This picture is my inspiration for the kids room upstairs.
Patience is not about how long one can wait but how well one behaves while waiting.
Like waiting for a ship out at sea, it will never arrive while you are standing there waiting....look away, and she pulls into port.
Waiting can be Hard-
So, I busy myself with things I can do- Preparing for the day we move in, playing with grand-kids, Church calling, working with Danny- etc.
Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well! (I'm trying; we have been bouncing between, kids homes, hotels and the cabin....I refer to my car as my "house car" ...I'm that person. =)
A look at my week-
but mostly I've been doing a lot of this....
Spending time cleaning up and making plans for what will go where....and all the fun stuff. This is the Library....super excited to see the beams go in this week!
The knobs are being installed.
Enjoying the sunrise-
The tiles are cement with a vintage rustic finish.
Upstairs bathroom- finishing touches going in.(this is half of a Jack and Jill bathroom- shower is in the middle) Knobs will be next.
One of the main reasons I wanted to attend Heather's event in Dordogne France , was for the editorial styling class she would be teaching! (Intensive lectures and hands on styling sessions)
Each morning as we headed to class we would walk through these amazing doors.... and past this table
that alone was a wonderful treat!
Each day at class not only did we received fabulous gifts....but also an abundance of information! I took notes as fast as I could.
After a couple hours of instructions we were paired up and were each assigned to put together a vignette...using the styling props she had on hand or using the items we purchased at the brocantes.
I choose to use the items I bought at the brocantes.
My creative bucket was filled to overflowing....I learned so much....now I just hope I can do Heather proud and use what I've learned. (old dog new tricks, smile.)
(Picture by Shannon food by Jill follow IG modernmarch)
I will be devoting this whole post to food, a good part of our trip happened around food....preparing it , taking pictures of it, eating it , the art of it, taking our time and enjoying it....lunch could run 3 hours....dinner up to four. (Diner en Blanc I will post about later. )
That time I made Strawberry rhubarb jam with my daughter in a 13 century Chateau in France- priceless.
left to right- Jamie- doing what it takes to get the shot -Gina
Learning new photography skills was also a part of this trip.
(I learned tons....now the trick is to actually use what I learned...the hard part.)
You know it is going to be a great week when this greets you as you step from the van straight from the airport. I thought it was our dinner....but no, it was a snack!
Quote from Shannon " I feel like I'm seriously ruined for dining/cooking forever. Every single meal was so good with so many wonderful flavors, textures, colors, and unique combinations. I now understand why they say that food tastes better in France."
I totally agree!
Now for the onslaught of food pictures!
Another snack....so coveting these trays!
Many an awesome meal served on this table!
Breakfast outside when the weather was warm.
A typical breakfast....I so miss the warm croissants!
Picnic- you can't go to France and not have a picnic! Oh, and while you are at it....make sure you carry your lunch in an adorable linen bag tried in a knot and sit down to eat on the grounds of a 8th century chapel...yep happens everyday....not!(smile...the linen bags a gift to us from Heather.)
Flowers and great food...wonderful together.
All our meals seemed to take place with the most stunning views or have a wonderful comfortable home like feeling.
The meal we enjoyed here was beyond wonderful! The vegetable lasagna was to die for!
All this...Because Heather had a dream/idea to bring us together to learn, create, laugh and explore! Thank you!
Heather and Jill the team that made all this happen! (I asked Jaci Jill's daughter if her Mother cooked like this all the time...and she said yes....amazing!)
and I still need to tell you about our diner en blanc and much more!
Not only was it a week of learning new things, but also a week full of adventure meeting women who were fun,creative, caring and awesome! A week of shopping, eating, laughing and learning! It doesn't get much better than that!
Let me begin-
Shannon and I are back in the states, after a full 24 hours of travel. I was worried for Shannon at the beginning of this trip (because she broke her toe just days before we left, and would be sporting a "boot" for the trip.) but she did awesome!
In fact because of the boot ...we whipped right through all the connections at the airport; the airline had a wheelchair waiting for her as we left the plane and one as we boarded. Nothing better than going straight to the front of the security line no waiting!
My suitcase came home full to over flowing....even had to get a box to bring everything home. Not only is my suitcase full but my heart and my "bucket" so to say is full!
Heather Bullard made our stay amazing. Much of what was in my suitcase were the gifts we received each day from her. She told us that she went about choosing these gifts as if she were shopping for her girlfriends . This is what we found on our beds when we arrived. I love this styling bag with pockets for, scissors, wire snips etc. Loved the soft white towels wrapped in beautiful ribbon, a soap block, and custom linen apron made specially for this event.
The room we were assigned to in the 13th century Chateau de Mondesir- was so very charming and rustic!
I love the sweet look on Shannon's face in this picture....we just arrived; having fun taking it all in!
The little sitting area in our "cottage" (smile)
Every little detail was thought out...flowers, chocolate on our pillows and a treat basket just in case we got hungry!
( we ate so divinely that I actually ended up taking some of the treats home!)
View from our room.
The front door to our little cottage.
The cottage looked so sweet at night.
The little window outside our bedroom....was used for many photo opportunities.
The amazing Jaci Marie Smith was the events photographer...she is awesome!
Laurent- the owner of the Chateau! He is such a sweet man....he and his wife Martine did so many things to help our stay be fabulous!
When I was just a little girl, I lived in a far away place- far from Church, School, and town. A place called Indianola, in Sanpete county Utah. I only lived there a few short years....but I loved that place.
A place of pretend, riding horses, decorating a tree house, making mud pies and riding to the "upper ranch" disappearing for hours in the hills picking wild berries and asparagus. If my memory serves me...there were only four homes in our little town. It was a fun place... it was a hard place to live.
(and I almost lost my life twice, but that's a story for another time)
I lived there in grades 1-2 and and again in 4-5th grade.
My Father was dairy man and cattle rancher. My Mother made our home beautiful.
But my story today isn't about Indianola or even about my parents or how we lived in this area...It is about
"Those who are a little more mature can have a tremendous influence on the younger generation."
I received this wonderful little book "What Makes Us Sisters" by Bonnie L. Oscarson from Bev- which got me to thinking about my story.
During most of my growing up years at home, my Mother didn't drive, she didn't have a drivers licence (again a story for another time =)
Because of my Fathers working hours...we missed Church quite often...because of the lack of a ride to church.
Back in the olden days Primary, Relief Society and Young Women meetings were held during the week each on a different day. Which meant if Dad couldn't drive us we didn't go.
When we could and we lived closer to the Church we would walk to church and attend meetings, Primary, Sunday School, and Sacrament meeting- all at different times...sometimes by our-self.
Back to Indianola-
There was a dear older lady ( she was probably the age I am now....and she seemed so old to me =) that lived down the street from us.
She cared about us, she loved her Heavenly Father....she gave us rides to Primary.
I remember all 6 of us (Pam was a baby and John wasn't born yet =) lined up in front of our little 2 bedroom 1 bath home....waiting for her to come by. Dressed in our best, cleaned and hair with a ribbon. It was a special day.
I remember I felt a warmness to her. She cared about us along with our "Mature" primary teachers, they taught me that I had a Heavenly Father, who loved me. That older woman and few others just like her were one of the most important influences in my early life.
I hope I can thank those wonderful sisters someday!
"There is no Age Barrier when it comes to Christlike service."
I probably never would of attended Primary without these dear sisters. I wonder if they know what a Christlike service they were giving at the time.
"Countless women of the Church are reaching out across age and cultural lines to bless and serve others, they deserve thanks."
Sister Bonnie D. Parkin said, "I invite you to not only love each other more but love each other better."
I'm so thankful for the dear sisters in my life; younger and older, who look at me as their sister and not at my age, my prayer is that we all will look to serve each other no matter our age.
Feeling blessed.
Happy Day.
PS. my sister is looking for a picture of our little home in Indianola....if she finds it I will post it.
( This thought has been running through my mind all week....How do our prayers show our gratitude to God?)
I know I did not fully appreciate the significance of prayerful greetings until I became a Mother.....now I sense how our Heavenly Father may appreciate our prayers, morning and night. Just as a Mother loves to hear from her children....their sorrows, joys and happy times.
.. knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (3 Nephi 27:29; D&C 4:7; 49:26; 66:9; 88:63; see also Matthew 7:7).
But I can imagine the pangs of his sorrow because of silence from any of his children. Each time my day has hurried by and perhaps I had forgotten to pray....the thought comes to my mind....what if my Children were too busy and didn't take the time to talk to me how would I feel?
Then I quickly pray.
To me, I would be showing ingratitude to not pray/talk/give thanks to the Lord. Like a goldfish oblivious to the kind person who sprinkles food in their bowl. (smile)
I don't what to be that goldfish....
I want Him to know that he is loved, wanted and appreciated. I never want the Lord to question that....to me that would be ingratitude.
I need not worry that I have words of a scholar/ or grand adventures to share...just remember...He just wants to hear my voice and feel my heart. (as does a Mother)
I was reading in Alma today (29:3) "Alma said, "But behold...I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me."
but what stood out to me was the tutoring verse that follows: "Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?" (Alma 29: 3, 6)
this is one of my challenges, particularly when It seems I've hit a "flat" period of life.....most likely happens when I ignore unused opportunities for service.
It is hard at times, this stage of life...
Sitting at my desk when I was having these feelings...turned around when this book caught my eye. The Beekeeper's Bible
The bee never seems to have a hard time with her place in life. Why....here are four lessons I can take away .
Lesson one- Divide duties- Bees lead a structured life. Their roles are well-defined, bees work towards one clear goal — to produce honey. (what is my one clear goal? Eternal family)
Lesson 2: Co-operate The spirit of cooperation is more important to bees than the spirit of competition. Communicating and sharing ideas is crucial, as is mutual respect for each family member's contribution. (we are all different, in knowledge, spiritual and physical. Respecting each family member for where they are and not judging ....helping them to reach a higher goal through love and understanding.)
Lesson 3: Be loyal. Loyalty to one's family is key to its long term survival.
Lesson 4: Work-hard Ever watched a worker honey bee do her job? Busy as a Bee....work hard and serve
Okay...so this was a different kind of post....feeling out of sorts today.....happens once in awhile. (smile)
every January my brain goes into creative mode with the question, how can I kick-start creativity in the new year?
I don't know what it is about a new year...I seem to always have a little "craving" for more creativity...for more randomness more mystery.
So this year I came up with 5 things I want to do to exercise my creative muscles.....
and I'm sharing with you so you can help hold me accountable.
Happy Day....so here goes
One-
Plan Mystery Trips
Because anything can be a mystery trip, it doesn’t require any extra work or preparation.
Commit to plan 6 mystery trips.
can be anywhere near or far.
Just typing this out....has sent me into thinking mode....who, what and where.....be prepared (smile)
Two-
See real Art in the everyday
Sketch book journal-
one good deed a day
be artful in my good deeds
Three-
Take a Class
a have a class/The Academy in France I plan to attend in May....that is way out of my comfort zone....but so in my happy zone!
planning for this to fill my creative cup big time!
Four-
Invite Randomness
Not sure how I plan to approach this one....guess I will have to give myself time on this...
Do you have any ideas?.....I just know randomness tends to lead to awesome things.
Five-
A year of Powerful prayer-
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him - James 1:5
I believe the message in this for me is that God is approachable, generous, and willing to answer my prayers, if I don't asked God, He won't give liberally. (even helping me with my prayers searching for creativity I need to ask Him.)
Love this quote from Elder Jeffery R Holland
"God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can't if your don't pray, and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe." Broken things to Mend.
and of course getting on my feet and doing my part....taking that first step.
ETC.
I know creativity is not just 5 steps....there is so many other ways too....and I plan to be open to them as they come....
Audrey and Carlee playing hair Salon....
Remember be open to new ideas, start over if it doesn't happen to turn out like you were hoping. Imagine Childhood.
You’ve heard people say you need to get out of your comfort zone, right? You need to stretch yourself, they say. It’ll be good for you.
Well, I'm trying to expand my comfort zone- I tend to like my comfort zone and can easily find myself doing the same things over and over.
I've picked 4 areas where I'm working on.
First one Strength-
Since July - Heidi has been working with me....building my strength. I'm an old bird ....so I know...much time is required. (smile) Things are coming around....slow and steady. I wanted this "exercise" to be about strength...not so much weight....but I will take it when it comes. I do feel much stronger and I've lost 9 inches. Happy Day
To Stretch-
This next one is not about "exercise".....but about stretching me creatively!
Okay here goes- from the beginning of our marriage I've always looked for ways to be creative- trying new things....spending hours at the library researching a topic I wanted to learn more about. ( this was before internet...I know....I'm a dinosaur) Taking classes, learning from my Relief Society sister, etc. etc.
Each year I've tried to learn something new.
A couple weeks ago I was talking to Dan about this Academy that was offering a creative and editorial styling class in Dordogne, France.
and before I even finished telling him about it....he said you should do this! Say, what? I wasn't even going to explore that question.
But okay....I can do this.....and right there and then....doubt starting coming in... with thoughts like-
can I do this by myself...little scary, traveling half way around the world not really sure about the where, whens and who.
Thinking I would be the old lady in the group
Do I have the skills?
etc. etc. etc.
The trick for me seems to be maintaining a healthy balance between security and comfort, and a little novelty and excitement now and then. This is not a little novelty or a little excitement but big time....
(thank you Danny for knowing me and helping me to grow...I'm still freaking out...but in a good way =)
I know this is a Hugh gift and feel very blessed to be able to do this....because I remember how it feels to ache just to have the money to buy a book about France.
Creating is like air to me.
To Hear & Heed
Starting in January of this year I set a goal to "Hear & Heed" I've tried to up my game when it comes to scripture study.
Moving my study time to a least an hour each morning. (which is a luxury I know.... for you women in the throws of raising a family. I like to think your little ones are your scripture study.....enjoy and learn....it goes by so fast.)
But I'm in a season that gives me more time for personal study....I'm trying not to waste it.
Each day I ask my Heavenly Father 3 questions, who, what where....and then try to hear and heed.
It's harder than I thought....and has humbled me in more ways than one.
The last one to Create-
Take the time to create little moments-with friends and family. Just a few moments from this year.
Tell me...what do you do to get out of your comfort zone....I would love to learn from you!
Few people would argue the value of creating a story about a life lived.
In fact, it’s a noble idea to create your life’s story. From it, your descendants will learn something valuable and endearing from your life experiences and will get to know you as an individual.
Elder John H. Groberg of the First Quorum of Seventies spoke of the importance of our individual histories.
He said, “In a very real sense, our properly written histories are a very important part of our family scripture and become a great source of spiritual strength to us and to our posterity. … I have a strong feeling that when this life is over, our personal and family histories and the influence they wield will be of much greater importance than we now think.”
This is one of the reason why I keep a blog- I make no claims to be a great writer and for sure this isn't a "properly written history"....this is my way of keeping track of our life....and perhaps someday it will be interesting or of value to my children.
This blog is our day to day...some of the more personal thoughts are left to a little journal I keep. (smile)
(I try to make a "Year Book" from my blog...I'm a little behind...that is one of my goals this Nut season catch up on the book making...I use blurb )
This is my week-
This week in review, I will handle in a slightly different way-
statements mingled with pictures of this week
I am thankful- for sweet little grandchildren that brighten my day near and far.
I am learning- how to remember peoples names. (so hard...wish I had that gift)
I am eating- Greek light and fit yogurt- topped with cranberry spelt and flax granola
I am thinking- this is the same bench I remember sitting on about 42 years ago....when Danny and I were young and dating.... we would go to the movies in this theater and I'm pretty sure we sat together on this bench.
For several years the theater went into disrepair....but it has been made new again...now they showcase local talent and many others from around the world.
This week was Jeremy Camp- first time for us to go to a Christian rock band....it was a lot of fun....and close to home. Something different then just dinner and a movie. In a couple weeks we have tickets to Kellie Pickler at the same theater.
Last week we were very front row...this week a little higher up. (smile) when you buy tickets, I'm not sure how they figure it out....but you don't get to pick your seating...perhaps it is first come first serve....or something like that. They just seat you together according to how many tickets you buy.
Fun night-
I am hoping- that we get all the rain we need this winter, and hoping our home is framed and roofed before that happens.
I am buying- new shoes, and a few new skirts from LuLaRoe Shannon Brown seriously cute... for fun follow her... click on link LulaRoe Shannon Brown ....see skirts below. (she has dresses and tops too)
I am walking- average 5-7 miles a day. Lifetime steps since I got my fitbit in April- 1,762,672 steps (changing all the time...just walked a few more steps....smile)
Made a quick trip to the cabin to paint the back deck...last little project before Nut Season.
I am smiling- because I just love that checkered cutting board Sam made by hand for us....to use at the cabin.
Happy Birthday Audrey dear!
Ending the week with a fun little birthday dinner with Audrey and family. She is going to be an awesome 5 year old.
I will never forget when This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah....I happened to be at that meeting and I remember the feeling of love and The Spirit of Christ was so strong it brought tears to my eyes.
My Blog began in 2005- I write about "whatever" I am doing- about my husband (Danny) and our 5 grown children and grandchildren. I write about the things I love...from creating a new room to playing with my grand-kids...I share my blessings and my testimony about my Mormon Faith.{The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints} I love finding ways to be happy and enjoy the blessings I've been given....come what may.....Happy Day
