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Pumpkins, Roses, and Calgon, Take me Away.

September 22, 2016 by Patti 10 Comments

dried-roses-pumpkins-001Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist is the book I’m reading right now.  This book is really causing me to take a step back and re-evaluate the busyness of my life.  I am no longer working a full time job, we have no responsibility in our church right now, and I no longer have kids at home that keep me living crazy.  My crazy comes all from pressure I put on myself to keep working toward getting everything on my to-do list done.  But I never get it done and I never will get it done because I keep adding things to it.  That’s simply the kind of person I am.

I have this voice inside my head that tells me that it is wrong to stop and rest when my hubby works such long and crazy hours (don’t worry it isn’t a real voice, just my thinking voice).  It also warns me that if I stop and rest I might have to deal with some very unpleasant thoughts about very real problems.  Though I don’t share everything about our lives and family here on the blog, we have one.  And our family has it’s share of ups and down just like any other family does.  However, this particular year has been a hard one.  Stress, worry, fear, and heartbreak (You don’t need to tell me to cast my cares upon the Lord or to trust in Him alone because believe me, I find myself in a constant state of casting and trusting).

So I keep myself busy to keep from being overwhelmed . . . or so I tell myself. Click To Tweet

I’m in the process of re-evaluating. What are the things that are really important in my life and what things can be set aside?  What are the things I’m doing that have to do with the calling on my life and what things am I doing out of a sense of obligation? What are the things that I do that will best serve God, my family, and my friends?  And maybe me too because this might just start with taking better care of me!

dried-roses-pumpkins-002I’ve been hesitant to take a blogging break because I’ve been to writer’s conferences where “they” say – those great and all-knowing experts on everything – that to draw back from regularly posting to your blog is certain death, and will diminish all those followers you’ve worked so hard to gain so that One Day, that fabulous book you’re writing will be the buzz among them and they will broadcast the word near and far making it the next best seller and making your name a household word! 

Push, push, push, and don’t slow down.  Post it, link it, Pin it, Tweet it, IG it, and turn around and do it all again.

dried-roses-pumpkins-003 It has been slow going as I write the book that I feel God has called me to write.  I plug away whenever I can . . . whenever I don’t find myself swamped with all of the other things I feel obligated or simply driven to do.

dried-roses-pumpkins-004But wait a minute.  What about that verse I’ve clung to so often on this writing journey, “The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me,” from Psalm 138:8?  I know I have to put the work into the writing but driving myself mad with the push for likes and follows?  Not now.  Not at this juncture in my life.  Not when I have more important things to fight for.  NO!

dried-roses-pumpkins-006At the end of the day, whether my book is picked up by a publisher or self-published, whether it reaches thousand, tens of thousands, millions, or a couple dozen people, the message in my book will get into the hands of those it is meant to.  Our Pastor asked a question last week that really hit the nail on the head for me, At life's end what will matter most, the number of likes you've gotten or the amount of love you've shown? Click To Tweet

dried-roses-pumpkins-007So I’m taking a little break.  I don’t know how long it will be but I need to take a little time for self love in the form of self care.  Lord knows, I need it!  My family needs it too.  Even if I can’t be present with them they need my prayers.  So I’m drawing away for a time to do the next right thing.

dried-roses-pumpkins-008I already had a few posts planned so I will pop in from time to time with photos and maybe some news of what is happening in my world.  You can also follow me on Instagram where I will be posting more often.

dried-roses-pumpkins-005Be still and know that I am God.

I’m looking forward to it.

Blessings friends,

My SignatureP.S. I hope you liked my French Country Pumpkins and Roses.  Pretty things make me smile 🙂

dried-roses-pumpkins-008aDon’t forget to PIN me!

I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!

Sunday:

TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive, SilverPenniesSundays, SundaysAtHome, RusticAndRefined, Spiritual Sundays, GiveMeGrace

Monday:

IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, TheDedicatedHouse, Dwellings, ProjectInspired,  InspireMeMonday, BetweenNapsOnThePorch, CelebrateYourStoryMaking Your Home Sing Mondays, The Beauty in His Grip What Joy is Mine/Monday Musings, Darling Downs Diaries, The Art of Homemaking,SmallWonder, LifeGivingLinkup, MomentsOfHope, Glimpses, SittingAmongFriends

Tuesday:

TalkOfTheTown, HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,TuesdaysAtOurHome, TheWinthropChronicles,  Rich Faith Rising Unite Linky, Testimony Tuesday,Cheerleaders of Faith,Tell His Story, IntentionalTuesday

Wednesday:

SavvySouthernStyle, TheBlissfulBee, Posed Perfection, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesdays, ChristianBloggerLinkup, Whole Hearted Home, Mom’s Morning Coffee, Women with Intention, Coffee for Your Heart, MessyMarriage, ThreeWordWednesday

Thursday:

ShareYourStyle, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, MyRepurposedLife, ADelightsomeLife, KatherinesCorner, PrettyPreppyParty,  The Deliberate Mom/Shine Blog Hop, I Choose Joy,  Live Free Thursday, Thought Provoking Thursday, PartyAtMyPlace, 100HappyDays, SincerelyPaulas, ThankfulThursdays

Friday:

FrenchCountryCottage, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme,  TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday, ShabbyliciousFriday, Sweet Inspiration,  Faith’nFriends, Missional Women Faith Filled Fridays, Dance With Jesus

Saturday:

FunkyJunkInteriors, OneMoreTimeEvents,  SaturdaySparks, TheInspirationGallery, Make My Saturday Sweet

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Filed Under: Blogging, Books, Christianity, Decorating with moss, Fall Decor, Flowers, French Country, Home decorating, Pumpkins, Tablescapes Tagged With: Blogging, Books, Christianity, Dried Roses, Fall Decor, French Country, Home Decorating, Present Over Perfect, Pumpkins, Tablescapes, Wooden Bowls

Looking Back While Looking Forward – Top Posts of 2015

December 31, 2015 by Patti 12 Comments

Another year draws to a close, and while most people have already put away their Christmas pretties, I linger.  I sit beside the fire in the den sipping hot tea and gazing upon the figures on my woodland themed mantle, dusted with shimmering snow.  I see the glow of the Christmas tree lights in the living room behind me reflected brightly in the den’s windows before me.  The rains pour down outside my windows and the dark clouds have cocooned my home in darkness.  Here in my den I find shelter from the heavy winter storm.  

Shhh . . . don’t remind me that the temperature outside is in the 60’s and that Christmas is over.  Let me spend a little more time enjoying the Wonder of Christmas.

Looking back on 2015 today I’ve compiled the most viewed posts of the year.  They are in two categories, Home Decor and Inspirational, since my blog is comprised of both!  If you choose to see more of any of these posts you can simply click on the pictures.

Here’s the countdown:

Drum roll please . . . because I’m kinda goofy like that!

Dining Room Reveal10. At Long Last Dining Room Reveal

Fall Porch 20159. Southern Etiquette & How to Make Your Neighbors Jealous of Your Front Porch!

Spring Basket8. My Secret to a Great Looking Arrangements Using Faux Flowers

Weathered Baskets 7. Giving Baskets a Vintage Look With Chalk Paint

Greenville Gardens Tour 1086. Southern Gardens Tour Part I

Screened Porch5. Spiffin’ up The Screened Porch The Easy Way

Preserved Boxwood 4. Decorating With Preserved Boxwood

Living Room Reveal3. Living Room Reveal

Twigs Easter Table 0022. One Fantastic Easter Table

 French Country KitchenAnd finally, in the Home Decor category,

1. Ideas For Adding a French Country Look to Your Kitchen

Next is the Inspirational category which was special to me.  It wasn’t just the traffic that caused me to share the top three, but there were also personal emails and stories shared behind the scenes that blessed me to no end as people related to the words God inspired me to write.  Whenever I wonder if I should include these posts on my site (because most people don’t want a Home Decor site that is “preachy”), the response I receive back confirms that I am to continue to speak what God lays on my heart.  I am probably more blessed than anyone who reads one of these posts by the feedback received.

So, moving right along, the top three Inspirational posts are:

welcome-sign3. Freedom Friday – on Hospitality

San-Simeon-Hearst-Castle2.  Freedom Friday – On Forgiving Yourself

Finally, the top post in the Inspiration category was the most heartbreaking for me but also a blessing to have been loved by a dog this good.

Snoopygirl1. Freedom Friday – Wise Words From a Dog Named SnoopyGirl

So, looking to the year ahead, I am excited that I’ll be continuing as a contributing author for Faith’nFriends (I hope you’ll all go over to the website and show some of the other writers some love), my friend Debbie Kitterman and I will be teaming up to teach on online course about starting a Mastermind Group, as well as getting our own group off the ground, I’m praying that I will have the opportunity to attend another writer’s conference this year, I’m looking forward to being on the launch teams of a couple of different books that author friends will be releasing in the new year, and I will also be plugging away here at home as I work on my own book and #write365.  Of course I will continue to make home improvements to share on Old Things New.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the year with me.  I have certainly enjoyed meeting new friends here on the blog and continuing relationships with those of you I’ve come to know and love through this wonderful job I get to do called blogging.  I am MOST blessed of the Lord!

Happy New Year and abundant blessings to you all!

My Signature

I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:

 TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive, NiftyThriftyThings, SilverPenniesSundays, SundaysAtHome, RusticAndRefined, Spiritual Sundays, Sunday Stillness

Monday:
 IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor,  ModVintageLife,  TheDedicatedHouse, HuckleberryLove, CarrieThisHome, Dwellings, ProjectInspired
InspireMeMonday, BetweenNapsOnThePorch, Making Your Home Sing Mondays, The Beauty in His Grip What Joy is Mine/Monday Musings, Darling Downs Diaries, The Art of Homemaking
Tuesday:
HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, Elizabeth&Co, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse,  NaptimeCreations, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
TwirlAndTakeABow, TheWinthropChronicles,
Dream.Create.Inspire.Link, MeCoffeeAndJesus,Rich Faith Rising Unite Linky,Time Warp Wife,Solo Deo Gloria Sisterhood,Testimony Tuesday,Cheerleaders of Faith,Tell His Story
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, IvyAndElephants,
TheBlissfulBee, Posed Perfection, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesdays, A Little R & R, Whole Hearted Home, Mom’s Morning Coffee, Women with Intention, Coffee for Your Heart
Thursday:
ShareYourStyle, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, MyRepurposedLife, FromMyFrontPorchToYours, ADelightsomeLife, AKAWeekendRetreat,
KatherinesCorner, PrettyPreppyParty, YourTurnToShine, Serving Joyfully/Thriving Thursdays, The Deliberate Mom/Shine Blog Hop, I Choose Joy,  Live Free Thursday, Thought Provoking Thursday
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, MissMustardSeed, ThirtyHandmadeDays, CommonGround, TheShabbyNest, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme,  TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday,
 DIYVintageChic,  ShabbyliciousFriday, TheCreativeCollection, Christian Mommy Blogger Fellowship Fridays, Blessing Counters,Missional Women Faith Filled Fridays,Faith & Fellowship Bloghop, Grace & Truth Linkup, Grace&TruthSharingRedemption’sStories, Dance With Jesus, The Weekend Brew
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, 
OneMoreTimeEvents,  SaturdaySparks,
TheInspirationGallery, Still Saturday, The Weekend Brew, Recommendation Saturday, Make My Saturday Sweet

 

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Filed Under: 2015, Blogging, Craft Ideas, DIY, Dog Love, Easter, Faith 'n Friends, Flowers, Freedom Friday, French Country, Friendship, God's Grace, Home decorating, Hospitality, Inspiration, My Home, Screened porch, Southern Living, Spring Decorating, Summer, Wallpaper Tagged With: Blogging, Boxwood, Craft ideas, DIY, Dog Love, Easter, Faith 'n Friends, Floral Arrangements, Flowers, Freedom Friday, French Country, Friendship, God's grace, Home Decor, Hospitality, Inspiration, My Home, Screened Porch, southern living, Spring Decor, Summer, Top Ten of 2015

What We Wore – Allume

October 26, 2015 by Patti 25 Comments

My eyes scanned the lines of well attired bloggers making their way down either side of the long buffet table.  Writers, artists, photographers, seekers of beauty and lovers of God.  Outside adornment reflecting inward creativity with cute leopard shoes, chunky jeweled necklaces, lace trimmed sweaters, and red lipstick!

A chuckle of amusement began to arise within me as I thought of what “real life” might look like for some of these bloggers.  If they are like me (but they probably aren’t because Allume bloggers are so darned cute) a day of blogging might look like unkempt hair, old mascara under the eyes, ragged fingernails, and unflattering pajama pants.

Deb & Patti Blogging2

 Like my friend Debbie and myself last summer on a day when my husband came home from work to find us still in our pajamas!

The Allume Conference last weekend was inspiring!  It gave me new direction and much needed encouragement to press on in this writing life of mine.  It was also a lot of fun to meet some of the women I’ve been getting to know online this past year through The Consilium, a group for writers/bloggers over the age of 45. 

What We Wore - Consilium 054

This post is dedicated to my Consilium sisters who, even though we are a bit more seasoned than most of the bloggers at the conference, really know how to rock it when it comes to dressing ourselves up.  The following are some pictures I took at our meet up in the lobby.

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This is our fearless leader Diane Bailey, founder of The Consilium.

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Isn’t she adorable?

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Pinky

 What We Wore - Consilium 012

Becky

 What We Wore - Consilium 018

Holly

What We Wore - Consilium 016a

Gayl

What We Wore - Consilium 009

Dr. Michelle

What We Wore - Consilium 016

Winner of the best smile award!

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Susan

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I asked Susan to give me a sassy look and this is what I got!

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Debbie

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Mary

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Michelle

What We Wore - Consilium 024

Rosie

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May

What We Wore - Consilium 007

Bonnie

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Bonnie gets two pics so you can see her whole top to bottom cuteness!

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And me . . .  in this strange leaning against a wall pose!

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The shoes we wore were awesome too!

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What a great (and stylish) group these women of The Consilium are.  I’ve gained so much from knowing them this past year through our small group studies, weekly prayer request posts, and miscellaneous topics thrown up for discussion.  I know there are many more Christ lovin’, 45 plus, blogger ladies out there and we’d love to have you join us as well.  If you’re interested in this online group of writers and bloggers, please send me a message on Facebook and I’ll be happy to put in a request to join for you!

Blessings y’all,

My Signature

 P.S. In case you are interested, I have a whole collection of Fab Over 50 clothing ideas on Pinterest. It’s how I figure out how to dress myself when the need arises!  Check it out and follow if you’d like.  I’m always adding new clothing ideas!

I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive, NiftyThriftyThings, SilverPenniesSundays, SundaysAtHome
Monday:
 IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor,  ModVintageLife,  TheDedicatedHouse, HuckleberryLove, CarrieThisHome, Dwellings, AnExtraordinaryDay,
InspireMeMonday, BetweenNapsOnThePorch,
Tuesday:
HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, Elizabeth&Co, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse,  NaptimeCreations, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
TwirlAndTakeABow, TheWinthropChronicles,
Dream.Create.Inspire.Link
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, IvyAndElephants,
TheBlissfulBee, Posed Perfection,
Thursday:
NoMinimalistHere, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, MyRepurposedLife, FromMyFrontPorchToYours, ADelightsomeLife, AKAWeekendRetreat,
KatherinesCorner, PrettyPreppyParty, YourTurnToShine
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, MissMustardSeed, ThirtyHandmadeDays, CommonGround, TheShabbyNest, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme,  TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday,
 DIYVintageChic,  ShabbyliciousFriday, TheCreativeCollection,
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, It’sOverflowing, 
OneMoreTimeEvents,  SaturdaySparks,
TheInspirationGallery

I have been known to link to the following Inspirational Parties:

Mondays Making Your Home Sing Mondays The Beauty in His Grip What Joy is Mine/Monday Musings A Proverbs 31 Wife Darling Downs Diaries The Art of Homemaking Project Inspired
Tuesdays MeCoffeeAndJesus Rich Faith Rising Unite Linky Time Warp Wife Solo Deo Gloria Sisterhood Testimony Tuesday Cheerleaders of Faith Tell His Story Titus2Tuesday

Wednesdays A Wise Woman Builds Her Home Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesdays A Little R & R Whole Hearted Home So Much at Home Mom’s Morning Coffee Women with Intention Coffee for Your Heart Capture Your Journey
Thursdays Serving Joyfully/Thriving Thursdays The Deliberate Mom/Shine Blog Hop I Choose Joy  Live Free Thursday Thought Provoking Thursday Imparting Grace
Fridays A Look at the Book Christian Mommy Blogger Fellowship Fridays Blessing Counters Missional Women Faith Filled Fridays Faith & Fellowship Bloghop Grace & Truth Linkup Grace&TruthSharingRedemption’sStories Dance With Jesus The Weekend Brew
Saturdays Still Saturday The Weekend Brew Saturday Soiree Recommendation Saturday Make My Saturday Sweet
Sundays Spiritual Sundays Sunday Stillness

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Filed Under: Ageing Gracefully, Blogging, what is your style? Tagged With: Allume, Blogging, Consilium, Fashion, Fashion over 50, Style

A Cup of Coffee & a Heart-to-Heart

September 18, 2015 by Patti 29 Comments

Do you know what one of my favorite things is? I love meeting up with friends at a local coffee shop for a good heart-to-heart. On a Fall day, when the morning air is crisp, I prefer to sit in the big comfy chairs near the fireplace. I slip off my shoes and curl my legs up all comfy-like as I wrap both hands around my coffee mug and bring it up next to my face so I can feel the steam and inhale the rich, sweet aroma. Face-to-face we share what’s been happening in our lives, both our joys and our burdens, and when our time comes to an end I leave knowing that I am blessed to have such great friends.

Have coffee with me 001

Maybe you’ve noticed that I haven’t been here on the blog much lately. Maybe you’ve discerned from my last few posts that my heart has been a bit downcast.

It has been one year since we moved to South Carolina and I think it’s finally hit me that the way I once did life with old friends is not the way it will be now. Many old friends have drifted away and I don’t even see them much on Facebook anymore. That’s pretty natural I guess, for those that were more surface friends. For those that remain close we’ve found different ways of staying in touch, though it will never be as satisfying as face-to-face over coffee.

Have coffee with me 007

I hate to be a “Debbie Downer” (a big sorry to all you Debbies) but I want to be honest and real. Fall has always been the hardest season for me because of the Seattle gloom, but even living in sunnier South Carolina I find myself having a bit of a rough time. Sure, we’ve begun to create some great friendships here, with some really amazing people that God has brought into our lives, but since we’ve been traveling into the next city to attend church we haven’t really made friends in our own community. I haven’t found any girlfriends nearby that I can text and say, “Wanna meet for a cuppa’ Joe?”

As recently as last week I found myself driving down the road in tears asking God, “Where are my people?”
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This sadness has made me lose much of my “zest” for blogging.  Then there is the part of me that says, “Here I am, the Freedom Session lady, in a great big funk!  Where is my freedom? What kind of example can I be?”

I KNOW that we aren’t to walk in self condemnation and I KNOW that I haven’t lost my freedom just because I feel sad. In fact, sadness is perfectly normal given all the changes we’ve made this past year (hubby’s job, moving far from friends and family, leaving behind a thriving ministry that we loved, losing our Snoopygirl, plus a few physical issues that have cropped up). But sadness isn’t where I want to stay and, as Mr. OTN says, staying stuck is not an option.

Morning

So today I want to share some NEW THINGS I’m doing to press forward into this new life of mine:

  • First, since Mr. OTN doesn’t like to see me sad he recently made the decision, and I quickly agreed, that we need to start searching for a church in our own city. At first that idea made me even sadder as I felt like we would be starting all over again, but it’s not like we are really starting over because we will continue to remain friends with those we’ve come to know. So we’ve been church hunting and will be trying out a new church close to home for awhile, to see if we are a good fit.
  • The second “new thing” is that I’ve begun writing for a new site called Faith ‘n Friends. This site is made up of several inspirational bloggers who will be coming together to share and encourage our readers. We will also be hosting a weekly link party on Fridays where you will have the chance to link up your own encouraging thoughts.  I’ll be sure to keep you updated as to our start date in October.
  • A third “new thing” is that I am getting back into a regular exercise routine. For me, that is always a great mood booster. My broken wrist last Spring and the resulting nerve damage threw me, big time. The healing process has been very slow and being on the computer has been especially aggravating. I can now swim again without pain and have been able to do some modified Pilates exercises, so I am committing anew to becoming strong in body!
  • “New thing” number four is that I will be continuing to work on the book that I started writing (yeah, I probably never told you I had a book in me) and stepped away from due to lack of time and lack of confidence.
  • “New thing” number five, I (we) will continue to wait on the Lord and see what doors he opens for us to give back to others what we’ve so freely been given. It has been over a year since we were directing Freedom Session and both Mr. OTN and I feel that we are not at our best if we aren’t sharing our hope with others.
  • Number six, for the second year I will be attending the Allume blogger’s conference in October in hopes of getting answers to some questions I’ve been struggling with. Does my blog format need to change? Are there aspects of my blog that I need to step away from? Are there things I need to add?  Even . . . should I just stop blogging altogether?  I’m hoping to gain some clarity at the conference.

Thank you SO much for sitting down and listening to me today. I know that I am blessed to have great and encouraging readers like you and I hope you know how much I appreciate you.  It’s your turn to share now, because even in the midst of my own stuff I care about what’s happening in your lives. What’s on your mind?  What are your thoughts about MY thoughts? Have you experienced similar feelings? What kind of things are you going through now? Do you have any victories to share? Maybe we can even pray for one another!

Some of the best days

We are all work in progress and the story is not finished yet!

Blessings sweet friends,

My Signature

I have been know to link to the following Inspirational Parties:

Mondays Making Your Home Sing Mondays The Beauty in His Grip What Joy is Mine/Monday Musings A Proverbs 31 Wife Darling Downs Diaries The Art of Homemaking Project Inspired
Tuesdays MeCoffeeAndJesus Rich Faith Rising Unite Linky Teaching What is GoodTime Warp Wife Solo Deo Gloria Sisterhood More of Him Testimony TuesdayCheerleaders of Faith Tell His Story Titus2Tuesday

Wednesdays A Wise Woman Builds Her Home Wednesday Prayer Girls Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesdays A Little R & R Whole Hearted Home So Much at Home Mom’s Morning Coffee Women with Intention Coffee for Your Heart Capture Your Journey
Thursdays Serving Joyfully/Thriving Thursdays The Deliberate Mom/Shine Blog Hop I Choose Joy  Live Free Thursday Thought Provoking Thursday Imparting Grace
Fridays A Look at the Book Christian Mommy Blogger Fellowship Fridays Blessing Counters Missional Women Faith Filled Fridays Faith & Fellowship Bloghop Grace & Truth Linkup Grace&TruthSharingRedemption’sStories Dance With Jesus The Weekend Brew
Saturdays Still Saturday The Weekend Brew Saturday Soiree Recommendation Saturday Make My Saturday Sweet
Sundays Spiritual Sundays Sunday Stillness

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Filed Under: Blogging, Christianity, Friendship Tagged With: Blogging, Christianity, Freedom, Friendship

A Sweet Purchase & My Meeting With a Superstar Blogger!

June 6, 2015 by Patti 18 Comments

Have you ever found that perfect “something” for your home?  You really, REALLY wanted it until you began to feel like maybe you wanted it too much? Have you ever questioned whether your desire for things was out of balance with what is really important in life?

  I left you hanging earlier this week with my post about being on the verge of something exciting thanks to my husband’s desire to make me happy.

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My blog friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here, has recently downsized and has been having a virtual garage sale of items from her own home.  THIS painting became the object of my desire!  I have always loved this painting on the header of Sherry’s blog.  The colors are so soothing and, in fact, as mentioned in a previous post, Sherry’s blog header was the color inspiration for my living room.

When I saw that this painting was up for sale I immediately began to yearn for it.  I drooled, I swooned, I nearly fainted over it.  Okay, so I’m exaggerating, but I had a strong desire to purchase this painting for my “work in process” dining room.  The problem is that Sherry lives in Florida and I live in South Carolina (an 8 hour drive) and shipping would be too expensive.  After obsessing on this painting for awhile I began to reevaluate my painting lust, especially as I began to think about all that I have and weighed that against what is really important in life.  I felt convicted and decided that I needed to give it up.  I prayed.  I thanked God and I closed that door.

“When are we going to take our road trip?,” hubby asked one morning last week.

“Whaaaa?”

“I think we should head out Monday morning.”

Lesson learned:  Sometimes you have to give something up before it can become yours. 

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So here I am with Sherry, Superstar Blogger at No Minimalist Here!

Forgive me if I gush but Sherry’s blog is one of the first blogs I followed and you can’t believe how excited this (then) newbie blogger was when she followed me back!  That was in the days when I reported every follow to my patient husband and tolerant daughters until it got to the point where they thought I had gone “blog crazy”.

  I adore Sherry’s style and her blog is a never ending source of inspiration.  I never dreamed that I’d have the opportunity to meet her and even be invited into her home.  I had to restrain myself from prattling on and on about every little thing I saw as she gave us the tour (not so sure I did very well with that).  The funny thing to me was, that my husband also gushed over Sherry’s home.  He even took my camera from me and started taking pictures!

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This is one of Sherry and I standing in front of her Trumeau mirror flanked by the sea fans that she dyes herself. 

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Here we are in Sherry’s dining room with the painting behind us.  The history of this canvas is that it is a 19th century painting that originally hung in Jamestown Plantation in Virginia.  What a beautiful conversation piece it will be in my dining room.  I wonder what the story will sound like?  Will I talk about it’s historic roots or will I talk more about meeting the beautiful and gracious Sherry and the story behind how the picture came to belong to me?  History runs deep.

Wallpapering 005

So guess what I’ve been plugging away at (with 1-1/2 hands) since we got back from our whirlwind trip to Florida?  Preparing my dining room for new wallpaper.

The room had two layers of wallpaper.  The first one came off easily.  The second had been applied directly to the sheet rock without proper preparation (sizing), and when I began to remove it it took the top layer of the sheet rock right off.  That was several months ago and it has lived that way until now.

Wallpapering 006

Without renewed motivation this past couple of days I sanded away the torn paper . . .

Wallpapering 010

. . . and applied a skim coat of joint compound.  After it dried I used a sanding block to knock down the rough surfaces, wiped off the dust with a damp rag and left it to air dry.

Dining Room Wallpapering 001

My next step will be to roll on a primer that is specially formulated for wallpaper.  I’m pushing through tonight because I have company coming from Washington State this upcoming week and may not get back to it for awhile.  Hmmm . . . unless I can get my company to assist in the wallpapering.  3- 1/2 hands are always better than 1- 1/2 hands.

Old Door Mirror & Dining Room Wallpaper 006

On the way home from Florida Mr. OTN said to me, “You know we did this because I love you right?”

I knew.

Blessings,

My Signature

Sherry No Minimalist iPhone

I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
 UnderTheTableAndDreaming, TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive,
 NiftyThriftyThings,
SilverPenniesSundays, SundaySoiree, SundaysAtHome
Monday:
 IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor,  ModVintageLife,  TheDedicatedHouse, UncommonDesigns, WestFurnitureRevival, BoogieboardCottage, HuckleberryLove, CarrieThisHome, Dwellings, AnExtraordinaryDay,
InspireMeMonday, BetweenNapsOnThePorch, RedheadCanDecorate
Tuesday:
HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, Elizabeth&Co, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse,  NaptimeCreations, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,NotJustAHousewife, 
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
TwirlAndTakeABow, TheWinthropChronicles, 7Alive,  Maison de Pax, VintageInspirationParty
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, IvyAndElephants,  DIYByDesign, TheStyleSisters, AdornedFromAbove,
SomedayCrafts, GreenWillowPond, Fishtail Cottage,  TheCityFarmhouse,
BeyondThePicketFence, TheBlissfulBee, Posed Perfection, Inspiration2
Thursday:
NoMinimalistHere, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, AllThingsWithPurpose, MyRepurposedLife, FromMyFrontPorchToYours, ADelightsomeLife, AKAWeekendRetreat,
KatherinesCorner, PrettyPreppyParty
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, MissMustardSeed, ThirtyHandmadeDays, CommonGround, TheShabbyNest, LizMarie, Redoux, JenniferRizzo, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme,  TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday,
 DIYVintageChic,
ShabbyliciousFriday
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, SixSistersStuff, It’sOverflowing, BeDifferentActNormal,
OneMoreTimeEvents,  SayG’DaySaturday,  SaturdaySparks,
TheInspirationGallery
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Filed Under: Antiques and Collectibles, Blogging, DIY, French Country, Friendship, Home decorating, Inspiration, My Home Tagged With: Antiques and Collectibles, Blogging, Coastal Style, DIY, French Country, Friendship, Home Decorating, Inspiration, My Home, No Minimalist Here, southern living, Wallpaper

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OldThingsNew

I am Perfectly Imperfect Patti, daughter of the King, wife to the amazing Mr. OTN, mom to two grown daughters, a great son-in-law, and companion to two spoiled dogs. At Old Things New I share DIY’s, budget friendly home transformations, as well as posts about how God transforms our souls. I myself have been made new and I love to share what I’ve learned through WRITING and SPEAKING. To view a short Vimeo of “Our Story” (Mr. OTN and I) please follow the link at the top of the page.

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