Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Happy Spring

 

Good morning Folks ~ I hope most of you are really starting to see and enjoy spring.

I’ve been playing with my paint samples the last couple of days. I mixed Purple Mauve and Peruvian Violet together and like the combo.

Here’s what I’ve done with the caravan so far. The color down the sides of door are the combo color, which looks lighter in the picture. The door is ‘Plum Swirl’. Trim is the ‘Exotic Orchid’. There will be some aqua or turquoise coming into the scene too.  My friend Ramona told me, after she watched the video in my last post, that she had almost a whole gallon of this paint if I wanted it I could have it. I was thrilled at this bit of news. More color to play with.

I am planning to pressure wash and paint the house, living each day trusting in Jesus, thanking Him for my many blessings. So, if you don’t hear from me in awhile, I’ll be working outside and inside my little cottage. My dear B-I-L Todd, who has helped me with things in the past, is coming on the 28th, God willing, and we will be putting up the faux beadboard paneling in the bedroom. All of our plans, no matter what they may be, are God willing.

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This morning after editing photos for this post, I got into my email and there was one from my boss. Inspections happened and the paperwork was signed, so closing is the 1st of May. He has asked if he can rent the shop for another month to sell things out of there, should hear back today.  Bless his heart. Pray for he and Nanci and John as they sell items and empty out their shops.  Pray for Cathy too, the lady who does all kinds of pottery, and painting restoration work out of the back of the shop. Pray for me too.

The tears filled my eyes and spilled over as I read the email. I have been working there 17 years this past month. It was the best job I ever had. I don’t know what is going to happen now. God does though, and I want to keep my mind and heart focused on Him.

I really enjoy creating with my hands, I enjoy being at home. I would love it if someone wanted to buy my creations wholesale so that I can just ‘create’ and not worry about the rest of the stuff. DH and I did a lot of different things to make a living.  It’s what we wanted to do, not just have jobs. Picture framing, antique restoration, art, buying and selling antiques at a flea market then in our own shop, handy man/couple, and my shop-sitting. We had up and down times, we survived, we had fun, we learned, we loved. I thank God for it all.

My life has really changed in the past two years and three months, this is just one more change.

What hasn’t changed is my love of flowers.

Here are some of the orchids in bloom right now. I’m done buying for now that is for sure. Any new plants will be from cuttings and seeds. Smile

This orchid is from my friends Nanci & John.

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The next few pictures are all unknowns, but beauties.

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These grow wild and are a real joy to have in my cottage gardens.

They are a Vanda, ‘Miss Joachim’. You can see more in the top right hand corner of the picture.  These are probably 10 ft. into the air.

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***

When written in Chinese the word "crisis" is composed of two characters

one represents danger

and the other represents opportunity.

John F. Kennedy, address, 12 April 1959

***

There are few things that we can count on in this unpredictable life

but we can count on storms to come.

We can also count on God’s continual and unfailing strength for those storms.

When the hard times come and when bad things happen,

we do not have to wonder where God is.

Instead we can hold on to the promise

that is found in Jeremiah 16:19,

“Lord, you are my strength,

and my protection.

You are a safe place for me to run in times of trouble”

Mary Southerland

***

Music I’ve been listening to this morning.

Relaxing and meditative instrumental piano music.

 

“This is the day which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psa_118:24

Happy Spring ~ FlowerLady

***

Latest heart, which has been a work in progress, (I’ve several more, there are two more behind this one.) I’m almost done with this one. I’ve got several creations to take photos of and get listed in my Etsy shop, now’s the time to stop procrastinating.

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23 comments:

RockWhisperer said...

I like the color that you mixed very much. Paint mixing can be a lot of fun and very rewarding: an extra color for free. Of course, if you don't make enough, then you might have to go to someplace that has one of those color matching machines with a sample. Our local WMT has one.

This is a worrisome time, about the job. I had a boss once who told me that the thing people fear most is change. But then again, we all know that in life, the only thing that stays the same is that things change. I'm sure God has you in the palm of His hands, and something will open up that will be perfect for you. Hugs xoxoxo

Jane said...

Friends with paint are the best! Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

Sandy said...

I know the Lord is going to continue to guard and guide your precious life, Lorraine.
Love all the colors and beautiful updates you've done. Especially love the sweet and lovely purple heart. How adorable is that? A sure sell.
As usual, your flowers are just incredible!!
Blessings~

Art and Sand said...

What a fun little caravan - the purples and mauves will be perfect.

Good luck with all of your transitions.

And, thanks for the well wishes on my surgery and my latest post.

Nancy J said...

Lorraine, your painting is coming along so well, The job situation, have you thought of asking at the plant shop, where you find all those bright and beautiful goodies, your knowledge of all things in that area would be so valuable, I am sure the door will open when it is time, changes can be scary, I know your faith will be with you all the way. Hope for fine weather for the painting . Hugs,Jean.

Rose ~ from Oz said...

I'm loving the evolving colour scheme Lorraine, I think it's very 'you' and very Plum Cottage. If I inhaled deeply enough I swear I could smell those gorgeous orchids!
Trusting that there will be a marvellous outcome ready to reveal itself for your future job/living.
Rose
x

L. D. said...

Your orchids are so wonderful. I like your little shed out back.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

So much change yet so much promise! Those plum colors are so pretty and calming. Love how you're brightening your space.

lil red hen said...

The caravan is so cute! I've been seeing shows about tiny houses. Does this rate as a tiny house?

I always love seeing your flowers and the purple heart is fantastic!

Ruth Hiebert said...

I love your creativity.The paint colors do look lovely. I trust that as you enter another season of change,you feel the hand of God guiding you.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Your little caravan is just darling - I love the colors! Oh, my Dear, I will be sure to add you to my prayers! Your orchids are so lovely and your heart is too. Hugs xo Karen

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

You know Rainey, you have been through a lot this last few years and always seem to adjust to what comes your way. You faith will buoy you through this change too.

Your garden shed is as beautiful as your garden. You have a creative and green thumb!

xx, Carol

Susan said...

Good MOrning Lorraine,

God does work in mysterious ways, but I know that something wonderful is going to show up for you. Love all of your orchid blooms. Spring is truly here and it's so wonderful to enjoy all the new blooms in the garden these days.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi There, You have the best attitude.. With God's help, you can do anything.. You truly have had so many changes the past couple of years.. I'm sorry about your job... VERY sad for sure. BUT--you will be fine. God is in charge...

Love your orchids and the purple colors you are choosing...

Hugs,
Betsy

Rebecca said...

I WILL pray, Lorraine! (Hubby and I will be making an adjustment in August. I have mixed emotions....)

Can't wait to see the turquoise trim....and how beautiful the ♥. Wish I had unlimited resources so I could be your "patron"!

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Pretty paint and lovely flowers. Just know that you are in my prayers! hugs to you!

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Hi Lorraine, I love how your shed is coming along. I am sorry to hear that the shop is closing. Yes, God will direct your steps, but it is another loss to have to adjust to. I'm glad it is spring, and you have all of those lovely blooms. It is almost here in my part of the country. A couple days ago, we got up to 90, which was the earliest recorded date to get that hot. The next day, and for a few days, the highs will be in the 50s. I see more and more coming up and the early spring blooms are opening up.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Your heart creations are beautiful, by the way!

organicgardendreams said...

Dear Lorraine, the painted caravan looks great: colorful, quirky and a little whimsy. Just a great fun structure to have in your garden.
I am very sorry that you will be loosing your job. That must be very scary, but I hope that something else will come up for you.
Your needlework creations are certainly one of a kind and obviously made with lots of love. Maybe you can live from this type of work. If that is what you want, I truly wish it would happen.
Warm regards,
Christina

CraveCute said...

Beautiful post! I love your color selections and those orchids are gorgeous!

Kit said...

Hang in there! The good Lord will open the next door. 11 years ago I left a job I loved and I cried many tears and started a new one. Little did I know that this would be the best job I have ever had (besides being a Mom) and it has full filled me in ways I never could believe. :) Love,Kennie

CYNTHIA CRANE said...

It is always such a delight to visit your blog Rainie! I LOVE the purples you are using on your little caravan! Soooo darling!

M.K. said...

That's a gorgeous heart, Rainey. Love how the caravan is looking! Keep us posted on all your doings, and on how God provides for you.