Lampshade Redo

Well, this isn't the project I had planned on sharing. I got into a mess on that one ,so it is delayed until tomorrow. However, I thought you may like to see what I did with a $5.00 lamp from Dollar General.

I dry brushed white paint onto the base.That took about 60 seconds! The lampshade was just a plain cream color. I covered the shade with this vintage inspired fabric using a spray adhesive. To cover the rough edges I glued on some vintage ric-rac (love the stuff and have a stash of it). Added some sweet vintage buttons w/ hot glue. There you have it! I've linked my lamp up over at http://www.freckledlaundry.com/ for Air Your Laundry Friday.  Miss Mustard Seed is having a Featured Furniture link party http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/2011/01/furniture-feature-friday-favorites-link.html .I've linked up my chalkboard over there. Check these parties out !

 A sweet little butter dish. A gift from my daughter,Jessica over at http://rentedcottagelife.blogspot.com/. Perfect little jewelry keeper!

                              Jess is also having her first giveaway of a cute vintage camera. So,
                              get over there and get entered to win!
                             

My favorite vintage linen. I just love the colors. It has a little hole. I like to think that means it was someone else's favorite also. Don't ya just wish some of these old pieces could tell you where they've been and about the person who so lovingly created them.

Okay, here is a hint of what was supposed to be the project I was going to share. I screwed it up big time! What a mess! As much as it kills me to say it, I should have listened to my husband! It is on its way to recovery and more about that tomorrow.



Prayers Needed

 I will have a new project to show all of you tomorrow night. But to something much more important. Please keep dear Cindy and her beautiful mom, Susie over at http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/ in your prayers. Their family has received some distressing news.Susie has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.So lets lift them and their family up in prayer. Hugs to all of you! Tami

The Special Mother

I know this probably seems like a rather odd post for me. My mind was drawing a blank today of what to post, but yet I felt this strong need to do just that. I silently said to God that I knew i was to post today,but what? Immediately this came to mind. Perhaps there is a woman out there that needs to see this,I don't know.Maybe you know someone who will be comforted by it. God Bless!

The Special Mother

by Erma Bombeck

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit.
This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?
Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."
"Forrest, Marjorie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia."
"Rutledge, Carrie; twins. Patron saint, Matthew."
Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."
The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God, "Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."
"But has she patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it."
"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has her own world. She has to make her live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps - "selfishness? is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'". She will never consider a "step" ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle, and will know it!"
"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side".
"And what about her Patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.
God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."

I'm Exhausted ! How about you?

 I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. My family and I did. Now I wish I could hibernate for at least a week! Every year I plan on simplifying, but just can't seem to pull it off. I would love to hear any suggestions you might have on that matter.

Thought I'd share the chalkboard I made for my kitchen. My husband bought it at an auction a few years ago. It was originally a mirror. An extremely heavy mirror and about 6 feet tall. However it was being stored in the basement until we got around to restoring it. Yep, the mirror got broke!( I'm only 2 years into my bad luck so far.sighhhhhh) So with some white paint ,stain.and chalkboard paint, it became a chalkboard. A rather cool chalkboard,don't ya think?

Decided it needed  a little something ,so I added a paper wreath I made from some rather old brittle book pages. For just a little distressed bling, an antique button,old tinsel and ribbon! Just Right!!!

A Blessed Christmas to all ! May we remember the reason for the season.

Last Minute Gift Idea and More Favotite Things

 A new favorite! I found this vintage felt card holder in thrift store for only $2.50 ! I have no idea how this shop passes fire codes. There are heaps of stuff and no real organization.You have to walk sideways through most of it. Your first reaction once you are inside is to turn and run, unless you're like me. I can't resist the treasures that may buried in there and I mean BURIED.


                                                               

 I found this simple gift idea over at  http://theblissfullycontentlife.blogspot.com/  Pocket warmers,that just require some scrap fabric and rice. We made some for Maddie's teachers and neighbors. I recommend you stop over there and see some of Julia's other great but inexpensive ideas.

Sew pockets

Add rice and stitch closed. Pretty easy!!!!

                                          
                                                          

Heavens' Canvas

                 Last evening I happened to look out the window to see this gorgeous sunset.



                     As my granddaughter, Maddie would say "God painted the sky beautiful tonite." Yes    
                  Maddie, He did.
                                                  

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