Psalms 51:12 (KJV)
"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with a free spirit."
I'm not an early riser since I typically stay up late. That's when creativity decides to visit! But when I do finally decide it's time to begin my day, I am welcomed by the sunlit living area with french doors and floor to ceiling windows that look out to the water. My living room, sitting area and kitchen all open up into the majority of the downstairs. This is where my passion begins! The decorating (nesting) of my home. As I walk through the house in my blog, I see things in a different respect. Although it's taken several years for my decor to take shape, it never really seems finished. Perhaps that' the creative side. Perhaps it's just the indecisive nature of a woman. At any rate, it keeps my mind active with projects and innovative ways to create something that is different. Something that makes people say, "How clever is that!" when they walk around my home.
I'm by no means a tree hugging, environmentalist, but I do like to take something that appears useless to most and make it useful again. It's a challenge more than an obligation to "save the earth". The earth has its destiny mapped out in Revelation, and I know that God's plan is inevitable - and a promise. That's another blog altogether. So, that leaves me with the satisfaction of making something old, new again. My earlier post spoke of how I love to treasure hunt. Well, that's where I find much of my inspiration and the fun things that become transformed into what I call home decor. I must add that I do find many treasure on the side of the road as well. Momma got to experience a true dumpster dive when I found a wing back chair. Hey, the bones were good and the chair is fabulous.
So back to the living area. Even though the floor is tiled (for now!), the open floor plan works well with the soft color palate. I divided the area and made a sitting/music room in a smaller area. Two of the main features of the sitting room are a sofa and an upright piano. Not just any sofa or piano. Yep, you guessed it! Both were rescued and restored.
The piano was my Larry's when we married. It was rescued many years ago from a barn that had burned. The piano was salvaged unharmed. He's had it now for many years. I love to hear it played although I can't play a lick myself. My Momma makes it sound heavenly when she lays her fingers to the old worn keys. It has a few ivories missing, but the sound is lovely still. In order to fashion it to my decor, I painted it white and added a mosaic motif with a treble and bass clef, along with musical notes on lines across the upright portion. Pastel colored tiles and broken mosaic pieces form the pattern. I also painted and embellished a saxophone (found on the side of the road), flute, violin, trumpet, bugle, and my daughter Holly's clarinet, in soft hues of blue, pink, yellow and green. I hung them on the wall from ribbon and placed a ukulele, pink guitar (from my nephew Kyle), and a harpsichord around to fill the area with music to inspire every whim.
There are two chairs that my daughter and son-in-law, Nichol and Jeremy, helped me retrieve from a hotel being renovated. The chairs were disgusting when we brought them home, so I stripped them to bare bones and left them on the upper deck for a few weeks to air out. Then I reupholstered them with some of my favorite shabby chic sheets from Target. (I do love Rachel Ashwell's shabby chic!). The result? Two fine looking and might I add - free - comfy chairs.
The second main feature is the sofa. This isn't just any sofa - it is "the" sofa. For several reasons. One, it was a serendipitous find from my brother Joey who worked for a moving company in Memphis at the time. Two, it was left for the men to dispose of when Joey called and said he had found the perfect couch for my Victorian home I had just bought in midtown Memphis. It is a Duncan Phyfe (late 1800/early 1900) pink (originally and reupholstered) two cushion beauty. Three, it was pink (and still is). And, it was built around the same time my house in Memphis was. When horse and carriages roamed the dusty streets that are now paved and busy with a life fashioned to this century. This sofa is one of two pieces of furniture in my home that I will never get rid of. What once was someone else's heirloom, is now mine.
All of these rescued and restored pieces brings me back to God's plan for our lives. I am rescued and restored. I was born in sin and left for disposal until I accepted Christ as my personal Savior. Like King David said in Psalms 51:12, I repented of my sin and received the promise of the Lord that He would, "restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with a free spirit." See Momma, a free spirit is a good thing! I also look at the book of Job 20:10, and realize that, as a child of God, I will "seek to please the poor, and my hands will restore their goods."
I've shared my rescue and restored goods with you, what have you rescued and/or restored? Branch out! Use you imagination! Give something that is left to be disposed of, another life. It may be you, let the Lord restore and rescue you.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Ode to the Deck
With the lower deck delineating the edge of the property, the boat docked and hanging from the lift, the view toward the house rests on the upper deck. This is where I begin each morning. Hot cup of coffee (Folger's cinnamon swirl with a spoonful of cinnamon vanilla coffee mate) in hand, I retreat to the upper deck to open each day with a word of thanks and praise to the Lord for another day. I love to just sit for a while and listen to the birds and squirrels (which my Larry calls yard rats) and read until the coffee either gets cold or runs out. This is my place of solitude.
On this deck, I have a wicker table and 4 chairs under the canopy and another glass top table with 4 chairs in the corner where the sun shines on it in the even that I want to warm up on chilly days. And yes, we do have a chilly day or two here in the sunshine state! Since I don't have a front porch, I gladly settle for growing old and rocking my way to old age on the back porch - coffee, book, Larry and all. Besides, the view from the front settles on a street and the busyness of the neighbors. I prefer the scene from the upper deck.
On the upper deck I also have what I refer to as 'party central'. It's a fabulous rolling garden cart that I purchased from HomeGoods. Originally I had a duo purpose for this quaint piece. I used it for my son's wedding reception with the anticipation of actually attempting to do some potting and plant growing. Then my niece Brett's 16th birthday brought about another round of celebration. So once again, the focal point became the rolling garden cart. I simply call it a great investment!
Also on the upper deck is the Jacuzzi. I never thought about having one, but it came with the territory and I've learned of the relaxing and therapeutic loveliness it brings. On cool evenings, the steam rises and the colors change from the waterfall, the hot water and cares of the day fall to the wayside. My Larry and I sat and watched the fireworks one July 4th through the tress that overhang in the yard.
The upper deck has so many memories in just the short 6 years I've been privy to its existence. The sound of the chimes brings back some of those memories of when I would come to Tarpon Springs to visit when my Larry and I dated 900 miles apart for 9 months. It's where we shared our wedding reception with friends and family. It's where I sat when I got the news that Holly was having her 4th baby and where I was when she called during the ultra sound (since I couldn't be there) to find out that our baby Sophie would be my first granddaughter. It's where I got the call from Nichol that said she was pregnant and baby Hudson (grandson #5) would be the next link to my legacy. I sat on the three steps leading from the deck to the yard and shot "tree nuts" with my grandsons Grey, Noah and Dean. I've enjoyed Easter, Thanksgiving, and other holiday meals on this deck. And yes, I've even opened Christmas stockings around the fire pit on Christmas Eve. The joys are endless with moments like these.
I also sat on this same upper deck when my youngest baby and only son Adam told me that he had enlisted in the U.S. Army. It's where I pray for each of my children every day of my life. I shared this deck with Adam and his new bride Dominique. And I sat on those same three steps the day before they would go back to El Paso to begin their married life together, side by side with Adam - the rain falling down on us - as he mourned for a fellow soldier that died.
So you see, this deck is filled with memories. Some good - some sad - but all part of my life. I love this part of my home. I also love teacups and roses, the color pink, and wisteria. What about you, what do you love?
On this deck, I have a wicker table and 4 chairs under the canopy and another glass top table with 4 chairs in the corner where the sun shines on it in the even that I want to warm up on chilly days. And yes, we do have a chilly day or two here in the sunshine state! Since I don't have a front porch, I gladly settle for growing old and rocking my way to old age on the back porch - coffee, book, Larry and all. Besides, the view from the front settles on a street and the busyness of the neighbors. I prefer the scene from the upper deck.
On the upper deck I also have what I refer to as 'party central'. It's a fabulous rolling garden cart that I purchased from HomeGoods. Originally I had a duo purpose for this quaint piece. I used it for my son's wedding reception with the anticipation of actually attempting to do some potting and plant growing. Then my niece Brett's 16th birthday brought about another round of celebration. So once again, the focal point became the rolling garden cart. I simply call it a great investment!
Also on the upper deck is the Jacuzzi. I never thought about having one, but it came with the territory and I've learned of the relaxing and therapeutic loveliness it brings. On cool evenings, the steam rises and the colors change from the waterfall, the hot water and cares of the day fall to the wayside. My Larry and I sat and watched the fireworks one July 4th through the tress that overhang in the yard.
The upper deck has so many memories in just the short 6 years I've been privy to its existence. The sound of the chimes brings back some of those memories of when I would come to Tarpon Springs to visit when my Larry and I dated 900 miles apart for 9 months. It's where we shared our wedding reception with friends and family. It's where I sat when I got the news that Holly was having her 4th baby and where I was when she called during the ultra sound (since I couldn't be there) to find out that our baby Sophie would be my first granddaughter. It's where I got the call from Nichol that said she was pregnant and baby Hudson (grandson #5) would be the next link to my legacy. I sat on the three steps leading from the deck to the yard and shot "tree nuts" with my grandsons Grey, Noah and Dean. I've enjoyed Easter, Thanksgiving, and other holiday meals on this deck. And yes, I've even opened Christmas stockings around the fire pit on Christmas Eve. The joys are endless with moments like these.
I also sat on this same upper deck when my youngest baby and only son Adam told me that he had enlisted in the U.S. Army. It's where I pray for each of my children every day of my life. I shared this deck with Adam and his new bride Dominique. And I sat on those same three steps the day before they would go back to El Paso to begin their married life together, side by side with Adam - the rain falling down on us - as he mourned for a fellow soldier that died.
So you see, this deck is filled with memories. Some good - some sad - but all part of my life. I love this part of my home. I also love teacups and roses, the color pink, and wisteria. What about you, what do you love?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Proverbs 31:27
"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."
On the banks of the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs, Florida, my home abides along the rushing waters that flow into the Gulf. A small city within the vast abundance of so many in the grand format of land across America. The small jut of a city on the West coast of Florida provides vacationers with a plethora of tourism, yet still lays claim to my cove of comfort to which I spend my time nurturing and nesting to bring comfort within its walls for my husband and me.
From the lower deck in the backyard the waters flow with the tide. The great Gulf of Mexico is within sight and the brackish waters rush just beyond the lower deck, sometimes covering the walkway, while at others, revealing a glimpse of sodden land over which the waters surge. Dolphin play and Manatee float ever so slowly toward the bayou in these waters, while the sky above envelopes eagles that soar and bring a sense of freedom and courage on any given day. Starfish and jellyfish wash onto the deck, mixed and mingled with seaweed. Mullets (known to me as "happy fish") leap from the water, while Snook, Redfish, Trout, Cobia, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Flounder, Pompano, Near Shore Grouper, and Snapper all reside together for local fishermen.
At the top of the hill, the back of the house faces the water. From the exterior, it doesn't appear to be anything other than the average Florida, stucco home surrounded by many of the same. But within, a story of romance evolves to reveal the heart of another place and another time. At the present, I've been married to my Larry for five years. I left my home in Memphis, Tennessee to spend the rest of my life in his country, so to speak. The world here is different to me. Although it is as far South as you can get, my roots were cultivated in the "real" South, up North in Tennessee.
The culture shock has been an experience but I've managed to keep my true passion alive in my home. It's refreshing to be within a few miles of every necessity, yet return to the sanctity of my haven of rest. That is what I have aimed for when decorating my home. The harshness of life ends at the front door and peace abides within my heart as well as my home.
It's not common for a man to regale in the whim of his bride's decorating taste when it involves the color pink. But... believe it or not, my Larry has complied. Oh, don't get me wrong, he has his Harley garage and his Harley "man cave" to retreat to in the event that my color palate becomes too overwhelming. And I might add here that the kitchen floor tile and counter tops were already a lovely shade of pink when we got married. To me, that said pink is good. A serendipitous occurrence if you ask me!
My journey as a nurturer and nester began years ago, and with age, becomes an even greater substance of meaning in my life. As an artist and crafter, my mind races with "projects" and I'm never without an idea. That's the road that this journey will travel with posts from my home to yours. My desire is to leave a legacy to my children. For them to one day say, "You know, my momma was a great example of the Proverbs 31 woman." And as Proverbs 31:27 describes, I want to look well to the ways of my household, and never eat of the bread of idleness.
On the banks of the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs, Florida, my home abides along the rushing waters that flow into the Gulf. A small city within the vast abundance of so many in the grand format of land across America. The small jut of a city on the West coast of Florida provides vacationers with a plethora of tourism, yet still lays claim to my cove of comfort to which I spend my time nurturing and nesting to bring comfort within its walls for my husband and me.
From the lower deck in the backyard the waters flow with the tide. The great Gulf of Mexico is within sight and the brackish waters rush just beyond the lower deck, sometimes covering the walkway, while at others, revealing a glimpse of sodden land over which the waters surge. Dolphin play and Manatee float ever so slowly toward the bayou in these waters, while the sky above envelopes eagles that soar and bring a sense of freedom and courage on any given day. Starfish and jellyfish wash onto the deck, mixed and mingled with seaweed. Mullets (known to me as "happy fish") leap from the water, while Snook, Redfish, Trout, Cobia, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Flounder, Pompano, Near Shore Grouper, and Snapper all reside together for local fishermen.
At the top of the hill, the back of the house faces the water. From the exterior, it doesn't appear to be anything other than the average Florida, stucco home surrounded by many of the same. But within, a story of romance evolves to reveal the heart of another place and another time. At the present, I've been married to my Larry for five years. I left my home in Memphis, Tennessee to spend the rest of my life in his country, so to speak. The world here is different to me. Although it is as far South as you can get, my roots were cultivated in the "real" South, up North in Tennessee.
The culture shock has been an experience but I've managed to keep my true passion alive in my home. It's refreshing to be within a few miles of every necessity, yet return to the sanctity of my haven of rest. That is what I have aimed for when decorating my home. The harshness of life ends at the front door and peace abides within my heart as well as my home.
It's not common for a man to regale in the whim of his bride's decorating taste when it involves the color pink. But... believe it or not, my Larry has complied. Oh, don't get me wrong, he has his Harley garage and his Harley "man cave" to retreat to in the event that my color palate becomes too overwhelming. And I might add here that the kitchen floor tile and counter tops were already a lovely shade of pink when we got married. To me, that said pink is good. A serendipitous occurrence if you ask me!
My journey as a nurturer and nester began years ago, and with age, becomes an even greater substance of meaning in my life. As an artist and crafter, my mind races with "projects" and I'm never without an idea. That's the road that this journey will travel with posts from my home to yours. My desire is to leave a legacy to my children. For them to one day say, "You know, my momma was a great example of the Proverbs 31 woman." And as Proverbs 31:27 describes, I want to look well to the ways of my household, and never eat of the bread of idleness.
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