Eclectic Pinks

I cannot believe that it is time for Pink Saturday already!  Baby, where did the week go?  

Last week I was counting the weeks until my daughters wedding and now we are at six weeks out. Can you say stressed?  We've had a busy week.  I thought that I would show you some of what we've been up to this week as well as a few other pictures that I am throwing in.  Today's post is somewhat a reflection of me - a little scattered and a little pink (well, maybe a lot pink...for that matter, maybe a lot scattered).

I was almost out of dish soap this week so I went to our mall (Wal Mart) to get some soap and imagine my delight when I saw that there was PINK dish soap!  Do you ever buy anything because of the color or am I the only one here? (Tell me I'm not alone).  

Although I don't make it a point of collecting cookbooks, it might appear that way because I have a "few" (the only problem is they don't cook for me).  Anyway, I had to have this one because it was....you guessed it...PINK!

Now to show you one of the wedding details we were working on this week.  Thank goodness for friends.  One of my friends offered to make our invitations and then we had an "invitation party"!  I had some friends over and we hole punched, ribbon tied, stamped, and layered and addressed the invitations.  They will be going out today.  

I didn't know that the post office had wedding stamps.  We chose this wedding cake stamp.  Isn't it pretty?

Well, lovely PINK ladies, I have more wedding details to work on.  But, before I go, I think that I am going to quiet myself and reflect on all the blessings I have been surrounded with - including you!

I am linking up with Pink Saturday at howsweetthesound.typepad.com 
Show and Tell Friday at romantichome.blogspot.com
and
http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com

As Paula Deen would say, Happy Pink Saturday, y'all!

A Gathering Place Giveaway

One of my most favorite blogs is The Gathering Place.  It was the pink and shabby chic look that first drew me there, but it is Rebecca and her loveliness that shines through that makes me want to stay.  Look at this amazing giveaway she is doing.  Make sure that you go over to her place and enter a chance to win.

http://rebecca-gatheryeroses.blogspot.com/

Happy Pink Saturday Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday to you, miss Beverly!!  You have created such a special place on the web!  Thank you for allowing us to share our love of pink, to build relationships and encourage each other through our warm messages!   May you have many, many more!!Happy Pink Saturday everyone!

May Woman of Hope
Cindy Adkins
What gives you the most hope?
I think what gives me the most hope is that I know that there are so many truly good people in this world.

Tell us about yourself.

I am an artist and through my creativity, I hope to touch people in a personal way.
What do you consider your gifts?
I think my gifts are that of creativity and that of reaching others because I truly care what happens to people. I would say that my spirituality is my core.
I have enjoyed many of your creative gifts. What is your favorite way to be creative?
My favorite way to be creative is through mixed media art, but also, through writing and music.
What do you do to relax?
To relax, I go to the beach—I have all my life—and that is my joy. And I love to dance, so I am truly “home” on the dance floor.
What is your favorite saying or verse?
Oh gosh, Holly, it’s Jeremiah 29:11! Do you want to know where and when I heard it the first time? I was in a church parking lot in 2005 and a woman was telling me about her life and she told me the verse. Later, I got home and looked in my Bible, but could not remember which verse it was. I made several calls and it took me a week to track it down! I kept thinking, “I know it’s there!” I had to find it!
What color is hope for you?
I would say pink, but I have always been drawn to cobalt blue. I think it is dramatic and really beautiful.
What is hope to you?
Hope to me is the love that people have in their hearts. There are so many good and selfless people in this world.
Anything else you would like to add?
Yes, I have an amazing art story to tell you. But, when you hear it, you will know it is about art and spirituality combined. In September of last year, I bought some glitter glue. The night I bought it, I wanted to know how it worked. So, I dabbed it on a little card and put it on a shelf in my kitchen. An hour later, I picked it up off of the shelf, looked at it--and it was a picture of Jesus! I almost fainted. To say the least, this “accidental” piece of art is my favorite thing I have ever made. It gives me hope.

I am so excited!! I try to schedule the monthly special Woman of Hope toward the end of the month and it just happened to correlate with the celebration of Beverly’s wonderful Pink Saturday celebration! Many of you know about Cindy Adkins from http://cindyadkinswhimsicalmusings.blogspot.com/. Not too long ago she was the featured Pink Saturday girl. If you missed her interview, she allowed me to share it with you again. Below are a few extra questions that I posed to Cindy. I think you will enjoy this amazing and wonderful woman!

Can you say embarrassing?

Do you know what going to the chiropractor and humility have in common?! Everything!!
Having to be adjusted in a place that happens to be in your cheeks (and I’m not talking about the ones on your face) is more than embarrassing. Then when lying on your front and the Dr. is standing at the end of your feet and looks from the bottom of your feet up to (I’m not sure where but I’m guessing my back end) to make sure your aligned. It’s at those times that you really wish you had stuck to your “eating healthy” kick. Heavy sigh… Today was my monthly visit to the chiropractor and it was like all the others. Next, he was loosening up the muscles in my neck. I know that my grimacing face was so attractive as was my saying, “Owww” and “that hurts.” I then said to him, “You know what the best thing about this is?” He asked what and I said, “NOTHING!”
How was your day?
women / stress

Celebration

This weekend was a time of celebration! My daughter graduated from high school and is now ready to embark on the next journey of her life. As I think back over my children's lives and the positive people that have influenced them, I am so thankful.

When we think of the important people in this world, it is really the people that were important to us in our world because they made such a difference in our lives.
Try this quiz:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is that none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel, appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The people who have made a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They’re the ones that care. Now take a second look at that second part of the quiz. Reach out to those people and validate them before it’s too late!

Presenting The Dog Ate My Homework and Repurposing

Well, you've heard the saying, "The dog ate my homework" and thought, "Yeah, right."  In our family that would be true.  In fact a couple of years ago a young lady stayed at our house to take care of our dogs and one of them really did eat her homework. Most recently one of my dogs (It's a conspiracy.  I just know it is.) chewed, no, tore apart, no, demolished my day planner.  It wasn't just any day planner - it was pink. Sigh.  Because my planner tends to be my brain, I needed to get another one.  Have you ever tried to buy a planner in the month of May?  It is nearly impossible.  Certainly, you cannot get the planner of your choice unless you are willing to pay a lot for it.  I am not.  So, necessity being the mother of invention, I bought a planner and recreated it.   I used scrapbook paper and traced around it and then glued over the front cover.  Next I took a sweet note that I had received from Betty, our swap hostess for art dolls at Roses on My Table and layered it on.  Then added a couple of more sayings as well as the Eiffel tower.  I added some lace, pearlescent heart confetti and sealed the edges in glitter glue.  I think I like it.  What do you think?
Please stop by and say hello to Beverly and the other pink ladies.  Beverly is getting ready to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of pink Saturday.

I LOVE a deal

We were driving home and I told my husband, "I bought myself something today."  He shook his head as if to say, "I'm listening."  I said, "I bought a necklace."  I watched to see if his face changed expression, but it didn't.  I then said, "It was a dollar."  I watched his face again.  Don't tell him, but I'm pretty sure that his face relaxed.  LADIES, DO YOU NOT LOVE A DEAL?!  I mean, look at this necklace?!  Can you BELIEVE that it was only a DOLLAR?!  It is so cute!  I cannot wait to wear it.  Oh, wait a minute!  I don't have anything to wear with it.  Oh, darn it!  I guess I'll have to go shopping. . .

Just like a kid in a candy shop...

I was just like a kid in a candy shop today only I was at the library. Last week I went to check out a couple of books and the lady (very nice and helpful by the way) told me that we could check out 50 books at once if we wanted to. Big mistake telling me that. So, I decided to make a list from my Amazon Wishlist (which is now over 9 pages) of books to get on inter library loan. Well, the library called me today to say that some of the books were in. Woohoo!! It was a great day!!

I love libraries! My grandmother lived on Main St and right across from her was the old library. I can remember crossing the street to go and see what wonderful new adventures I might find. I loved reading then and I love it now. I can remember walking across the wooden floor trying to keep it from "creeking" because we were supposed to be quiet in the library. The librarian would give me a look...and then wink at me. Sometimes I would check the books out but often I would stay and read while I was there. Nancy Drew were some of my favorite books. It looks like I am going to be busy. I'll let you know how it goes. For now, I leave you with this quote:
Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. ~Charles W. Eliot

Don't You Just Love Kids?

Today was field day at school and I was running the long jump for the kids.  I was holding a clipboard, pencil, 2 Ziploc bags,a yardstick AND my coffee.  I was getting ready to measure the jumps that each student made when I needed an extra hand.  I saw a 3rd grade student and asked if he would hold my coffee.  I told him that I didn't ask just anybody this because it was the most important job.  Shortly after that his mom came to remind him to line up for the long jump and he said, "Mom, I can't.  I'm holding Mrs. Lewis' coffee and it's the most important job.  Don't you just love kids?!

Where Women Create

Does this room make me look messy?  I was in my "studio" tonight and was waiting for my latest project to dry and decided to make good use of my time, so I took pictures of my inspiration board and work table.  Kind of scary, isn't it?  I love my board, though.  It is jam packed full of ideas. Rather than take something down from my board, I like to use the "layered" approach and pin up the newest idea.  Next is my table.  Wow.  Now that's a conversation piece.  Every once in a while I clean it up only to see it taken over again with the latest project.  Do you think they will let me be in the magazine Where Women Create?  I wonder if we could start a magazine called She Is Messy but oh so creative. Kind of sings...don'tcha think? Would you be in it too or am I the only one?  hello? . . .

It's the Pinkest

A few of months ago I was perusing blog land and happened upon the most delightful blog called the beehive cottage.  You should go check her place out - she is another one of those inspirational women! (Don't you just love the internet).  Anyhoo, she had posted about homemade laundry soap that she has been doing for months now.  I decided to try it.  Now, anyone who knows me well knows that it can take me months to "do" an idea. Well, I decided that with it being Mother's Day and all that it would be a good day to do something "homey" and "domestic".  It felt good, smelled good and even looked good....not good enough to eat but looked good in the sense that it was.......drum roll please.....PINK!  Some of the ingredients (okay, one, but still...) were pink, the blender that I used was pink and the container that I put it in has pink roses.  Can a girl go wrong here?  I think not. You have got to check out the pictures.  The recipe requires just a few ingredients and if you live in a big city, you should not have any trouble finding the items.  If you live in a small, out of the way, in the middle of nowhere (exaggerating a little bit here) town like I do, then you will probably have to drive to the big city to get the ingredients.  But, since that is what you do anyway when you live in a small town, you do more than just look for laundry ingredients.  You shop for all of the other things that you need and ignore the voice at the mall that keeps beckoning you to come see what's on sale.
Here is the recipe (courtesy of MaryJane from the Beehive Cottage) Thank you MaryJane!!

3 bars Fels Naptha Bar Soap - each bar is 5 1/2 oz.

(I LOVE TO USE PINK ZOTE THE BEST! USE 1~1/3 bars)

4 lbs. Borax

4 lbs. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

4 lbs. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

Mix and store in airtight container.

1 to 2 tablespoons per load.

I am joining Show Off Your Cottage Monday.  Please stop by to visit all of the lovely participants!

I had another epiphany

I had another epiphany.  The other day a student came to "tattle" on another student.  I called "the other student" in to talk to him and he was pretty sure that he might be in trouble.  I talked to him to see how he was doing.  We had a good conversation and then I mentioned "the incident" to which I asked him to give me his word and not do it again and always do his best.  The next day he put his name on my white board along with several other names because he wanted to meet with them and me to see how he was doing.  How cute was that?! (I love the innocence of children).  It struck me during this time that when the men in the New Testament were getting ready to stone the woman to death that Jesus did not condemn her but said, "Go and sin no more."  I believe that she could see His genuine care for her and truly did "go and sin no more" as best she could.  I believe that is was because of that moment in time that He chose to love rather than condemn her.  Then I thought of how many people were there to condemn her and only one was there to show her love.  That really made me think!  I want to be the one to show love so as to encourage them toward doing the right thing.  Our world is tough enough.  There are already enough "Judge your neighbors" out there.  I want to be a "Love your neighbor."  How about you?  Have you loved your neighbor today?

Whose Your Mama

Happy Post Mother's Day!  I hope you had a wonderful day.  I sure did.   My beautiful daughter and future son-in-law got me a MOM bead to add to my Pandora bracelet.  My son who currently lives in Montana called and I got to hear his voice and catch up and I was able to Skype with my son and his wife in Lake Placid.  It was a great day!  So, my son (from Lake Placid) tells me that he has recently taken up the game of bridge.  He said that a lady where he works has been teaching people and this summer he will be playing with the "old ladies" from the retirement center.  I laughed because when I grew up my mother and her friends played bridge on Friday and they were the age I am now.  I used to love the month bridge was at our house because the ladies were dressed up, smelled good, and loved to hear what was new in my life.  And, because my mom loved to be a hostess, she always had incredible food and snacks.   I told my son that he was now going to get to eat great snacks when he plays bridge....don't they call peanut clusters the "bridge mix."  My mom always mixed peanuts and red hot candies together.  You should try that - salty and sweet together.  Well, I'm telling you, those "old ladies" are going to eat my son up!  They will love him.  He is funny and personable.  However, I am a little concerned because he tends to be a wee bit competitive.  When he was in middle school he was in a chess class and the teacher wanted him to show the class one of his chess moves.  He said, "Yeah, but can I win first?"  I guess it sort of runs in the family.  I don't like to lose much either.  That's why I only play games I understand and bridge isn't one of them.  To all of you wonderful and smart people who play bridge, I "pass".

It's Fun Being a Mom

First of all I want to say Happy Mother's Day to Beverly who hosts Pink Saturday.  Please visit her blog at howsweetthesound.typepad.com. 
People ask me what my favorite job has been (or I tell them), and I say "being a mom!"  I really do feel that way!  Today I was in a first grade classroom giving a counseling lesson and this little boy asked me if I was a mom (he gets points right there) and I said excitedly, "Yes!"  He said, "Well, Happy Mother's Day then!"  He then proceeded to hug me followed by the other children in the classroom.  Needless to say, it made my day!

Well, I was trying to think about what else I could post for this special weekend, I thought showing you something from my grandmothers would be fitting since they both loved pink.  I am certain that it runs in the family! 
This necklace was Mimi's.  I wish that I knew the history of this jewelry.  It is one of my favorite pieces.  I know that it is some type of enamel work.  It was probably bought in the 1920's or so.  I can remember going over to my grandmother's house and opening up her top dresser drawer that was full of jewelry (that must also run in the family) and I would pull out her jewelry box, wind it up and watch the ballerina dance up and down.  I love those memories.
My other grandmother, Grammy, loved pink the best.  She taught me to love crafts and everything pink.  She loved to paint her nails.  I always loved her dishwasher because the inside of it was pink.  Her bathroom was pink including the toilet, bathtub, sink and tile.  Nestled in one of the shelves of her bathroom was this Dresden ballerina.  I always loved this ballerina.  Every time I would go over there to spend the night she would run the bath water and put in those special bath beads that squeezed out "that stuff that smells good" and then dry me off with one of her special pink towels.  I would sit at her pink vanity chair and ask if I could get down the ballerina.  Of course, she always let me.  Thank goodness for grandmothers!  Thank goodness for mothers, aunts, and women who were like a mom to us. 
Happy Mom's Day everyone!
Mom hugs!!

Cindy and Alice

Alice in Wonderland is one of my most favorite stories. There are some wonderful quotes such as this one.



Alice laughed. "There's no use trying," she said: "one can't believe impossible things."


"I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."


How about you? Have you thought of the impossible but hopeful things? I have. Adventure is what keeps us going sometimes. We keep trying. Take blog giveaways for example. Have you ever wanted to win one? I have and I did! Not only did I win one, but two blog giveaways in one week! Why that is at least 2 impossible things and I am quite happy with that.


The first giveaway that I am going to share with you today is from Cindy at http://cindyadkinswhimsicalmusings.blogspot.com/. Cindy is always creating wonderful items to either give away or sell and is also a newspaper writer. (Where do you get the energy to do that?) She had giveaways all week long and I was one of the honored winners. I received this delightful matchbox covered in an Alice in Wonderland print full of heart confetti and tucked away in an organza bag. Isn’t it wonderful? Thank you, Cindy. You are so talented!

Repertoire

Someone near and dear to my heart is going through a difficult time right now. She is extremely gifted, an incredible leader and communicator. She honors people even when they need to be corrected and is respected my many. She went the direction she felt led to go only to meet a different outcome than what she expected. She was crushed. Have you been there? I have. Then not only did her circumstances not turn out how she had planned but another unexpected turn of unfortunate events came her way. What is amazing about this woman is that she continues to move forward and do the hard things. She continues to inspire women and do her work with finesse. As I think about her and her situation, I can’t help but think this experience will be something that will be in her repertoire. I know that when she has passed through this and is onto the next phase in her life that she will draw on this experience and show how God was present through this. I believe that God is allowing this experience to happen to her because He knows that she will use it to inspire and help others. How about you? Have you gone through one of those difficult times? Maybe you are right now. One thing for sure: God is faithful and will be with you throughout the whole experience. Trust Him. He has your back.

It was awesome

Last week we took our 5th and 6th graders to a much needed kindness retreat sponsored by Youth Frontiers.  This is the 4th year we have done it and it was, once again, awesome!!! It's about this time of year that kids become more unkinder to each other.  Well, I am pleased to announce that the outcome has been awesome!!  It never ceases to amaze me that the students that you think will never stand up and say, "I'm committed to this" are the ones who do.  We had kids crying and apologizing and one parent even told me that their daughter was receiving texts during the weekend that said "I'm sorry I have been so mean to you."  But, that isn't even the best part!  We have one student who is developmentally delayed and unfortunately there are a lot of students who aren't nice to him.  Well, today, I saw him put his arm around another young man (you know, one of those that I thought would never change) and pat him on the shoulder and this guy let him.  Not only did he let him, but he was even nice about it.  How awesome was that?!  There really is a lot of good in the world.  Isn't it nice when people touch our lives through their random acts of kindness?  It really was awesome!

April Woman of Hope

Happy Pink Saturday everyone.  I hope that it is full of blessings and that you are able to visit many of the amazing ladies who participate - especially our hostess, Beverly.  Today I get another distinct honor of sharing with you another Woman of Hope.  Her name is Elizabeth.  She is gifted in so many ways and has made me laugh (many times) until I cry.  I hope you enjoy Elizabeth's sharing heart and that you are able to glean something. 

This is a picture of the pond in their backyard that she and her husband put together.  It is full of lily pads and large gold fish and the sound of the water is mesmerizing.

 Here is a picture of some of her fruits that she has produced.

In the foyer you are greeted with a wall of crosses.

A peek inside.

Elizabeth and her husband rescue Dachsunds.  Meet Gracie.  I love Gracie. (I love you too, Iris and Spigot).

Elizabeth in her HOT PINK top - her color of hope.

Woman of Hope

What gives you the most hope? Knowing Jesus has my best interests and well-being at heart gives me such hope. I know that if I stop and listen I am more likely to follow his plan for me and less likely to go too far astray.
Tell us about yourself. I am a 50 year old wife and mother of two. I became a Christian late in life, but I was being groomed for a long time. My husband and I have been married for 22 years and we have a daughter who is finishing her first year in college and a son who is about to be a senior in high school. They are what I am most proud of and who I am most inspired by. Family and home are what really bring me joy. As far as my work life I have had a wide variety of jobs over the years. When I was in college I worked for two summers on the highway as a flag-girl, later I was a buyer of skiwear for a sporting goods company. I owned and operated a landscaping company for 22 years and a few years ago I decided to use my brain more and my body less so I went to Denver Seminary and got my Masters in Counseling. I have always loved people and my heart always goes out to those who are struggling. I believe that God called me to make this change in my life and I am now building my practice and loving the time I have to slow down and be more in tune with Him.

What do you consider your gifts? I believe that my gifts are compassion, mercy, and encouragement.
I have enjoyed many of your creative gifts. What is your favorite way to be creative? I have lots of ways that I enjoy being creative. I love, love, love, working on my house. My dad had a hardware store and I worked there for several years when I was a teenager. I learned to love all of the tools and gadgets and things that made things work. (Last week I was able to fix my washing machine AND my toilet and I felt like I had just painted a masterpiece!) My husband and I have worked on nearly every room of our home, sometimes going down to the studs and starting over. It is so fun to put it all back together and turn our house into a home. When I'm not revving up my table saw, I love to garden only now we do it for ourselves instead of for a living. There's a lot less pressure, that's for sure. When I got my bachelor's degree in Fine Arts I had the opportunity to draw and paint and sculpt. I really want to do more of that but currently if I feel like being quiet and creative, I pick up the knitting needles and make a little something, but I am far from being an accomplished knitter. I've got a long way to go there! Lastly, I love it when I can feel the creative juices flowing when I am sitting with a client, of course, that's really just the Holy Spirit giving me a new idea and that is just too cool!
What do you do to relax? I watch far too much TV (home and gardening shows, and movies mostly) and I read. Just finished Rob Bell's new book, Love Wins. Loved it!! Almost anything on the creative gifts list is relaxing to me too...even if it requires a lot of sweat and work, it is still relaxing to me, probably because it is so rewarding at the same time.
What is your favorite saying or verse? "Be still and know that I am God." Ps. 46:10 It is short, but it reminds me to slow down, stop, listen and know that God is with me and if He created the universe, He can handle my problem, whatever it may be. It just tells me to pause to reconnect to Him.
What color is hope for you? I love hot pink. It is bold and it reminds me of my favorite peonies that come up in spring, and spring always reminds me of hope.
What is hope to you? Hope is often defined as wishful thinking or a sense of optimism, I think it can definitely be those things, but it becomes so much more when you allow Jesus into the equation. His amazing love for all of us just assures me that everything, ultimately is going to be alright. Being secure in Him, allows me to be very hopeful.
Anything else you would like to add? One of the most important things that I have learned or come to understand is that God is so much bigger than we can fathom and he sees the big picture. When I stop thinking small and step back and get a different perspective of things I can face the harder things in my life. I also need to remember that my story and the story of those around me is not yet finished. There is more I can do and there is more that God definitely intends to do.