There it was when I opened my email this morning... Thank you for your site. Very sweet, encouraging, & interesting! Words of encouragement from someone I don't even know. Welcome words of encouragement. She didn't know I'd gone to bed last night feeling discouraged because I haven't been here with you since March! She didn't know how much I've missed my time to write and tablescape and take photos. She had no idea. But for some reason, she took the time to click on my contact button and write a few words of appreciation and encouragement. I've already hit "reply" and thanked her... but I'll thank her here, too. Thank you, Pamela—wherever you ... Keep Reading...
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Rustic Easter Tablescape: Humbled by the old, rugged cross
It was a table for 10. Shoulder to shoulder in our dining room, we ate and laughed and shared our hearts. Men and women, all fairly new friends of ours, but we hold one important thing in common: We celebrate Easter. Mikasa Italian Countryside dinner plates, Tiffin King's Crown glassware, and vintage damask napkins brought a simple elegance to balance the "rustic" feel of seagrass placemats and bird's nests. Three rock-filled vases of yellow tulips and carnations paired with blossom-filled pear branches to continue the rustic elegance vibe. At the base of each stood a cross. Easter is nothing without the cross. If Easter is all about the ... Keep Reading...
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The night Richard Simmons ate cake—and read my aura
A few days ago, Renaissance Man received a call from someone at the New York Daily News asking him to confirm that Richard Simmons (yes, THAT Richard Simmons) had indeed purchased a well for our Hope Unlimited for Children campus in Campinas, Brazil. Confirmed. Obviously they were working on a piece, and so we started watching for it to come out. Over the weekend, it did. The story raises so many unanswered questions—and brings back some really intense memories for me. I really don't know how to respond other than to sit here and write, putting those memories on virtual paper. Be forewarned: There are a lot of memories... I met Richard Simmons in August 2013—and shared the ... Keep Reading...
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The Back Side of Yesterday: Unmerited Favor
Yesterday was surreal. She got into my car in tears; said I had to help her. A story about a neighborhood dog running loose—and her dog getting loose... and someone complained... and a citation to appear in court. A citation she signed agreeing to be there—and the court date she wrote on the calendar. Feb. 26 But it was "dog court", and she didn't want to miss the class she'd just started to keep improving things for her and her family, so she'd called to see if she could reschedule. Reschedule? She'd already missed the court date; put the wrong date on her calendar. The paper said to appear Feb. 23 It was no longer just "dog court". It was ... Keep Reading...
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Sometimes it’s little things that make a big difference…
It's almost enough to make me want to learn to knit. Almost. Each Sunday when I walk into church, I glance at the front row to see if there are any prayer shawls. Yesterday there were three. Our church has a Sit 'N' Knit group of ladies who meet to sit and knit—and pray over the beautiful shawls (and scarves and blankets) they create. Rarely do they know in advance who will receive their creations, but you can be sure... When one is needed, it will be ready. There's an entire closet dedicated to their handiwork, and the ladies work hard to keep it stocked. ... Keep Reading...
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Plan ahead for ENVY OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD hanging ferns!
It was May 2013 when I asked you this question... I asked the same question over at Hometalk where the post (so far) has 252,000 views + 71,000 Facebook shares + 204,000 pins on Pinterest It's popular. Seems like a good time to reprise it here... My favorite homes here in the South have big front porches with huge hanging baskets of lush green Boston ferns. Apparently I'm not alone. At this time of year, the garden centers sell out quickly. Renaissance Man and I recently bought our usual six for the front porch ... plus the "necessaries" for planting them. You'll have better luck if you don't leave the plants in their original plastic pots. Instead, replant them using ... Keep Reading...
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Valentine Tablescape Inspiration: Some of the colors may surprise you!
On this Valentine's eve, you probably already have your tablescape in mind. If not, here are a few inspiration boards to help you get motivated. Of course, if you're one who likes to let ideas "simmer" for awhile, just pin these to your Pinterest board, and you'll be ahead of the game for next year! Perhaps the most popular color for Valentine's Day is red. Table linens, ruby-red dishes, a little button-embellished, heart-shaped pillow to hang on your door. And in my neck of the woods, a beautiful snow-covered red barn. I suspect the second most popular Valentine color is pink. It's certainly a favorite of mine! But sometimes I like to stretch myself and use non-traditional ... Keep Reading...
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“SOON”, said the groundhog…
It really hasn't been a long Winter (yet!) here in East Tennessee, but I'd like to make a motion that we skip whatever's left of it and move on to Spring. Can I get a second? All in favor say "aye"! ... Keep Reading...
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Valentine’s Day 2016: Share Faith, Hope, and Love
If you come here often, you know my heart beats strong for children. I especially believe it's important to speak up for children who have no one else to do it for them. Some of those children live in Brazil and reside in homes provided by Hope Unlimited for Children. I'll be going back to see them in June, and you can come along via My Place to Yours! Girls from the streets and slums of Brazil are especially vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Once rescued to Hope, though, the girls begin to look forward to bright futures filled with love. This Valentine's Day, I encourage you to gather your family, friends, or small group to make Valentine's Day cards for them. Each card means something special to ... Keep Reading...
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How reliable are you?
The topic has been an ongoing conversation at our house for the past couple of weeks: GIFTS Not tied-up-in-a-bow gifts, but rather the talents and abilities kind. It started with a sermon at church and the idea that we each have something to contribute that will benefit the whole. And then, a few days later, I was reminded that the 30th anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger was approaching... and it took me back to that day so many years ago when I watched that tragedy unfold in real-time—and tried to explain to a three-year-old what happened when I didn't understand it myself. Within a short time, we knew the end result—but for several months, we didn't really know what happened. ... Keep Reading...
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A Tablescape Tutorial: The Key to a Quick-change Centerpiece
Recently I asked if this centerpiece looked at all familiar... If you come here often, it should have. :-) With our house on the market, I've wanted to keep a tablescape on the table at all times, so I've been quick-changing this centerpiece—since Christmas! Want to know the trick? It's LAYERING. In the #1 tablescape, I went super quick-and-simple with pinecones, fresh greenery, and vintage Silent Night stenciled ornaments in a wood tray. Then, after (an unseasonably hot) Christmas, I was ready to cool things off a bit. In my #2 tablescape I added a few rocks and sweetgum balls to the pinecones for a little more texture ... Keep Reading...
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A Summons to Appear: Jury Duty
On a Friday evening not long ago, a friend told me she'd had jury duty. I told her I'd never been selected—but wanted to do my civic duty. The following Monday afternoon, look what arrived in my mailbox. Now why don't my other wishes come true so quickly? I'm blogging about this now because once I report for duty, I probably won't be able to. From what I understand, the first day is really just a time for checking in, hearing the rules, and getting a list of dates to keep open over the next few months—so I'll be available to serve if selected. I wonder what lies ahead. I'm not unfamiliar with the legal system. I've worked with lawyers, given depositions, and sworn to "tell the ... Keep Reading...
