A few months ago, I wrote these lines... Thankfully, the thaw has come, but not before the Winter of 2014 wreaked havoc in the garden. Many plants experienced such trauma that their only hope was found in a drastic springtime pruning. Others, once treasured, are now no more than treasured memories – their blank spaces in the landscape recently filled by tiny replacements... as if one could really replace a treasure. For still others, like our stately magnolia, the verdict is still out. We worked so hard to save the Southern favorite – the arboreal beauty that's shaded our century-old house for many decades – but I fear its days are numbered. Every time I look out my kitchen window and see another brown leaf fall to ... Keep Reading...
Little Man goes to school: Dear World…
It's a big day in our family. Little Man starts school! Although he's spent half-days at preschool a few days each week, today begins "the real deal." Today is the first day of the K-12 Experience—the one that brings a new lunch box, new clothes, new school supplies. New friends, new teachers, new influences. New subjects and new choices to discuss 'round the family dinner table. That multi-year experience that foresees smiles and laughter, disappointments and challenges, and character-building opportunities. Plenty of character-building opportunities. If you're feeling a little teary-eyed about now, you probably know a little one heading off to school this year, too... Wasn't it "just yesterday" I ... Keep Reading...
It’s time to start thinking about holiday linens
I just can't help myself. When these images start dancing before my eyes, my mind starts thinking about the holidays. Yes, I know it's 90+ degrees here in Tennessee this week—and no, I don't really want to think about the holidays yet—but it's just the way I'm wired. And thinking about the holidays makes me think about holiday linens. Apparently I'm not alone. Last week there was a run on Restoration Linen Cleaner in my Etsy shop. Some of you must be taking advantage of these final weeks of sunshine! The rest of you needn't worry... My shop is restocked and ready for you! Here at My Place, the holiday linens are already laundered, but all of the Restoration sales reminded me ... Keep Reading...
Living with pink…
I can't remember the last time I joined the party at Pink Saturday, so I decided not to miss another chance to share with you a few of the pinks that have been in my world lately. I'd love to see yours, too! It's hard to believe almost two weeks have passed since I was here. I've reeeaally wanted to be, but Life kept happening... so I let myself go with the flow. I'm learning it's much easier that way. So what's been going on at My Place? Here's a peek... Writing design guidelines for our local too-long-neglected historic district ... and explaining them at a public forum The old downtown district is where Renaissance Man's office ended up after its cross-country move. We've seen a few improvements in ... Keep Reading...
Are you feeling abandoned? Lonely? Discouraged?
Two little girls – abandoned by their mother in front of a church. A couple took in the youngest girl but didn't want the oldest. She was sent to us at Hope Unlimited for Children. The first month, she didn't speak. Not one single word. That was 2009. Hear the story (with name changed) as it was told to us back then by Philip Smith, co-founder of Hope Unlimited: Before I left the office for the evening outing, I pulled up Beatrice’s picture on the computer screen. Together with the office staff, we prayed that Beatrice would smile and talk that evening. While at the video arcade with the birthday children, I kept her close by my side and talked “at” her. She showed no interest in anything. ... Keep Reading...
How dirty is your faith?
Do you ever feel like something in your faith is missing? That going to church, studying the Bible, and tithing just aren't enough? There has to be more, right? What would it look like to truly follow Christ and not just believe in him? Such were the questions at our house that led to a life-changing writing experience for my husband – and copy-editing experience for me. Sixteen months ago, Renaissance Man began a conversation with Bethany House Publishers. Shortly thereafter, he had a book contract – and an October 2013 deadline. And yesterday, as you went about your business, this book was released. I'm pleased to say that Dirty Faith is not just another book ... Keep Reading...
Mental Gymnastics and the Border Crisis
In recent months, I've done both: Tuned out. Mentally flailed for answers then – finding none – tuned out. The crisis on our southern border is a tough subject, seemingly becoming tougher every day as more and more unaccompanied children leave behind familiar but unsafe surroundings to travel long distances through treacherous territory in search of "the promised land". It's also a politically volatile subject, but for those of us who profess to be Christians, the desire to "not be political" cannot replace our responsibility to love our neighbors. I realize there are virtually limitless opinions about how to do that, but opinions don't meet the needs of the children, and so we have to DO ... Keep Reading...
Weekend Wondering…
Have you ever noticed that during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season people talk about how we should be generous year-round... not just during the holidays? Yeah, I've noticed that, too. So why is it that when we're given a super easy way to BE that mid-year generous person (and even get something in return), most people can't seem to be bothered? I really appreciate it when a corporate entity like Balsam Hill wants to be generous. They've offered 10 blogs an opportunity to raise money for whatever charity they desire, and Balsam Hill will match funds raised up to $1,000 per blog. That's $10,000 the company is willing to give away. My Blogland friends, Heather and Vanessa, jumped at ... Keep Reading...
Inspired by Summer
Are you finding inspiration during these lazy, hazy, CRAZY days of Summer? I sure hope so, because when you feel inspired, your mind and emotions are stimulated and you feel ALIVE! Excitement and creativity kick in, and all is right in your world... at least for a little while. And who doesn't want that? Lucky for you, inspiration is all around! Yes, I know some of you think you're not creative – and wouldn't know Inspiration if it tapped you on the shoulder – but I'm going to show you otherwise. There really are lots of places to find inspiration... and lots of ways to be creative. One of my favorite things to do is create tablescapes, and sometimes it's the tiniest or simplest little things that inspire me. A ... Keep Reading...
Saving Lives At The Picket Fence
Sometimes the Encouragers need to be encouraged... I had just said those words to God yesterday when I received an email from Vanessa, one of the two sister-bloggers over At The Picket Fence. . . . Recently we were contacted by Balsam Hill about an amazing 'Christmas in July' charity campaign. We were asked if we would be willing to choose a charity that is close to our hearts and have Balsam Hill set up a page where they would match the donations up to $1,000. Readers who donate certain amounts also get the opportunity to receive beautiful Balsam Hill ornaments as a thank you. Our post will go live tomorrow morning and we wanted to know if you would be able to let the representatives from Hope Unlimited ... Keep Reading...
Ooops! I just learned something…
Wow... I haven't been here in over a week – and when I came back last night I made a mistake and added to your already crowded inbox (if you're a subscriber) without intending to. I'm so sorry! You see, I'm collaborating with someone on an upcoming post, and I wanted them to be able to view a preview. In WordPress I can publish a post as "password protected" and provide the link (and password) to anyone. How handy is that? EXCEPT... I didn't realize my auto email would think it was a *real* post and send it to you. Somehow I thought it would know – but of course it wouldn't! I guess I should feel good about this since, after four years of blogging, this "old dog" is still learning ... Keep Reading...
Are you a Fireworks Show Christian?
This week I asked myself a question: Am I a Fireworks Show Christian or a Light of the World? Think about it... At a fireworks show, a community joins together in the dark of night, everyone anticipating something spectacular. When the spectacle of brilliant color finally splashes across the sky – for a few brief moments – the darkness disappears, "oohs and aahs" rise in unison, strangers smile at one another. Light did that. But all too soon, darkness returns – and neighbors go their separate ways. The light was exciting, beautiful, unifying... but it didn't last – and it won't return for quite awhile. Jesus himself calls those of us who are Christians to be "the light of the ... Keep Reading...
Casual Elegance: A Quick and Easy Tablescape
It's been awhile since I've shared a tablescape with you, so let's remedy that! Here's an inspiration board showing a quick table I put together a couple of months ago when Renaissance Man's tulips were blooming. Tulips are my favorite flower, and they're always "in season" for me! What makes this tablescape work? Texture and Rhythm Texture: Vintage cutwork runner "Ragged" edge of tulips Embossed sterling band on 19th century pearl handled fork Nubby-weave napkins Embossed design of Mikasa Italian Countryside plates "Hammered" glass goblets (from Dollar Tree) Pressed glass "coasters" Rhythm: Curvy shape of goblets Casual display of napkins (rather than ... Keep Reading...
Why the World Cup Makes Me ILL…
On October 30, 2007 the world learned that Brazil would host the 2014 World Cup. I couldn't have cared less. On October 2, 2009 the world learned that Brazil will host the 2016 Summer Olympics. I couldn't have cared more. What changed? I did. Some of my ignorance was gone. I knew things... ... Keep Reading...
Summer Thanksgiving: Long Winter Brings New Growth
My Place to Yours™ is listed in the Faithful Bloggers Directory – an online community of bloggers for whom faith is the foundation of our words. From time to time, Faithful Bloggers challenges us to write about a specific topic – and then compiles the submissions. Their most recent topic? New Growth in the Life of Believers I took the challenge. The Christian life is not always smooth and pretty. In fact, it's sometimes harsh and difficult before the new life appears... and the cycle often repeats itself. I've just recently begun to come out of a very long winter of the soul. Those tiny, hopeful shoots of new growth have appeared. I'm really glad. If you'd like to read The ... Keep Reading...
Flag Waving by a Disenchanted American
Today is Flag Day – and the Fourth of July is right around the corner... but I've been having a hard time lately feeling very "proud to be an American". Blessed, yes... but proud? With news cycles full of a humanitarian crisis of children a POW/deserter (huh?) a(nother) school shooting misspent sacrifices in Iraq ... it's easy to get overwhelmed. It's easy to forget about a disappeared airliners' draining effect on family members hundreds of kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls children in our neighborhoods living in "the system" 153 million orphans and so much more Are you “proud to be an American” but finding yourself frustrated by today’s America? Do you need a reminder of the good ... Keep Reading...
