogland. She and some other gals are having a little get together where everyone is discussing their blogs...more specifically, what they want their blogs to be when they grow up. They've asked that we think of five things that we are working on to grow and fine tune our little piece of the blog universe. Our hopes and aspirations...here are some of my thoughts.

I've been blogging for almost three years, so some might say I don't qualify. But my blog is always growing and changing so I think that hopefully, I can manage to sneak in. This post may be a little more retrospective than most. I guess I'm sorta sharing the things I've learned along the way.

1. Be Yourself.
That one is probably tops on most bloggers list...or it should be. OK, so I don't really like broadcasting my age across the Internet, but it's safe to say that not only have I been around in blogdom for a few years, but I have a few years under my belt in life too. Don't be afraid to let others know that. Age and experience does bring a few perks, and a little more to the table. I've been there and done that so many times my head can swim. I've raised two daughters that are as old as many of you, yet I don't feel "old". Inside I'm still the young mom that always had a project going, while trying to keep all the plates spinning.
I've learned not to try to keep up with all the Joneses out here. I can't do it all, and hey, there are some things that I just plain don't want to do...I'm not a gourmet cook, I don't do tablescapes on a weekly basis, and I think I'm the only person on earth who hasn't tried chalk paint.

Listen to the still small voice in your heart...I call it God. I promise that ultimately you won't go wrong.


2. Don't be afraid of change.
We all have some awesome ideas. I can tell you that it's easy to be fearful about stepping out there to do something different; in blogging just like in life. This is something I need to work on a little more. It's easy to get in a rut. Whether it's a project, or sharing your thoughts on a subject, or just changing up your blog a little, we need to not be afraid of change. So what if it doesn't work out like you hoped...how can we improve and grow if we're afraid to put ourselves out there.


3. Expand your horizons.
I never knew how much I would love photography until I bought my first little digital camera. Yeh, I'd taken the family photos for years, and an occasional vacation pic, but I'd never had much of an interest until I saw what was out here in some of the blogs. Magazine quality photos don't come easy, but hey, it's still fun trying.
I've never had much trouble in a crowd. It's always awkward when you have to put yourself out there, but making new friends in blogland is critical for not only growth, but survival. Sorry to say there are cliques here just like anywhere, but don't be afraid to comment or email someone you admire and want to get to know, that's how I've made some amazing "real life" friendships.



4. Be willing to help others.
When I first started blogging it was because someone I admired took a minute to read an email I sent them, and to reply. She read my first blog post and put my blog on her sidebar. She gave me a chance to "join the club" so to speak. Because of that, and as my blog has evolved, I now realize how important it is to reach out to others and offer encouragement and exposure. Nothing brings satisfaction like seeing other people being recognized for their talent and creativity. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...good advice that has stood the test of time. Blessings will always come back around.


5. Know your priorities
This is a toughy out there for so many of us who blog. Many of us came to blogging because we wanted to make connections with other women; that we needed to have a community of which to be a part of. Because of that we feel the importance of maintaining friendships and communication. This one thing that is so very vital to growing a blog, can at the same time wreck havoc on our personal lives. Knowing our priorities in blogging, like everything we do, takes time to learn.
I'm at a place in my life right now where I have time to blog, sometimes posting everyday, but not everyone can or wants to do that. We have husbands, children, parents...responsibilities and obligations. Learn your boundaries early on to avoid guilt and upset. When I started blogging there were only a handful of blogs as compared to today. You could visit each person, and know them personally. There was a written rule somewhere in a bogus blog handbook that said you had to return each comment that you received...in a perfect world. Having said that I know there are so many of you who leave the sweetest comments, just know how much I appreciate you and read each one. (some days, I actually CAN return comments)
If you want to maintain a marriage and make sure your personal hygiene is maintained you have to realize you just can't spend all your time on the computer. I think we all know this by now, it's just important to not let guilt eat us up. In all things find balance.

OK, those are some highlights of how I grow my blog...maybe not the post someone else might write, but it's what was in my heart. Join in at Thistlewood Farm this Friday for the linky party. I'm posting early because of Vintage Inspiration Friday. (Hope you'll come by and join in the party at my place, too!)

xoxo,

just sharing my thoughts...

If you haven't read my previous post on Remembering Whitney Houston I'd love for you to scroll down. I don't get on my soap box very often. Most of the time I try NOT to say much on this blog, but I wanted to give voice to a viewpoint of mine and many others concerning the coverage of Whitney's life, passing, and funeral. Just giving pause for reflection here. Everyone has their own opinion.

Below is a comment I left on a blog this morning. I read each comment and debated on whether to share mine or not. After thinking and praying about it this morning I shared this. Please know I'm not at odds with anyone, just thought I might give my own insight into the controversy over the media coverage issue.


"You asked for thoughts, I'd like to share mine. I think there are two distinct issues here. One the news media; with 24 hour news channels now, every story runs multiple times. I agree topics are not always chosen or run wisely. There are many many issues that could and should have attention that are worthy of our viewing. But I don't necessarily think most people get satisfaction from seeing other people's tragedies. You're so right everyone, there are thousands of people who suffer and die everyday. We ought to be bringing attention to their plight, also. 

I for one, DO think that in Whitney's case of prescription medications and drinking, we all need to take a long hard look. Oftentimes we think if we are taking legal prescription drugs then everything is OK, you add alcohol in to the mix, we are asking for trouble. Dr. Drew Pinsky's coverage on HLN has been timely and graphic in this area. If all the coverage and scrutiny saves one life, then I say the coverage was justified.

As for Whitney's funeral, I watched most of it. It was touching and intimate. Those that spoke or gave tribute in song, were not seeking attention, only to share their love, memories, and grief for their loved one, friend, and colleague. As a born again Christian I found it touching and spiritually uplifting. God loves all of us, even when we fall down. We can celebrate a life, knowing that she is now in a place without pain or struggle."

Having close family members that have had physical and emotional issues, and having taught many Bible Studies on Overcoming Addictions and Depression, I think it's valuable to know and understand the causes of addiction and the fallout for loved ones. Being a celebrity causes one to naturally be in the public eye. If we can learn from the trials and lives of other's we will all be better human beings, with an attitude of empathy and caring to our fellow brothers and sisters in life.

much love, thanks for letting me share my thoughts.

February 19, 2012 12:52 PM

Whitney remembered...

I had this afternoon to myself, and I did some puttering around the house. I have been watching a lot of the commentary on CNN and HLN on Whitney Houston the last few days. Today was her funeral; she went home to the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, the church where she grew up and got her start. Whether a fan or not, the funeral was precious and endearing, as many gave tribute to her in words and song. Two stood out for their raw honesty and emotion; Tyler Perry, and Kevin Costner. If you didn't see the broadcast, I'm encouraging you to search out Costner's few minutes on his friendship with Whitney during the making of his movie, The Bodyguard. I imagine it will be on YouTube.
I'm not a big cryer, but I don't think there was a dry eye in the place. And at the end, when her pall bearers carried the casket, her recorded voice was heard singing I Will Always Love You. Amazing person and talent gone too soon. Anyone who watched this definitely had "been to church". And they said that would have been just what she would have wanted.

Take a Step

This post was originally posted on my Spiritual Journey blog,

A day in the life...

but I reposted here so I could link up with The Lettered Cottage for 

The Word of the Year

Please take a moment to read this, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

January 2012

I've read and enjoyed so many of your New Year's posts sharing your intentions and resolutions, plans and goals, and just plain old hopes and dreams. Especially you younger gals with big things happening in your lives. Blogging has given many of you some amazing opportunities this year;  from recognition in magazines, photography, television, and the book world, to actually "living your dreams". Honestly, I couldn't be happier for you...really...truly! 

I have to warn you though, as you get older the concept of making resolutions fades a bit and the turning of the calender page takes on a little less significance. Life experience and circumstances have a bad habit of wearing a person down a little. I know what it's like to have "resolutions" wind up in the ditch by the end of January, or to have something thrown in my path unexpectedly like a family crisis or health setback. "Life" has a way of derailing the best of intentions.  I guess the blessings of youth are optimism and the promise of the future. I'm not on a "downer" here, just contemplating life a little, I guess. And how we view what is ahead of us. 

Many of you have talked about how you have a "word" for the New Year. A word that some of you will use as a roadmap for the journey into 2012. To other's it's a definition of what you desire the atmosphere around you to be; a goal, an attitude, and a viewpoint. Hopefully our words are God given and spoken. I know that God likes using dates, times, and seasons to express Himself in our hearts. When we're prayerfully contemplating our lives and the prospect for change, He's is more than happy to speak to our open hearts and minds. He's an "encourager", and He desires to bring us into a place of possibilities and optimism. He's been working on me in that area...

OK, back to the "word" idea for the New Year. So I asked God if there was a specific word for me to contemplate and keep in my spirit for this year. It didn't come immediately, but as I was doing a short post for New Year's Day, a scripture verse came to mind. It had nothing whatsoever to do with the adorable vintage postcard with kittens, but it had to be included. 

Proverbs 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

It seemed a little out of place and incongruous with that postcard post, but I've learned to go with it, if it's something from the Lord.  This verse has been rattling around in my head for a few days and the more I've thought about it the more I've realized God has been speaking to me concerning this thought for quite a while now.

Let me share just a little of what I think He may be trying to say. 

First of all for this verse to be truly accurate we need to be a child of God. Believers can have a firm faith that if we really love the Lord and seek Him that He will ultimately be in charge of our lives and destinations. If we never seek Him for help and guidance then it's easy to get off track in our thinking and plans. This in turn can send us down the wrong path. Staying in touch with the Father on a daily basis and letting the Holy Spirit lead us may not mean that our lives will be easy or perfect, but they will be "determined". The Oxford dictionary says this about the word "determine, -ed" fixed, precise, distinct, settled, persistent, unwavering.

Another word that stands out for me in this verse is "course". Here is the definition: onward movement or progression, path, way, route, or track, a lesson, a part of a meal, a series of hurdles, a horizontal layer of bricks" a length of water.

And then this word, which really means a lot to me at this time. "Step". a unit of movement, a manner of walking, a degree in the scale of promotion or advancement, making progress, pace, stride, taking action, being in agreement.

At this stage in my life I'm more "contemplative" about the future. I've learned the hard way not to run off on my own and in my own thinking to do a certain thing. I don't want to get into something that's just not part of God's plan for me. There have been a few things that I've been "measuring" in my mind and considering so I've turned them over to God for timing and specifics. He's determining them for me and I'm allowing Him to plot the course, not only of this New Year, but of my future. He can do all that for me, but if I don't lift up my foot one day at a time and exert some effort to take the "step" nothing will happen. 

I had a sprained ankle last week, and now that I think of it, it may have been a little teaching tool that the Lord allowed. The thought of not being able to walk for a few days had me reeling. The concept of taking a "step" has a little more significance than it did before.

Love you all, thanks for listening, and sharing my life. You're a huge blessing to me!

xoxo,

My grandkid is a real dog...

sounds pretty pathetic, huh?

But hey, it's the truth...

You met Vinnie last Christmas, and this little man can steal your heart.

He's a riot, and a little better behaved than last Christmas.

He's in his buffalo check rain gear, but hates it.

He can hardly move, he thinks he's in a straight jacket!

(sorry the photos are fuzzy, this was before I realized

my new lens was set on auto while my camera was on manual)

Last Christmas my shin and his head had a little encounter, 

and my shin came out the loser.

He has a hard head and in one of his chasing games he plowed into me.

I won't go into details but I'm really glad his obedience school was a success.

This is Vinnie's mom and dad.

Our daughter Erin and her husband. 

and just so you'll be sure and know that the Living Room

actually does get lived in, these are a couple of photos

 of the kids unwrapping presents.

This is our younger daughter, Alyson and her husband.

do you feel sorry for me?

My grandkids are dogs and cats. 

(sorry no photos of the old ornery black cat

 that will slap the stuff out of you as you walk by

and the rotten, but oh so cute Himalayan )

OK, just wanted to share some real life with you.

Hope you all are having a great weekend. 

I had to do a booth check and supply at Relics today,

and put away some of the outdoor Christmas decor

Yikes, I still have Christmas stuff to box and put away.

someone, please tell me that you still have putz houses out!!

xoxo,

"Pinning" A Holiday Wedding

Source: whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: elizabethannedesigns.com via Debra on Pinterest

I still don't have all the little bugs worked out of transferring photos from Pinterest into my blog post, so please excuse the little glitches here and there. I've been collecting these images for a few weeks so that I could celebrate hubbs and my Anniversary which is today. Dare I say it...? 39 years...
I know that's older than many of you out there, and gee whiz, I hate to date myself... did I just say "gee whiz"... OK, that's dating myself. What can I say, we were kids.

Source: google.com via Debra on Pinterest

Even before we were married I just loved the idea of a Christmas Wedding. Magical by candlelight and in a snow covered setting. These are just a few images that captured that feeling. Oh yes, and that must have hint of red.

Source: inspiringpretty.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: dustjacketattic.tumblr.com via Debra on Pinterest

The simplicity of "nature" added to this cake with the red roses and twigs would be my choice today.

And a sleigh ride from the church...just perfect!

Source: aperfectcelebration.com via Debra on Pinterest

A breathtaking gown

Source: google.com via Debra on Pinterest

handmade bouquet

Source: etsy.com via Debra on Pinterest

A tree lined entrance all aglow...

Source: thelilbee.com via Benjamin on Pinterest

How adorable are these two?

But maybe just a tad bit chilly.

Love her fur jacket...

OK, I probably would nix the skis.

But today I'm just dreaming...

would you like to know the reality of my day?

I spent last night in the ER with a sprained ankle.

Celebrating may be by candlelight, 

but it will probably be take out.

Oh well, at least it's not broken...

I'm thankful for that.

But anyway you look at it, 

I have a wonderful husband,
even if today's best friends are a pair of crutches and a vicodin.

Not complaining... just keepin' it real.

See ya tomorrow...I think.
xoxo

Source: flickr.com via Debra on Pinterest

ev

being real

You all are just the best; the sweetest, most loving and thoughtful people that any person could ask for as friends. I literally had tears fall as I read all your comments from my last post. Thank you so much for your concern and prayers. Time to share what's been going on in my life for the last 8 years. I'll try to "make a long story short"-er.

My dad had cardiovascular disease and died from it ten years ago. I had my first heart attack when I was 49 years old; three in fact, in one weekend. I hadn't had any discernible symptoms beforehand. I had what I thought was a pinched nerve in my right arm. I never imagined you could have pain like that. It felt like my arm was being ripped off. Three of these episodes starting on a Friday afternoon, and ending with me in the ER on a Monday morning at 6:30 am.

Here's my backstory.
One thing you may or may not know about me is that I have a deep "call" from God for ministry. I have since I was a teenager, and then again as an adult in my early 40's. I've worked with women's ministries, teaching and writing Bible Studies. I call them, "not your mother's Bible Studies", but down to earth, real life, nitty gritty. Where women can talk about "whatever" and "everything" without feeling judged. I've worked with everyday moms and housewives to addicts of all kinds...and everyone in between.

So, after three major heart attacks, I was pronounced to be lucky that I was alive, but had a huge aneurysm that was inoperable. My doctor told me that I could sneeze and die.
great news to hear.

this was 8 and 1/2 years ago.

I had a stent put in and was being readied to be sent home to wait for the inevitable. My response to the doctor was that I appreciated the information, but I was going to stand in my conviction that God was in charge of my life and I had a gut knowing that I didn't have to worry; God would heal me.

The end of that week in the hospital, they did more tests and the aneurysm wasn't to be found.
this was documented,
logged,
on the record.
in my chart.
My doctor shook his head and agreed it could only be God.

But by the end of the month the stent had failed and my artery had collapsed. I spent a week in the hospital while I waited for open heart surgery. A triple bypass... at 49... 115 lbs., non-smoker, good diet...but lot's of stress and a family tree that was flawed.

My dear brother died at age 44, with a heart attack in the exact same spot, just one year after my first heart attack.

Fast forward six years,
more stress,
menopause,
and another near heart attack, with another stent.

And in the last two years I've had constant chest pain. They call it stable angina, because it's non life-threatening...just constant pain. not debilitating, but troublesome and noticeable, like a bad headache or a toothache.

sometimes hard to focus on other things.

Nothing "stable" about it.

It messes with your head, your emotions, your relationships, and it can try to mess with your faith.
That one has been the toughest part.

I've had to juggle multiple medications, add, subtract, try something new.
be sick.
be mad.
be humbled.
be fearful.

All while trusting God,
believing God,
having faith in God.
loving God.
waiting for God...

It's gotten worse since Mother's Day weekend, when I had a bad dizzy spell and woke up to pain twice as bad and resistant to medication than before. We've been trying increased medication, but the doctor finally decided that it was time to do another heart cathaterization (angiogram) to find out if there was a blockage or not.
not a fun procedure.

nothing had changed.

no blockage...which is good.
but I'm still left with pain that is basically not going away.

there are times I'd like to just give all my junk away and walk away from it.
but I enjoy that part of my life.
I'm working on paring down, and to get my life where it needs to be.

so, here I am...
still loving life.
grateful,
and determined not to be labeled or "defined" by this situation.

I love blogging,
and I'll do it as long as God has a purpose for it.
I've made deep friendships; ones that I pray go beyond the computer and a pretty picture.
You all enrich my life.
I hope I bring something of value to each of you.

I may not be able to respond one on one to each of you,
but just know,
I know who you are,
I know what you've said,
and I love you.

D

Just by Chance?

I just wrote a little Bible Study post on my blog, "a day in the life" about listening and being willing to respond to God's nudges. Sometimes things He asks of us are not life changing or deep spiritual things; just something He wants us to do. Give a hug, cook a meal for someone, donate clothing or household articles, share a moment...read a book. His desire is for us just to be willing to listen to Him and then act upon what He shows us.

The first blog post I read after hitting publish of that post was from At the Picket Fence. They are participating in a project called the Tuscaloosa Baby Shower. Head on over to hear about how just a small act can have lots of impact if we all work together. Thanks gals!

                                                                          

World War III

Take a look at these two cuties.

yes, there are two of them.

They are 6 year old sisters from the same litter.

Good buds...

until a few weeks ago.

Then World War III broke out.

They are very territorial and jealous.

What can I say...

I'm just irresistible.

anyhoo, lately they have been fighting,

And I don't just mean "fighting"

but all out war.

Growling, hissing, chasing. 

Now envision

the cartoon version of two

Tasmanian devils going at it...

in the house...

on the bed...

in my lap...

OK, so I took one of the little sweethearts to the vet...

no illness,

just bad attitudes all around.

The Vet says this happens in the Spring,

among female house cats.

So a bottle of kitty anti-anxiety pills,

and a diffuser full of of happy pheromones,

which has now replaced my

Bath and Body Works verbena variety.

Then to top it off, a "good behavior" collar for each.

All joking aside,

if you have more than one cat and there are problems

such as fighting or "inappropriate potty places"

then you might check into this.

The vet said that usually stress is the result

of urinary tract infections in cats and kittens.

Glad that hadn't started yet...

Now I'm off to see if I can find a collar that might fit me...

and back to the original programming...

...just gotta brag

There's no way that my photos

can do her photos justice,

but I just have to brag on my bestie Anne.

She's gone and done it!

with help from some "fabulous"  and talented friends.

I'm one of the lucky ones that get Romantic Country Magazine thru subscription,

so I have mine even before Miss Fiona and Twig!

Six yummy pages of wonderful photos

taken at the home and Bed and Breakfast of Linda and Ludmil Markov

(The Willow Nest)

Anne is a woman of many talents;

her strengths lie in her determination, goal-making, and strong faith.

Miles may be between us,

but we have a connection that speaks not of the distance,

but of the heart.

I'm proud that one of her dreams has come true.

May it only be the beginning.

Look for Romantic Country to be on display next week.

te he,

lucky me...