Camping stokes Memories

his last visit to our house....with Tiernan and this truck he's had since I was born

In the midst of staging my house, my sis and I are coordinating a camping adventure on Marc’s parents land for next weekend.  To include a bonfire, smore’s, canoeing, fishing, frolicking in the water with the kiddos....and oh yeah, a waterside ceremony to spread my Dad’s ashes.  I realize I haven’t shared anything lately... partly because I had to get myself together & stop crying for a bit and partly because the indescribable love of God has enveloped me... helping me get through this. 

Grieving the loss of your father is one thing but when you lose someone you love to suicide

Gelato for 2

So here we are.  I've just received an invitation to be a "contributing writer" on my wife's blog.  That does sound a bit fancy..."contributing writer".  Very fun.  I just hope that my other reader (my mother) can find my musings here. 

And since we haven't exactly set up

Bubbles entertain kids while driving

On our journey through Austin we explored some vital topics such as bubbles for use in Child Entertainment Emergencies Relating To Auto.  (Also referred to as CEERTA)

As a bonus I hired Marc as my writer....I’m sure you’ll get a chuckle out of his posts as soon as they grace the screen.  No rush, Honey!

In addition to all this excitement Leslie, my dear friend, and I started

Irritation turns inspiration

More times than not I have to start something or leave something in my way in order to irritate me to the point of frustration which then turns to inspiration which finally pushes me to action.  Huh?!!  Stick with me...I’ll explain. 

OK, so you’ve all seen my take on “Love”, right? (see pictures)  Well it’s been bothering me for some time...each time I see it I’m fussed...over what?  I couldn’t tell you but at one point I told Marc “I need to get this out of my house”. 

Rather than selling something I’m not pleased with, I made a decision to act.  I removed about half the jewels on the cross knowing the cheap feel of the “junk jewelry” was part of the problem.  If I’m going to stay true to my “farmhouse glam” style “Love” needs to make a change.  With the art just sitting on my wall torn to bits I was finally irritated enough to take it down & start the recreating process. 

A little about the final result:  I used several bits I found on my Dad’s land and in his travel trailer after his death in January (see My Daddy page for more info) to add personal depth & real life examples of love.  Rather than hording these treasures for a down the line project I wanted to infuse this piece with important (to me) parts of life and love.  I framed out John 3:16 better so it’s more of a focal point and added the bird to represent the Holy Spirit descending like a dove on Christ.  To the one who eventually buys this piece I’ll share more:)

Twistie Tie:

A conversation with a friend turned into a desire for a deeper revelation of the love of God.  You see, I’ve always had loads of people (men & women) I call dear friends and as I continue to meet new people (now just women since I’m married) I find myself drawn to the beauty, sense of humor, kindness, or any number of other attributes in a person...and I immediately want to add them to my friend list.  I thought “how can I be a true friend to anyone when I have a hard time juggling the MUSTs of life....God, husband, kids, church, clients, blog, show, art, furniture and so much more.”  So as you dig deeper into what a true friend really is you find the One and Only TRUE friend is Jesus....what an example! 

I’m still sifting through all this so I expect a whole new level of understanding ....stemming from that one eye opening conversation. 

We’ll see how I go...I’m also growing leaps & bounds as a woman, mother & wife as I learn to get a hold of my attitude & WALK IN LOVE at all times (even when it’s not so easy).  I encourage you to inspect your “love walk” and surgically remove any bitterness, resentment, anger or frustration seeping out of your mouth, tone of voice or body language...hello---ME!!!!!.  Check your attitude and leave the funky junk outside that soft, moldable heart of yours....and I’ll do the same:)

This work of art, to me, represents the love that God had for us, you and me....that He sent His son Jesus to die so that we might live. 

Many big hugs and mushy kisses to you..

Trish

Lighting n Adventure

Lightning speed, blink of your eye, glimpse into the sweet funk of Wimberley starts off with a deep conversation over kids & outdoor activities.  Ro & I are big into the outdoors but I noticed I’ve not been as horse or hiking active as I used to be before my 2 little blessings came into my life.  So I start asking her how having 2 kids affects her outdoor experience.

This is just a small taste as we drive home from a day with the horses & kiddos (Ro & I share similar passions as you’ll hear).  I apologize in advance as I would’ve had MUCH more footage had my memory tank not given out on me (yet again)....when, I ask, will I finally invest in more memory?????

The charm of the sweet little Texas river town goes beyond words....though here I try to shape some just for you. 

Antiques, high end fashion, décor, bath products, one of a kind gifts, art and the list goes on and on. So basically, if you’re looking for a funky addition to any décor and/or wardrobe you’re in the right place.  The adorable boutiques sprawling through downtown Wimberley and along the river will keep you busy for hours if not days.  Grab a coffee, take a stroll.  Bring your lunch or pop into a local café.  Artists and entrepreneurs make Wimberley their home where peace and joy and unique flair abound. 

 The store I tried to share with you is Star Antiques.  My battery ran out (go figure) as I was traipsing through her garden so I didn’t even get any footage inside the shop but I guarantee her website doesn’t do her justice.  They sell loads of fun, one of a kind items and specialize in vintage lighting.  Since vintage anything usually catches my eye and good lighting is one of the best investments you can make into your home...the pair is perfect.  I just might make a special trip back just to get it on film for you but I can guarantee my next client willing to launch outside the big box retailer world will have a story to tell with their new lighting acquisition. 

 

Twistie Tie: 

If you have kids you must introduce them to your world of activities and fun at a young age so they can share your sense of adventure.  On the same note they pick up more than you think they do .....attitudes, tone of voice, your habits, etc.  God has been majorly dealing with me about my attitude/frustration....so I’m bringing that to you.  Let’s all check our hearts before we expect our kiddos to check their hearts & attitudes.  They will mirror what they see you do so make sure you’re a GOOD example for them.  WOW.....I’m learning that first hand RIGHT NOW!!!! 

The one thing I’m grateful for ...His unconditional, faithful, never-ending, POWERFUL LOVE.  When I mess up I can ask His forgiveness & know I have it.  I then have to ask my son to forgive me...and the sweet thing is...he doesJ  What a great opportunity we have to shape our little ones and draw them closer to the Father...who LOVES us all sooooooooo much! 

Love n cuddles.....and Happy Happy Resurrection Day to all of you amazing folks out there!!!! 

Trish

Oh and please remember to teach your little ones that Easter is NOT about candy, hunting eggs and a cuddly bunny (although all that can be super fun)....it’s about the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  It’s ALL about HIM...and His love for you...and those little ones....please tell ‘em!

kisses...xox

Thrifting Finds: meet my Local Cakery & Boutique

My new blogger fashion friends inspired this post: I'm adding a new (random & infrequent) facet to my blog...my style.  Bear with me here....I’ve never done this before & honestly felt a bit goofy asking my husband to take a picture of my outfit.  Especially considering we were pulling up to his parent’s house (yes this is their land...amazing on its own:) 

So here it is ... my first ever outfit to share with you and the reason I've gotta share it. 

My skirt I took a floppy sweater (gift from my cousin) and cinched it up with a vintage brooch and added a vintage purse (can't have enough of those) with sparkly Enzo ballet flats

This is a better shot of my skirt....the bottom has this gorgeous see-through pattern which moves the light through quite nicely.  ready for the shocker?  It's a thrift store find....YEP...$6 to be exact!

I know all my friends take a few shots to get the whole look but let's be real...this is the only picture Marc didn't slice off my feet....gotta go with what I can get:) (NOT complaining)
 

Little style tip from moi: don’t be so prideful or afraid to shop thrift stores. Yes, you heard me, hit your local thrift store, Salvation Army or Savers (not a fan of Goodwill even a little) for some new garb. You see, I used to be a thrift queen (my girl Mariana taught me the ropes) & would end up with the best brands and great buys (before my new “mom body”and lowered--but rising--self esteem).

During the blogger conference is when I had my “ahhhhh, I’m back” moment.  We were all bused to Savers, served snacks and coffee, given tips from the experts (Pamela, Jessie, Jentine, and Elissa) then let loose....that is when I regained my thrifting confidence. Thanks ladies! 

ow that you know what I wore last week (yes, I'm a bit behind blogging)...lets get on with it.  You see, one of my favorite boutiques, housed in the small, quaint town of Buda, along the beautiful tree-lined Main St. is Buda's Red Door. They had a little party Wednesday featuring my new favorite Cakery, Wild Flour. which is due to open SOON. 

Delectably Red Velvet....cake balls coordinating with the "everything shapes us" art

Amanda and her sister are opening Wild Flour Cakery & Boutique next door to Buda's Red Door...soon

 Waxing Poetic is one of my all time favorite jewelry lines

this is just one of their displays....come to their store to see and buy more

 this is where Marc buys a lot of my long shirts...

what I love is they only buy a few of each style so I don't see

anyone else with my shirt:)

Good Works bracelets are all over the media (or so I hear)

they give 25% of their proceeds to charitable organizations

 Salon One12 is located in the back of the store....Rebecca is great!

love her vintage salon chairs!

Unique clothes, shoes, accessories,

cards, household items, decor and art

Finally, let me explain my "Twistie Tie" approach.  I love to "twist" everything back to God, my Maker, the One I owe my life to then "tie" it in to what I'm telling you about today.

If I get a bad haircut Marc is usually the one who hears about it...he actually told me last time...call one of your girlfriends:)  Well I was thinking about it (while steaming) and thought if God has every hair on my head counted (and who cares about that detail, right?) then doesn't He care that I'm happy with my hair?  The answer is YES! 

He cares about everything that concerns you. 

"Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Dude...I've used this one for LOADS of cares....He's kept me in everything:) 

Hugs n love with yummy cake balls and pretty earrings...

xox

Trish

 

Paint a Sign....tell the world about LOVE

While driving to the carnival Saturday something profound happened....we passed this family painting the sign outside their neighborhood. Marc suggested I interview them....then I could hardly sit in my seat....I just had to find out why they were doing this. 
Clearly there was a story to tell & there we were...ready to get it.....thanks to my brilliant husband!

 While simply asking if I could interview them they told me they were doing this to show the love of Jesus! Immediately I was brought to tears.....

"the LOVE of Jesus" she said.

  
enter camera crew (my husband)

Wow!  $20 may not seem like a lot to you but for those folks driving home after a long day seeing this cheerfully painted sign, even possibly experiencing the love poured out by this family...by God, I venture to say the faces and hearts decorated with smiles and joy are worth immeasurably more than the monetary value of the paint or the time it took them to complete the work.  People making a difference!!!


Along the same lines:  Last night we had Life Group at our home and one of the ladies shared this.  She told God some time ago she wanted to honor Him even in the little things...to show His love.  So one day she and her daughter were at a gas station when a lady came in frantically needing jumper cables.  No one had any...even the gas station guys.  My friend’s daughter felt led to go to the back of the store and there on a low shelf she found a $7 set of cables for sale.  (even the workers didn’t know they had them)  However, after urgently counting all her change the lady came up short.  My friend, who saw it as an opportunity, stepped up and bought the cables.  Talk about sharing God’s love on a practical level!


Now, if you’re on this adventure with me then you’re already seeking God for who He is and what He’s called you to do in this life.....to fulfill His plan and purpose for you.

 So here’s the “Live Decorated” challenge.


Find some small way today to share the love of God with someone.  just a few ideas to get the wheels of your imagination turning:

• Buy lunch for the person behind you in line at Chick-fil-A (or any fast food but this is my favorite!) and have the cashier give them a note that says “God loves you” 
• Mow your neighbor’s lawn (don’t forget to edge) 
• Take a meal (with yummy dessert) to that person you know that just had a baby or came out of surgery 
• Send a note of encouragement to a friend in need 
• Post something on craigslist for sale and when they try to pay GIVE it to them for free and tell ‘em God loves them (that’s one of my favorites)
• Offer to wash someone's car (or give 'em $10) without insulting them of course
• Offer to babysit someone's little guys (for free) so Mama & Daddy can have a date night:)
• Take someone's grocery cart back to the cart caddy in the parking lot....tell 'em how much God loves them.

 Don’t limit yourself (or expect anything in return)!  Being generous and using your imagination to do it (like Alicia & Paul in the video above) the effects of your kindness and generosity are limitless and ever spreading. 


Ask God what to do then DO IT!!! 


God loves YOU and wants YOU to decorate your life from the inside out....then ALL AROUND!!!! 




Many hugs n painted signs coming your way:) 



xox

Trish





For those of you waiting for something I told you I’d be blogging about....hold your horses...I’m just a tad behind:)