Best Friends!  What would we do without them?

I count myself blessed beyond measure to know these two gals, in particular.  Friends for many years, I met them both in my early twenties , in a Bible Study that literally provided the  foundation for my faith in Christ,as well as the beginnings of a beautiful friendship that has lasted 40 years.  Even as I write this, I can't believe it has been that long !

Both of them beautiful , inside and out, they are creative and talented beyond belief!  They are both selfless when it comes to those they care about, and will drop anything to help a friend or family member in need.  I love them dearly, and count them as my guardian angels as well as dear friends, for they have watched over me and encouraged me, and provided so many wonderful memories along the way!  Pam and Marlys...I heart you!

The Climb

Life IS an "uphill battle", as Miley sings, but it truly IS all about "The Climb". Take some time to look up the lyrics to this song, as you will be blessed by the simplicity of it's message. We seem to get so caught up in "what's waiting on the other side" while we miss the beauty of the journey, as it's usually cloaked with pain and hardship...the VERY THINGS that build our character as they PREPARE US for the greater things that lie up ahead. For the first time in my life I am working an 8-5 job. It gives a whole new meaning to "teaching an old dog new tricks"! The biggest hurdle is just GETTING UP at 5a.m.! And the next biggest hurdle is planning ahead what I'm going to wear each day. After living in draw-string cotton workout pants for the last few years , 'dressing professionally' feels so CONFINING and RESTRICTIVE! Ha! Being out the door by 7a.m. , and braving rush hour traffic REALLY challenges the picture I have of myself of being a courteous, loving individual! I have been truly amazed at the aggressive driving tactics of people DETERMINED to keep me from being able to merge into a lane in time to make my turn! I feel like I'm going to war every morning I leave for work!! It's a constant struggle to drive respectfully when others have no regard for ANYONE but themselves! "Welcome to MY world!" most of you are saying right now!! Life continues to stretch us all beyond what we feel we are capable of, that's for sure. In "My Utmost For His Highest", Oswald Chambers challenges me with the question '"What is my vision of God's purpose for me?"'. He writes: "Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power NOW. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal if the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish-His purpose is the process itself. What He desires for me is that I see "Him walking on the sea" with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see "Him walking on the sea" ("Mark 6:49). It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God." Thank you to Oswald for clarifying the real purpose of "The Climb". Guess I'll just smile and wait my turn the next time someone cuts me off in traffic, and just be grateful for the higher purpose that lies in having to die to self!-Peace, Contentment, and, being conformed more into the image of my Father. He DOES know best! 'Upward, HO!'

This is such a delightful blog, filled with inspirational decorating and craft ideas, as well as insights into the life of a very upbeat, creative and talented young woman, whose life is filled with exciting moments with family, at work and at play.

Just wanted to tell you a little bit about one of my 'secret sins':  Baskin-Robbins icecream. "We SCREAM, you SCREAM, we ALL scream, for ICE-CREAM!"  Yeah, baby~it's the perfect ending to any day!  My drug of choice is 'Pralines 'n Cream, and, Mint Chocolate Chip'!  I used to walk to Baskin and Robbins as a kid, when it was at Woodlawn and Central.  I have never once tried any other flavors.  Not once.  In 47 years. Hmmnnn...does that mean something?  Well, now I have discovered Blue Bell icecream at Walmart carries the same flavors, and they taste EXACTLY the same, so , it makes me wonder if in fact they are the ones who MAKE the icecream for Baskin Robbins, or vice-versa.  ??

Just wonderin'...Are you in an abusive relationship?  Are you suffering from the grief of loss?  Are you suffering from low self-esteem?  Are you in a troubled marriage?  If any of these descriptions hit home, I wish you would take the time to check out this website: http://www.leslievernick.com/home.php?flash=1
I have attended several of Leslie Vernick's seminars through the years, and have invested in several of her books, one of which is titled, "The Emotionally Destructive Relationship".  You can gain powerful insights that stand to bring both clarity and healing to the issues that are mentioned here , through Leslie's website and the books she has made available through her online store.  Don't spend one more day in confusion or despair.  Hope is a click away.  Be blessed!

Thought I would post a picture of one of the shops in downtown Rockwall, Texas, that I just love:  Kim Hoegger HOME.  As you can see, it is full of the loveliest French-inspired home accessories and furniture.
www.kimhoeggerhome.com
It is brimming with weathered furniture painted in soft hues of blue-gray and white, and many accessories created from natural linen fabrics that have been painted with French words in flowing script.  Burlap is another natural fabric that has been used to create smushy toss pillows and simply-styled lampshades.  She carries a heavenly line of candles~Nouvelle~and also, wonderful fragrances by TOCCA.  My personal favorite is 'Stella', a very feminine, sweet scent, that lasts all day.  Natural , twiggy wreaths and painted tole tables and chairs , along with antique glassware and one-of-a-kind lamps provide the perfect elements to add French flair to your decor.