Vintage Girl 1960

The Haywood Family Reunion was the first weekend in June so we headed to Georgia.  The weather was perfect.  The last time we were together all the children of Wes and Agnes Haywood were still alive, my daughter was in college and there were no grands and just a few other "littles" running around. On this perfect June, Spring-like day, we made our way down rural Middle Georgia back roads to Be At Peace Farm. This little piece of paradise belongs to my cousin Pam.  It's very close to where we cousins grew up on holidays, fishing, making frog holes in the sand, swimming in muddy waters, and exploring the country roads and woods around us.  It's close to where I was taught from the older cousins about the Birds and the Bees.  Notice the sign above.  My cousin is a beekeeper retired nurse and EMT. Much of what she used to build on the land came from the old home place of our Great Grandparents.  Tents were set up in case of rain....

  Right now, I have about 10 books on my kitchen table.    I've been so overwhelmed with feelings of darkness and despair that I've failed to see that there is a purpose in this season.    It is in finding I AM that I am able to find who I am.   While I am learning from HIM, I am continuing to consider the home. There's more that I will share in the days ahead, but today's message is simple.    I'm scanning the book by Jen Scmidt, Just Open the Door. At the end of each chapter, she give practical suggestions, Tidbits to Elevate the Ordinary.   These were some of my favorites.  (I may or may not have shared a post like this before.  It feels like I have.) Create a friendly and inviting front door area.   Maybe even paint the front door.  Put a new Spring wreath on the door.  You've seen mine before.  It says you're welcome. Personalize a message to your ...

Once again, I've been away.  I have few followers now and sometimes, I feel like I'm talking to myself or "Dear Diary."  That's okay because that's the reason I started my blog anyway. Since my last post, I've spent less time on Facebook and in Blog Land.  I've spent more time in my quiet place, thinking about my home, my life, my relationships with God and others.  We've changed communities-not as in where we live, but where we attend church and fellowship with other believers.  I didn't think it would be hard, but it has been.  There's so much I miss, however it was necessary for many reasons that I won't go into.  So once again, I've felt disconnected.  We've started a Bible Study group with a few ladies in and out of the church.  Being together has been my salvation.  We are attending a small church that is more traditional than I like and as my husband says is the church as we knew it 40 years ago.  He likes it more, but ...

Spring has arrived, and I'm enjoying Summer days! I added a little green to my already Sunny Days vignette. I started working again at The Loft Outlet.  I enjoy it, but my back is giving me a fit.  I'm cuddling up each evening with ice and heat.  It was full weekend with much activity. Our first baby girl turned 5 on Friday. She had a Unicorn Birthday at Pump it Up. Oh my!  I had as much fun as they did.   Our little princess knows how to market attention.  At the end of the evening, after the presents were opened,  she rose from her throne and said,  "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please. I would like to say something.  'Thank you for the presents.  I loved everything. Thank you for coming." I just love her little personality.   You know they are all so different and  I love them all! Connor spent the night with us after the party...

Hello Spring! My sister-in-law made me this pretty wreath. I added the bird nest. It's been a beautiful week here in East Tennessee. Have you noticed that some words, thoughts, songs, titles of books seem  to be the buzz for a certain period of time? Certain sayings, "buzz" words, #hashtagwhatever? A couple of years ago, I was trying to find a particular book about interior design.  Amazoned-it and can you imagine the books out there on design? I was recently searching to find LaTan Roland Murphy 's most recent book,  Courageous Women of the Bible .   Of course, my mind new it was something about courage.   Can you believe the books written in the last few years on Courage? (hers is my favorite!) The buzz word now in the decorating world is #minimalist. I'm still reading, Cozy Minimalist Home. (along with about 5 other books) Joshua Becker wrote in his book, More is Less ,  "Mi...

The Upside of Down I was asked by several of my friends to share some of my feelings about depression.       My prayer has always been to help those who are struggle with the dark heaviness of chronic depression ,  major depressive and bipolar disorder. The overwhelming feelings may be mild or chronic, simple or complex and may last for a month, 6 weeks, 6 months, 6 years or what feels like 6 forevers. My whole life has been plagued with periods of extreme highs and lows.  Twelve years ago, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.  I started a blog called The Upside of Down. There really is an upside of down. I hope that as you walk with me on this journey you will find a message of HOPE and healing. I was depressed as a child.  I experienced bouts of depression as a teenager and young adult with episodes of mania and rage.  I questioned my salvation.  I questioned my sanity.  After the birth of my firs...

Does anyone else get amazed at our Sovereign God,  The All-Powerful Omnipotent One? Well, I am!  I shouldn't be. He's been more than faithful! Today just seems to be a day of revelation for me! A day when God shows me WHO HE IS! I often go through this thing with my purpose.  My thoughts become quite selfish... What am I here for? My life wasn't supposed to look like this? I thought you called me, God? I'm still waiiiiting.....? And when I think back over my conversations with God,  I'm ashamed.  It rings to the tune of "me, me, me, me, me." (Remember the warm-up notes in chorus?) God has been showing me over the past few weeks, a glimpse of His  purpose, and that it's not about me.  Hang on while I go there. It may be a long ride. Go back with me about 43 years ago... I was a 15 year old teenager at a little church camp in Adrian, Georgia.  I met another preacher's daughter with whom I instantl...