Sometimes...

...you have to stop and remember...you are not that stupid silly person you accuse yourself of being all too often....no matter how much you say it...God doesn't like it, no sirree, not one little bit.  You are heaven made and one of a kind...you are truly...

I am, more often than not, my own worst enemy.  I was looking through some jewelry makin' goodies and found these letter beads that I've had for years.  I wanted to make myself a longer necklace; one to inspire me...to make me feel special.  These letters kinda fell into place.  We ladies, each one of us, are unique individuals with our own special mix of character traits that make us 'one of a kind'.  A special kind...funny, smart, witty, wise, kind-hearted and caring, loyal, dependable, crafty, sly, charming, and sometimes down right mysterious!  Awesome isn't it?!  To know that no matter how many people there are that are 'oh so similar', there are no two exactly alike!  It kinda gives self worth a new meaning, doesn't it?!  I will wear this necklace often and remember...that I am unique and one of a kind...and you remember that too...okay?!

The Word Of God...Well, a little differently...

A while back, hubby and I were enjoying a sunny yard sale morning with hopes for many trerasures to bring home and we were definitely not disappointed! We found this wonderful old book...

Isn't it lovely just to look at?!  But the real treasure is INSIDE!  When I opened it up, I was hooked!  I asked how much they wanted for it and they let this treat go for a mere $0.50!  I think it was sold for more than that umpteen years ago...

See?  A whole $0.95!  It was published in 1928 and is a truly unique book.  The gentleman telling the story says that he was raised on a plantation and influenced by the Negro people he came to adore. He is not a racist, by any means and has only respect and admiration for them as well as a deep fondness.  This book tells Biblical stories as he learned them from the slaves who helped raise him and it is one of the most precious books I've ever read!  Here is the first page...

What an awesome tribute to black history!  Every word is handed down in love and laughter and I consider it an honor to own this book!  Here is a link with some wonderful information on the author~ http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/rbradf.htm

It was later turned into a screenplay but we all know that the original story in book form is priceless!  I have researched and found that this book is worth anywhere from $12- $300, depending on condition, but I'll be keeping mine because it makes me smile!  Happy Monday to you all!

So Far!

I'm come so far with this room re-do...but I have so far to go!  Well, I'm 'in for a penny-in for a pound'! I'm linking up to Donna's most awesome Saturday Nite Special over at Funky Junk Interiors.  Come on over and join these fab ladies and their rockin' projects!  And Donna's blog?!  Bookmark it, girlfriend...it is a REAL TREASURE!  And there is a matter of a GIVE-A-WAY going on too...The Rusted Chain has some of the prettiest jewelry EVAH!  I've got my eye on one very special one...something about being a happy chick...too perfect!

Remember this $10 find?!  And this $10 find, too...

And this one for $25?

They look lovely all in white now!

That spot of black is daughter's "Jonas Bros.' bag....oh, to be a tween!

Next is the view from her door.  I have this extra shutter just propped here...whatcha think?  A little shelf on the top and midway?  A keeper?  And the window isn't finished yet.  I have fabric the same color as her bedding to make curtains with.  Her comforter is really bouncing the flash off the camera making it seem brighter and lighter.  It really translates as a deeper tone.

I love this tucked in here on the other side of her bed...

Her dad put a desk in her closet and opened it up for us!  The length of this desk is almost 9 feet!  If that isn't enough play space, we're in serious trouble!lol!

I used one full sized flat sheet and this is what lead us to the 'sugared plum' wall color.

The front edge will soon get new trim!  And the best way to do this job is from here...

When I make the curtains, there will be enough fabric for 2 memo boards for over the desk also.  There is so much left to do!  I still have to paint the light fixture and decorate it with the beads I found...it will be gorgeous!  And there is a matter of a LOT more wall decor.  Of course...there are plugs and cords to hide and much to 'shimmy' up, but I am most pleased with my progress so far!  And Hannah?!  She LOVES it!  Any suggestions/ideas are so very welcome! 

O.K...I'm In!

Amanda over at Serenity Now is hosting a most awesome lil party!  While those that CAN attend Blissdom are enjoying all the festivities, Amanda has decided that we can partay like blog stars too!  She wants us to list five reasons why we think our blog is great and I think that this is just what I need to perk me up!

Here's my top five reasons....

1.  My followers are some of the sweetest, most inspiring ladies you'd ever want to keep company with.  YOU make this bloggin trip worth every single minute!

2.  My blog is unique.  It is unique in design because I made my own banner...which I love!  And it is unique because it is my own special mix of everything about homemaking!

3.  I'm not afraid to TRY!  I may copy many wonderful things others do but as we all know...it comes out a little different in the end which makes it mine.  And even if it's not perfect...I TRY!  Recipes, craft ideas, budgeting ideas...bring it on!

4.  I will be the first to admit that sometimes real life ain't all pretty things with sparkles and satin ribbons...just dirty toilets and half done craftiness...and I 'over-use' the dot-dot-dots~I like them!  Being REAL is important to me because we don't live in a perfect world.

5.  Last but never least is the fact that I'm not afraid to give the good Lord the praise for my succeeding at anything!  There is no real success in life without Him.  He is my foundation and my backbone.

Yep, I feel better already!  Thanks Amanda, YOU ROCK for allowing us to participate!

Pics of a few finished areas of daughter's room coming up this weekend!  And, btw, your prayers and positive thoughts have lifted me up more than you know!  My mama's favorite phrase for hard times was this...'This, too, shall pass'!  I love and miss you, Mama!

Adversity

Ever heard the phrase...'what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger'?! What do you do when all your sunny days change to cloudy ones?  How does adversity affect you? Does it make you stronger?  More determined? Or do you 'turn tail and run' or stick your head in a hole in the ground?!  Life isn't always fair, is it?  I'm going through a spell of this right now and I need YOUR help!  I need your prayers, good vibes, positive thoughts, and whatever 'good thing' you can send through the air waves in my direction.  I'm not going to give myself the luxury of running or hiding but I could use some help making sure my resolve is strong!  Your kind words give me strength to face uncertain times and determination to...STAY CALM AND CARRY ON!