Sunday, March 3, 2013

Windy, cold, inspired to do projects indoors

Good evening Friends ~ It has been very windy and cold all day down here in s.e. FL. Right now at 6:59 EST. it is 56 and feels like it is 48. I puttered indoors.  Started out in a very positive mood, but had a few relapses during the day. I just have to go with the flow, and it isn’t always easy.  Unless you’ve lost a spouse yourself, you really can’t imagine what it is like.

I did have two good dreams about my DH in the week hours of yesterday morning that made me wake up with a smile on my face. Then today when I was going through a little enamel tin of papers, I found a valentine he had written on a scrap of paper, that brought tears of joy and thanksgiving and it’s now tucked into my Bible.

I got inspired by this morning by Karen B. at Todolwen as she posted photos of a magical, wonderful piece of property that’s for sale, which is owned by Robin Brown and John Gray. The place is Magnolia Pearl Ranch.  Do check it out at Fiona and Twig. The photos by Anne Lorys Photography are wonderful.  What a fabulous place!

I was inspired by these photos:

lacy-doorway

bedroom

bathroom

Many, many years ago we found a ‘mother lode’ pile curbside in an industrial area. Someone must have emptied the contents of someone’s home and we just couldn’t believe all of the goodies. I can’t even remember them all now. Alligator purses, antique lace panels, sterling silver bracelet with my initial ‘L’ on it, and oh so much more. Our care was loaded inside and out. I wish I could remember everything but I can’t, too long ago.

I’ve been thinking about the antique lace panels as I came across them recently in going through things and after seeing the photos this morning I got them out. They are fastened to the lace curtains behind them in both doors. I did the kitchen door first.

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Bedroom door. Please excuse the ‘stuff’ as I am going through things and getting rid of some and going to be doing some work in here as the bedroom was one of our ‘unfinished projects’ that I’m attempting to do myself now. We had opened up the two tiny rooms into one room. I’m probably going to ask for help from a couple of male family members but that will be after I do some ‘decluttering’. There’s another 2’width on either side of the curtains in the photo.  We/I live in a tiny cottage, around 700 sq. ft.

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Now here are some outdoor photos.

‘Borderer’ a sweet little rose.

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‘Maman Cochet’ climbing rose

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Dahlburg daisies, sweet, happy little flowers

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03-03-courtyard

I will close with the following from the wonderful book ~

“One Thousand Gifts ~ Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are”

by Ann Voskamp.

“ The practice of giving thanks … eucharisteo … this is the was we practice the presence of God, stay present to His presence, and it is always a practice of the eyes. We don’t have to change what we see. Only the way we see.”

God’s grace, God’s grace” (is right here in my little house, and your house too.)

“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away:

blessed be the name of the Lord".

(Job 1:21)

Precious in His eyes is the homecoming of the saints.” (Psalm 116:15)

******

It will be 3 months on the 9th since my dear husband went home to God. I miss him terribly, that will never go away. While grief can be overwhelming at times, I do feel the love, peace  and strength of Jesus flowing through and surrounding me. I have my ups and downs, as I’ve not been perfected yet. I’m just taking each day as it comes, living moment to moment.

Thank you all for your emails, cards, hugs, prayers, thoughts and comments and continued support. They uplift me more than words can say.

FlowerLady

27 comments:

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Those curtains have found a good home. So pretty. Nice to be able to see them so well. Your roses just amaze me. Beautiful. Be well. [hug]

sweetbay said...

Magnolia Pearl Ranch does look amazing. It has a lot of character.

As always I love your roses!

Rebecca said...

I've been enjoying Fiona's pictures of John & Pearl's homestead, too! How beautiful the lace curtains in your sweet cottage, Lorraine.

I hope your dreams continue to be sweet as your faith continues to strengthen you for the hours and days to come.

organicgardendreams said...

Dear Lorraine, it is only understandable that you go through ups and downs, coping with the death of your husband. But you are doing amazingly well and I always admire your strength. It certainly comes for your believe in God and I hope for you that it will continue to carry you.
Love this post of yours! I am also interested in interior design and your inspiration photos are just lovely, well magical as you put it.
I think the lace curtain panels look fabulous in your house! Great that you found them and hung them up. As always I love the images from your garden. My favorites are the ones of ‘Maman Cochet’. There is just something so special about this rose! Have a good start into the week!
Christina

Ruth Hiebert said...

You got it right.Unless someone has lost a spouse,they cannot understand the feelings we experience and the roller coaster ride we are on. I love the lace panels,they look so elegant.

Morning's Minion said...

Parting with one's spouse has to be uniquely harrowing, as losing a child would be also. I can only guess that we are given grace one day--or maybe one hour--at a time to get through difficult trials.
Isn't it fun to repurpose thingss? Those lacy panels are lovely and just right for your cottage.

Julie said...

I love, love, love your roses!!! I got myself a few bright orange zinnias today at Home Depot. Do you like zinnias??? Sing this song, as you work, and you will be so comforted. "Jesus Loves the Little Children"...we are all his children. He is loving and supporting you right now! Sending love...Julie

Anonymous said...

Oh... Beautiful, just beautiful, everything.

Is that Dr. John Gray, who wrote the book "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus"? (written in a little too cutesey way for me but gave me much insight into the way men think)

As always, many hugs being sent your way... Ilene

Sunray Gardens said...

Love the curtains. Great that you lucked out with ones with some length. Lovely blooms.
Cher Sunray Gardens

Annie said...

I was compelled to work indoors at the weekend...but the next one is going to be an outside weekend. My garden is needing some attention. Loving the lace, and yes...time marches on.

tina said...

Such pretty lace panels. I can see French chic in your cottage-cottage too!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Sweet Lorraine, My love and prayers are with you as your grieve. I can only imagine what you are going through.

Love your lace panels --both of them... GORGEOUS... And of course, I love your outside photos...Cannot wait to get some flowers up here.

Been cold up here all weekend too... I'm ready for some sunshine and SPRING.

Hugs,
Betsy

Balisha said...

Those lace panels are wonderful.Lace is perfect for your door.
I always come away from your post feeling like I've been in a garden. Your flowers are so pretty.
Balisha

Anonymous said...

I always love hearing about your "finds" . . . and the lace is just beautiful!

Unknown said...

Those lace panels are beautiful and what a good way to display them. Your house looks a lot bigger. I would never have guessed it was so small. It is your little nest. Hugs.

GRACE PETERSON said...

Hi Lorraine,

I'm so sorry for being away so long. I always love your posts. What wonderful photos both inside and out. I love the lace but those roses, ooh those roses! I could almost smell them. So lovely. I love your banner photo too.

I am praying for you. Take care sweetie.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Love the lace panels
you gave me an idea
I have an old lace tablecloth
I never use and my girls will not
use. I may hang it somewhere over a window :)
Thank you for letting me visit you.
I always leave with a smile on my face.
Found out today I will probably have catarac surgery on one eye in
a couple of months...

Marti said...

It's windy here too. A good day to putter inside. Those pictures bring back so many memories of my grandparents' houses. I wish we could come up a mother lode of old stuff, but people don't seem to do that around here.

I love that you found a sweet Valentine from your dh. What nice timing too.

Cassundry said...

I can't imagine. I really feel for ya. I am glad you found the valentine, how sweet.

The lace is so beautiful! Well so are the flowers :)

Karen said...

Dear Lorraine, the curtains are so beautiful, and to think someone tossed them out. It is wonderful they found a home with you. I'm very happy you found the Valentine from Mark. Sending a gentle hug.

Gary said...

Hi Lorraine,
I must admit to always checking skips outside old houses (are they called dumpsters over there?) for anything in my mind worth keeping. It never ceases to amaze me what people get rid of. You house and garden look lovely and quaint. I particularly like the photo of the mirror ball. Take care. ps....lace looks good at the doors, but don't tell any blokes that I said that (manly image you know!)

Anonymous said...

Lovely old lace curtains and gorgeous pink roses- fun shot of you and your wonderland garden in the reflecting ball.
My thoughts and prayers remain with you each day Lorraine.

RURAL said...

Lorraine...love those beautiful curtain panels...what a treasure.

Be easy on yourself, it's been a hard few months for you...

Hugs.

Jen

Becca's Dirt said...

Been thinking of you dear lady. Take care of yourself dear one. I love your lace curtains. I love to find stuff like that.

sweetbay said...

Hi Lorraine you asked about my camera. It's a Pentax K10. I have two lenses: the kit 18-55mm lens that came with the camera and a 15-300 lens that I use for far-away shots.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

I'm keeping you in my thoughts, I'm sure it has been hard for you, but glad you have so many great memories of your husband.
I love how the lace curtains look, I can't imagine that people would get rid of so many nice things. And I just love the wooden birds in your last picture.

It's Just Dottie said...

The photo is of my bunnies and I also keep doves. The plant is in my garden .It is rocket lettuce. Right now I am thinking it is to pretty to eat.
Smiles. Dottie