pieces of life {grateful}
Hello my lovely readers, and Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great holiday weekend. It’s always a little hard coming back to the routine after a time away. For the first time in several years, we did not travel up north, but instead had Thanksgiving at our home. My mom and dad joined us, and we cooked up a feast (much too large for four people, but the leftovers are wonderful!). It was a quiet, relaxing weekend… we napped, played games, played with the dogs, and enjoyed each others company.
On Friday, instead of hitting the mall, we headed to the field for a bit of hunting. I’m fully aware that these photos might offend some, because yes, those are real guns, and yes, the birds were harmed (killed, actually). However, I decided that I would rather be honest and 100% real with you, instead of trying to hide who I am and gloss over aspects of my life in a pursuit to be politically correct.
It was a beautiful day, and we really enjoyed walking the fields and watching Charlie (my parents Llewellin Setter) do his thing. It is truly amazing to see him work the field. He will run back and forth at lightning speed until he picks up the scent of a bird. At the first whiff, he freezes in a point, tail up and body quivering. We then get into position and my dad or the dog will flush the bird from the grass. When the bird is flushed, it flies, and then my dad or hubby will take aim and as soon as the bird hits the ground, Charlie is there to retrieve it and bring it back to us. Pheasant is a wonderful meat, and I am looking forward to cooking it up.
On Saturday evening after my mom and dad had headed for home, hubby and I went to the evening service at our church. Our pastor was speaking on the topic of gratefulness. It was a powerful and convicting reminder of the many things we have to be thankful for, and a good picture of what true gratitude should look like. We were reminded of the Israelites who, after being delivered from Egypt and the armies of Pharoh, grumbled time and time again against God (i.e. “We have nothing to eat!” so He sent manna from heaven. Then the manna got boring, and they grumbled again). Our pastor spoke of the fact that we live in a culture of complaining, and we die “in graves of craving”. We have so much, yet it is just never “enough”. So often we let our gratitude and joy bank on a circumstance or another person, instead of taking responsibility for our own gratefulness. Gratitude is not developed by getting everything we want. Just look at a spoiled child! They are anything but grateful. We frequently find ourselves in a place of waiting for a circumstance to change in order that we might be grateful (or happy), but it doesn’t work like that. We must learn to be content and thankful to God in everything. Life itself is a gift. There will always be trials, and pain. Gratefulness in this life will always be in spite of something.
I know I’ve gone a bit beyond the “normal” realm of blog content today, but I feel this is an important message. So I will leave you with this passage of scripture.
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
Habakkuk 3:17-19
I’d love to hear your thoughts today on this topic, or anything else you’ve been pondering.
curious thoughts {thankful for}
Today I took time to pause and consider the many things that enrich my life… the things I am so very, very undeserving of and thankful for. I pray on this Thanksgiving holiday that you have the opportunity to reflect upon the blessings in your own life. Even if it’s just a moment, stop and ponder the tangible and intangible treasures that surround you. I wish you and yours a warm, and wonderful Thanksgiving!
designers sketchbook {thanksgiving at home}
This time of year always inspires in me feelings of warmth and reflection. I watch as friends and acquaintances travel to and fro to visit family, and I am filled with that sense of comfort as I return home myself (or as is the case this year, as I welcome family into my own home). Thanksgiving at home, to me, is a picture of simple pleasures; coats hung is messy array by the front door, candles flickering on the mantle, time to snooze on the couch under a cozy throw, warm scents wafting from the kitchen, a crowded table filled with loved ones, and memories that will linger in your mind long after the last of the leftover turkey has been polished off.
(1) Pumpkin Ginger Sandwich Cookies by whimsy&spice | (2) Farmhouse Vegetable Cutting Board by Farmhouse Wares | (3) French Wire Place Card Holder by Pottery Barn | (4) Wood Coat and Hat Rack by Farmhouse Wares | (5) Cable-Knit Throw by Pottery Barn | (6) Birch Pillar Candles by Pottery Barn | (7) Leather Photo Albums by Restoration Hardware
happy birthday {1 year!}
One year ago today, this blog was born. My, oh my, what a year it’s been!! In 12 short months, we went from reaching just a handful of readers, to being read across the globe by thousands. I am blown away by the road that this blog has taken me on. More significantly, I am so grateful and blessed by the many, many connections and friendships that have developed here. Thank you. For reading along, and for joining me on this journey.
I find myself thinking of this quote from one of my favorite films, You’ve Got Mail. “The odd thing about this form of communication is that you’re more likely to talk about nothing than something. But I just want to say that all this nothing has meant more to me than so many somethings.”
A bit of reflection is always good for the soul, so today I want to share with you five of my favorite posts from the past year (not in any particular order of importance).
(1) Little Delights {Antique Postcard Collection} | I enjoy this post, not so much because of its great or profound content, but because it was one of the first times that I welcomed you into the cottage and showed you a snippet of my personal life. Additionally, I really love this collection, and to this day, it’s one of my favorite possessions.
(2) Thrifty Thursday {Book Art} | I have a strong affinity towards old books, and I tend to use them in my decorating. The best part is that they are often dirt cheap, and can really make a statement!
(3) Good to Eat {Potato Corn Chowder} | I am sharing this post mostly because I think the timing is just right. This soup is wonderful, and is really nice to have around the house when you have company during the holidays, or otherwise. It’s quick and easy to make, and is perfect for a lunch or even a light supper.
(4) Crafty Girl {Linen Pinboard} | This post (along with the Chalkboard Frame tutorial) continues to be one of the most popular blog posts here. Both feature a really simple project that has amazing results. I encourage you to check them out, and consider doing one (maybe on a smaller scale?) as a handmade Christmas gift for a friend or family member!
(5) In My Closet | I really have had a blast putting together these monthly style guides. I don’t consider myself to be very fashion-forward, but it’s been great fun to put together so many different looks (now, if only they were all really in my closet). I couldn’t narrow down my favorite, so this links to all of the style boards from the past year.
Looking ahead, I am so excited to continue on this journey with you. I am looking forward to growing as a writer, and I am actually considering taking an English or writing class as a refresher. I nearly majored in English, but changed my mind to graphic design. While I haven’t regretted it once, I find that blogging is truly a marriage of the two for me, which I love. However, I fully realize that my grammar and punctuation could use a bit of improvement. I have already given you my vision for the future of the blog in the welcome post when I launched b*spoke, so I won’t reiterate.
Instead I’d like to ask you, my readers, if today, on the 1st birthday of this blog, you would let me know what it is that keeps you reading. I know you’re a quiet group, but I truly love your input, and your comments always make my day. I’d love to hear what you enjoy, and what keeps you coming back here day after day.
Just a reminder that if you haven’t updated your blogroll, RSS feed, or links, the new blog address is http://bspokeblog.com, and the blog can now be referred to as b*spoke.
*birthday cake photo by Daisy01101978
pieces of life {weekend bliss}
Hello my lovely readers. I hope you are doing well on this Monday morning. As I sit to write this (I always write the evening before I post, so it’s Sunday night right now), I am at the tail end of a quiet, simple and blissful weekend. There wasn’t anything particularly exciting that occurred, but I really enjoyed my time. On Saturday I did a bit of work for the design studio, catching up on orders and working on details for our upcoming launch of calendars, calling cards and kids birthday party invitations in December. It was a perfect day outside, with sunny skies and mild temperatures, so I made sure to get out and enjoy it. The hubby, Emmy and I walked to a park near the cottage and played a bit of fetch. Em is a rocket, and time and time again proves to us that we should really be channeling her energies into something more than lounging on the couch. I was able to catch up on some chores, and tackle a (long-awaited) sewing project. I even got to take a nap on Sunday afternoon. In all of its quiet simplicity, this weekend was just what I needed. I feel refreshed, and ready for the week ahead. I have some fun posts planned in the next few days, so stick around!
How was your weekend? Are you able to start the week refreshed, or feeling a bit frantic as you prepare for the holidays? Is anyone getting ready to travel out of town for Thanksgiving?
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