Thursday, July 11, 2013

June is bustin’ out all over

Good morning Friends ~ It is hard to believe this year is just about half over. Time marches on. So far, our summer temps seem to be cooler than in the past couple of years and for that I am thankful.  We also are no longer in drought conditions either and that’s a blessing.

Here is a tune I thought of and found on you-tube for this post.

Edmundo Ros And His Orchestra:

June Is Bustin' Out All Over

 

The other morning I was going to work on needlework indoors but when I first went out I noticed how pleasant it was and there was some nice cloud cover, so I decided to work outside while it was comfortable.  The front hedgerow on the sidewalk side needed trimming, so that’s what I did first.  I raked that all up and piled it on the front patio. Then I decided to mow, after that I did some more trimming and weeding in the back garden, bringing those trimmings up front to add to the pile.  I did take a couple of breaks during that time and those help.  I thanked God that I am still able to do things around here, and that I enjoy gardening, there is just something about it.  Yes, it is hard, sweaty work, but the rewards are oh so great. I then bagged up the debris, (to be picked up on Fri. and the country takes all of this and turns it into mulch which is then free to residents.)  As I was tying up the last (third) bag, I noticed a change in the air.  It got cooler, windy, and I looked up at the sky and there were dark clouds, and I thought to myself, it’s going to rain.  Then I felt a few sprinkles and just as I got inside, it started to pour and continued to do so for quite some time.  So, I was nudged to go outside and ended up taking care of outdoor work on a nice morning, finishing just as the rains came.  No coincidence.

I did do some needlework in the afternoon, content in my morning’s work and happy to be in the air-conditioning.  I am working on pieces to re-open my little Etsy shop with.

Here are some of the little journal covers I’ve made, and some wip’s (works-in-progress). The three on the bottom are my latest.

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This cover below is a piece of wonderful upholstery fabric I had in my stash. The lace is some antique lace also from my stash.  I love making the ribbon embroidery roses.  These little journals are 3/4 inches wide x 4 1/4 inches high.  I miss showing my pieces to my DH. I miss his encouragement too. His love and encouragement through our life together fill my heart and overflow into my work.  I have been enjoying getting back into needleworking again, as I quit there for awhile as my heart just wasn’t into it. This journal has some nice green seam binding as the tie closure.

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Close-up.

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Here is another one. More upholstery fabric, ribbon roses, and a piece of beaded crocheted edging that I made. One of my favorite embroidery stitches is the French knot.  I used a deeper color of ribbon for the center of these roses.

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This one I just finished yesterday.  The blue ribbon will be the tie closure for the book.

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This is a work in progress, not quite sure what I am going to do here yet.

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Another work in progress. I am looking for inexpensive seam binding in different colors and also ribbon for making roses. I am addicted to making these.

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Now on to real blooms.  Here is the beautiful ‘hugs-n-kisses again.  I just love this hibiscus.  DH would have liked this one too. The colors are so yummy and the name is sweet. When I saw it at HD a few months back, my heart beat faster and it begged to be put into my cart. Smile

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Here is the Royal Poinciana tree that is in full bloom right now.  I just love walking into the scullery in the morning and seeing this view.

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07-09-royal-poincianna2

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I am into my 7th month of life without my DH. There isn’t a day that I don’t miss him. I still cry, and that is to be expected, he filled my life, he is the other half of me. I am finding my groove, learning to move along on this journey.  God has been my source of strength, peace and healing. This past week I’ve begun to look forward to each new day and I am thankful for the gift of each one.  I am thankful for FNF, Friends Needing Friends, the lovely widow’s group I found and that I have become involved in it. We don’t know why things happen when they do in our lives, but I know that God has brought me to this place and He is not done with me yet.  He has much in store for me. My prayer is that I will be able to help other widows.

If you know of any widows, please pray for them, do something kind for them. Their lives have been turned upside down. Grieving is an individual experience, none of us will grieve the same. It is something we will do the rest of our life, it just won’t be are raw as it was in the beginning.

If you go to church, and your church doesn’t have a widow’s group, think and pray about starting one.  If there are widows in your church they need this. You don’t realize how much they need to feel connected to each other as they walk, stumble and sometimes run on this path.  They need to know that others care for them. They need God’s reassurance that His love is real, and that He will never leave them.  They need love, encouragement, hugs. They need to become involved in helping others as they have been helped.

 Well, this post is ‘part and parcel’ of my life here at Plum Cottage. Thank you once again for your love, prayers and support.

FlowerLady

 

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

FlowerLady - your journals are beautiful!

Sandra said...

Oh Lorraine, your journal covers are exquisite, just gorgeous.

Glad the summer hasn't been too hot for you. Us on the other hand, we can't seem to get away from the heat, we thought leaving Arizona was great and then arrived in Idaho to triple digits LOL

Anyway, wanted to come catch up with you and I'm so glad I can finally visit everyone.

Thank you for always stopping by and leaving me such sweet words and support during this big change in our lives. I so appreciate your friendship.

Much love to you,
Sandra

lilian lopez said...

Hello FlowerLady ! I really like your journals ,they are beautiful!and you have a cute garden! besos. Lilián.-

Karen said...

Hello Dear Rainey, Rest assured I have definitely not forgotten you. Time is just so short these days, but not a day goes by I don't think of you and whisper little prayers.

Your journal covers are the most beautiful work I have ever seen! Your creations are so exquisite, I'm so happy to see you are returning to the needlework which makes your heart happy. I know Mark is happy too, seeing you create your magical artworks.

I'm so glad the FNF group is helping you. I don't think there are any of these groups around here, but you are definitely correct, there should be. Only another widow can truly understand. I loved reading about you and Mark's first date. Young love that blossomed and grew deeper every year.

I wish I lived closer and we could help each other with our gardens, I hope you can find someone to trim the high foliage. And I love the hibiscus and it's name is so fitting, you're right, I'm sure Mark would have loved it too!

Hugs to you, dear friend, you are loved.

Karen

Nancy J said...

Beautiful journals, those ribbon flowers are stunning, Your flowers, that close-up is one truly super photo. Take care as your summer days will soon turn to autumn. Cheers from Jean

Sandy said...

Lorraine, your handwork is simply beautiful. I hope these incredible journals sell well in your Etsy shop. I know they well. I still cherish my beautiful little picture you made.
I pray our Lord continues to comfort your loving heart as you carry on without your husband's presence and grow ever deeper into His.
Your flowers are wonderful!!
Love & Prayers~

BernieH said...

Morning Lorraine. Well it's fantastic to hear that you've been able to do some more garden work. It's also wonderful to hear you've been getting some rain. We're in our dry season at the moment, and things are looking bleak around here.

I just love your journal covers. You have a great talent there, and it's fantastic to hear you've re-opened your Etsy shop with your beautiful creations.

Love that Hibiscus too. It's certainly a cheery bloom. Of course, I know just how stunning the Poinciana trees are when they're covered in flowers. It's an everyday sight here in our summers.

I know I haven't mention this before, but I thought I would today. One of our dear friends became a widow in her early 50's, not long after you lost your dear DH. I've remembered your words of wisdom, and your prayers of inspiration, and have called on both to try and help her through this heart-breaking time for her. She has only recently been able to move back into her home, and has now begun the journey of every day life on her own in her house. It's been hard and she is still in that raw state. I only wish I could do more!

It's Just Dottie said...

Your journal cover are lovely and oh my I have never seen a Royal Poinciana tree before, It must be heavenly....Smiles, Dottie

Leslie Kimel said...

This was such a great post, Lorraine. I really enjoyed reading it and looking at all the pretty pictures. I'm so glad you're making more things for your Etsy shop. The little journals are adorable--I just love all the tiny details!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

So proud of you, Lorraine... You have truly done great trying to adapt to a life without your Sweetie by your side. With God's help and the help of Friends, you will be fine..

That pastel hibiscus may be the prettiest one I have EVER seen. I've never seen those colors. Awesome...

You are truly very talented --and hopefully, you can sell some of your beautiful journals. They are truly awesome.

Hugs,
Betsy

Julie said...

Your little books are really neat! Love to see ribbon embroidery! I should give it a go!

Mrs. Mac said...

Your journal books look to be inspired by your backyard landscape. Beautiful! May the Lord continue to fill your heart with His peace.

Sallysmom said...

Reading your words brought tears to my eyes. I feel as though those of us who read your blog walk along with you on this journey. Don't forget that we are there with you as well.

Sunray Gardens said...

Love that tree. What a beautiful site to look at. The covers are really lovely.
Cher Sunray Gardens

Balisha said...

So glad to see that you are back to your needlework. You do such a lovely job...and I'm sure it isn't a job to you. Your pieces are so pretty.
Balisha

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Exquisite needlework Lorraine, I adore your hibiscus and it brought to mind that I simply must do something about acquiring one (my community is called Hibiscus Village!) and I have not one in my little garden.
As always I absorbed every word of your post - your 'part and parcel' of life at Plum Cottage.
Much love,
Rose

tina said...

Your work is SO beautiful. I think of you a lot with your loss. I certainly feel for you and do like that you talk about it and your grief. I can only imagine. Wow on the view. I know as beautiful as the view is it must be bittersweet not having your DH with you to share the view and projects. Keeping busy seems to help you!

Darcie said...

Your husband was right to encourage you on your needlework...it is so beautiful.

As for encouraging the widows. I actually thought of widows when I was all alone the other night. I imagined how long the evenings must be for those that are alone. We do have a widow in our church and I really need to do better at reaching out. Thanks for the reminder.

Mrs. E said...

I love your needlework--but that tree! Wow! Just beautiful. In fact, I just love your yard period.

gld said...

How wonderful that you are getting steady rain!

You needlework just amazes me. They are all works of art.

So good to hear you are finding your groove.....I know you would.

Isn't Mother Nature a wonder. That hibiscus says it all.

Rebecca said...

Your journal covers ARE lovely. I hope they find some wonderful homes.

Thank you for the reminder about the widows around me. (I also have a couple of friends whose husbands have abandoned them. That is very hard, also...)

We've enjoyed two beautiful days in a row (after almost 3 week of rain - and lots of it each day).

Dawn said...

I think your needlework is spectacular. Imagine how special it would be to receive a piece of jewelry (engagement ring for example) in a box decorated with one of your pieces. Red roses for engagement different colors according to how many years married. A treasured box for sure and one that would bring the recipient many happy memories.

Kit said...

Hello my dear friend. What lovely journals! So glad to hear you are back to doing your needlework. Have a wonderful week. Love, Kit

Susan said...

Hi Lorraine...I've been away for a few weeks and missed reading your posts. Glad to see you're doing well. Your journal covers have so much beautiful detail work.

I've noticed that our evenings up my way seem cooler than normal. In the past they would still be very hot with very little breeze but this summer they're wonderfully pleasant. Your poinciana tree is absolutely spectacular.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Your embroidery and ribbon roses are beautifully done Lorraine. I especially like the last, your work in progress.
The hibiscus has a wonderful mix of colours. We have poincianas in our area too, in fact our neighbour had a beautiful large poinciana which we looked out onto but it had to be removed 5 years ago to prevent further damage to nearby drains. Your encouragement to look out for widows and pray for them is timely as we help my mother in law (fil passed away in March). I hope each new day brings a renewed hope and joy to you.

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Oh your ribbon embroidery is lovely. :)

Thank you for being so kind to visit my blog today. I will be adding you as a follower so I can keep up with your postings.

I am sending you prayers and hugs. I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear Husband and help mate. As you said, God is not finished with you yet.

We can never truly understand why things happen the way they do, we can only move forward and trust in God's plan. It's easy to write that line, but very hard to live it. I know for myself sometimes my trust becomes lips service because my heart is slow to follow, but it does catch up and then I get back on track.

I figure if I can trust a chair to hold me up when I sit on it, then truly I can trust God. We never doubt that the chair will hold us up, but we sometimes doubt God, isn't that funny.

Blessings to you dear lady and I wish you a day filled with much joy today and always. :)

Shirley said...

You stitch such lovely roses! Did the lovely hibiscus make it home with you after all?