Regaining Balance

transitive verb balanced to weigh in or as in a balance

1. to bring into or keep in a state of equilibrium or equipoise; keep steady




Lately I've been feeling a little off-balanced. A little un-steady. It kind of sneaks up on me when I'm not paying attention and get busy doing 'things' that are all good, just too much at one time. I really admire those women who 'multi-task', who say they get more done the more busier they are. God bless them. But not me. I get overwhelmed and paralyzed.
I am so thankful for the friends that God's put in my life that help me get my equilibrium back. Some of these friends didn't even know I was struggling. Like my good friend Sue, from Eureka...she sent me this card with funny article she thought I'd like. It came on the day I was feeling my worst. God used her without her even knowing it!

And on that worst day, Laura talked me "off the ledge" through text messages. And Cheryl's simple words, "got you covered, friend" in my facebook meant she was praying for me. All of that makes such a difference!
I was looking at the boys on the teeter-totter (well, that's what we called it when I was little)--and noticed they could only be balanced with each other. If one got off, well, there you were stuck on the ground. Husbands, friends, community help keep one balanced. Thank you to my blogfriends, especially, who bring balance to my life through your words of encouragement and thoughtful comments. I am so touched that you take the time to stop by and say hi.

Psalm 119:1You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That's right—you don't go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I'd never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I'm going to do what you tell me to do; don't ever walk off and leave me.

~ The Message ~

Goodwill and my T.V. Debut

..So a new Goodwill had a grand opening yesterday near where I live. Courtney and I braved the crowds and ventured in. As usual, Goodwill Thrift Store didn't disappoint! A local news crew were outside when we were leaving and interviewed Courtney and I for their nightly news. We were on a 6:30....Courtney was quote as saying thrift stores are trendy and you can find designer clothes there at a fraction of the cost. I was quoted saying you can find amazing deals there. So I had my 45 seconds of fame.... Here are the treasures I just couldn't live without!

I've been wanting a cruet holder like this for years, but didn't want to pay antique store prices..Courtney spied this one. I was thrilled to find it affordable!! One of the cruets is missing...just will put me on a mission to find one! ;-) By the way, does anyone know what all the containers are supposed to hold? I'm figuring salt and pepper, oil and vinegar, but I'm not sure of the other two....

This is a cute little gift/hat box--love the flowers on top!

Got this cute little nesty-thing...and then added a few eggs and a bird I already had and voila!

All ready for SPRING! Have a great day!

Tablescape Thursday

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday! We recently celebrated Steve's birthday and and I themed his birthday dinner around one of his favorites...wine!

I started with a beigey-brow damask table cloth, then topped it with burlap...

I found the napkins at the grocery store. For the place cards, I just copied the napkins onto paper with our printer,

and cut it out using decorative edged scissors. Wrote the names on in gold, then outlined in black.

I made place card holders by undoing a gold paper clip and sticking it in a wine cork. Easy-peasy!

We made the wine bottles into oil lamps by adding specialty made wicks for wine bottles and oil. I usually use them when we eat outside, but this was handy and effective for the theme! The "vino" sign has "wine" printed on the other side (it's old tin) so the guests will have something to view from there, too. I always try to have a view from each side for the centerpiece. Wine corks strewn about for added effect...

A pic with just the candles...

See "Karmere" etched on the wine glass? I used all the glasses that had different winery's names etched on them...we've picked them up from time to time from our wine-tasting jaunts....

The view from the other side....the tin sign reads "wine"....

This is my motto when cooking! ;-)

Thanks, Susan for once again being a gracious host! Check out the other wonderful tablescapes at Between Naps on The Porch!

Have a wonderful day!

Psalm 23

My favorite translation of Psalm 23. Click on picture to enlarge.

Our "B & B"

I just got the guest room all back in order after a wonderful visit from my dad and step-mom...they left $2.00 as per the sign! :-)

The $2.00 fee is appreciated, but not mandatory. Meals are included although the establishment appreciates a trip out for sushi should the guests care to treat them!

Anyone wanna come for a visit?

Sir Winston is our official greeter.

'Nother Tablescape Thursday

Hi all! Sorry I haven't been around all week...'been sidetracked with life...ya know how it is! ;-)

But I managed to snap some pics of our dinner tablescape one evening. I bought a cute dishtowel 1/2 price at Anthropology (LOVE that store) and brought it home deciding to use it as a center runner-type deal for the table...then the colors went from there...I got the placemats for .99 for all 4 at the thrift...wine glasses and water glasses from previous post. And just pulled a few goodies to make for an interesting centerpiece.

Be sure to check out other wonderful and creative tablescapes at Susan's at Between Naps on the Porch!

Hopefully I'll be back soon!