tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19345790706841491032024-03-18T14:57:59.365-05:00A Gathering PlaceA BLOG dedicated to the Gathering of Thoughts, Hopes, Ideas and Dreams! A Gathering Place for shabby cottage chic decorating Finds, gently loved vintage complements and all things creamy white, soft pale pink and most of all, pretty! A place for those who need inspiration while working on both personal and business goals.
Additionally, a place where the sharing of one's Faith and life journey is encouraged and appreciated.Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.comBlogger1252125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-56095026486702935712019-09-26T09:06:00.000-05:002019-09-26T22:35:04.824-05:00GETTING BACK INTO THE STUDIO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z68Lxsz5Z-g/XYy52HWDCkI/AAAAAAAAf1I/ghuRW4vYqXgZPOanL7kkh2AS5mpiLy0pQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z68Lxsz5Z-g/XYy52HWDCkI/AAAAAAAAf1I/ghuRW4vYqXgZPOanL7kkh2AS5mpiLy0pQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I've worked so long at having a booth and now that I no longer have it I've struggled a bit </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">to really get back into my studio and focus! I've been so used to being busy, busy, BUSY </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">with full-on retail that settling down my mind has been a bit of a challenge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's so strange how you can slip right out of the groove of creating.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbR2POcyngo/XYy_B6e5GhI/AAAAAAAAf1U/vRXVxB7F2EMRIvhOWFK1xFI1zq89C6mawCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbR2POcyngo/XYy_B6e5GhI/AAAAAAAAf1U/vRXVxB7F2EMRIvhOWFK1xFI1zq89C6mawCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I've just been busy with life and then sometimes I forget the ongoing affection I have for </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">working with thread and needle will never truly go away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nor will my love for painting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm so thankful to be back doing what I love without the pressure of displaying and stocking </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">a large booth.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2119jk-WQw/XYy_SlZL-zI/AAAAAAAAf1Y/lDkuMV1RP1UhHSQJI0lxCIC7zxIn-abcgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2119jk-WQw/XYy_SlZL-zI/AAAAAAAAf1Y/lDkuMV1RP1UhHSQJI0lxCIC7zxIn-abcgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's funny though how you get out of a routine if you're not careful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But...life indeed moves us forward and these days I work with a different kind of intensity </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">and purpose. I just love making something from vintage fabric finds, snippets of old lace and </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">forgotten fragments saved from another's life...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Working with my hands is so rewarding.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iaAblseih1Y/XYy_acm6NyI/AAAAAAAAf1g/uTaRoTK_ef0ZGAR1_aqmj75n3T96S7f9ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iaAblseih1Y/XYy_acm6NyI/AAAAAAAAf1g/uTaRoTK_ef0ZGAR1_aqmj75n3T96S7f9ACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sometimes change is hard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Really hard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Giving up my booth (and it's fabulous location in the shoppe) was tough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Still...I knew it was the right thing to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In the Spring (thinking far ahead here!) my Mr. AGP Man is going to turn our small storage </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">shed in the far east corner of our backyard into a painting studio for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm very excited about what I hope will be a very inviting space!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycvsfqGLHGo/XYzALy3YYhI/AAAAAAAAf1w/W0WuTFInwK4wG7-RqKjwnFAVehMT7XvlwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycvsfqGLHGo/XYzALy3YYhI/AAAAAAAAf1w/W0WuTFInwK4wG7-RqKjwnFAVehMT7XvlwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I've found it's just too difficult to try and paint (I can be messy) inside my current studio </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">that houses sweet fabrics and trims! Time to rethink my work space(s).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So...whatever is going on in your life...don't give up on YOU or those dreams </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">spinning around in your head!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you're like me, sometimes I just have to take time to refill my empty "heart and head" with fresh </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">inspiration and then adjust my thought process in order to get through the tough days that </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">sometimes crash into my life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Blessings to you today as you make your way through the your own winding path...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love to you...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-25082158001750223952019-09-24T08:09:00.000-05:002019-09-25T14:05:28.646-05:00WISE WORDS FROM MAYA<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Gosh...I've had a really busy week! While I'm collecting my thoughts I decided to share with you this wonderful book-page quote from one of my very favorite authors...</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9YEJpNFDQw/XYoT2ld3MDI/AAAAAAAAfvY/5nTMKDj6QL8KPgU0uU3jky-HdKrJA2baQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/I013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1099" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9YEJpNFDQw/XYoT2ld3MDI/AAAAAAAAfvY/5nTMKDj6QL8KPgU0uU3jky-HdKrJA2baQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/I013.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">She's right about a warm hug or a friendly pat!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A friend stopped by this week and we had a few minutes of tender conversation. After she left I realized God is always on time with His encouragement and blessings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Still trying to trust the timing of my life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love to you...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-31527200343828319502019-09-17T09:56:00.001-05:002019-09-17T09:56:53.969-05:00WILL FARMHOUSE LAST FOREVER....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGiTEjpwLPs/XYDxzHl6-wI/AAAAAAAAfkM/8M9f7MeDWnEQ4dt_NOQIJuw85iRtF2iJgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGiTEjpwLPs/XYDxzHl6-wI/AAAAAAAAfkM/8M9f7MeDWnEQ4dt_NOQIJuw85iRtF2iJgCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0545.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When I attended the Dallas Wholesale Market a few years ago it was plain to see how much Farmhouse Style Decor had taken hold of the decorating world. Except for the extremely high-end showrooms </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: x-large;">there wasn't a single emporium/co-op that wasn't focusing on everything</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: x-large;">F A R M H O U S E!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I guess we can all thank Joanna G for that! Right?</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IggwnPMlfwA/XYDx7uFYTVI/AAAAAAAAfkQ/l5smbl22_NobLhYxXzb52rM8UbV2pAuawCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IggwnPMlfwA/XYDx7uFYTVI/AAAAAAAAfkQ/l5smbl22_NobLhYxXzb52rM8UbV2pAuawCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Everything I was selling in my own booth began to focus on that growing trend. It was getting more and more difficult to find companies that marketed to the cottage/shabby/pastel style home and unless I went online to shop I found myself on the other side of my favorite shade of blush pink...</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6rbUmk6Te0/XYDyIQX1lCI/AAAAAAAAfkY/L-PfffY8ggA-sqXfH87xrnRkgC7oa7SyQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6rbUmk6Te0/XYDyIQX1lCI/AAAAAAAAfkY/L-PfffY8ggA-sqXfH87xrnRkgC7oa7SyQCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">If you are a true lover of this style decor, I've found unless you shop specifically online, most physical stores do not carry it. Even Target's once overflowing aisles that were full of Rachel Ashwell's soft, pink rose designs have </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">dwindled down to just a few styles...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I walked into Hobby Lobby the other day and was BLASTED with all things black and white. If someone is looking for ART (something other than a lettered sign or a cow) they will find only a few choices.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvYBAMMPlyE/XYDyWtnzGmI/AAAAAAAAfkg/WAJmUwjCmxwt22SqAa1JcTteKpi6bWsUwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/House%2Bof%2BFriend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="781" height="153" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvYBAMMPlyE/XYDyWtnzGmI/AAAAAAAAfkg/WAJmUwjCmxwt22SqAa1JcTteKpi6bWsUwCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/House%2Bof%2BFriend.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">SIGNS.SIGNS.EVERYWHERE A SIGN.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">One thing for certain, things change. I remember when I first started my "home-based-biz" back in the early 1980's country style decorating was all the rage. Country blue and mauve come to mind and for course ducks...and geese. You had to have ducks on your canisters and heart shelves on your walls.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwLvIeDv1R4/XYDyua_xqOI/AAAAAAAAfkw/y8ji3TnRSqcVODVrBWjOv0m68MFZFV7WACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwLvIeDv1R4/XYDyua_xqOI/AAAAAAAAfkw/y8ji3TnRSqcVODVrBWjOv0m68MFZFV7WACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">These days I have found that the palest of pink Christmas Stockings with vintage laces still sell the best for me (people will never stop having baby girls, I g</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">uess) </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">while white remains a very close second. This pale pink <a href="https://www.rebeccavintage.com/itemView.php?catId=102&itemId=1994" target="_blank">Stocking</a> sold a couple of days ago...</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-im4FAvTXNDs/XYDyeavzzII/AAAAAAAAfk0/hWvl7MP2Q5YCwf6ElV3JXsKdvdRbk8v7ACEwYBhgL/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-im4FAvTXNDs/XYDyeavzzII/AAAAAAAAfk0/hWvl7MP2Q5YCwf6ElV3JXsKdvdRbk8v7ACEwYBhgL/s400/c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And then just couple weeks ago I filled a special order for 24 black and white checkered Lavender Sachet Stockings (<a href="http://www.rebeccavintage.com/" target="_blank">Booties</a>)...for a true</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Farmhouse Decor Lover!!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4AEO7ecB4I/XYDzAUsa75I/AAAAAAAAfk8/wHNzuZzhla0K83OCgT_bBKBGeIabOyQXgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4AEO7ecB4I/XYDzAUsa75I/AAAAAAAAfk8/wHNzuZzhla0K83OCgT_bBKBGeIabOyQXgCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/4b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Just like bell-bottoms, everything is bound to </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">cycle back again. Right?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Love to you...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">Rebecca</span></span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-6311736161733137032019-09-13T13:24:00.000-05:002019-09-13T15:23:03.079-05:00FORGIVE THAT HATEFUL WOMAN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nl0GnSz0Na0/XXvcqTmuulI/AAAAAAAAfes/6qamqG-hFe07l-xtaf0RnQ4M7N2ZlivTQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Kind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="323" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nl0GnSz0Na0/XXvcqTmuulI/AAAAAAAAfes/6qamqG-hFe07l-xtaf0RnQ4M7N2ZlivTQCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Kind.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A little over a year ago I awoke one morning with a weird pain in my left foot. After walking around for a couple of minutes the pain went away and I didn't have it again until the next morning. With each passing day the pain grew a little bit worse and by the time my Mr. AGPMan and I headed to Santa Barbara for our anniversary get-away three months later I was worried I wouldn't be able to walk on the beach with my beloved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Weird thing about the pain was I felt almost normal if I was wearing a wedge-type shoe. I just could walk flat footed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Anyway...after seeing three doctors (all with different answers!) I finally met with an orthopedic surgeon, had an MRI and was immediately told I had something called Haglund's Deformity. I was like, "Ummmmmm......WHAT?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The "deformity" had led to the tearing of my Achilles tendon and I was in bad shape. When I was told full recovery from the surgery was projected at twelve to fifteen months I truly felt sick at heart. TWELVE MONTHS???? FIFTEEN????</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Spinal fusion surgery was done on my neck only two years before following a car accident and I was NOT wanting to go under the knife again. I felt so low and was very depressed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The surgery went as planned...removal of excess bone at my heel and a nice 4" long incision now decorates the back of my left calf. Lovely. I will spare you the details and tell you only that I am NOT a good patient. Six weeks in a foot/leg cast is not fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I used a Knee Scooter to get around and I was thrilled when I was able to get out of my house and visit the new COSTCO that had opened in OKCity. Ahhhh....shopping! Nothing like retail therapy for recovery!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjCRb0a2JM8/XXvcqRQgNoI/AAAAAAAAfeo/ckAA2aXSeG4LF66BrZ8rujPD5ITt2_o0ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/forgive2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="151" data-original-width="311" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjCRb0a2JM8/XXvcqRQgNoI/AAAAAAAAfeo/ckAA2aXSeG4LF66BrZ8rujPD5ITt2_o0ACNcBGAsYHQ/s400/forgive2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I loved the store, but I tired out very quickly by the time we signed up for a membership and began to browse around the huge warehouse market. My guy continued to shop and I happily nestled myself near the end-cap of a fairly non-congested aisle. The store was super busy and in hindsight it was probably </span><strike style="font-size: xx-large;">not a good</strike><span style="font-size: x-large;"> a stupid idea to visit the store during it's first two weeks of operation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Lesson learned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">While my leg was propped up on the knee scooter I stood for quite a bit on my good leg/foot just watching the bustle of activity around me. It was then I noticed a woman and her companion trying to meander a VERY FULL CART down the aisle I was on. I scooted farther over to the left so she could get through, but another shopper to my right made it impossible for her to pass. People were in front of me and in back of me and to the side. I couldn't move...especially so since I wasn't fully mobile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was then the woman trying to move onto the aisle looked right at me and said this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"You need to move your (blanking) A**"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">(and a lot more vile and truly obnoxious, hateful things!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I was sooo stunned and shocked I didn't even know what to say. My hubby (who had come up behind me) responded with "Excuse ME, mam...but did you just say what I think you said?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Her reply...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"YES I DID!!!!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Mr. AGPMan's response was a mix of emotions...I will only say he was kind, BUT FIRM and basically scolded her for her foul mouth and unkindness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am NOT a young girl, but I could feel the tears well up and then drop from my eyes before I could wipe them away. I couldn't believe how rude and crass and completely oblivious she had been to one who was noticeably sideline/impaired.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I felt embarrassed and asked to be taken home. For sure the medication I was taking made me far more emotional than I would otherwise be, but I truly felt overwhelmed none-the-less.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In the two or so months since that visit to COSTCO I've been back at least three times. Last night we were there again and the same unpleasant memory made it's way back into my heart.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBzZdmVkGAg/XXvcqeueh4I/AAAAAAAAfew/QWOlMo-XgXc83JIjYbmbkpoBn3j9UzW8wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/forgive1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="451" height="291" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBzZdmVkGAg/XXvcqeueh4I/AAAAAAAAfew/QWOlMo-XgXc83JIjYbmbkpoBn3j9UzW8wCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/forgive1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm a fairly strong-minded person and I know people make mistakes and say things they don't really intend to say sometimes. I've said things during my lifetime I wish I could take back. I also know there are very mean people in the world who absolutely do not care about the feelings of others. I'm proud to say I'm not one of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My Mr. AGPMan (aka: hubby) reminded me of something when I brought up the incident AGAIN (for what seemed to be the ga-jillionth time)...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">He said "Forgive her, Babe. Even if you never know whether or not she is sorry..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I really hate it when he's right. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Time to move on! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love to you...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-45490709451680337282019-09-09T18:38:00.001-05:002019-09-09T18:53:52.062-05:00AUTUMN MANTEL and FALLING for FALL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eORPAkUCiUE/XXbe8guN6VI/AAAAAAAAfY4/2rkAcSPSLksNf-hzZ8DQxnQdiu39lufBQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190909_173258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1600" height="506" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eORPAkUCiUE/XXbe8guN6VI/AAAAAAAAfY4/2rkAcSPSLksNf-hzZ8DQxnQdiu39lufBQCLcBGAs/s640/20190909_173258.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">MANTLE DRESSED FOR <strike>FALL</strike> AUTUMN</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's another HOTTIE today in the beautiful state of Oklahoma! The high temps in middle America never cease to</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">WEAR ME OUT</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">OVERWHELM ME...</span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjIiGrVSY7A/XXbjZkbDVII/AAAAAAAAfZU/2f1RbrtafWULaygDS0Q7bca2au2Tx9j5gCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190909_173229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1600" height="354" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjIiGrVSY7A/XXbjZkbDVII/AAAAAAAAfZU/2f1RbrtafWULaygDS0Q7bca2au2Tx9j5gCEwYBhgL/s640/20190909_173229.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Today I'm back in my studio working on more offerings...still so excited to return to what a love doing most!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Working with old vintage linens, antique laces, shell buttons and tattered finds!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Hey...what is the difference between the words FALL and AUTUMN anyway?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I had to go look it up! I found the following on GRAMMARIST:</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yggrYuw1KNE/XXbjZ8mp0NI/AAAAAAAAfZo/FQ_TAcWtLmgkuksRj9o_6mrvt9gKPyCAwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190909_173220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yggrYuw1KNE/XXbjZ8mp0NI/AAAAAAAAfZo/FQ_TAcWtLmgkuksRj9o_6mrvt9gKPyCAwCEwYBhgL/s640/20190909_173220.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"Fall and autumn are both accepted and widely used terms for the season that comes between summer and winter. Some who consider British English the only true English regard fall as an American barbarism, but this attitude is not well founded. Fall is in fact an old term for the season, originating in English in the 16th century or earlier. It was originally short for fall of the year or fall of the leaf, but it commonly took the one-word form by the 17th century, long before the development of American English. So while the term is now widely used in the U.S., it is not exclusively American, nor is it American in origin."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I've read several online commentaries about both of these words and basically they almost all say that AUTUMN is just a more formal word for FALL!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Who knew??? </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Soooo...HAPPY ALMOST AUTUMN!</span></div>
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<i><span data-offset-key="9bk8g-0-0"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">(</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I did a post at least a couple years ago on How To Paint Pumpkins, but I'm not finding it. When I do I'll link it in the label section!)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></div>
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Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-86868509553452358702019-09-08T16:53:00.000-05:002019-09-08T16:53:26.345-05:00TELL CITY CHAIR FIND & ANNIVERSARY #41<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4ito3M3Mow/XXQ2oORknKI/AAAAAAAAfUE/mYCdRczCS8kZfbI7aizA7XLlqbFXw7v8wCLcBGAs/s1600/20190905_124738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1239" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4ito3M3Mow/XXQ2oORknKI/AAAAAAAAfUE/mYCdRczCS8kZfbI7aizA7XLlqbFXw7v8wCLcBGAs/s640/20190905_124738.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">SWEET TELL CITY ANDOVER CHAIRS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">My sweet La Chaumière de Briarwood looks best when she is dressed for Autumn... Just the style of our nearly 50 year old home ushers in a timeless look of simple beauty and charm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Several years ago I found three antique/vintage Tell City Ladder Back Chairs at a local Oklahoma thrift store. I desperately needed four and found another one up in Missouri (my late Momma and I made the four hour trip up north to get it and then back home again!)... If I remember right I paid only $28.00 each for the first three...but then had to paid five times that for the fourth one. Still a great deal as the chairs are now highly sought after and getting harder to find all the time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Anything with the TELL CITY logo has gone up in price and I'm sure will continue to go up in years to come!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xo6zpMX9594/XXQ3dAJji0I/AAAAAAAAfUg/gSLd9DIsrGwWXL-2qegg_ZMMUDVbBz6CQCLcBGAs/s1600/Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1081" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xo6zpMX9594/XXQ3dAJji0I/AAAAAAAAfUg/gSLd9DIsrGwWXL-2qegg_ZMMUDVbBz6CQCLcBGAs/s640/Black.jpg" width="432" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">PAINTED BLACK</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I love the way the chairs look in our breakfast room. I painted them black and then heavily distressed them so the original maple stain color lightly shows through.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I've often wished I had two more chairs for extra seating...just haven't wanted to drop the cash!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Every once in a while I get online to just LOOK and SEE! Incredibly I found another sweet chair like the four I already have on FB Marketplace (Oklahoma/local)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Guess how much?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">ORIGINAL MAPLE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The silly thing was only $20!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXNjqivdKew/XXVuDx8RH6I/AAAAAAAAfWM/yqXIMvGdg80MziWqfNx2A-hgenKC0FupACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20190905-113816_Textra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1030" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXNjqivdKew/XXVuDx8RH6I/AAAAAAAAfWM/yqXIMvGdg80MziWqfNx2A-hgenKC0FupACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot_20190905-113816_Textra.jpg" width="410" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The chair had been on Marketplace for 15 hours when I saw it...I couldn't believe it wasn't already SOLD! I contacted the seller immediately and my Mr. AGPMan picked it up after work!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">SCORE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">On a whim I decided to check eBay just to SEE if I could possibly find ONE MORE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Well...I actually found TWO MORE...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">But guess how much?</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_WxMxIhhPg/XXVuDyhl3YI/AAAAAAAAfWI/PQufCJHcVCg5PveNSEczsAgeqPmECYG1QCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20190905-201121_Textra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1080" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_WxMxIhhPg/XXVuDyhl3YI/AAAAAAAAfWI/PQufCJHcVCg5PveNSEczsAgeqPmECYG1QCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot_20190905-201121_Textra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A WHOPPING $600 for two...or $300 each!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I just very nearly GASPED out loud!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I knew the chairs were valuable...just not THAT valuable. To be fair, I also found another one that was quite a bit less...but it had some damage to it! They were all in Nebraska and even tho the hubby grew up there...we certainly weren't planning a trip north anytime soon. Wouldn't have paid that much anyway!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I hope in the future to snag one more chair for an equally amazing price.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Sometimes great deals take patience!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YW5pE7SDpA4/XXVxOT6FwyI/AAAAAAAAfWc/2p-pG5ySOfI0Q0gq_YLkVqOXLRNKO1jZQCLcBGAs/s1600/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="840" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YW5pE7SDpA4/XXVxOT6FwyI/AAAAAAAAfWc/2p-pG5ySOfI0Q0gq_YLkVqOXLRNKO1jZQCLcBGAs/s640/2a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A COUPLE YEARS AGO</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Today is our 41st anniversary! WHAT?</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gErMKO5Us3U/XXV0V9NR5iI/AAAAAAAAfWs/990bP-SAHWETlc3zYb2VzP_PGcXM_0XswCLcBGAs/s1600/Anniversary%2BPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="960" height="483" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gErMKO5Us3U/XXV0V9NR5iI/AAAAAAAAfWs/990bP-SAHWETlc3zYb2VzP_PGcXM_0XswCLcBGAs/s640/Anniversary%2BPhoto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">DINNER OUT LAST NIGHT</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I can't believe it. In case you forgot (or are new here OR haven't followed along in a bit...) Here is our wedding photo taken on September 8, 1978!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">What's the secret to our success of living together <strike>and not killing each other</strike> for nearly 15,000 days?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">(14,975 to be exact!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Hmmmm...</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nka_d18UHrc/XXV0L18F-gI/AAAAAAAAfWo/jADnly-ukf8dJtc98R0EB2cMyfrGnQelgCLcBGAs/s1600/Couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="488" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nka_d18UHrc/XXV0L18F-gI/AAAAAAAAfWo/jADnly-ukf8dJtc98R0EB2cMyfrGnQelgCLcBGAs/s640/Couple.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">MY BELOVED AND I</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Love, Respect, Passion, Faith, Trust, Hope, Hard Work, Good Choices, Sound Financial Decisions, Great Kids, Fun, Date Night, Laughter, Good Health </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">GOD!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Hope you are having an awesome Sunday. After celebrating our marriage last night with a beautiful dinner out and breakfast this morning...we are doing some Fall planting and having homemade vegetable soup for a calm, quiet dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Loving my simple life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Love to you...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-66858734258147537352019-09-06T12:25:00.002-05:002019-09-06T12:25:53.213-05:00THINKIN' ABOUT HOME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eD8hTjeC3Po/XXG2imNDyFI/AAAAAAAAfQo/8dHR-oxXVtA3KOybM4iG3ev-Fp-i5v5SgCLcBGAs/s1600/Wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1110" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eD8hTjeC3Po/XXG2imNDyFI/AAAAAAAAfQo/8dHR-oxXVtA3KOybM4iG3ev-Fp-i5v5SgCLcBGAs/s640/Wreath.jpg" width="442" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">GATHERINGS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">For 27 years we have called our La Chaumière de Briarwood house, home.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9P5jZ5eWS0/XXJ_TibzIWI/AAAAAAAAfRo/9MaHW6cSeDQQM3r7dhHCgLttCtRlM1spwCLcBGAs/s1600/House3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="742" height="377" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9P5jZ5eWS0/XXJ_TibzIWI/AAAAAAAAfRo/9MaHW6cSeDQQM3r7dhHCgLttCtRlM1spwCLcBGAs/s640/House3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">REAL ESTATE PHOTO - 1992</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">She was a little over 20 years old back in July of 1992 when miraculously we scrapped together $3,500 for the down payment and our little family moved in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That seemed like a million dollars to us at the time. Especially for a young couple with two little children. We were just beginning to figure out if we spent more money than we earned we were destined for big trouble...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Over the years our home has changed a lot. Back in 1992 the siding was still the original builder's grade color, a shade of dingy off white and it was desperately in need of a paint job. Her shutters were brown. Everything was faded, dusty and dirty and the exterior was in pretty bad shape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Within a year we had changed the shutters and garage doors (ugh!) to a dark hunter green...a color popular in the early 90's. We lived with that really bad choice until about </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">1999 (I have some close-up shots of the house at this time SOMEWHERE...would love it if they were lost forevahhhh!)...</span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KlTzcynfVqU/XXKB2NAmpEI/AAAAAAAAfR0/7u11J8vxjP88gmkt0L9Iy2xigLZdtwLqQCLcBGAs/s1600/House2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="678" height="496" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KlTzcynfVqU/XXKB2NAmpEI/AAAAAAAAfR0/7u11J8vxjP88gmkt0L9Iy2xigLZdtwLqQCLcBGAs/s640/House2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SEPTEMBER 2007</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In 1999 we finally resided the house and repainted her a light beige. Her shutters were changed to a pale sage green and we purchased new front doors. I love how our home looked at this time. She still needed new garage doors, but with some strategic repairs they were kept fairly decent looking.</span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx6no7lp6Rw/XXKGAAuROjI/AAAAAAAAfSA/AtNxurXWV4w56mEDFQypOSY7GrG-QAi8wCLcBGAs/s1600/House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1080" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx6no7lp6Rw/XXKGAAuROjI/AAAAAAAAfSA/AtNxurXWV4w56mEDFQypOSY7GrG-QAi8wCLcBGAs/s640/House.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JULY 2019</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cheap paint is never a good option and we learned the hard way that if you don't buy quality paint you will pay a price for it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The beige-siding-paint of ten to twenty years ago (we repainted once the same color!) had faded to a pale pinky-beige that reminded me of canned Rosarita Re-fried Beans.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seriously. Same color!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was not pretty. Trust me when I tell you it looks better in the photos than it was in person.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hated it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We also lost ALL of our euonymus plants that were in front of the left window to mites AND the large shrub/tree by the driveway as well. After a complete infestation we removed them all...how the plants in the flowerbed where the bench is survived we don't know. Probably just a different species...not sure. We plan on replacing the pretty shrub by the driveway with something similiar...but I will never buy another euonymous plant again. I'm tired of the struggle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Anyway...</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-up9HDyIDpMI/XXKJrox10RI/AAAAAAAAfSM/VpXFU9aPmKI-HYqVRU31BpMaEEY4S19igCLcBGAs/s1600/House5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="1039" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-up9HDyIDpMI/XXKJrox10RI/AAAAAAAAfSM/VpXFU9aPmKI-HYqVRU31BpMaEEY4S19igCLcBGAs/s640/House5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> SEPTEMBER 2019</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Last summer we looked tirelessly for a new paint color for our home. We drove around looking at so many houses in lots of different neighborhoods to just get an idea of what MIGHT look good with our brick color. We did NOT want to go with another beige color! But I did originally want to paint the house a soft, very light shade of maze (almost a cream-colored yellow). Problem was...our neighbor's home next door is yellow. Even though our shade would have been a lot different...it was just too much! Two houses right next door to each other, both two-story, close in color, just seemed weird.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-VF8IIyF5s/XXKLkbHFYDI/AAAAAAAAfSg/wjlv6nn_WoEVeEvNh0iQEomfa7SxX3bVACLcBGAs/s1600/House4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1080" height="526" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-VF8IIyF5s/XXKLkbHFYDI/AAAAAAAAfSg/wjlv6nn_WoEVeEvNh0iQEomfa7SxX3bVACLcBGAs/s640/House4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">STILL LOVING OUR HOME</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">So...after much debate and a gathering of several test samples in an array of colors, we settled on this shade of paint from Sherwin Williams...</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gD0HUxE6uc8/XXKLCHfllyI/AAAAAAAAfSY/Yad0biofrE4g8y2ikwORuF9xQCxaOGgaQCLcBGAs/s1600/Paint%2BSwatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gD0HUxE6uc8/XXKLCHfllyI/AAAAAAAAfSY/Yad0biofrE4g8y2ikwORuF9xQCxaOGgaQCLcBGAs/s640/Paint%2BSwatch.jpg" width="442" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">SVELTE SAGE SW6164</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The change has been overwhelming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A HUGE DIFFERENCE! The color isn't tooooo green-green... Just a great shade that isn't too loud or harsh. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">We both love it, but it is taking some time getting used to. I will like everything more when our shrubs and ornamental tree have been replaced. Still looks kind of bare to me!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">My Mr.AGPMan has done an amazing job doing the work himself. Saved us about $10K-$12K. Two-story houses are very expensive to paint and the quotes were staggering!!! It's been very hot here in Oklahoma so he's had to wait for cooler temps to finish some of the trim work. Totally understand why painters charge what they do! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We love the new garage doors. Hauling the old ones away brought us great JOY! Fifty year old garage doors are heavy and are nothing like the new insulated doors you can buy today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Fall will officially be here before long! I celebrated my love for all things Autumn by reworking my wreath from last year and adding a bow of vintage black check gingham to the side.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In spite of the Oklahoma heat, a change of seasons is in the air and </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I love it...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Love to you~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-10904184108667570842019-09-03T13:58:00.003-05:002019-09-03T13:59:42.054-05:00~FOLLOW YOUR SOUL...~<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZt2fIkPX7A/XW6rrhz1WSI/AAAAAAAAfLc/z4dY59GnqW4aaX9ZDCdjBheleZADUEa4gCLcBGAs/s1600/Beautiful%2BGirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="676" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZt2fIkPX7A/XW6rrhz1WSI/AAAAAAAAfLc/z4dY59GnqW4aaX9ZDCdjBheleZADUEa4gCLcBGAs/s320/Beautiful%2BGirl.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Today I'm </span><strike style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">killing myself</strike><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> diligently working in my studio trying to organize my work space. I must say that it has gotten completely out of control.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Seriously.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Way too much STUFF and now that I no longer have a large retail booth I have no need for all the extra paraphernalia! I've loaded up four huge bins worth of JUNQUE and off to the donation center I will go this afternoon! And I have a lot more reorganizing to go before I'm finished! I'm already excited about the final outcome!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It feels good to purge. And weed out...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">To give away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">To share.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">To toss.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFg5FTmCAqE/XW6rd22oYeI/AAAAAAAAfLY/Y0jiC9bPCmES9EGyaOwhNLwsdKTgNGN3wCLcBGAs/s1600/Let%2Bit%2Bgo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="721" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFg5FTmCAqE/XW6rd22oYeI/AAAAAAAAfLY/Y0jiC9bPCmES9EGyaOwhNLwsdKTgNGN3wCLcBGAs/s320/Let%2Bit%2Bgo.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I feel like I can breathe again...(well, almost!)...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I somewhat liken working within my studio walls to the life of an avid gardener. Just like tending the earth's soil and making sure it's nutrients are rich and balanced by the Planter, so goes my life as a sewer of fine things. If I'm not careful, weeds of workplace disorganization flourish (from a lack of "pruning"?) and I end up with an abundance of dormant supplies (barren seeds?) complicated by the mind-boggling awareness I've wasted a lot of hard-earned ca$h. It's impossible for me to create anything in a space that is overgrown and full of weeds. I end up standing around and asking myself "where do I begin?"...</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JXwrXeso78/XW6sr4kfHRI/AAAAAAAAfLs/K6dGDmCXt8oTTMThKH2hhskNzQOeWdquQCLcBGAs/s1600/Trust%2BTimeing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JXwrXeso78/XW6sr4kfHRI/AAAAAAAAfLs/K6dGDmCXt8oTTMThKH2hhskNzQOeWdquQCLcBGAs/s320/Trust%2BTimeing.jpg" width="275" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The Silhouette Cutter I purchased nearly three years ago is a great example of what I'm talking about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">WEEDS!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> I swore I just had to have it... I've used it ONCE and it's gathered a lot of dust since dragging it home! That EXPENSIVE piece of equipment was NOT necessary for me to design the things I'm passionate about creating. That fancy gizmo may be fabulous for someone else, just not for me. At least not now anyway. Honestly, I'd rather have my $275 back!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Choices!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Sometimes I make really silly ones!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I have at least another full day of work ahead of me before I finish "tilling the piles of fabric" in hopes they will one day bloom into a garden of lovely keepsakes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I've asked God to help me tend to the field before me and pay attention to the fleurs budding within my own hothouse instead of staring at the plantings in another's... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I'm following my soul. It knows the way.</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"It was already planted in good soil and had plenty of water so it could grow into a splendid vine and produce rich leaves and luscious fruit." </span> Ezekiel 17:8 NLT</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Love to you...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-37675011422931105942019-09-01T10:12:00.001-05:002019-09-01T10:13:13.449-05:00PUMPKIN SPICE MUFFINS...Food for the Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5s3NkImUZo/XWvUvdf1-_I/AAAAAAAAfI0/F-ifP1dHQbAlFePaFH5cI2blcuY6inu_gCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5s3NkImUZo/XWvUvdf1-_I/AAAAAAAAfI0/F-ifP1dHQbAlFePaFH5cI2blcuY6inu_gCLcBGAs/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">PUMPKIN SPICE MUFFINS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Along with probably a ga-jillion other people in the world,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I LOVE FALL!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">When September comes I start counting the days until I can officially kick-start the arrival of autumn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">What is it they say?</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06sZiPEnyyM/XWvG4aH-lkI/AAAAAAAAfIM/0g--RKqu5usXS_GFBaGGjGXUiL_YbdH_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Fall%2BQuote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="448" height="337" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06sZiPEnyyM/XWvG4aH-lkI/AAAAAAAAfIM/0g--RKqu5usXS_GFBaGGjGXUiL_YbdH_ACLcBGAs/s400/Fall%2BQuote.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Maybe it's because I can finally say adios to Oklahoma's hot summer days, or perhaps it's seeing the children return to learning, walking to and from school again, book-bags in hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Yesterday morning, like I have many times since her passing, I pulled out my mother's Woman's Home Companion Cook Book and began flipping through the tattered pages before me. I love so many of things about this old book~but mostly I love knowing it was once in my mother's hands...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I skimmed the pages as I wanted to bake something to celebrate the changing of the seasons, something more than the apple spice muffins my mom made during my growing-up years...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Sadly, the only thing I really found was a recipe for a pumpkin cake! NO MUFFINS!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The cake didn't sound too appealing, so I found a recipe online that was more in line with what I was looking for!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">PUMPKIN SPICE MUFFINS</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">3 1/2 cups flour</span><br style="background-color: #fefefd; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545051; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">2 2/3 cups sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">1 teaspoon salt</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</span><br style="background-color: #fefefd; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545051; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">2 teaspoons baking soda</span><br style="background-color: #fefefd; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545051; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">1/2 teaspoon ground cloves</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">1/2 teaspoon ground ginger</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">1 Tablespoon orange zest</span><br style="background-color: #fefefd; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545051; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">1 cup milk</span><br style="background-color: #fefefd; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545051; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">2 cups mashed pumpkin</span><br style="background-color: #fefefd; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545051; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">2 slightly beaten eggs</span><br style="background-color: #fefefd; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545051; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">2/3 cups melted shortening</span><br style="background-color: #fefefd; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545051; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">1/4 scant cup molasses</span><br style="background-color: #fefefd; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545051; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">1 cup chopped pecans</span><br style="background-color: #fefefd; box-sizing: border-box; color: #545051; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">1 cup golden raisins</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">Mix dry ingredients together and set aside.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">Mix wet ingredients and add to the dry.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">Add one cup chopped pecans and one cup</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">golden raisins. Stir well.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">Fill greased/floured large muffin tins about 2/3 full.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">Sprinkle top with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup chopped pecans</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes until muffins are firm to the touch.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">Let cool. Remove from tin.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #545051;">Serve with honey butter and ENJOY!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">BROWN SUGAR CRUMBLY</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">My mother loved to bake! She loved spending holiday time with her family and she would have loved the big Labor Day party planned at our nephew's home tomorrow. Lots of swimming, great food, and a gentle nod to the last days of summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> MY MOM ABOUT 1938</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Recently my mom's younger sister sent me the photo above (my momma is the child in the photo above and my auntie is the toddler in my grandmother's arms). I love it so much. My mom would be so happy to know we have carried on without her...even though her passing brought us all many tears. I try and celebrate her life every chance I get...and yesterday was no different. Sweet memories of her in the kitchen and tender reminders of what she will always mean to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Today is Sunday...thoughts of faith...love...hope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I have a long-time prayer that passes my lips every single day. Over twenty years now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">In God's time I will see it answered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Love to you...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">(P.S. My blog is page protected and that was done a LONG TIME AGO! Mr. AGPMan is TRYING to figure out how to remove it so you can easily copy photos or recipes! More soon!)</span><br />
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Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-61838882298968810282019-08-29T09:59:00.000-05:002019-08-29T23:47:33.739-05:00FOR THOSE TEARS I DIED...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3qZLdf2s6g/XWd06cnfuhI/AAAAAAAAfFg/qmLWZD5L4zkYc51lQPiKxiRVesSw9OMUACLcBGAs/s1600/42933453_10156285080294219_4596383286174941184_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3qZLdf2s6g/XWd06cnfuhI/AAAAAAAAfFg/qmLWZD5L4zkYc51lQPiKxiRVesSw9OMUACLcBGAs/s400/42933453_10156285080294219_4596383286174941184_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">AT MY MOM'S BURIAL - October 2018</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The summer before my eighth grade year my father bought me a very small acoustic guitar. Early on I learned to sing and play and through those notes and lyrics I was often transported to a place of calm and surrender. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I was a sophomore in high school <i>I learned one of the most popular songs of the day</i> (we're talking mid 1970's here!) <i>and I loved it so much that it was always my go-to song during youth group fellowship time, shut-ins, camps or even school events.</i> The melancholy melody was fairly simple, but the words constantly put my heart and soul to wondering... At fifteen I had LOTS of questions about life, but was still all about my guitar and music. It was, in part, a way for me to share my very innocent faith with my circle of friends.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FXqJaY_4pw/XWd2kuah3oI/AAAAAAAAfFs/DPEV7yvytVkcsyjXRpbQHLFUrAJyEuWRQCLcBGAs/s1600/cedarlane1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="192" height="397" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FXqJaY_4pw/XWd2kuah3oI/AAAAAAAAfFs/DPEV7yvytVkcsyjXRpbQHLFUrAJyEuWRQCLcBGAs/s400/cedarlane1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8th GRADE TALENT SHOW - About 1973</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But...as with any life...I got busy. I fell in love...started painting...fell in love again...started drawing...fell in love...learned to sew...went to college...really fell in love...got married and eventually had two babies. My guitar playing and my early introduction to Christian Folk Music sort of fell to the wayside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fast forward thirty-five plus years and I could not have imagined how much the lyrics of that one specific song would come back and minister to my own very broken body and spirit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Car accidents can mess you up. And they can even wreck your life if you aren't careful. The one my Mr. AGPMan and I were in (along with our daughter) back in 2016 nearly did both. I shared a little about my injury in May of that year and how I ended up having months upon months of PT before finally accepting the fact I needed to have spinal fusion on my neck. In March 2017 I had surgery and that was followed by many months of even more PT and just plain healing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My doctor told me it would take a year and then some to heal...but that he couldn't put me back together again like I had been before the accident...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is a bit of the back story I wasn't able to share at the time...</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddnMxteRPrk/XWd4lOd7pyI/AAAAAAAAfF4/hhRP1sn4zCo1Wp-DF8ARlg50C9LyLYNVACLcBGAs/s1600/Guitar%2BMom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="960" height="544" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddnMxteRPrk/XWd4lOd7pyI/AAAAAAAAfF4/hhRP1sn4zCo1Wp-DF8ARlg50C9LyLYNVACLcBGAs/s640/Guitar%2BMom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WITH MY TWO SISTERS AND BROTHER</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The pain from the injury was excruciating. I was deeply depressed. A deep, dark depression like I had never known.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My mother was still living at that time and I would often go over to her home just to be in her presence. I felt like my head weighed a hundred pounds and the burning and nerve damage from my crushed vertebrae was life altering and I was afraid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">More than afraid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was terrified.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Add the mounting medical bills, lost work and then needing to obtain legal counsel, I thought I was living a complete nightmare. I tried my best during the day to go about doing normal things...but sitting down, even for five minutes, would cause my neck to spasm so by the time evening would come I was in very bad shape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made eleven or more trips to the ER for morphine injections because that was the only thing that would calm the nerves down in my spine long enough for me to fall asleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eventually they stopped helping...unless I wanted more and more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pre-surgery I spent a great deal of time propped up in my bed leaning sideways while wondering how in the world my life had spiraled down and so out of control. I had been healthy, strong and active and in the blink of an eye everything had changed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I tried my best to continue with my local booth and also work two days a week at the Vendor Mall I was a part of. But it was challenging. Still, I tried to do everyday things as much as possible. You know, act normal...go to dinner, watch a show, go to church...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whatever I did before...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Only I did it all standing up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My hubby raised my sewing machine up so I could sew while standing. My computer, too. I would go to church, but stand in the back...same thing with the movies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But...night would always come and there was just something about lying down...the spasms would return and the cycle of pain would worsen and start all over again. I don't remember doing this, but my Mr. AGPMan has told me I would cry out to him, just begging him to help me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I feared this would be my forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> He would massage my neck for hours (literally) in the middle of the night and I took prescribed medication. But truthfully, it did little to help the pain. I was freaked out by the opioid problem blazing across America so I took meds that were less likely to cause addiction...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mostly I prayed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We prayed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I cried.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I leaned greatly into my faith and somehow, by God's grace, it sustained me. I read books about healing, health, faith, hope, prayer, everything. I would angle my body</span><span style="font-size: large;"> heavily to one corner or the other of our sofa so the pressure would be on my hips instead of my spine. Often I poured through aging hymn and music books, strummed my old guitar and sang the words to sweet familiar songs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I read something positive every day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then cried some more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One day while trying my best to organize a way-too-full closet I came across a small booklet that held the lyrics to the song I shared with you earlier... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With fresh eyes I read again the words that once poured out from my lips... Words that spoke of another's sacrifice and death...words that told me I would never be left alone or forsaken. Words that reminded me that when I was thirsty I would be given drink...and when I was ravaged with pain and the tears wouldn't stop flowing, He would be there...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The song, when sung as a young teenager, was sometimes difficult to fully appreciate. I mean...I think the lyrics are fairly easy to take in when one has yet to really face life-trails. I was a baby-believer back then and couldn't really imagine my life with true sorrow or loss. I certainly couldn't imagine it with life-changing pain...enormous financial pressure and an unknown physical future...</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since my surgery I've continued to heal and grow stronger. I'm grateful for answered prayer and I'm thankful I no longer face daily life with immeasurable pain. Although I know I will never be as I was before and I no longer can work the hours I once did, I'm thrilled to be back on the other side of wellness. I have a permanent loss of motion in my neck and a nice scar across the front...but I'm alive...and I'm good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I reflect upon the lyrics today of the song I once knew by heart, I'm reminded of God's goodness, grace and mercy in my life. I know while I was suffering my Savior was by my side. He saw me through some very dark days and will never forget every good and perfect gift comes from Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> FOR THOSE TEARS I DIED</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #141414;">"You said you'd come and share all my sorrows </span></span></i></div>
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</span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #141414;"></span></span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #141414;">You said you'd be there for all my tomorrows </span></span></i></div>
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</span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #141414;"></span></span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #141414;">I came so close to sending you away </span></span></i></div>
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</span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #141414;"><div style="text-align: center;">
But just like you promised, you came here to stay </div>
</span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #141414;"><div style="text-align: center;">
I just had to pray </div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #141414;">And Jesus said, </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #141414;">"Come to the water, stand by my side </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #141414; font-size: large;">I know you are thirsty, you won't be denied </span></span></i></div>
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I felt every tear drop, when in darkness you cried </div>
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And I strove to remind you, </div>
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<b>It's for those tears I died.</b>" </div>
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(Marsha Stevens)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> It took many months after the surgery to begin to feel even a little better. I promised myself if my health was ever restored I would be faithful to make the changes in my life I felt moved to make...</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">On the day we settled my insurance claim (May 1st of this year and we had to sign a non-disclosure agreement) I sent the owner of the Vendor Mall I'd been in for nearly eight years a 30 day notice as I giving up my longtime space.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd known for a long time I was being led BACK to two things...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One...Was to close my large retail booth and return to selling online</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two...To start writing on my blog again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For those of you who are still around, thank you. I've missed connecting with you more than you could possibly know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I have much more to share...this is just the beginning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A fresh new start to my already wonderfully imperfect life...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love to you...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rebecca</span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-20707846125848598382019-08-27T22:22:00.001-05:002019-08-27T22:22:15.298-05:00PERHAPS THIS IS THE MOMENT...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's been a full year today since I posted on my blog... And yet, here I am again...constantly being pulled back to some of the things I once absolutely adored... </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GfYFxakUOng/XWXxSTwXw1I/AAAAAAAAfEQ/0UIoDaCLnIsjhIX2DJTBsBC_3zhVByflwCLcBGAs/s1600/I042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1133" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GfYFxakUOng/XWXxSTwXw1I/AAAAAAAAfEQ/0UIoDaCLnIsjhIX2DJTBsBC_3zhVByflwCLcBGAs/s400/I042.jpg" width="283" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Esther 4:14</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Perhaps...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Many thoughts are jumbling around deep inside my head. I think I'm finally ready to type some of them out loud!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm glad I've found my way back home...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In the year since we "chatted" I hope you've been well. I have much to share and hope, if you have time, you'll find your way back as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love to you~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-52525171513466475552018-08-27T15:39:00.002-05:002019-09-18T12:22:05.280-05:00~A NOTE ABOUT THE GRACIOUSNESS OF OTHERS~<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dear Friends...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been a long, long time since I've written on my old Blog. This is a longer post and I hope you will read it through to the end...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> So much has been going on in my life. If I'm being honest, I just didn't want to make the effort to actually put my thoughts into written form. And so, I didn't. I've been on such a difficult journey since last Christmas Eve and unless you've traveled a similar path of losing a parent or loved one unexpectedly (or not!), I guess, you can't imagine the sorrow and heartbreak of it all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Especially if you had a mother like I did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">She wasn't perfect. But, she was wonderful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'll just be going about doing everyday things...when out of nowhere a tiny thought or memory will bloom into unrelenting grief. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The tears flow. The sorrow has beaten me down. It's overwhelmed me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think of my mother a lot. She's been gone 8 months now and soon her ashes will be buried next to my late father. We've chosen a small, historic military cemetery for their resting place and before long my siblings and I will gather together again, on what would have been my mom's 84th birthday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We will say one more final goodbye...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My momma lived on a meager income. I've shared that before. She had no stocks, bonds and very, little savings. To help make ends-meet she would sometimes ask me to offer her beautiful handwork (crochet) to my customers. So, in early December of last year I posted a FOR SALE notice to Facebook for the only two Bitty Baby Dolls she had fashioned outfits for in white. Both were dressed in lovely crocheted dresses with little booties and tiny bonnets to match. I was so happy when one of my customers (going way back to my early eBay days!) wanted them both for her two young granddaughters. If I remember correctly they were going to be Christmas presents...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My mom was thrilled. Overjoyed. When I gave her the money for the Bitty Baby Dolls she smiled as only she could. A hundred bucks goes a long way when you shop the dollar store for bargains and peruse the sale aisle at Hobby Lobby for goodies marked down to 80% off. That's how she afforded to give EVERYONE in her family lovely Christmas and birthday gifts each and every year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In spite of the wonderful sale for my mom, you can imagine how heartbroken I was when only two weeks later she passed away. Among her simple possessions and longtime keepsakes, she had a small collection of Bitty Babies (her favorites and most detailed as she would say!). She had kept four or five back just for herself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I loved them all...but I couldn't help but think about the two I had just sold for her...and how much I wanted to ask for them back. Of the ones she had kept, none were dressed in white. Those had been the most intricate. The most sought after. She routinely made them for Christening, Baptismal and Baby Dedication gifts and often sold them through my sister's Parish. She had promised to make me a special one for my birthday that was coming up in a few weeks...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But...time ran out, I guess. I never did get my Bitty Baby Doll dressed all in white.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fast forward to early summer of this year. Just a few weeks ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every once in awhile one of my buyers (or friends and friends of friends!) will contact me with things they are wanting to unload. Generally it's fabric, lace and trims that have been well loved by family or friends. Oftentimes it's because they are downsizing, someone passed away, or they are just clearing things out and don't know what to do with the excess. Most feel their treasured keepsakes and collections are too special to donate to the local thrift store and/or don't want to hassle with resale or selling on Etsy or eBay. I've been blessed over the years to be the recipient of such wonderful gifts which have come to me by several very generous women. Because I re-purpose vintage trims, laces and ribbons I guess my name has popped up more times than not...for that I'm beyond grateful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Sweet note from Catherine...</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHoseGPfnoA/W4QRObeU1MI/AAAAAAAAY9E/fec7Ap6ehUE6vnRXYXS5BCbrk2rq56xagCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180625_232455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHoseGPfnoA/W4QRObeU1MI/AAAAAAAAY9E/fec7Ap6ehUE6vnRXYXS5BCbrk2rq56xagCEwYBhgL/s400/20180625_232455.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lovely old crochet... </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHaa9wKeUUo/W4QROfZ9s9I/AAAAAAAAY9Q/gmQbt1UrrmAWiynWCduSB4rCGDQlUoe3ACEwYBhgL/s1600/20180625_232515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHaa9wKeUUo/W4QROfZ9s9I/AAAAAAAAY9Q/gmQbt1UrrmAWiynWCduSB4rCGDQlUoe3ACEwYBhgL/s400/20180625_232515.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Beautiful trim...</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSNI_p175DI/W4QRPltC_uI/AAAAAAAAY9E/U1lvEQBo2MkmoH-aEQfQMryvsXIm6ys2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180625_232547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSNI_p175DI/W4QRPltC_uI/AAAAAAAAY9E/U1lvEQBo2MkmoH-aEQfQMryvsXIm6ys2QCEwYBhgL/s400/20180625_232547.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love this beaded piece...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In early June one of my Facebook Followers/Bloggers sent me some incredible laces and trims (above). She was so loving and kind and I have great plans for the special pieces she sent my way. Her name is Catherine Costanza and her kindness and generosity helped me get through the first summer I've ever spent without my mom... Thank you, Catherine! You Bless Me!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkjX37k0fVM/W4RRypk_gAI/AAAAAAAAY9k/ZFAW-SzQgZIgdtGN4rthK4Atn2X1irtiwCLcBGAs/s1600/m1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkjX37k0fVM/W4RRypk_gAI/AAAAAAAAY9k/ZFAW-SzQgZIgdtGN4rthK4Atn2X1irtiwCLcBGAs/s400/m1.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> From Maureen...gorgeous...high-end and rare handwork!</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cB5bOO86ZM/W4RRynJDNQI/AAAAAAAAY9c/jZ2GiZlBdqU44r-2-gUFn9298oKQd36fwCLcBGAs/s1600/m2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cB5bOO86ZM/W4RRynJDNQI/AAAAAAAAY9c/jZ2GiZlBdqU44r-2-gUFn9298oKQd36fwCLcBGAs/s400/m2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Love this lovely pull-work!</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpo93231yaU/W4RRyueOssI/AAAAAAAAY9g/7dL1SLXrnTwtfH4W07j0ulci0nXXcLcRgCLcBGAs/s1600/m3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpo93231yaU/W4RRyueOssI/AAAAAAAAY9g/7dL1SLXrnTwtfH4W07j0ulci0nXXcLcRgCLcBGAs/s400/m3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I use this style a lot!</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AA6Ic8N3ulc/W4RRzA3RluI/AAAAAAAAY9o/r3_BdjpnFpwbHxMZxd_8DaYvVvw8enD0ACLcBGAs/s1600/m4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AA6Ic8N3ulc/W4RRzA3RluI/AAAAAAAAY9o/r3_BdjpnFpwbHxMZxd_8DaYvVvw8enD0ACLcBGAs/s400/m4.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beautiful Barkcloth Roses...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then...even earlier last year, another friend, this one named Maureen Reid, gifted me with breathtaking fabrics and vintage linens (above) as she had gotten out of the retail/resale business. She has returned to England with her ailing hubby and my thoughts and prayers are always with her. Maureen was and is a gifted artisan and I've been fortunate to love and admire her work now for many, many years. Thank you for blessing me, friend. I adore you. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6BxWrQomGMU/W4RSbFXUDNI/AAAAAAAAY9s/eaMk7YefX7gGwOQHHhY-g6TxgpIlIac4QCLcBGAs/s1600/20180825_182627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6BxWrQomGMU/W4RSbFXUDNI/AAAAAAAAY9s/eaMk7YefX7gGwOQHHhY-g6TxgpIlIac4QCLcBGAs/s640/20180825_182627.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Huge Box of EVERYTHING from Kim!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> In late July one of my dearest (and longtime) customers contacted me to let me know she was clearing linens and laces out in her home and asked me if I would be interested in her collection. I replied with a resounding YES and on Saturday a huge box was deposited upon my doorstep. I was eager and excited to open the thing up, because given the fabulous taste of Kim Osborn, I just knew</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">beautiful treasures awaited me.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZBwNKdDQRE/W4RSlO672YI/AAAAAAAAY94/m0tIu217bLwd7hTo0p9hrM-ASoy5zd8ZACLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_160937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZBwNKdDQRE/W4RSlO672YI/AAAAAAAAY94/m0tIu217bLwd7hTo0p9hrM-ASoy5zd8ZACLcBGAs/s640/20180826_160937.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The box was jammed full of everything you can imagine!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fv9UOx7n2A8/W4RSlGeRtTI/AAAAAAAAY90/BaMKeW_-MeAQXze7n9G1e8gIlLCDNrcOACLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_160942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fv9UOx7n2A8/W4RSlGeRtTI/AAAAAAAAY90/BaMKeW_-MeAQXze7n9G1e8gIlLCDNrcOACLcBGAs/s640/20180826_160942.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Lace doilies, vintage clothing, table runners, embroidered linens...</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3oN37idkEYU/W4RSlCbSieI/AAAAAAAAY9w/oL5Fb8j3sk0GziVWGBb05Pn3Hp4lv8emACLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_161037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3oN37idkEYU/W4RSlCbSieI/AAAAAAAAY9w/oL5Fb8j3sk0GziVWGBb05Pn3Hp4lv8emACLcBGAs/s640/20180826_161037.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Cut-work lace, vintage trims, incredible crochet...</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l04CxNS6yGQ/W4RSmDZCQ3I/AAAAAAAAY98/EJnpxsXs9eYnASGQTXD6RKMAEDOL45XOgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_161102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l04CxNS6yGQ/W4RSmDZCQ3I/AAAAAAAAY98/EJnpxsXs9eYnASGQTXD6RKMAEDOL45XOgCLcBGAs/s640/20180826_161102.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been a long time since I've seen this much QUALITY lace and linen pieces all in one place. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--V3tVdcG5Do/W4RTkTNFOII/AAAAAAAAY-I/FI_24c90tdMoDK5DJKQzg93JrhfymKFNQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_161507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--V3tVdcG5Do/W4RTkTNFOII/AAAAAAAAY-I/FI_24c90tdMoDK5DJKQzg93JrhfymKFNQCLcBGAs/s400/20180826_161507.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Love this...</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fRvXo73MseU/W4RTkHtXNAI/AAAAAAAAY-E/jJu7fjl5Zy4ewH8OPKd-3xIb2jA9TZNRQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_161606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fRvXo73MseU/W4RTkHtXNAI/AAAAAAAAY-E/jJu7fjl5Zy4ewH8OPKd-3xIb2jA9TZNRQCLcBGAs/s640/20180826_161606.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Beautiful old camisole...</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1F4miX7JGM/W4RTkpMTTnI/AAAAAAAAY-M/GvLR8ckG1t4nuiDo8osxuiC0eaXpMK5fACLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_161613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1F4miX7JGM/W4RTkpMTTnI/AAAAAAAAY-M/GvLR8ckG1t4nuiDo8osxuiC0eaXpMK5fACLcBGAs/s640/20180826_161613.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Lovely tablecloth...</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCseLihDrOM/W4RTlgPvcTI/AAAAAAAAY-Q/w_OnknhIEtwWprF-jM9ZkFYmRoEEoo3HACLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_161905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCseLihDrOM/W4RTlgPvcTI/AAAAAAAAY-Q/w_OnknhIEtwWprF-jM9ZkFYmRoEEoo3HACLcBGAs/s640/20180826_161905.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Antique bloomers....</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRhhm-vmMac/W4RTmMyVnfI/AAAAAAAAY-U/U5MGwYv-ix4G6KYWopoQrbuzfeTtqGSyQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_161942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRhhm-vmMac/W4RTmMyVnfI/AAAAAAAAY-U/U5MGwYv-ix4G6KYWopoQrbuzfeTtqGSyQCLcBGAs/s640/20180826_161942.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love to use this crochet trim on Aprons!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vRVNYRp05qQ/W4RUC5KMVyI/AAAAAAAAY-g/1Vs_yS1wjgIrTMpE2kPdkUDzy1U99NKQACLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_162430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vRVNYRp05qQ/W4RUC5KMVyI/AAAAAAAAY-g/1Vs_yS1wjgIrTMpE2kPdkUDzy1U99NKQACLcBGAs/s640/20180826_162430.jpg" width="360" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Stacks and stacks of beautiful things...</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9388vvJR20/W4RUCtsCkLI/AAAAAAAAY-c/3BaLDaV9uzIxFE-6-v8HZ1Mt6ItW45AUgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_162518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9388vvJR20/W4RUCtsCkLI/AAAAAAAAY-c/3BaLDaV9uzIxFE-6-v8HZ1Mt6ItW45AUgCLcBGAs/s640/20180826_162518.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> And more...</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RApPW5yXcBQ/W4RUC5H8zFI/AAAAAAAAY-k/1eFqZOmiBDEcSgD9vF9yukB3YlqBS7juACLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_162529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RApPW5yXcBQ/W4RUC5H8zFI/AAAAAAAAY-k/1eFqZOmiBDEcSgD9vF9yukB3YlqBS7juACLcBGAs/s640/20180826_162529.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> More...</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F84-ER0eB9g/W4RUE5sB6AI/AAAAAAAAY-s/FEFuHiGkdcgO7QiVzJdauJ6SddsWyHSgACLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_162556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F84-ER0eB9g/W4RUE5sB6AI/AAAAAAAAY-s/FEFuHiGkdcgO7QiVzJdauJ6SddsWyHSgACLcBGAs/s640/20180826_162556.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> More...</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VnuSHV6LjcA/W4RUGDBY2II/AAAAAAAAY-0/bU1IC8eOmToJt5owk8zu-fA9-zejK5HtACLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_162624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VnuSHV6LjcA/W4RUGDBY2II/AAAAAAAAY-0/bU1IC8eOmToJt5owk8zu-fA9-zejK5HtACLcBGAs/s400/20180826_162624.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pwwX47JThw/W4RUGv2PkSI/AAAAAAAAY-4/AjC81P1QFlsOhHs28rberKVVjcjJFkluwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180826_162651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pwwX47JThw/W4RUGv2PkSI/AAAAAAAAY-4/AjC81P1QFlsOhHs28rberKVVjcjJFkluwCLcBGAs/s400/20180826_162651.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Haven't seen these in many a moon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Something happens once in awhile that stirs within your spirit feelings so overwhelming and amazing that you just must share. For what I'm going to show you next brought me to my knees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Literally.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umBp9xnhUiw/W4RXM7XUjYI/AAAAAAAAY_g/nccCWPgL_gEgLGsYOFf6ovdFVAzJSZvFgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180825_191540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umBp9xnhUiw/W4RXM7XUjYI/AAAAAAAAY_g/nccCWPgL_gEgLGsYOFf6ovdFVAzJSZvFgCLcBGAs/s640/20180825_191540.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Kim was the one who had purchased the Bitty Babies from my momma. As much as I wanted to ask to buy them back from her, I just couldn't bring myself to make such a request. I could only envision her giving them to her little granddaughters and how sad they would be to have to give them up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just couldn't ask her to return them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And so I prayed. I asked God if it was possible to ever have the Dollies back that I would do better about being a more generous and giving person myself. I knew if Kim could let them go, she would. And so...I let the matter rest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eight months later my prayer was answered. Kim sent me the note below.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shTTbZGrqqQ/W4RXMw38YJI/AAAAAAAAY_k/XlZn6WGX9EoboqDtFTzXQMKvp3S7c6QiACLcBGAs/s1600/20180825_191552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shTTbZGrqqQ/W4RXMw38YJI/AAAAAAAAY_k/XlZn6WGX9EoboqDtFTzXQMKvp3S7c6QiACLcBGAs/s400/20180825_191552.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A precious friend...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you don't know this about me, well...let me just tell you...I can be VERY emotional. I love deep and I trust hard and falling to my knees in gratefulness has become a weekly occurrence in my life of late. But NOTHING could have prepared me for the shock and disbelief I felt when I opened up the box tied up with the little white bow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Quite simply...I was overcome.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm sure Kim had no idea when she packed those Bitty Babies into the box of old linens and trims that I would be moved directly into the presence of The Most High. Without her knowing...God used her inner beauty and grace to shine light into some very dark days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm forever grateful. Thank you, Kim... You will never know how much you have touched my heart. You will just never know. I will remember your kindness to me all my days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When my momma died my siblings and I calmly and lovingly shared all her keepsakes and belongings. Selfishly, I wanted everything. We all did...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wanted the brush with her hair still caught amongst the bristles...I wanted her jewelry and her Bible...photos, letters and precious momentos...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sharing is hard. And choosing what to <i>choose</i> is even harder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We all loved her so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Through my mother's death I've learned a great deal about her life. Her faith. Her talents. I know today she intercedes to the Father for me. I feel her presence every day... But, as much as I have learned about her...I think I've learned more about myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are people out there like Catherine, Maureen and Kim (and many more before them!) that have far bigger hearts than I do and sometimes gazing upon your own imperfect refection is beyond difficult. I've been reminded that when I hear that still-small-voice inside me that says</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Do It!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Share It!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Give It!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">that it's God asking me to be his hands and feet...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe like Catherine, Maureen and Kim...a little at a time...I can do my part to bring joy, happiness and love into someone else's life. I'm sure I can't change the world. Or even my state or town. But, maybe I can bring a tiny bit of hope and grace into the heart of the lonely, discouraged, overwhelmed and oppressed~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've missed you all so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love to you...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rebecca </span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-10870547948859692352018-02-18T14:12:00.001-06:002018-02-19T13:45:21.064-06:00BROKENNESS BRINGS RESTORATION<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZsBvYeGly4/WonLpKvUjfI/AAAAAAAAWXM/YK2qKPy_dNUHahuEm8_iLUFjgzeX1N74gCLcBGAs/s1600/Attach30667_20180212_212745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZsBvYeGly4/WonLpKvUjfI/AAAAAAAAWXM/YK2qKPy_dNUHahuEm8_iLUFjgzeX1N74gCLcBGAs/s640/Attach30667_20180212_212745.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">MY NIECE, BRIDGETTE</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In the midst of the brokenness brought about by the recent passing of my mother, God has truly been faithful in one amazing, miraculous way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">He's restored her family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I won't go into the back story because right now all that needs to be shared is that forgiveness has been sought and given, and most importantly...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love has won.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reconciliation was the cry of my mother's heart and she's witnessed restoration among her children from the best vantage point possible...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">HEAVEN. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">____________________________________________________</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDTV_Mu0igw/WonL86BiVlI/AAAAAAAAWXQ/gJsmda-nDM005RlHZxnGqTPcYZJKzktZgCLcBGAs/s1600/Attach31476_20180217_115612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDTV_Mu0igw/WonL86BiVlI/AAAAAAAAWXQ/gJsmda-nDM005RlHZxnGqTPcYZJKzktZgCLcBGAs/s640/Attach31476_20180217_115612.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">SWEET BRIDGY...PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you've lost a parent, then you know going though their home is probably the most difficult of all the things a child must do, save for maybe planning a funeral and burying them. My mother had only meager fare. As many of you may remember, my father was a clergyman and they lived on a very modest income. When my dad died almost four years ago he left her with financial debt and almost nothing to live on, but his paltry social security. She had no house, no savings, no investments and no retirement. That said, she did have a few minor treasures and handmade heirlooms and all of her children longed to call them their own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N_4_ad8og7s/WonMFJl3ERI/AAAAAAAAWXU/oNDt1LsQMZ4_jbOatAnW9EJ_LsjGhT45wCLcBGAs/s1600/Attach31477_20180217_115620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N_4_ad8og7s/WonMFJl3ERI/AAAAAAAAWXU/oNDt1LsQMZ4_jbOatAnW9EJ_LsjGhT45wCLcBGAs/s640/Attach31477_20180217_115620.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> MAY GOD RAISE HER UP!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My siblings and I breathed in deep at what was before us when we walked into her tiny home. While going through our mother's humble possessions we opted to leave the task of dividing up precious cedar chest keepsakes for last. As we opened up the lid to the tattered trunk, the one that was years older than I am, we all knelt silently around it for each of us knew it held what meant the most to her...the best of all she had. We didn't really know what we would find...what she had kept...all she had held closest to her heart.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJsO3MOpp9g/WonMrdWpIlI/AAAAAAAAWXo/z5-oWjYMIjE7BZ_ArCsUbmJkRyN9qUIlwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180218_115857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJsO3MOpp9g/WonMrdWpIlI/AAAAAAAAWXo/z5-oWjYMIjE7BZ_ArCsUbmJkRyN9qUIlwCLcBGAs/s640/20180218_115857.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> OUR FATHER'S LETTERS</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Inside we found love letters from my father...written when in the Navy and she was pregnant with my oldest sister. They had yet to be married a year. He would miss her birth as he was out to sea... She bore their first child alone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I can only imagine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There were small quilts and outfits she'd made for each of her babies, our baby shoes, our favorite toys, her baby book and her mother's baby book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mv2yumZ4oKw/WonNSR8uFPI/AAAAAAAAWYA/c1NqqhrzBoMVaCsRIO9TKoW3NwKS2leuQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180218_120835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mv2yumZ4oKw/WonNSR8uFPI/AAAAAAAAWYA/c1NqqhrzBoMVaCsRIO9TKoW3NwKS2leuQCLcBGAs/s640/20180218_120835.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> 50 YEAR+ CROCHETED BABY GOODS</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Our original expertly crocheted baby bibs, bottle covers were there (very discolored and worn) along with old greeting cards, report cards, photos and so much more. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJLH_lZCtd0/WonMs92JqoI/AAAAAAAAWXw/tpEPoPP-0AMG2Wc4KPCavNCUiiDIr-x1gCLcBGAs/s1600/20180218_120841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJLH_lZCtd0/WonMs92JqoI/AAAAAAAAWXw/tpEPoPP-0AMG2Wc4KPCavNCUiiDIr-x1gCLcBGAs/s640/20180218_120841.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> RECENTLY CROCHETED GOODS FOR</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">ADRIENNE (daughter)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We also found our uniforms for Girl Scouts, Brownies and my brother's Boy Scout uniform in the bottom of the chest...everything was there...the belts, ties, sashes, socks, caps, berets, badges, pins, etc. Everything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwFxkzbDo3c/WonNjGaNKlI/AAAAAAAAWYE/fVtP-5jaFbcPuyII8OgwSeAkt9g_POvkACLcBGAs/s1600/20180218_120323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwFxkzbDo3c/WonNjGaNKlI/AAAAAAAAWYE/fVtP-5jaFbcPuyII8OgwSeAkt9g_POvkACLcBGAs/s640/20180218_120323.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">MY BROWNIE UNIFORM AND SOCKS</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My beautiful mother wasn't a hoarder...but she was a saver. She saved the best of all she had and the very things she knew her children would want...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">God Bless her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My precious, niece, Bridgy, is ten and is in Girl Scouts today. I sent my uniform home with my younger, sister, Jen, in hopes it would fit her and incredibly it does. One more year and it would have probably been too small. I can't begin to tell you the overwhelming JOY I carry in my heart seeing this beautiful, beautiful little girl wearing a part of me. Yesterday she wore this very vintage uniform while selling GS Cookies for her local troop. I don't know about you, but if I saw a young Scout today in a vintage uniform I would certainly buy MORE cookies than I had planned to buy! She looked so precious! She is an amazing little girl and I'm thrilled to be a part of her life. I'm praying for God to raise her up to become the woman one day He wants her to be! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNPBld1ybq4/WonOZXJZwCI/AAAAAAAAWYM/yPDXxRXFh2AFuzMiE1Co3uxkboHQkw_MwCLcBGAs/s1600/Becky%2BLinda%2BGS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="387" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNPBld1ybq4/WonOZXJZwCI/AAAAAAAAWYM/yPDXxRXFh2AFuzMiE1Co3uxkboHQkw_MwCLcBGAs/s640/Becky%2BLinda%2BGS.jpg" width="484" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">FAITH AND I</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I don't have a picture of me in my GS uniform, but, I do have one of my big sister and I taken in our uniforms back when she was a Girl Scout and I was a Brownie. Amazingly, my Momma still had it after all these years...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I guess if I've learned one thing since my Mother's death it might be this...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Praying matters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My Mother was a prayer warrior and she never stopped praying for those she loved, especially for her babies. She prayed for years that her children would come together and stop squabbling over things that were not eternal. We've always loved each other...I suppose the scars from life just run deep sometimes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My brother-in-love, Rob, said it best~ </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"When that cedar chest was opened something spiritual happened!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I believe he was right. It was like the spirit of God was set free and His mighty hand passed over all four of us kids in a profound way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRQb6lCLaiQ/WonWhMSafNI/AAAAAAAAWYc/qqj4TNzxU5QD8rd5opbFwmCGdn97JAgpwCLcBGAs/s1600/Memorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="359" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRQb6lCLaiQ/WonWhMSafNI/AAAAAAAAWYc/qqj4TNzxU5QD8rd5opbFwmCGdn97JAgpwCLcBGAs/s640/Memorial.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> JENNIFER, WILLIAM, ME, FAITH</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I know today, without a shadow of a doubt, my beautiful Momma is at rest...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">_____________________________________________</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you, Mom. Even in death you have never stopped interceding to the Father for your children. Thank you for saving back so much of our childhood for us and for allowing us to take a look back into your private life as a young wife and mother. I want you to know your prayers mattered.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> _____________________________________________ </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope if any of you reading this today, who might need to seek peace or restoration within friends or family, you will do it. It takes courage and it is sometimes difficult. But, with God's help, you can do it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's worth it. I promise you, it is.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love to you this beautiful Sunday...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-84874019013737050062018-02-16T15:27:00.000-06:002018-02-16T15:27:19.249-06:00THE MEASURE OF SORROW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8TyQQnRlwg/WodJFzBELuI/AAAAAAAAWT8/hxmv6Zw5AyUD_f2xoHKnn8dt20vtNJo6ACLcBGAs/s1600/26992699_10215792822439215_5106605491492146548_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8TyQQnRlwg/WodJFzBELuI/AAAAAAAAWT8/hxmv6Zw5AyUD_f2xoHKnn8dt20vtNJo6ACLcBGAs/s640/26992699_10215792822439215_5106605491492146548_n.jpg" width="449" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Yesterday I spent some time working on my Booths here in Oklahoma...I have two and these days they are both looking quite empty. Since the death of my mother on Christmas Eve I haven't wanted to work. I've been overwhelmed with sorrow and irritated at how my life has changed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I don't believe my mom wanted to leave this world. She loved her children and I knew she wanted to stay here with us. But, her body was beginning to fail her and I could tell she was growing tired. Life was getting difficult and the little things we all take for grated were starting to wear her down. I've tried to find some measure of joy in her reuniting with my father...he passed four years ago on the 20th of this month, but honestly, that brings little comfort to me. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uUH4onuYvK4/WodJPVQDgMI/AAAAAAAAWUA/P5rebAbad8ommB0VvDliWoc6FKQAAZ2cgCLcBGAs/s1600/Newspaper%2BPic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="341" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uUH4onuYvK4/WodJPVQDgMI/AAAAAAAAWUA/P5rebAbad8ommB0VvDliWoc6FKQAAZ2cgCLcBGAs/s400/Newspaper%2BPic.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> I don't want her to be with him...or her father or mother...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I want her with me.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Selfish. I know.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But, true.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">________________________________________</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Death is hard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">________________________________________</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">When Spring arrives in a few weeks my siblings and I will bury our parents together in a small historic military cemetery in Oklahoma City. My beautiful mother was fiercely patriotic and I believe she would be pleased with our selection.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Her growing family will again gather to celebrate her life and the man she remained faithful to since 1955. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L13paR_R3Bk/WodKbmppgXI/AAAAAAAAWUU/J821Nc-aWF0xNTKbezDpePcyGjRiISxkwCLcBGAs/s1600/Jennifer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="873" height="452" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L13paR_R3Bk/WodKbmppgXI/AAAAAAAAWUU/J821Nc-aWF0xNTKbezDpePcyGjRiISxkwCLcBGAs/s640/Jennifer.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">She LOVED America and proudly wore her sparkly USA pin everyday! She hated seeing what was happening to our nation and the political divide across our country.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> _______________________________________</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">With the recent violence in Florida and the death of all the children (and those fighting to protect them) it is literally incomprehensible for me to even process the entire event let alone the violence. The passing of innocent people has caused me to question God about my own existence and to seek answers regarding it that I know I can only find in Him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Despite being sidelined with my own unbelievable grief, I know the family members of the people killed in that horrible massacre are suffering on a level I have never personally known. Their sorrow cannot be measured...</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My heart is breaking for them all. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> ________________________________________</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">May God have mercy on us all.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Heal our Hearts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Heal our Land.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love to you...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-92095666111871775212018-01-28T22:44:00.001-06:002018-01-28T22:46:54.384-06:00~REMEMBERING MY BEAUTIFUL, BLESSED MOTHER~<div class="entry-content" itemprop="text">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/znPygiIuT02Y7PqzSWdnPT9G7i4SBxOAGriCVW-rFVmcxqsR7Gp_UNscYBcZfGt3HyB_2S1eAEV-XUPlHsyhb-Mng9g7J6glRTUUvqoJk0dQ_tZc" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="wp-image-66701 alignright" src="http://www.jenx67.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/29-676x1024.jpg" height="378" width="250" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">My days and nights are running together since the passing of my beautiful Mom last Christmas Eve. The last several weeks have been difficult.</span></i></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">I am sad. I feel lonely. The tears won't stop flowing and I can't help but wonder if the pain in my chest will ever end.</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">~*~ </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The following obituary was written by my sister, Jennifer, and appeared in the Sunday Oklahoman, January 28, 2018.</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>He will gather, He will gather</i><br />
<i> The gems for His kingdom,</i><br />
<i> All the pure ones, all the bright ones,</i><br />
<i> His loved and His own.</i><br />
<i> Like the stars of the morning,</i><br />
<i> His bright crown adorning,</i><br />
<i> They shall shine in their beauty,</i><br />
<i> Bright gems for His crown.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">–William Cushing, 1856</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Barbara Helen Martin Elliot</b>t was born October 1,
1934 in Carbondale Illinois, and died on Christmas Eve 2017, in Edmond,
Oklahoma. She was the eldest daughter of Phillip Webster Martin and
Bertie Bain Martin.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Barbara lived in Carbondale until the age of 12. She loved school and
was an outstanding student. At the age of 5, she accepted Jesus into
her heart and began her lifelong journey as a Christian. She was her
grandfather’s favorite and he was instrumental in her salvation. Later,
Barbara was instrumental in the salvation of her entire family.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In 1946, the family moved to Southern California. In 1952, Barbara
graduated from Excelsior High School. She was a member of Art Club and
National Honor Society.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Following high school, she worked as a secretary. She loved dating,
fashion and church. In October 1955, she met a sailor, William Elliott,
at the Bellflower Church of the Nazarene. They married six weeks later.
Of this union was born four children who gave her 10 grandchildren and
seven great-grandchildren. All were her crown and glory.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Despite her small, fixed income, she never forgot anyone’s birthday
and shopped sales all year so she could give everyone a Christmas
present. She supported numerous charities.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Barbara was a working mother. She worked for the La Puente School
District, CA; International Students, Inc., CO and Washington County,
OK. Her biggest job, however, was as a Nazarene preacher’s wife. She was
devoted to her calling. She served with her husband through pastorates
in Galveston, Kermit and Gilmer TX; Ozark, AR; Caney, KS and
Bartlesville. The rural church scene was a mission field marked by low
wages and poverty. She shined through the sacrifices. She hosted
showers, potlucks, sang and played piano. She loved supporting Nazarene
missionaries. To encourage people to read missionary books, she created a
poster featuring paper crowns. Everyone who signed up to read books got
a crown. When you finished a book, she added a little plastic jewel to
your crown. Our dear mother has now received the imperishable crowns
that heaven bestows.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Barbara was a talented artist. She quilted, crocheted, painted, sewed
and knitted. She was the world’s best Girl Scout leader. She was a
prayer warrior who spent hours in prayer every day for her family. When
she saw War Room, she cheered in ovation at the end. She was an amazing
Sunday School teacher who taught the Gospel to children with the
Wordless Book. This is her greatest legacy: A devout follower of Jesus
Christ. If you are reading this, she would want you to know she loved
you, because she loved everyone.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Barbara was 83, but she died unexpectedly, at home. She died doing
what she loved: Keeping busy and anticipating celebrating our Lord’s
birth with her children and grandchildren. All who loved her are
devastated by the loss, but rejoice that she joined Jesus on his
birthday. She will remain with him throughout eternity.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Throughout her life, Barbara spoke of the babies she lost in
miscarriage. The moment she died she held them in her arms for the first
time. This makes her happier than words can possibly say.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The family thanks Oklahoma Heart Hospital and Dr. John M. Williams
for 14 years of care. Thank you for all the times you saved her.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mom is survived by her children, Faith Bybee, Dickson, TN; Rebecca
Nelson, and husband Steven, Edmond; William Elliott, and wife Ginger,
West Covina, CA; Jennifer McCollum and husband Robert, OKC. Grandkids,
Jayson Bybee, April Tummins, Cathrine Holloway, TN; Brandon Nelson, AL;
Adrienne Weigel, Edmond; Bethany Lyons, Brittany Diamond, SD; Juliette
James (Nanny’s “Angel”), Sullivan and Bridgette McCollum, OKC; seven
great-grandchildren; dog Missy, and sisters Phyllis and Cherryle. She
was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law Greg Bybee, and
husband, William Elliott.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Rest in peace dear Momma, Grandma, Nanny.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Wait for us. We will be with you soon.</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MbfaQJLRKT0/WlfEQaNvdYI/AAAAAAAAWA8/sI400X1TRjQcPk24mmlFZ_HWxmQ1nYKigCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1368" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MbfaQJLRKT0/WlfEQaNvdYI/AAAAAAAAWA8/sI400X1TRjQcPk24mmlFZ_HWxmQ1nYKigCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2312.JPG" width="546" /></a></span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dear Friends...</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(My thoughts from Facebook)</span> </span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
The past couple of weeks have been beyond difficult for me as I
breathed in deep and restarted my life without the physical presence of
my precious Mom. Thank you all for your kind words and the grace and
love you've extended to my family during this sorrow-filled time in our
lives. The cards, notes, food, flowers (and even the FB comments) have
meant so much to me. I don't know how I will go on...but I know I will</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> It's what my Mom would have wanted.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Yesterday I looked
for simple response/thank you cards that would be appropriate to send
out to those who blessed us with their presence at her service and sent
flowers and cards. I couldn't find ANY. So frustrating. Those I found
were cheap and way too generic for me. I wanted something lovely for my
Momma...something I believe she would have given out herself. So, last
night I worked on several designs and came up with this soft pink heart
and the sentiment included at the bottom (from Lauren Eden) somehow
made me smile.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Gosh...life is hard! Isn't it? I'm so grateful
I'm not walking through this life alone. I'd never make it. My loving,
faithful Savior is by my side.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> I hope to be back doing what I love before too long. My two booths here in Oklahoma (Edmond and Moore) are bare to the bone and even though I would love to stay in my bed with the covers over my head, I can't. We depend on my income so I must TRY and get back to work.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> I will MISS my Momma sharing EVERY POST I made. She
was always so proud of my work. She taught me all I know...she was my
champion...my advantage.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Love to you all...</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Rebecca</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> PS: The cards aren't for sale. I just wanted to share them with you...<3 span=""></3></span></i></span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-80397704492233624712018-01-09T19:00:00.001-06:002018-01-09T19:04:05.311-06:00~HEAVENBOUND~ - MY BEAUTIFUL MOMMA~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bND6TG66RZI/WlVZysea3WI/AAAAAAAAV0g/Vvj9bUwNppcLkimG3iGI4M0GJrTm2jCTwCLcBGAs/s1600/Momma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="367" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bND6TG66RZI/WlVZysea3WI/AAAAAAAAV0g/Vvj9bUwNppcLkimG3iGI4M0GJrTm2jCTwCLcBGAs/s640/Momma.jpg" width="532" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>My Beautiful Momma</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>(Celebrating Another Grandchild's Wedding) </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a really long time since I looked at my old blog and even longer since I cared about sharing my thoughts with you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My Blog.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Funny how the one thing that once brought me so much joy...the thing my heart was truly wrapped up in and sang aloud for...the thing that became so much of my daily focus...the thing that brought incredible purpose and meaning to my life, one day just began to slowly fade away into pretty much nothingness.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Not sure what happened. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Things just change, I guess.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2rASLzimxg/WlVb7-OErlI/AAAAAAAAV04/hETLn90axMo3ZEd4AIHbYBkf6OZHf4KuQCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="500" height="335" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2rASLzimxg/WlVb7-OErlI/AAAAAAAAV04/hETLn90axMo3ZEd4AIHbYBkf6OZHf4KuQCLcBGAs/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>My Mom's Family</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>(Aunt Lil, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma, Great-Grandma</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Cousin Larry, Sister, Sister) </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Blog or no blog, over the years I have changed and with each passing day I feel myself changing more and more. But, nothing has wrought within me a bigger change than the loss of my dearest friend, confidant and mentor, my Mother.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsxEyc2Mfk0/WlVaBz9YqHI/AAAAAAAAV0k/U1NUqtZsz4Qiqbokpf-JTFbXts4Zr5KvQCLcBGAs/s1600/4gen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="556" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsxEyc2Mfk0/WlVaBz9YqHI/AAAAAAAAV0k/U1NUqtZsz4Qiqbokpf-JTFbXts4Zr5KvQCLcBGAs/s400/4gen.jpg" width="341" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> Me In My Momma's Arms</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>(My Mother, Me, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>and Big Sister, Linda) </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Her name was Barbara Helen Martin Elliott and she passed away early Christmas Eve morning at the age of 83. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To tell you I'm irrevocably broken over her death can't even begin to describe the pain I carry inside my heart. My Momma had a tough life...she deserved more and I prayed God would give her more. I asked Him time and time again to fill her coffers with all things good and lovely and He did. But, I wanted more for her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4kXUqAFwOk/WlVafs5f3xI/AAAAAAAAV0o/IEcOYvrRX74viAWQkIyvq3i1qYxk5d4rQCLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="483" height="330" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4kXUqAFwOk/WlVafs5f3xI/AAAAAAAAV0o/IEcOYvrRX74viAWQkIyvq3i1qYxk5d4rQCLcBGAs/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>My Brother's Wedding</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Mom, Sister Linda, Daughter Adrienne, Grandma & Me) </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">An easier time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Less sorrow.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Financial freedom.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Restoration of her family.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A healed heart.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5e-N_I5dOY/WlVbZaRlsfI/AAAAAAAAV0w/TSuJOH2lSrAq_CKi9iDvy3RWr6O43C6fACLcBGAs/s1600/Sarah%2BGroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="367" height="357" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5e-N_I5dOY/WlVbZaRlsfI/AAAAAAAAV0w/TSuJOH2lSrAq_CKi9iDvy3RWr6O43C6fACLcBGAs/s400/Sarah%2BGroup.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <i> Son's Wedding Celebration Luncheon</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>(Daughter-in-Love, Miss K, Me & Momma)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My Mother lived with heart disease for many years and although her death was unexpected, I knew she was growing weaker and the chances of her living to the age of 92, like her own Mother, were fairly small. Still I prayed for her to stay with me...selfishly, I wanted her to remain a physical presence in my life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There were so many things I still wanted her to teach me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So many things I still needed to learn. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jkk-4B3dvpo/WlVboSPoXqI/AAAAAAAAV00/9DwC52eCFGsHue3hYlDx2zfjwwo0x3W_gCLcBGAs/s1600/Copy%2Bof%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="1020" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jkk-4B3dvpo/WlVboSPoXqI/AAAAAAAAV00/9DwC52eCFGsHue3hYlDx2zfjwwo0x3W_gCLcBGAs/s400/Copy%2Bof%2B11.jpg" width="315" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>My Momma at Two</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As my three siblings and I worked to clear out her home over holiday break I became overwhelmed with grief. It came in the knowing she would never see with earthly eyes the sun come up on another Christmas morning...or feel the beautiful breeze of one more <i>first day of spring</i>. She wouldn't be here to witness the first of many red robins confidently perched outside my kitchen window, make another heirloom quality baby quilt and most of all, wouldn't be here to celebrate with me the birth of my next grandchild.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't know how I could go on.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze2Ffbpa0vI/WlVWTg9d_0I/AAAAAAAAV0c/p8dGY-bMrbAAPYek6UJ5PTTbiPojJBiWACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1060" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze2Ffbpa0vI/WlVWTg9d_0I/AAAAAAAAV0c/p8dGY-bMrbAAPYek6UJ5PTTbiPojJBiWACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0004.jpg" width="632" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>My Mother with my Sister Linda</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But, as I've known since I was a young child, God is both faithful and full of mercy. Somehow, within my own crushed and battered spirit, He allowed my Mother to come to me. She came to me in the words of the one song she said she loved to sing most - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Kta9VNgNVE/WlVdkiIGZWI/AAAAAAAAV08/CxyN1CneRykMeBR2jdhq4tRyRftJDeJOwCLcBGAs/s1600/oldpic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="211" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Kta9VNgNVE/WlVdkiIGZWI/AAAAAAAAV08/CxyN1CneRykMeBR2jdhq4tRyRftJDeJOwCLcBGAs/s640/oldpic2.jpg" width="420" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> My Lovely Mother</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">LEAVE IT THERE</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If the world
from you withhold of its silver and its gold,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And you have
to get along with meager fare,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Just
remember, in His Word, how He feeds the little bird—</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Take your burden
to the Lord and leave it there.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Leave it there, leave it there,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Take your burden to the Lord and
leave it there;</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If you trust and never doubt, He will
surely bring you out—</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Take your burden to the Lord and
leave it there.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If your body
suffers pain and your health you can’t regain,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And your
soul is almost sinking in despair,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Jesus knows
the pain you feel, He can save and He can heal—</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Take your
burden to the Lord and leave it there.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">When your enemies assail and your
heart begins to fail,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t forget that God in Heaven
answers prayer;</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">He will make a way for you and will
lead you safely through—</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Take your burden to the Lord and
leave it there.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">When your
youthful days are gone and old age is stealing on,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And your
body bends beneath the weight of care;</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">He will
never leave you then, He’ll go with you to the end—</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Take your
burden to the Lord and leave it there<b>.</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ch2_1K_Mtts/WlVd4AvsM4I/AAAAAAAAV1A/89KsUvKEtF8dhPchOuvHXB2lAV5rteX0wCLcBGAs/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="930" height="628" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ch2_1K_Mtts/WlVd4AvsM4I/AAAAAAAAV1A/89KsUvKEtF8dhPchOuvHXB2lAV5rteX0wCLcBGAs/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> A Pastor's Wife</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">(Preggo with Sister Jennifer)</span></i><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My Mother's unwavering faith has sustained me throughout my
life and I owe her more than I can say~ Her voice, though sweetly ordinary, gave to me endless gifts... The early teaching of Bible stories and simple songs will never end and the melody of love that lived within her will never die. Truth will live on in her children...and in their children
and in their children...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tlcJuhohpgQ/WlVeGVdapHI/AAAAAAAAV1E/oT5gfOGDbGQKSbMS62TUyT5-ODIvYXOigCLcBGAs/s1600/8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="656" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tlcJuhohpgQ/WlVeGVdapHI/AAAAAAAAV1E/oT5gfOGDbGQKSbMS62TUyT5-ODIvYXOigCLcBGAs/s640/8a.jpg" width="452" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>My Parents When I Was A Teen</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Two-thousand seventeen was a tough year. I had spine surgery in March, our beloved 14+ year old Yorkie, Mollie, passed away in August, our dearly loved brother-in-love succumbed in October after a massive stroke and then my precious Mother has journeyed to heaven in December. With each challenge and loss I've somehow remained grateful to God for sustaining me and giving me the a perfect peace found only in Him. But...the losses have been very, very hard.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9evCuziplWA/WlVedEG4qmI/AAAAAAAAV1I/67-AiYR5szIT0yU4zW9jSClgi_WCTunqgCLcBGAs/s1600/39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9evCuziplWA/WlVedEG4qmI/AAAAAAAAV1I/67-AiYR5szIT0yU4zW9jSClgi_WCTunqgCLcBGAs/s640/39.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Our Last Professional Family Photo 1992</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jennifer, Linda, Bill, Dad, Mom, Me</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-er6RFhiTkxk/UrG55kXps6I/AAAAAAAASuM/xqqbJ4lk2dIQYDjzBhTfbNV4bEAD1xeqACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Mom%2BBeck%2BB-Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1159" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-er6RFhiTkxk/UrG55kXps6I/AAAAAAAASuM/xqqbJ4lk2dIQYDjzBhTfbNV4bEAD1xeqACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Mom%2BBeck%2BB-Day.jpg" width="460" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Mom and I About 4 Years Ago</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In closing...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, to the woman who gave me life...</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Thank you, Mom! You gave me so much more than I ever
realized. Thank you for those years of
early instruction, for the faith you carried within your heart in spite of knowing
of your own imperfection. Your belief in me
has carried me for all my 59 years and I trust you will continue to guide me
until I reunite with you on the other side.
I thank God today for giving you 83 plus years! I will miss your physical presence for all my
days and will bless you for the remainder of my life. I love you...Becky"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">~*~</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">About my Blog...well...I don't know. I may just
leave it as it is for whomever happens upon it...and then again I may
continue. Time will tell. I just can't say for sure right now.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime... </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">May God bring the path you are to travel this year into focus and the calling on your life clear. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Love to you all,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Rebecca</span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-62449252285504537382017-08-28T02:23:00.002-05:002017-08-28T06:23:12.206-05:00~MOVING FORWARD THROUGH THE TEARS~<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUDU-C7cfaY/WaPDEcUSMRI/AAAAAAAAUa8/x9p8EWWSHvcv8HwEsldonUhlDm1trPE_ACLcBGAs/s1600/queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUDU-C7cfaY/WaPDEcUSMRI/AAAAAAAAUa8/x9p8EWWSHvcv8HwEsldonUhlDm1trPE_ACLcBGAs/s640/queen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> It's been two weeks today since we said goodbye to our Miss Mollie Brown. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZJaTASjw3o/WaPDME9v8lI/AAAAAAAAUbA/DoPTfWtqwzAmkxxjoWR7kstYme9t53qKACLcBGAs/s1600/Mollie2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="902" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZJaTASjw3o/WaPDME9v8lI/AAAAAAAAUbA/DoPTfWtqwzAmkxxjoWR7kstYme9t53qKACLcBGAs/s640/Mollie2a.jpg" width="360" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Honestly...one day has run into another and if I didn't have to get up in the morning, well, I didn't. I've lived in my pajamas for more hours than I can say and have cried more tears than I ever thought I could.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our grief has been raw.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Unimaginable.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Unforgiving. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9sNAbfoypw/WaPDUcYxv6I/AAAAAAAAUbE/zoJcrlGe2QsTnDlAs_gxxvdzGGDr6kbHgCLcBGAs/s1600/Mollie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9sNAbfoypw/WaPDUcYxv6I/AAAAAAAAUbE/zoJcrlGe2QsTnDlAs_gxxvdzGGDr6kbHgCLcBGAs/s640/Mollie2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Those of you who have experienced loss of any kind will understand our hurting hearts. There is no balm that can soothe or heal our brokenness and we understand that only time will help us move forward without Mollie's physical presence in our lives.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHtDE0T_YUg/WaPEOYpgf2I/AAAAAAAAUbM/78Wyynj0My832W4bgYTyzU3TRzBENZLiwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1160502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHtDE0T_YUg/WaPEOYpgf2I/AAAAAAAAUbM/78Wyynj0My832W4bgYTyzU3TRzBENZLiwCLcBGAs/s640/P1160502.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A few days after her passing we received a little box with her ashes and a pair of paper imprints of her very tiny front paws. As I turned the cards over and over in my hands I realized that way back in 2003 she had stolen away my heart and the very essence of her will continue to live there for all my days.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm beyond grateful for that.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fourteen years, seven months and seven days. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So thankful for all those moments with our beautiful doggie...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And for God's GRACE.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">His wonderful, unmerited favor has made breathing in and out possible.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today I am going to attempt to return to the real world. Two new things have entered into our lives and both are keeping me on my toes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I will share more soon.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thank you all for you blog and Facebook comments. I'm overwhelmed by the kindness and love shown to Steve and I. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blessings...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rebecca</span></span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-6341780904062231382017-08-15T23:45:00.000-05:002017-08-31T19:00:57.359-05:00~REST IN PEACE - SWEET MOLLIE BROWN~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Dear Friends...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My husband, Steven and I shared the news earlier today via FB that our little Miss Mollie Brown passed away yesterday afternoon. I'm beyond torn up over losing my furry friend and our hearts are completely broken. I know for certain mine will never be the same.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9tld4GmjbQM/WZPIzOc7M6I/AAAAAAAATVo/yINyDxlHYT0dAyC2C4mChVvQlrmeWQkNACLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="504" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9tld4GmjbQM/WZPIzOc7M6I/AAAAAAAATVo/yINyDxlHYT0dAyC2C4mChVvQlrmeWQkNACLcBGAs/s640/2.jpg" width="476" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our girl was beyond precious and lived to be almost 15 years old. She was truly one of my dearest friends, my constant companion and 24/7 shadow. She saw me through many things and only asked of me to provide a warm place to lay her head and food and water for her tummy. Gentle hugs, cuddles and kisses were optional, but she welcomed them always, but never demanded them. She hated bath time, but loved how she felt after she was dry. Her favorite pastime was hunting June Bugs and she could snatch them mid-air when she was younger. Always the huntress, even when her eyesight dimmed she could scout out a Scada Bug, wings and all, and swallow it down before you could swipe it away. She loved to give wet kisses and she would sit and politely beg for any scraps the minute you sat down to eat...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Such a little lady our baby girl was...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Last September I found a bump on her belly and it was a tumor. In March she was was getting thin and by last Thursday was very frail and had lost down to a little over three pounds... Her original weight was 6-7...depending on just how much people food she could convince me to pass her under the table. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Late yesterday afternoon she passed away with both me and my Mr. AGP Man at her side. Her little spirit is soaring high tonight and she is safe and sound. It is my belief I will see her again... I know I will.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Your prayers for Steve and I are greatly appreciated. Right now we are both overcome with grief and sorrow...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Miss Mollie Brown</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1-7-2003 - 8-14-2017 </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Love to you all...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-83716085354221489732017-08-11T14:11:00.002-05:002017-08-11T14:11:58.864-05:00~MOLLIE, OUR BELOVED YORKIE DOG~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dixeOew9GTI/WY37HJ2gREI/AAAAAAAATUk/o-xa9RPRov0sUoTHKjiX4y-fASi5S_F7ACLcBGAs/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dixeOew9GTI/WY37HJ2gREI/AAAAAAAATUk/o-xa9RPRov0sUoTHKjiX4y-fASi5S_F7ACLcBGAs/s640/6.jpg" width="568" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">~EARLY LAST SPRING~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yesterday I took my little Miss Mollie, my now 14 and 7 month old Yorkie, to see her doctor as she continue to grow very, very thin. My Mr. AGP Man and I know we must soon make the painful decision regarding her future and we are beyond broken up about it all. Our time with her has quickly flown and we are facing the very end of our days with our beloved girl...</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5vlkBh89rQ/WY38Xr0hqlI/AAAAAAAATUw/D-e3vsyTUHAidM_xANTUOwIx1dcVWp38QCLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5vlkBh89rQ/WY38Xr0hqlI/AAAAAAAATUw/D-e3vsyTUHAidM_xANTUOwIx1dcVWp38QCLcBGAs/s640/2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">~AT HER SASSY BEST~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For those of you who are Pet Parents you know how difficult it is to say goodbye. Do we continue to WAIT for nature to take it's course, especially if our pets don't APPEAR to be in pain? Or do we opt to CHOOSE the humane approach and opt to put our babies down?</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okI0UH_F_ko/WY381bZbUDI/AAAAAAAATU0/x4RYpnAIrfUJdoWWjcBXaUNKwlXPWmncwCLcBGAs/s1600/165787_1795260444374_3340589_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="266" height="481" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okI0UH_F_ko/WY381bZbUDI/AAAAAAAATU0/x4RYpnAIrfUJdoWWjcBXaUNKwlXPWmncwCLcBGAs/s640/165787_1795260444374_3340589_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">~MOLLIE AS A PUPPY~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our girl still loves to sometimes hunt June Bugs on warm summer evenings, although walking is getting harder and harder for her and she sleeps all but maybe three or four of 24 hours each day. She still loves to snuggle and cuddle and so we've been waiting...and waiting...and waiting...</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTzhLUM2LDE/WY39GAGNDuI/AAAAAAAATU4/uTQ4mB_NdZE03miHq7XqDAjbQ0D0XW2AgCLcBGAs/s1600/163164_1795260164367_702174_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="266" height="481" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTzhLUM2LDE/WY39GAGNDuI/AAAAAAAATU4/uTQ4mB_NdZE03miHq7XqDAjbQ0D0XW2AgCLcBGAs/s640/163164_1795260164367_702174_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">~YEARS AGO WITH MOLLIE AND MY MISS K~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">While our hearts our breaking.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MddVbZGUFU/WY39YpY_qpI/AAAAAAAATU8/uhXfA9y2JjQR_ub0C8FxZLNMkGQbMi00ACLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="400" height="546" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MddVbZGUFU/WY39YpY_qpI/AAAAAAAATU8/uhXfA9y2JjQR_ub0C8FxZLNMkGQbMi00ACLcBGAs/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">~PLAYING IN MY POLYFIL~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've asked God many times over this past year just what it is we are supposed to learn while traveling this journey... Or maybe it is we are just supposed to enjoy the love we both give and receive this side of heaven...</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LL5PUZBilNo/WY39umwpNmI/AAAAAAAATVA/bb3z9gm2-3oqc43s5cNSay3PmMdGvTAjgCLcBGAs/s1600/Mollie1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="573" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LL5PUZBilNo/WY39umwpNmI/AAAAAAAATVA/bb3z9gm2-3oqc43s5cNSay3PmMdGvTAjgCLcBGAs/s640/Mollie1a.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">~OUR FUNNY GIRL~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We aren't sure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Anyway...your prayers are so appreciated as we decide...and ponder and pray.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6yDUvVS3bxg/WY3_2aZZlnI/AAAAAAAATVM/B0U-C2cRvYYEPZ1vjND4XxtvCQqWGqiLwCLcBGAs/s1600/queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6yDUvVS3bxg/WY3_2aZZlnI/AAAAAAAATVM/B0U-C2cRvYYEPZ1vjND4XxtvCQqWGqiLwCLcBGAs/s640/queen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">~MY FAVORITE PICTURE EVER TAKEN~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've so enjoyed sharing the antics of our girl with you all over the past eight or so years... Saying goodbye...or so long for now...or see you again one day is, well, you know...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blessings~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-2006172852906463012017-08-08T08:58:00.000-05:002017-08-08T08:58:10.545-05:00~CHALK PAINTED UPHOLSTERED CHAIR REVEAL~<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjRZEgYoiX8/WYnAPzRybMI/AAAAAAAATUE/K_mCdIZhEJwiuzc3sMo_eZzyIB27MhT-QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170807_152542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjRZEgYoiX8/WYnAPzRybMI/AAAAAAAATUE/K_mCdIZhEJwiuzc3sMo_eZzyIB27MhT-QCLcBGAs/s640/20170807_152542.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our day started off bright and early with two big trucks and a trailer parked outside our home...they hold our new furnace and A/C unit. After three days of HOT HUMID TEMPS we are ready to feel cool again!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you don't follow me on Facebook then you didn't see the reveal picture of the Chalk-Pained Upholstered-Chair reveal. Here it is! I still need to do a final sanding of the entire piece AND add the wax coating... But~seeing this one finished to this stage was very exciting for me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56l9DNzp-OM/WYnAPmjmaPI/AAAAAAAATUM/FT1i3S-MVsoF_o-vo3cEoy9eprl9d7sKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170807_151935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56l9DNzp-OM/WYnAPmjmaPI/AAAAAAAATUM/FT1i3S-MVsoF_o-vo3cEoy9eprl9d7sKgCEwYBhgL/s640/20170807_151935.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I will tell you this about the process...IT WAS WORK! After the 4th coat I thought...WOW...this is grueling work and very time consuming. At that point I wasn't sure painting the thing was going to work or IF it was possible to cover up the black and white Savoy-style print! By the time the 5th coat went on I knew it was truly looking fab!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OW7HL9xdcUw/WYnAPNP3PnI/AAAAAAAATUM/FJGOVUiz-98gctQ33PHrHrdgMLcmHlDPQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170807_151344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OW7HL9xdcUw/WYnAPNP3PnI/AAAAAAAATUM/FJGOVUiz-98gctQ33PHrHrdgMLcmHlDPQCEwYBhgL/s640/20170807_151344.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I added a tattered edge to the bottom and I will be adding one more coat of paint to that. Because it is ruched up it has taken a big longer for it to dry. Sometime tomorrow I will finish it up and start on Chair #2. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TONsIiNe43M/WYnAQ6k0kqI/AAAAAAAATUM/sJWd0p3GpbgL9EXKHs1e2EmJdjqtxa33wCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170807_152751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TONsIiNe43M/WYnAQ6k0kqI/AAAAAAAATUM/sJWd0p3GpbgL9EXKHs1e2EmJdjqtxa33wCEwYBhgL/s640/20170807_152751.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I purchased these neat looking "feet" to add to the chairs as the original front legs were covered up with the flounce and looked too skinny/thin once they were exposed. They will be stained and waxed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So there you have it. Will share photos again with the other chair is finished. I wish I could snap my fingers and have it done</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a wonderful day...I'm soooo looking forward to sleeping tonight with our new A/C system cooling everything down. The Oklahoma humidity has been a killer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Blessings~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rebecca</span></span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-49040579870657590192017-08-06T12:50:00.000-05:002017-08-06T12:50:00.390-05:00~THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING...Painting Our Upholstered Chairs~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iu6tGGOFWuc/WYdOX6iecnI/AAAAAAAATTA/Zx9m9aQn6LEpQgK3ePB_72rL3MNICBWIQCLcBGAs/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="504" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iu6tGGOFWuc/WYdOX6iecnI/AAAAAAAATTA/Zx9m9aQn6LEpQgK3ePB_72rL3MNICBWIQCLcBGAs/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> CHAIR TO BE PAINTED</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our trusty A/C Unit bit the dust this weekend and even though it's never a good time to shuck out hard-earned money on something so expensive...we knew this day was coming. My Mr. AGP Man was in the Air/Heat biz many years ago and knows the business very well... He has babied the A/C along for a long, long time. Yesterday we bid her good-bye and a brand new (hopefully more efficient!) until will soon take her place. We've opted to have our very, very old furnace replaced as well (in 2020 it would have been 50 years old!). While we wait for installation it's going to be insufferable around here. We'll be sleeping at our daughter's because last night we were absolutely miserable...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmVgS3eswB4/WYdOxl7NoBI/AAAAAAAATTE/yu2GdG9RX3E3lqZYmpaQU81fRJIJ71mFwCLcBGAs/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="504" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmVgS3eswB4/WYdOxl7NoBI/AAAAAAAATTE/yu2GdG9RX3E3lqZYmpaQU81fRJIJ71mFwCLcBGAs/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> AFTER ABOUT ONE COAT</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Anyway...before all this happened with the A/C I had long before decided to take the plunge and CHALK PAINT my living room chairs (upholstered). Yeah...I know! SCARY! I've had the chairs for 13 years and they were still in beautiful condition. No rips, tears, sags, etc. But...I had grown tired (very tired!) of the Savoy-style black and white print and had tossed about having them reupholstered for at least a couple of years. The chairs are fabulous and except for the flounce (skirt) I still really love them. So...after a ton of research and gobs of reading, I jumped right in!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7z_nijajuI/WYdO58CkVkI/AAAAAAAATTI/Apf32CnG1ZoUT8tzxpqz2F6TRJoCrsgfwCLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="504" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7z_nijajuI/WYdO58CkVkI/AAAAAAAATTI/Apf32CnG1ZoUT8tzxpqz2F6TRJoCrsgfwCLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have two matching chairs and opted to do one at a time. I had my guy haul them inside and put paint cloths down (I used old, but clean, moving blankets) to protect my floors. Doing one at a time will better help me determine the final cost and just how much paint each chair needed to be completely done.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAn7y51w0ao/WYdPAq18WcI/AAAAAAAATTM/Sq6KDRqc5R48iphMpnjrGzpS-ckzrxUJwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170806_112254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="504" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAn7y51w0ao/WYdPAq18WcI/AAAAAAAATTM/Sq6KDRqc5R48iphMpnjrGzpS-ckzrxUJwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170806_112254.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">AFTER ABOUT THREE COATS</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here are some photos of where I am after three coats. I'm certain they will need FIVE COATS of watered down chalk paint before they are ready to be lightly sanded and waxed. My plan is to add a vintage French image to the top-back area. Nothing big or floral...maybe an old ad or something like that. We'll see.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx4t-y3-lMo/WYdPXonYHmI/AAAAAAAATTQ/7uN1a3LPUkgCaCW91YU4gSHCN0nc2W3qACLcBGAs/s1600/20170806_112213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="504" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx4t-y3-lMo/WYdPXonYHmI/AAAAAAAATTQ/7uN1a3LPUkgCaCW91YU4gSHCN0nc2W3qACLcBGAs/s1600/20170806_112213.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> ORIGINAL SKIRT REMOVED</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This is what the one chair I'm working on looks like after three coats. Some places are still showing the Savoy print (flip side of cushion has yet to be done) and I suspect the chair will take at least another full day to dry before I can apply coat #4.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Opting to have the chair recovered ($400 quote on each one PLUS the fabric cost of $200 for each one!) made me sick. I'd rather purchase new chairs. So, opting to try the chalk paint was sort of a no-brainer for me! I'll be out the cost of the paint if I absolutely hate the outcome...I figure it will take 1 1/2 quarts to do one chair. About $50-$60. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2zZGu9zLQs/WYdSmoqkLXI/AAAAAAAATTc/YOZPSbX4J6kiH8nfwchf7fjqQsju44lqgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170806_104800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="504" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2zZGu9zLQs/WYdSmoqkLXI/AAAAAAAATTc/YOZPSbX4J6kiH8nfwchf7fjqQsju44lqgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170806_104800.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'll also be out lots of labor.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">LOTS OF LABOR.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The process is slow and slower. But, I'd rather be out TIME vs. $$$$.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'll share more pics later this week of how the chair came out! OK?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOfQgQotcRE/WYdSsO6-eyI/AAAAAAAATTg/S1XqKGDD-K85uygiOr4XiUmvVCqh5MmuwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170806_112224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="504" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOfQgQotcRE/WYdSsO6-eyI/AAAAAAAATTg/S1XqKGDD-K85uygiOr4XiUmvVCqh5MmuwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170806_112224.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's what I did!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I first cleaned the chair by giving it a thorough vacuum and then sprayed the entire thing with a good mist of water</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mODvl4iDJwk/WYdSsNyZ3ZI/AAAAAAAATTk/9OAUS8qNvjsYWQdD5G1_rVzyvh3-MzNPQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170806_112233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="504" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mODvl4iDJwk/WYdSsNyZ3ZI/AAAAAAAATTk/9OAUS8qNvjsYWQdD5G1_rVzyvh3-MzNPQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170806_112233.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Next I started with the paint. I did NOT water it down. I opted instead to dip my chalk brush (a must have!) into the paint and then the BRUSH TIP into a bowl of water. The paint went on great and the first coat soaked right in. That's what you want it to do. You want the paint to penetrate the fabric vs. sitting on top of it. Lots of thin coats vs. thick ones!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I waited 24 hours between coats to give the paint a chance to dry. The second coat covered a lot more of the Savoy print and the third even more. Not all the coats are even so by the time I apply the fifth one I'm hoping I'll be done and the chair will be reading for a light sanding, wax and image transfer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I used LOWE'S Valspar Chalky Paint in the colorway of Kid Glove only because I was too lazy to drive 15 miles away to buy Annie Sloan. Kid Glove is a white color and I like it. I've used it once before on a project and had good results (not a chair, but a dresser). It is $29, but it is three ounces short of a full quart. So far I've used one container for the three coats! I did a test run on a scrap of the Savoy fabric and I knew ahead of time it was going to take at least five coats. Keep in my mind my chairs are good sized chairs. Yours might take more or less.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I can't wait to show you the final reveal. Hoping to have the one chair finished later this week.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">~*~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today I'm thanking God for two good hands, a good strong back, healing neck AND a house that right now feels super hot on the inside. I'm trying my best to live my best life and be positive and grateful in all things. I'm very aware some people do not have houses or even chairs to paint.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">God is good. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">ALL THE TIME.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blessings...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-81606852985840420202017-07-30T17:12:00.001-05:002017-07-30T17:12:22.501-05:00THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING....Life is Good. God is Great!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCgEJshRtQM/WX5ZTugFcXI/AAAAAAAATRw/xO_BuIyUHiUmMLcDxje55y7107Z4c8_wgCLcBGAs/s1600/Steve%2Band%2BI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCgEJshRtQM/WX5ZTugFcXI/AAAAAAAATRw/xO_BuIyUHiUmMLcDxje55y7107Z4c8_wgCLcBGAs/s640/Steve%2Band%2BI.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">WHAT? Almost two weeks since I last posted? I can't believe it... I've been crazy-busy as usual, but everything is good.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Very good.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My thoughts today are simple.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm completely overwhelmed with gratefulness for all that has been given to me and for the gift of wellness I have received. I really have no words to share, except to say I believe in healing and I believe in prayer. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">God is great and greatly to be praised.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blessings...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-29395339612126334832017-07-17T14:04:00.001-05:002017-07-18T12:57:03.657-05:00~THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING...More Thankful Than Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBM0xLIgTo0/WW0C8a6EhlI/AAAAAAAATQQ/1ot9uAFhRS0NTKtwXz48DMPegfCJn75YACEwYBhgL/s1600/skirt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBM0xLIgTo0/WW0C8a6EhlI/AAAAAAAATQQ/1ot9uAFhRS0NTKtwXz48DMPegfCJn75YACEwYBhgL/s640/skirt1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My
Mr. AGP Man and I had a wonderful day on Saturday. Once a month we
plan on a major garage sale, thrift store or estate sale jaunt around
the Oklahoma City area and Saturday was such a day. We got up early,
forced down a bowl of shredded wheat (or a scrambled egg or two), made
sure our Little-Miss-Mollie is safe and sound for a few hours and then
we headed out the door. We don't really have any specific route in
which we travel. Most times we wing it. Just chase the TAG SALE SIGNS
scattered along the way. During the hot summer months they seem to be
everywhere and I love that.</span></span><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECobCV-piiI/WW0C8twvIbI/AAAAAAAATQY/lVzrZD-MNgIMKLSBIFF9IzIVpdqTSl3UACEwYBhgL/s1600/skirt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECobCV-piiI/WW0C8twvIbI/AAAAAAAATQY/lVzrZD-MNgIMKLSBIFF9IzIVpdqTSl3UACEwYBhgL/s640/skirt2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">n
this particular day our four-hour excursion away from our La Chaumière
de Briarwood felt like a mini retreat in a way. We visited some sweet
tag sales and lunched at a small diner before running into two longtime
friends. We chatted for a little bit, laughing how the years had flown
by since we'd last seen one another. I love old friends...the kind
where you can just pick up a conversation that was left idle years
before and continue on...</span></span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qCuraemCKjI/WW0C8oJEIfI/AAAAAAAATQU/3d7NYMcfH3ogKyE0qJ-OhHe8AwSr_vqKQCLcBGAs/s1600/skirt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qCuraemCKjI/WW0C8oJEIfI/AAAAAAAATQU/3d7NYMcfH3ogKyE0qJ-OhHe8AwSr_vqKQCLcBGAs/s640/skirt3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We
wandered around one of the largest antique shoppes, but we each left
with only a free donut in our hands. Still fun. Before heading home we
stopped over at one of our gazillion thrift stores (Good Will) and
found an amazing antique (Victorian Era) linen and lace skirt
(petticoat) at for only $2.00. It had originally been priced at $3.99,
but all red tag items were half off making the already incredible find
full of even more awesomeness!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I know my Mr. AGP Man must grow tired of hearing me squeal with delight when I discover a new, wonderful <i>something-or-other</i>. But he never lets on. I love that about him. He's gentle, always kind and my biggest <strike>fan</strike> <strike>follower</strike> devotee. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We
returned a few hours later with our SUV full of potential treasures. I
say POTENTIAL because I'm really never sure how something is going to
turn out. But I have faith in the process and learned a long time ago
that in order to fill my creative heart to the brim and overflowing I
must allow my finds to speak to me. Sometimes the visions inside my
head take longer to bloom than I would like for them to...but
again...it's the practice I've grown accustomed to.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">On
Sunday afternoon I found myself
leaning on the French-style door jamb my Mr. AGP Man installed several
years ago, gazing out into his workshop (like I've done for man moons
now), watching my guy move with ease inside the walls of his own
personal work-haven. My heartstrings
are tugged, I shake my head and only the single word, thankfulness, comes
to mind.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm blessed to have a committed partner who has never left my side. He's also my dearest friend. The bonus is he loves to go junkin' with his wifey and that makes my heart sing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blessings~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span></span></div>
Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1934579070684149103.post-57896052330014695612017-07-12T18:55:00.000-05:002017-07-12T18:55:10.282-05:00~PERHAPS THIS IS THE MOMENT...~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RWszX_eDAs/WWaxJmf7j5I/AAAAAAAATPc/RbG5f9n3OaUkFI8bSVsclbgQeWOMrketACLcBGAs/s1600/Studio11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RWszX_eDAs/WWaxJmf7j5I/AAAAAAAATPc/RbG5f9n3OaUkFI8bSVsclbgQeWOMrketACLcBGAs/s640/Studio11.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The heat of the summer sun is blistering our aging deck and it's on days like this that I find myself longing for early spring mornings when I could take a quick, brisk walk around my neighborhood will Mollie (Yorkie-Dog). Those cooler days came and went so fast!!! Didn't they? I escape the heat by enjoying my studio time and preparing for the busyness that comes as the holidays approach.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I learned a long time ago when you are in the business of creating and selling you have to work wisely and plan early! If you don't you never catch up AND don't enjoy those very special days...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCRCyAfIO10/WWaxKBFs0fI/AAAAAAAATPo/pqAhx07404Yp1yPxYcTZJPuGTFOUQ905gCLcBGAs/s1600/Studio8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCRCyAfIO10/WWaxKBFs0fI/AAAAAAAATPo/pqAhx07404Yp1yPxYcTZJPuGTFOUQ905gCLcBGAs/s640/Studio8.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I snapped a few more pictures of my AGP Studio. I actually had these closet doors in our guest room~but we turned that room into our office when my Mr. AGP Man changed jobs and no longer needed a large home-based office. I love how they look in here! Another pair of matching closet doors are to the left of the photos and I'll show them next time!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-TAM04Z-n0/WWaxJmXy1-I/AAAAAAAATPk/tO5b5y9bGPMQQPT3Lu2tXo30rQxdZfMxACEwYBhgL/s1600/Studio10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-TAM04Z-n0/WWaxJmXy1-I/AAAAAAAATPk/tO5b5y9bGPMQQPT3Lu2tXo30rQxdZfMxACEwYBhgL/s640/Studio10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This precious old photo is of me, my sister, Faith and my brother, Bill. I love how my tongue is sticking out! I found it about a year ago in some old papers that belonged to my father and it hadn't been seen in almost 40 years... I just had to include it with some of the framed vintage pictures that I love...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QhVu13Maeow/WWaxJtZJnTI/AAAAAAAATPg/9_5a0p4qgfAxX04sTdzGkzesbyWPF86qQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Studio12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QhVu13Maeow/WWaxJtZJnTI/AAAAAAAATPg/9_5a0p4qgfAxX04sTdzGkzesbyWPF86qQCEwYBhgL/s640/Studio12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The vintage looking ceiling tile (at the top!) was refurbished a couple of weeks ago. My longtime friend, Karen, gave me the piece (she's always giving me wonderful treasures!) and after painting it I added the scripture found in the book of Esther. I need to be reminded sometimes that I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing with my life.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GD2HewpZzlM/WWa0KaFyDlI/AAAAAAAATP0/P5T3CQlZBw4KGX9He5635Fg6tTFNAkvlwCLcBGAs/s1600/Studio5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GD2HewpZzlM/WWa0KaFyDlI/AAAAAAAATP0/P5T3CQlZBw4KGX9He5635Fg6tTFNAkvlwCLcBGAs/s640/Studio5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've had these photo storage boxes for a long, long time and I planned on painting them many moons ago. I finally got around to it last week... They were different colors and patterns and I wanted them to match.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm weird like that!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNJsk5YHYk8/WWa0KEAgBjI/AAAAAAAATPs/m-l0OYOtICQEw3WS-Wm1nCyz116ew3nwwCLcBGAs/s1600/Studio6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNJsk5YHYk8/WWa0KEAgBjI/AAAAAAAATPs/m-l0OYOtICQEw3WS-Wm1nCyz116ew3nwwCLcBGAs/s640/Studio6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Each one is different! My favorite is the one with the vintage shoe on the top! I used this exact altered art image sometime back on a note card!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6yMIGnoAWs/WWa0KReooSI/AAAAAAAATPw/E52zpYSqQeU4ki7Csg73jpo8Fsas5NHnACLcBGAs/s1600/Studio7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6yMIGnoAWs/WWa0KReooSI/AAAAAAAATPw/E52zpYSqQeU4ki7Csg73jpo8Fsas5NHnACLcBGAs/s640/Studio7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Here's another one. I love it, too!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'll be back soon to share a bit more. You can always visit me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaVintage/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">FB</a>...I'm there, too! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Blessings~</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rebecca</span></span>Rebecca Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662129266792835433noreply@blogger.com6