Surround Yourself With Beauty

I have a theory! Well, anyone who knows me will tell you I always have a theory about something or other. Anyway, the theory is this: If the world was surrounded by beauty (earthly and spiritual) we would act better, be calmer, even, treat each other with more kindness. Kind of like music having charms to soothe the savage beast.

A painting by Kathryn Winter, my mother-in-law.

What if every child walked into a clean, kept yard, then proceeded into a tidy house filled with objects of beauty. Now being a Christian I can't leave out the Holy Spirit, for He is a spirit of beauty and peace. If we fill our homes with God's spirit, and have objects of beauty that's got to have some effect right?

Waiting for my alyssum to grow in around my rocks
 

If I was in a beauty contest (yeah,right!) and they asked me the age old question, "If God granted you one wish what would it be?". I would answer, "A beautiful home for every child, filled with love and laughter, and the spirit of God.

My dianthus are starting to grow around the rocks

You notice I didn't say what size, or mention expensive at all because that is just not important.

I hope you all have sanctuaries. Here's the definition of a sanctuary:

sanc.tu.ar.y

noun

1. a place of refuge or safety.

sentence: "people automatically sought a sanctuary in time of trouble"

 

My geese from England on an Irish Chain quilt I made
 

I hope you all had glorious Easter celebrations. Isn't it wonderful to know our Saviour is risen, and is with us, not in some old musty tomb!

 

What if we all prepare our homes like Jesus is preparing a place for us? A thing of beauty I think!

 

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I  am, there ye may be also. John 14:3

 

Have a wonderful week, and say a little prayer for our country, I think she needs it about now.

 

Blessings, Theresa

 

 

 

 

Finding Grace, Going Berserk

Berserk may be a little bit of an overstatement. However, the 2nd definition of berserk is "Operating in a wild or erratic way; out of control". My spending on craft supplies the last , hmmmm, 30 years could be defined by the word "berserk".

Yesterday I boxed up some of my fabric and craft supplies so we could move the California closet system to its new home. My goal, to completely empty the old closet. It seemed like such an insignificant little task. Harrumph, I am in shock as to the accumulation of stuff in said closet.

Here is the California Closet insert on the right and there's room for my two faithful Kenmore Sewing Companions. See the fabric I kind of threw in there for an example

 

Here is the one on the left, another tall cabinet with the bin module in the middle. Love the pull-out drawers, plus they are so sturdy. Great closet organizers by California Closets.

 I love the little shirt pull-outs. I fill them with rolled up fabric and can pull the drawer out to see what I want (left). Then, there is the laundry bin that I use for my batting and polyfil (right)

 

 

. These are such good pieces. Love those California Closet folks (not that I've met them personally, lol).

Not only, did I not empty the closet, by the time the day ended I was gifting others with my stuff (in my mind). I guess this wanting to give stuff away is really a way of keeping it. If we give it to "them" it is safe, lol....Are any of you guilty of this, too?

Anyhoo, we have decided (I use the term "we" loosely) to make the Craft Room our Decorating Central. Most of the projects for this house will start in this room.

8 X 8  feet of mirrored doors, eeeeeek.

 

Bland but a good sized craft room, yippee skippee

The immensity (is that a word?) of this task has begun to sink into my being, but I am playing the Pollyanna Glad Game with all my heart.

I am glad we will have a roof over our hoary heads. I am glad God is the head of this strange turn of events. I am glad I have Miss Sweetpea across the street, let the commiserating and celebrating begin. I am glad for our new pastor and his wife, and their enthusiasm and incredible love for God. Last but really not last, I am glad for a husband who puts up with my crazy, mercurial thoughts and actions.

Did I mention dear husband trimmed the arbor last week, and Mobley is sporting a new do. I think she could get a little proud of herself, we shall have to watch this tendency and nip it in the bud, lol.

Before                                                                                           After

I am sure Mobley wants to transform into English Country Cottage style, she keeps telling me in so many ways. Shall we let her have her way? I definitely think we shall!

What a back and forth post. I hope you can make sense of it. I am used to having lots of different thoughts vie for attention in my little brain.

I think this little saying captures the essence of "me":

"I was going to conquer the world today, but something glittery caught my eye!"
Sorry for the awful photoshop crop on my pix......

Blessings to you all, Theresa

Hi~ Meet Mobley

Well, my geekiness is coming out. I named our M.H. Her new name is Mobley. Every grand dame deserves a name, and she is going to be grand. I think she wants to grow up to be an English cottage, all comfy and cozy.

I know I'm a "goob". However, I have decided to revel in my gooberdom (is that a word?).

I went shopping in my little webstore, Cottage Violets, and bought a present for Mobley. I came up with just the right gift. Here it is:

A Perfect Little Sign for My New Garden Gate

 

 

Now, if escrow will just close, the adventure will begin. I admit,  I am not as handy as Geneva at My Heart's Song, or Ceekay at Thinkin' of Home, or Teresa at Magazine Your Home, or Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage, but I'm gonna try!

 

Besides, it says in the word, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. By the way, you can visit the aforementioned ladies by clicking their blog names on the right sidebar. They are all interesting and unique, with beautiful mobiles.

 

Blessings, Theresa