Monday, August 31, 2015

I am so thankful

 

Hi Folks ~ I am so thankful that first of all Hurricane Danny fizzled out, then Erika who was a tropical storm also fizzled out after hitting the mountains of Cuba.  She hardly gave my area any rain at all.  We had more rain the week before than from her who was predicted to dump 4-8 inches with flooding.

The first photo is looking east.

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This is looking south.

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Here I was dressed for rain as I headed over to feed and let out Bella and Max yesterday (Sunday) morning. This picture was taken between 6:30-7. Boy oh boy that rain outfit was horrible. I started sweating as soon as I put it on.  When I got to the jobsite, I pulled it off. Never needed it anyway, but I was prepared.

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This is an alamanda, which I almost missed seeing, and it is past its prime. I got this as a cutting a couple of years ago, and this is the second bloom, as I saw that there was an empty sepal where a blossom had been.

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Last week I bought some pin backs, as I wanted to try my hand at making a beaded heart pin. So, yesterday I got started, I used  a stiff beading foundation. Put a piece of lace on it, and proceeded to bead the flower and leaves first, then filled with with beads. Needless to say, this took hours. The size is 2 5/8 inches x 2 5/8 inches. My right hand is aching a bit after all of this work.

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This morning I looked on you-tube to find a tutorial I had seen awhile back for a finished edging.  Found it and after making the backing and gluing the two pieces together, I did the edging.

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I’ve been discouraged and somewhat depressed this past month, it’s been building up since losing my job in April. (On top of losing my dearest and best friend, the love of my life.) Losing my job after 17 years, was rough. Both of these losses have made me wonder just what the heck am I supposed to be doing at this time in my life. I’ve read some spiritually uplifting pieces this past week, plus seen some on the computer. They have helped me feel lighter and better and I am thankful to God for His tender love and care. He sees me through each and every day.

I love ‘creating’ and working on this pin and finishing it was wonderful therapy.

Fall is coming. My little part-time job comes to an end tonight. I am relieved Bella, Max and I made it through 36 days.  I know they are going to be so glad to see Dad tonight when he gets in around 9:30-10.

I look forward to puttering in my gardens and with projects.

I have much to be thankful for.

I thank you all for your prayers, good wishes, etc. for calm in my heart and spirit and safety with these two storms.

I hope you all have a great week.

Count your blessings, let your loved ones know you love them.

FlowerLady

***

O Infinite Father, I'm grateful to Thee

For the moon and the stars and deep rolling sea;     

For beauties of nature, where e'er they may be...

For the handclasp of friends, so firm and so true;

For sunrise and sunset and glistening dew;

The fleecy white clouds and the Heavens, so blue;

For these wonderful gifts, dear Lord, I thank you!

Gertrude T. Buckingham, "My Song of Thanksgiving"

25 comments:

Stephanie said...

Hello, sweet friend! Oh, I am so glad you are safe and sound :) You look adorable in your rain gear {{smiles}} And the photos of the sky took my breah away!

Also, your sweet little heart is stunning! Wow, what detailed work! I cannot imagine the hours it must take you to sew on those little beads. Thinking of you, dear one, and keeping you in my prayers. Hugs!

Darcie said...

That first picture of the sky sure looked ominous, but oh so glad you are safe and sound.

Can I just say that it is not to often that when I see a heart that I don't think of you! You will forever be linked to hearts for me. I am also sorry for spells of sadness, aren't we so thankful we can share with one another and then pray for one another. I know God will be faithful to reveal what this next season of your life should hold.

Much love!

Nancy J said...

Dear Lorraine, how life changes when the loved one leaves. Down here, a friend of some 61 years is alone, her husband passed away a few weeks ago. She is moving, selling their old, very old home, and into a unit, no upkeep, all new, easy to look after, and a massive change for her. Your motivation always shines through your sad times, stunning flowers, handcrafted lovely pieces, and dog minding, painting, and the garden and lawn maintenance. Nothing prepares us for life, other than college, exams, university, then it all happens to be so real. Sending heaps of love and hugs, we have rain and a very grey day, snow in the far south, I hope all the newborn lambs survive this. XXX

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Lorraine, You look adorable in your raincoat. Glad you didn't need it though. Love your beaded heart. What a gorgeous work and I can see it would be very time consuming and a lot of work.
So glad your little dog sitting job has come to an end. More time for you to do projects and garden.
Prayers for you that God lifts your spirits. Sending hugs your way.
cm

Deborah Montgomery said...

Glad to hear that you stayed out of harm's way with those storms. That heart is beautiful! I can imagine all the work that went into it, very detailed. Despite your sadness, you manage to keep busy and creative -- that's courage, my friend! Blessings to you; love to visit your blog, you're an inspiration. xo Deborah

Leslie Kimel said...

Your new heart pin is amazing. It's so delicate and detailed. I love it!

My Grama's Soul said...

Hi dear Lorraine......I've actually been thinking about you as I read the papers covering the huge storms on the east coast in Florida. So glad you are o.k......This post actually struck a cord with me as life seems to change at the drop of a hat and there we are......just wonderin' just what in the heck am I supposed to do now. Things do always sort themselves out though.....I know yours will too....you are a strong lady.

hugs to you

Jo

Mrs. E said...

Sending good thoughts your way. (Life has a way of surprising us with just what we need--and I pray that will be true for you, too!)

Janice said...


We in Florida have been lucky this year, so far.
Your heart pin is exquisite! You must have a great deal of patience to do that small handiwork.
Take care.

Joy Junktion said...

You, my dear friend, are So creative! I love your pin, Beautiful!! Sending prayers your way for peace and joy! I know how lonely the days/nights can be! I'm so glad you have your creative outlet and those gorgeous gardens to work in. May God tend with you! Blessings, Cindy

lil red hen said...

I've been thinking about you and so relieved that the storm didn't come your way! God bless you as you work.

Ruth Hiebert said...

We all have so much to be thankful for,yet so often fail to give thanks.At least I fail in this department. Have a great week.

Deb J. in Utah said...

Beautiful pictures! So glad you are feeling uplifted by the things you have read. You are so talented and brighten many hearts with the beauty that you share! Have a good week.

KathyB. said...

The sky is beautiful, even when it is full of stormy clouds. I am thankful the storms gave you nothing but some wind and rain but no destructive activity.

Your little beaded heart is exquisite and I can tell it was a lot of intricate work. God is stitching your heart with His love as you sorrow for your husband and wonder what to do with your life. But I know you know that, and I'll pray for you. ( You can pray for me too ! )

Barbara Barth said...

I worried about you with the storms, so happy to read they missed you!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Hi Rainey
I was thinking of you when I saw (3)!! hurricans spinning around in the Carribean.

Did I ever tell you how much I admire you? My sis lost her husband in '88. She has progressively become a Shut In and totally lost interest in her home. The stench is so great that you can't get near her back door when she opens it to receive the groceries I buy for her. There is nothing I can do for her and the condition she lives in.

I think we all wonder why we are here and what our purpose is. I sure don't know the answer. But I know that you bring joy to those who pass your beautiful house and garden. I also know that there is someone reading your blog that receives inspiration and encouragement from you, and you don't even know that you have touched their soul.

Stay dry and smile.
xx, Carol

Rebecca said...

Praying that your sadness will fade away much like Danny & Erika...Wish I lived closer. (Am reminded there are others around me up here who are also experiencing periods of loneliness/sadness/discouragement and am asking the Father to show me how to bless them and to send someone or some thing to bless you TODAY!) ♥

Betty said...

So glad you are safe and it did pass. Love that beautiful heart you made with the pearls so pretty.

Jane said...

Glad you are safe, Rainey! I think you have found your purpose in writing this blog. Just as you have found others to be uplifting, you are that inspiration to many. It's only natural to feel depressed, you have gone through a lot of life changes in the past few years.

Big hug,
Jane

jerilanders said...

Thank goodness the storm dissipated.Chin up my friend, you are a creative soul who will find "things to do". I can imagine how lonely it is, to be without your true love,I suppose it always will be so. Still, there are so many books to read, projects to finish, gardens to refine and re-define and new adventures to discover.The best things in life really are free, and you will be fine.

Unknown said...

I'm thankful too that the storms haven't made much impact on Florida. It's been such a relief. I think your red rain gear is so cute, I have much the same only in yellow. I've been reading more spiritually inspiring things lately, hoping to lift my depression...you've been through so much and you are truly strong. Sending you love and a big hug!

Susan said...

Hi Lorraine, So glad that Erika did not pay you a visit. We did not get much rain up my way either. Thinking of you and knowing that divine guidance will guide you in the right direction. Your crossroad really is kind of exciting (if you can live with the uncertainty) because soon you will be moving in a new direction. Remember, God always knows exactly what we need and he provides. And, no one I know has greater faith than you!!!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Hello, dear friend, I am so glad that the hurricanes fizzled out and left you with those gorgeous skies only! I have been thinking of you and worrying how you would fare, so this is good news! Your beaded heart is so lovely, pieced one little bit at a time. Much like in life.....when suffering heartache we must put our hearts back together one little piece at a time. We have to gather those little beads of kindness to make ourselves whole again. Sending you warm hugs and prayers to get you through this rough patch. xo Karen

RockWhisperer said...

Lorraine, I was going through a real rough patch about in 1992 and a woman that came to the counter where I was working handed me a tract from her church. It hit me right between the eyes, and I have loved it and been comforted by it in all the years since:

"The Tapestry

My life is but a weaving,
between my Lord and me;
I cannot chose the colors,
He worketh steadily.

Oft times he weaveth sorrow,
and I, in foolish pride,
Forget he sees the upper
and I the underside.

Not ‘til the loom is silent
and the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
and explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
in the Weaver's skillful hands,
as the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned."

Many hugs xoxoxo

tina said...

So sorry you lost your job. That can be a major traumatic event just like a lot of things. The beaded heart is beautiful. As are you! Great picture of you-lots of fun. I was thinking of you when I saw my night blooming cereus had bloomed. I will never forget the photo of yours growing up the tree. My daughter lives in Orlando and I think she took a cutting of mine. I am hoping she has a tree to someday grow it on.