Getting It All Together In Dallas

I came to Dallas to spend a few days with our daughter and family while Dick is having a play time in Denver with our son and grandson, Jackson.  Actually, the big guys are playing but Jackson has been working his tail off on the Rugby field.  And, it paid off.  He has been chosen to be part of the USA Rugby All American Team.  This is such an outstanding honor that it deserves it's own blog post.  So, stay tuned for that.

Our youngest granddaughter, Ava Grace is performing in "The Witch, the Lion and the Wardrobe" put on by the North Dallas Performing Arts.  That too will be another blog story that I can't wait to share with you.

While at last night's performance, I had a chance to actually meet one of my favorite blogger friends for the first time.  That was so special to me and also deserves it's own space and time.

But, the subject for today is.......

On Saturday, Granddaughter #2, Cassidy and I worked together on a "project" she needed to do for her boss.  Before I get into that, let me tell you about what she does and who her boss is.

Cassidy is assistant to a professional beauty and style blogger, Instagramer, YouTuber - Dani Austin.

Picture Source

Dani Austin

Another day I want to share with you about a new venture Dani and her husband, Jordan have going.  A tease phrase is "SASSY MAMAS."

But, for this post, I'm focusing on what Cassidy and I did together for her on Saturday.

Before any worthwhile undertaking, there must be food involved.

We went by one of Cassidy's favorite breakfast places, Juice Land for a smoothie and something healthy to eat.

Our project today was to reorganize the pantry and master bathroom in Dani's house.  She and Jordan have only been married a few months and just haven't had the time to get things situated.  Thus, the projects.

This is what greeted us when we entered.  How cute is this.  And these little bags were full of fun makeup things as you can see below.

Isn't this cute?

Contents of Cassidy's bag.

The apartment is just as pretty as it can be.  Dani has covered on her Instagram and blog how she went about decorating the apartment.

When I looked around the kitchen, I suggested we do a bit of reworking in there first.  I wish we had taken some before pictures, but I didn't.  So these are only after we waved our magic wand.

We set up a beverage station and relocated all the things pertaining to that.  I then set up a food preparation area where we put all the spices, cooking dishes, measuring cups, etc.  It just makes sense to have everything one needs for a particular purpose in one area.

We cleared off the counter top and island which gives a much more open and clean space, not only for cooking but for eating as well.  Also, Dani does a lot of her modeling photography in her home, so she needs clean, clear spaces in the background.  We were very pleased with the result.  In fact, I was able to participate in one of the Instagram stories, which was both scary and fun.

We decided the pantry would take more time and storage items than we had, so we moved on up to the bathroom.  Cassidy will take care of the pantry today, and I'm sure it will be displayed on Instagram as well.

Being that Dani promotes various products and brands, she is inundated with free items from these companies.  So, what to do with all that stuff!

First of all we made trips to Bed Bath & Beyond and The Container Store for containers and organizers that we might need.  Cassidy then set about emptying all cabinets and drawers to see what we were dealing with.

She organized the tall cabinets according to use, putting all of the nightly cleansing routine items in one area, etc.  We shuffled these containers around as we felt they fit or were best needed.

We used tons of containers to contain loose items, curling irons, dryers, etc. in the drawers and under sink cabinets.

And this is the final after.

We and thankfully Dani were so pleased with the results.  I feel sure Cassidy will be blogging on this whole process.

We decided we made such a good team that we are going to open our own organizing business between Dallas and Shreveport.  We already have the black/white uniform thing going.  Just kidding.

WAKE UP & GET UP

During the worship service, and the pastor's sermon this past Sunday, the Lord gave me my own sermon.

Sometimes He does that and I delight when He speaks through His Word to me in this way.

The sermon topic was from Isaiah 52.

We know that at this time the people of Israel were being held captive in the foreign land of their enemies.  This wasn't of course of their choosing but because of the stupidity and  foolishness of their leader.  Isaiah 39 tells us about that.

Have you ever found yourself in a place of rejection and confusion, pain and despair not because of anything you did, but because of someone else's decisions?  Or perhaps it was something you did foolishly.  A poor decision on your part.

REGARDLESS!

During this time, do you feel that God is no where to be found?  That He has put you in a holding pattern for some reason?

Back in Isaiah 40, the writer talks about this period in our lives.

Verse 27 reflects how we feel sometimes.  "Why are you hiding from me Oh God, do you not even see what's happening to me?  Are you too great to even care about me?"

Then in verse 31, we get some assurance that God does care and in fact, tells us how to deal with the pain we are experiencing.

WAIT!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

THAT'S ALL?

I DON'T DO WAITING!

But, that's what He says we are to do.

"Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."

I don't know about you, but I don't wait very well.  I want to be busy doing something.  Something!!

In Isaiah 52 we are told what we can do.

While you are waiting,

WAKE UP

Don't just lie around in your depression and despair.  Open your eyes to the possibilities of the day.

GET UP

Get out of bed if possible every morning.  Get active.  Do something physical.  Move your body and eat something healthy.  Do something for someone else. 

CLOTHE YOURSELF

Get dressed.  Put on something that makes you feel proud of yourself.  You want to look your best in God's strength.  Then top off that outfit with God's armor.  His Holy Word!

SHAKE OFF THE DUST

Shake off all those things you have experienced.  Get rid of the bad memories that have a way of haunting us during the night.  Throw off the pain, the hurt feelings, the inadequacies.  RISE UP out of the dust of the past.

LOOSE THOSE CHAINS

Unlock and throw away those heavy, choking chains of resentment, depression, oppression, fear,

un-forgiveness, hate.  All those things have had held you down.

THE RESULT!

"MY PEOPLE SHALL KNOW MY NAME and that HERE I AM!"

I love that picture.

TA DA!  Here I am!  I am here and have been here the whole time.

SING A NEW SONG!

"How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,

Who announces peace and brings good news of happiness,

Who announces salvation,

And says to Zion,

YOUR GOD REIGNS!"

The beauty found after exile and release from despair;

The beauty found in awakening;

adorning ourselves in God's Holy Spirit;

removing the dust and chains that have held us bound,

result in

TRANSFORMATION - RENEWING

"DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YOU MAY PROVE WHAT THE WILL OF GOD IS, THAT WHICH IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT."

Romans 12:2

Paul tells us the same thing in Chapter 13 of Romans that Isaiah did .

Awaken from sleep
Lay aside the darkness
Put on the armor of light
Behave properly
Put on the LORD JESUS CHRIST!
Make no room for the things of the world that pull you down.

That's it, plain and simple.

But, not always so easily done.

That's where the steps we take each day are so important.

May God's Holy Spirit by your adornment one day at a time.

Wellness Wednesday Series #3

Special Guests

I can't recall how I came across this blog, but I think it may have been fate.  Sean of the South is a writer.  But not just a writer.  He is mostly a story teller.  The story I'm sharing with you today struck a cord with me because it's about a young man who lives in a town where I used to live - Houma, Louisiana.

It isn't just another story; it's an amazing story of a  Smile.

After you finish reading this story, you may also want to visit around on Sean's Radio Show for some Blue Grass music if you like that sort of thing.

Or, you can check out the long list of stories in the Archives.  If you are a dog lover, you will cry over this one - Old Dogs.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South.

And, if you are a Southern Lady or even know one, or maybe even desire to be one, you will enjoy hearing and seeing Sean describe one.

Sean has written several books that you may want to check out, but, when you need to read something short and meaningful or funny, or nonsensical, check out Sean Dietrich - Sean of the South

Feeding the Mind

Ok, I might have fudged a bit with this heading, because what I am sharing with you not only feeds the mind, but also the soul and spirit.

FAMILY

Tomorrow, Dick and I are going our separate ways.  Literally, not figuratively.

At 10:00 AM, I will leave him at the Terminal at Love Field in Dallas to fly to meet our son and grandson in Denver for a few days.  I will then drive a little piece to our daughter's house to spend those same few days with her and the family.

Grandson Jackson has been selected as one of 50 of the country's best college Rugby players from the East to join 50 others from the West.  It is going to be an exciting time when these best of the best college athletes meet up for this elite USA Rugby Men's Collegiate All-American Selection Camp in Glendale, Colorado.

I am thrilled that Dick will be there with John to watch Jackson in this most brutal, hard-to-watch, violent sport.  Geaux BIG BOY!  We are so proud of you.

In the meantime, I will be getting to see my Dallas daughter and three granddaughters.  I am especially looking forward to seeing the youngest, Ava Grace in the North Texas Performing Arts performance of...

I am also looking forward to meeting my first Great Grand Dog.  Chandler and Brad adopted a Golden Retriever this weekend, Sampson Cunningham.

So, these next few days will definitely be a time of feeding our mind, our body, and our souls.

Have a great Wednesday and be Well!

Linking to
Sharing the Journey

"That's Me"

Do you have an outfit or item in your closet that you just like to look at?

When you see it, you think, "That's ME!"

Three years ago, I was looking for something that felt just right for our 50th Wedding Anniversary Open House.  It wasn't going to be a real big affair, but I wanted it to be special for not only us but all the family and friends who came.  My outfit needed to be comfortable for moving around and doing lots of hugging.  And it didn't need to too fancy or too casual.

When I found this top, I told the sales lady, "That's it!  That's me!"

I loved the colors and I knew the comfort of this loose sheer top would wear well without any fuss.

I was right, it was perfect for loving on a granddaughter,

 and greeting so many special guests in our home.

Last year, we had a family gathering down south.  Again, this great loose tunic came to the rescue.  I wore it a little more casually with a pair of crop pants.

On this occasion, my only accessory was a neck brace.

I have worn it numerous times, but thought I would share it with you one more time.

This is what I wore Sunday to church.

Because I don't think the top requires a necklace, I feel these long earrings are enough to make a jewelry statement.

Do you have a "That's Me" outfit or top?

Linking up with
Restyle Tuesday
Turning Heads Linkup

Saturday 9: Along Comes a Friend

Along Comes a Friend

Saturday 9: Along Comes a Friend (Theme from Kate and Allie) (1984)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song is the theme from Kate and Allie, a sitcom that ran from 1984 to 1989. Were you a fan?

No, I am not familiar with this sitcom, thus not a fan

2) The show was about two divorced women who live and raise their children together. Were you ever a single parent? Were you raised by a single parent?

No to both questions

3) Allie is proud that she can make a perfect cup of coffee: "Just the essence of the bean. No acidity." Kate is proud that she can belch the alphabet. What are you proud of?

The best thing I ever did was to marry my husband, with whom I reared the most amazing two now grown-up parents of the most special grandkids on the face of the earth.  And, I'm pretty proud of all accounts.

4) Kate and Allie share half of a duplex in Greenwich Village. Many episodes had them doing laundry in the basement. Where are your washer and dryer?

I have a designated utility room off the side and rear entry to the house.  It is small but very efficient.

5) Kate was played by Susan St. James. She was familiar to viewers as the "wife" in McMillan and Wife. Without looking it up, do you know who played McMillan?

Nope, another show I'm either not remembering or never knew.

6) Allie was played by Jane Curtin. She was one of three women in the original Saturday Night Live cast. Without looking it up, can you name the other two?

Again, no!  I have never been a Saturday Night Live fan.  Besides,  I'm thinking the 70's and 80's just weren't good years for much TV watching.

7) On the set, Jane Curtin ran a poker game for the cast and crew. Do you think winning at poker takes more luck or skill?

Never played poker, so this is another "Not applicable" question.

8) The Kate & Allie theme was cowritten and sung by John Lefler.  Years later, Mr. Lefler wrote the theme for the Pokemon show.  Is anyone in your life into Pokemon?

Not currently, but years ago, yes.

9) Random question: What's the last thing you whispered? 

There is absolutely no whispering in my house.  Reason?  Hubby has a hard enough time hearing what I say normally.  Enough said!

Have you noticed a theme of some form of "no" answer in this post?

Let me leave you with something positive from the 80's.

 

Wellness Wednesday Series #2

Dressing the Body

Black and white stripes never seem to go out of style and the designers just keep coming up with ways to reinvent clothing with this design.

I have several B/W stripe tops in my closet and never tire of wearing them.  A couple weeks ago while my friend Judy and I were on an excursion to fetch some fresh veggies, we found the neatest little boutique.  Sassafras Clothing and Gifts.  Cute name and a cute shop but they don't have a website to share with you; however, I have added contact info below.  They have some really cute clothing and gift items all at great prices.

When I saw this light weight black and white stripe tunic for $34, I knew it was leaving the store with me.

I really like the length and the way it hangs, and it is so comfortable.  I am wearing a size M and find it fits perfectly.

I dressed it up with a pair of black leggings, cute sandals and a pretty necklace.

There are so many ways to wear this top other than as I did for church Sunday.  I have worn it with black and white crop pants and jeans, and even blue jeans.  It would be so cute with colored leggings or jeans. You can also change the shoes and jewelry and have a different outfit every time.

You can never go wrong with black and white stripes.

Contact info:

Sassafras Clothing & Gifts

Address: 9824 Mansfield Rd, Shreveport, LA 71118

Phone: (318) 686-3900

Healthy Eating & Recipes

We are always trying to find ways to fix chicken that fits the criteria for our eating requirements.  Last week, I found a recipe for Spinach Chicken Casserole.

It was not only easy but delicious.  I will be preparing it again today for out-of-town lunch guests.

You can find the recipe HERE.

I combined it with some of the fresh veggies my friend and I had gotten - Lady Cream Peas, squash and tomatoes for a delicious and healthy summer dinner.

Special Guests

I want to share with you a new blog I have just recently started following.

Blog Header Source

The Charm of Home

The first time I visited this blog, I sensed something different.  There was a sense of peace and calm that seemed to emit from this blog, if that is possible.  I just knew there was something special about being on that site.

Sherry, in telling about how her blog evolved, gives this testimony:

"This post is not about me. I am revealing the Glory of God to you so that it might help someone."

At least once a week, she shares a scripture passage and what it means to her.

I particularly enjoy these posts and the pictures she attaches.  She also hosts a party on Thursdays entitled "Home Sweet Home" where you can share posts of what you have been up to.

Blog Post Source

Sherry explains that her blog started out as a decorating blog, but in 2016 she read her Bible.

That statement caught my attention and from that point she had me.

Her introduction explains it further.

"I am Sherry the author of this blog.  Wife and mother to three boys, living a dreamy cottage lifestyle in my camera lens.  I am a lover of Jesus, like to take pretty pictures, and I especially love to have tea! "

Blog Post Source

And indeed, her pictures are beautiful. and I think you will not only enjoy visiting with my new blogging friend, Sherry, but also receiving inspiration and encouragement while sharing a cup of tea.

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving"

Psalm 69:30

May you have a week full of Wellness!

Linking up with
Sharing a Journey

After the After

My house after a few switch-a-roos.”

A few weeks ago, I posted my major Before and After changes in my house.   If you missed it, click HERE

A few of those changes have now been adjusted to

"After the After!"

If you recall, I had put the sofa table on this short wall just inside the back and side entry only as a temporary fill-in.  We no longer wanted it behind the sofa and it was a bit dated.

We decided to take the table to a nice local consignment store instead of just keeping it until I found something else.  So off it went.

With a now empty space, my co-decorator husband had a great idea to move the foyer table to this wall.

Before

After

We liked it enough to leave it, so that led to other changes.

With the taller table, the mirror needed to be raised.  The ceilings are 12' so raising it filled in this space well. 

I also added a couple taller pieces to the table as well.

The metal urn was moved from above a cabinet in the sun room.  It compliments the metal vase and I like the way it repeats the colors in the greenery of the arrangement.

The porcelain ducks were a gift from one of my "adopted" sons many, many years ago, and still holds a special place in my heart.

I'm not real happy with this arrangement, but I just don't have any place to store my mother's small punch bowl and this heirloom lead crystal bowl.  Besides, I like to see them, so they will live here for now.

I'm not sure this is the last and final piece of furniture on this wall, but it does relieve the pressure to find something before I actually find the "right" thing.

We were never happy with this low curio cabinet on this wall.  It blocked our pathway to the hall and it just never felt right.

So, we moved it to fill the empty spot in the foyer.

It now holds some of the crystal pieces that were on the bottom of the other table as well as some of my white pottery pitchers.  The small crystal dish on top holds our front door keys.

It seems to be somewhat happy here, but I'm still not sure this is the final piece for this entry either, but it works for now.  There may be another switch-a-roo in the future.  Who knows.

And, this is where I put the new painting I did.

I absolutely love these colors in the entry way.

While at HomeGoods the other day, I found this gorgeous vase and it cried to come home with me.  Never one to upset a beautiful piece of glassware, it found a home right here.

The sun shining through the front door brings out so many lovely hues in this pretty addition to my entry way.

So, that's my 

"After the After!"

What do you think?

Linking to
Amaze Me Monday
Inspire Me Tuesday

Saturday 9 - Love Is All Around

Where were you in 1970?

I was trying to figure out how to be a mother to this adorable, rambunctious one year old while anticipating the birth of his little sister.  It was a busy but wonder-filled time in our lives.

Saturday 9: Love Is All Around (1970)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song is the theme from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, a sitcom that originally aired from 1970 to 1977. Were you a fan?

Yes, I watched it some when I had time in the evenings.  That was a busy period of time.  I mostly remember them as reruns.

2) The song tells us that Mary Richards can turn the world on with her smile. Yet the real-life Mary Tyler Moore said she was uncomfortable with her "wide mouth." If you could improve on one of your facial features, which would you choose? 

My nose.  But it really isn't something I'd ever want to change.  It is me.

3) We also hear that Mary can "take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile." What do you think makes a day "a nothing day?"

I suppose it would be one where there was nothing planned and nothing to look forward to. 

4) Mary works in the newsroom at WJM. Her desk is neat as a pin. Are you neat? Or do you lean to the sloppy side?

I can't abide clutter, so my house (except for this desk at the moment) is usually neat as a pin.

5) Mary's best friend, Rhoda, worked as a window dresser at Hempel's department store. What department store did you most recently shop at? What did you buy?

The last time I was in a department was months ago.  It was Dillards and I bought a pair of shoes.

6) Mary Richards lived in Minneapolis. What city is nearest to where you are right now?

I live in Shreveport, the 4th largest city in my state of Louisiana; however, the largest city near me would be Dallas, Texas.

7) Originally the part of Mary Richards was written as a divorcee, but in 1970, there were no TV shows that centered around a divorced woman. Think about the women in your life. Are most of them married, divorced, single or widowed?

Most are married, but sadly, there are more and more of my friends who have become widows in the last year or so.  That's what happens when you and your friends were born in the early 40's.

8) The MTM production company logo featured a mewing kitten. The cat was found in a Minneapolis shelter, and, after her sequence was shot, she was adopted by a crew member who named her Mimsie. What's the name of the last cat -- or dog or hamster or rabbit -- that you petted?

As I don't have a pet, the last one I petted would be my sister's cat, Ellie.  This is that beautiful, spoiled baby.



9) Random question -- Would you rather have a job that kept you seated on your fanny or standing on your feet?

I DON'T WANT A JOB!!  I am loving retirement too much to even want to pretend.  But, since my back won't let me stand for very long in one place, my pretend job would have to be sitting on my fanny.