"because that's not your story"

Because that’s not your story...

These words reverberate in my brain space as I drive down Main Street contemplating the beautiful yet irritating story unfolding in my neck of the woods.  A story of a local gal, a mutual friend of many friends, who struck it big when one of her blog posts landed her a spot on The Today Show.

the dream from a distance...ANYTHING is possible if you only believe.

HUH?!? 

Yes, you read correctly...The Today Show.  Now that I have your attention

first day of school....ever!!!

can you believe tomorrow is the first day of school?!?

I'm in a strange place with all this.
So much is happening in my life as if a speed train is at the station about to take off on an amazing page turning adventure I'm flying through the train station, hair blowing in the breeze, luggage in hand (light as you go).... trying to make it before the doors close.

summer days coming to an end as school begins
spray SPF brings my family such joy

You see, a local gal with whom we share

Family Fun Activity Idea....try it with us

Change: the only constant

I find myself walking through a lot of change in my life.  Change as a wife,   a church-goer, a friend, a worshipper, a daughter-in-law and a mother.  My oldest faces his first year of “school” and has no idea what awaits him in less than 3 weeks....nor do I, for that matterJ.  Life is about to change forever for all of us. 

Additional Side Journey ....a wee bit further away from our functional wall art discussion: As we embrace this change with joy and a bit of naiveté I ask

moments later: my uber bad day dramatically transformed

When's the last time you had a really bad day?   A day where you go back in your mind to that Calgon commercial ....sing it with me ladies.....”Calgon, take me away!”  

Ahhh, you remember.

That was my day; take me AWAY!  

I try never to tell you (or my other friends Twitter, Instagram or even Facebook) when I’m having a struggle with something because I don’t want to speak negatively.  No one likes to read your junk as they’re scrolling....people want to be encouraged...uplifted....not read your (or my) drama.  So I keep it to myself, my husband and my sweet children.  

Am I alone here? 

Introducing: Sweet Treets....art for culture and lots of pictures

I just miss you....I have so many stories I want to tell.  Like how Marc and I ran across this rockin' bakery today in Oakhill (Austin, TX to my friends from around the globe) called Sweet Treets.

elegant, refined, delicate, fanciful yummy to the tummy ART is what we have here

 click through to read entire post and see loads of pictures...

routine is boring....maybe I should add some in the mix though

a perfect illustration of randomness in my life....
T collected shells one morning and I had to make a
photoshoot out of the deal

Written a few nights ago....then left to sit and marinate....now off to you my friends.

They say consistency is the key.  Oh, really!  Well then I’m in trouble, as if y’all didn’t already know that!  About the only thing I consistently do is brush my teeth and wash my face.  Oh wait, I have little boys and responsibilities....all the more reason to not only desire order in my life but strive for it.  Don’t kids do better when they know what to expect...planned out daily routines I would guess is a great place to start.  I mean, I feed them, bathe them, play with them and sing to them among a million other things but do I provide my boys with a predictable routine?  

at least the pictures might be worth it...???

Where in the world do I start?  How do we reconnect after so much has happened in my absence?

I’ve seen countless strangers turn into friends right before my very eyes, none of which I could take the credit for.  It seems when

come back in a few for pics

A lot can happen in 4 days.  Then there’s my life.  The term “a lot” doesn’t quite encompass the grandeur of change my heart & tangible world have been manifesting. 

Let's be REAL for a sec!!

  So much is going on and since several of you only know what's going on by reading my blog I thought I'd try to wrap some words around portions of it.

First of all, my Iowa journey was beyond words (especially mine) and I really hope you'll catch up with me there....you know who you are:) it truly was life changing and I want more than anything

A little late night update

I typed this after day 3 of my Iowa adventure....

 I know my limited vocab couldn't possibly express this amazing journey to Iowa I'm on.

I have a thousand pics but you'll have to find em on fb, twitter or Instagram because I can't figure out an easy way to manage pics on my iPhone then easily get them to the iPad where I'm typing this blog in a special blog app...I do however know how to draw on

Day 3...continued of my Life Changing Iowa adventure...the farm

And here I am....once again at the farm where I spent as many summers as I did at the stables....cherished memories I’d love to share with my boys.  I need video of my GrandDad and time is running out. 

The battery’s registering under 20%. 

Space on my wee iPhone memory is on warning mode.   

Oh boy!  

sweet little old farmhouse looks a bit consumed by those bushes....I could help with that when I go back:)

I did manage to capture a few videos so I hope you can find time to watch. 

Excuse my....ummmm.....well .....‘I just don’t know what the heck I’m doing’ behavior I seem to easily exhibit, I’m sure I’ll get better at this. 

So much revelation was flooding my heart during this trip and I thought I was articulating my process quite well....that is until I see the videos for the first time since recording them....oh boy!

What a blessed lady I’ve been in my life to experience so many cultures, worlds unbelievable adventures....one of which is having spent my summers on this farm. Going back is so much more meaningful to me now that I have kids of my own.  I want them to experience all the goodness that comes from learning hard work, safety, peace on the farm, freedom and yes, as always, adventure starting with the apple orchard and organic garden.

these unusually soft farm kitties have been following me all over today, which included a short nap in my rental car (them not me:)

Mom actually rented a moving truck to get this back to Texas.  She has memories of riding in the back while the grain poured over her.  Check back for the day 4 post to see the video of her telling the story

I don't remember ever seeing that ladder.  When I talked to my mom she said because it was always behind the hay...we'd start piling it along that back wall.  I would love to preserve this old barn & turn it into something unexpected...I have my ideas:)

GrandDad, as you’ll see here, is a PRO!  He’s a pro story teller who also exudes total freedom in speech and worship, with or without a camera on him.  I look up to this remarkable man of faith and hope to share with my boys some face to face memories they’ll never forget!  And if they do I’ll just replay the video.  You see why I need to go back to Iowa.....so many stories to be told, memories to be had, lessons to be learned.   I need about 73 more videos of him.....get me back up there, is what I say.  

I actually used to drive these big tractors...more for fun than anything:)  I think I was 13 when I learned.  I asked Mom how old she was and she said FIVE!!!!  I hope I caught that story on video...you'll have to come back to Day 4 to see for yourself.

I bet I could re purpose this feeder...whatcha think? The colors are perfectly vintage....and check out my scarf...I coordinate with the farm feeders!

always a good day for a little silliness:)
don't take yourself too seriously, that's my lesson in this picture.


hope you enjoyed the pictures and maybe even made time to see some videos.  I know it's a LOT for one post:)  Hope it's not irritating.


One more thing before you go, assuming you're still here, have you thought about what Living Decorated means to you?  I'd love to hear a bit about what makes you the special you God created so perfectly beautiful.


Love
Diella Wyatt

Life Changing Trip to Iowa: Day 3 (finally) Sunday

Ok so we're only on day 3 of the 5 day adventure composition set in the rural mid-west (at least I think Iowa is mid-west....I just wanted to use words other than corn, farm & small town)  you get the idea though because you, my friends, are smart cookies (we balance each other quite well).

In case you're just joining us....start here if you want the story in order....or here if you want to go for the Iowa back story:P

Sunday: I knew I was going to

The Great Iowa Adventure: Day 2: Part 3 winding down....or so you thought

Oh boy, have I sure missed YOU!?!   Life hasn’t slowed down & certainly if I’m to once again Live Decorated I’ll have to make some serious adjustments....mainly to FINALLY get moved out of this house.  Tomorrow will be ONE full week since Operation Adorable Small Town MoveIn began.  

isn't this precious????

 Below are 2 videos of the getting

Life Changing Iowa Adventure: Day 2: Part 2: from a 5K to the wedding

Still with me?  If you have no idea we were in the middle of an adventure head back to 3 Summer Me's and catch up...then you'll be ready for what's in store.

My journey to Iowa was nothing short of life changing.  After the 5K and our community 5K breakfast I made a run to Walmart (the only store in this tiny town) for some panties.   In my mind's eye, supported by the fact that I don't have a watch, I figured there was plenty of time before the wedding so I took a farm road adventure in my little Fiat.  I've always loved back roads and since I learned to drive here I knew them pretty well.

I just love old barns.  It makes me sad when they're in this condition but it takes a lot of work to maintain a farm

As I stopped in front of this barn for a little

Life changing Day 2: Part 1: Iowa cold can't stop the 5K miracle

Day 2:  
8:15 AM:

Aubrey wakes me up....HELLO....the 5K starts in 45 minutes!!!  Are you serious!???  

I had planned on having at least an hour in prayer to prepare myself for this ridiculous challenge.  Why did I sign up for this thing again?

My look today: pig tails,  yoga pants, leg warmers (I bought 3 years ago and just opened the package) and a cute swimmers shirt and jacket I borrowed from Aubrey.  Despite the freezing Iowa wind I was sweating bullets.

Kneeling at the foot of the bed crying out (in a whisper) to Jesus for grace to do this thing...He gave me the scripture "you will rise up on wings like eagles, you will run and not grow weary and you will walk and not faint"  (wish I knew the verse to share with you).  Ok, that’s a good one God, thanks.

PEACE

I looked in the mirror before heading downstairs: lo and behold.....I LOOK LIKE A RUNNER!  No, really, if I didn't know myself I'd say I was a runner.  But I Do know me and I couldn’t be further from it.  

Walking down the stairs of my Grandma Barb's house that morning for the zillionth time in my life I had peace....a strange peace that I had to fight for in the midst of great fear.  As soon as everyone saw me the chuckles commenced.  Huh, why is everyone laughing....

Life Changing Iowa Adventures: Travel Day Friday

5:30 start to this wild ride adventure:
Well I made it on the plane after a little oopsie with my full water bottle....duh!  Had to leave and walk all the way back to the front guzzling my water all the way.  Then back through security once again....no biggie, everyone was wonderful to me.  Go American Airlines!!!

huge vintage suitcase art in the San Antonio airport

The flight over I sat next to

My Life Changing Iowa Adventures: Start Here

This one’s a bit deep....ya think you can handle it?  Here’s the heart probing question of the day:

Have you ever found yourself in a pile on the floor asking God to change you?  To forgive you?  To make something of your life so you won't be such a MESS?  

Last Tuesday I had this moment.  My boys were just down for a nap and every part of my being wanted to crawl into bed to crash!  The weekend before was terrible!  I was sick to my stomach, I missed T's soccer game and lay in bed all day Saturday.  With NO energy I muddled through the busiest Sunday we had had in months.   Monday I was lifeless!

I was at my end.

(I think maybe we have to come to the end of ourselves to run with our whole being into the arms of our loving Father, repent and surrender our entire world to Him because He cares for us.  I think 1 Peter 5:7 says it all for me right now)

Back to that afternoon: I want sleep!  Something, disgust I think, rose up in me.  I made my way to the living room, grabbed my Bible and even though not one ounce of me felt like it I dropped to my knees.   I cried out to Creator God:  “I can’t go on like this anymore: God I give you ALL of me...please use me for something great!”  

That afternoon on my living room floor something happened. 

did you rise to the challenge yet??

Not sure if you read yesterday's challenge yet but in case you missed it here ya go: heirloom challenge

While the kids were down for a nap I sat down with my jewelry inspiration box (funny, I call it something different every time I speak of it:) and started creating gifts to take north.  I'm sure everyone will find something they love to pick out:)
So without a bunch of blah-di-blah words to describe them I shall share the pictures with you:

the shells on the right came from a pair of earrings I bought in some beautiful place....I can't remember exactly where but it was either one of the islands of

a Bracelet Heirloom creation: FINALLY!

This bracelet, just named G-ma's Compilation, has been in my jewelry making box for over a year now with all the little precious bits I collected from my Grandma Barb, Grandma Vivian, Aunt Sunday, Marc's mom, random purchases, even more random picks:)

So without going into too much detail on it....here you have my newest jewelry creation (as a TOTAL amateur so don't look too close).

My Gma Vivian was part of TOPS (Taking off Pounds Sensibly) and was SOOO proud to graduate to

3 Summer Me's

I’m about to embark on a journey.  A journey northward to farm country.....Tipton, Iowa to be exact.

While leaving one of my famous 5 minute messages for my cousin, Aubrey I had a realization.  I have 3 me’s when I’m back in Iowa.  In order to understand the 3 me’s let me start by saying I spent my summers in Iowa for most of my childhood, if not all.  Who can remember all the little detailsJ

So my summers were split between 3 places:

1.  At the farm: my mom's parents raised cows, pigs, grew corn & hay and about every other fruit or veggie imaginable.  This was a place my sister I spent hours and days running through pastures, climbing, driving tractors, helping bail hay, work the corn fields and muck through the huge mama pigs pen.

2.  in town: my dad’s parents had a cute white house just blocks from the city park & pool so this was a really fun place as a little girl.  We could walk just about anywhere in a matter of minutes. I spent teenage summers rollerblading, riding bikes, adventuring, sneaking out (let's not talk about that) and even midnight running in the rain with my girlfriend Julie.

My cousin Melissa leading me around at the stables before I could walk perhaps

3.  at the stables: my dad’s uncle had a gorgeous

hidden treasure: FOUND!

The other day we were flying through Wimberley trying to make it to a 5pm appointment and as we whizzed past this cute little shop with these perfectly (ME) letters on the outside spelling "Love Home" I screeched "we've gotta go back there...did you see that shop?"

she sells these letter signs....how cool are they.

Nope, anyway off to our appointment.
Well, low and behold on our way

Easter adventure...and YOU?

Hey y'all....how was your Easter?

We had a mighty full weekend!  Our church (Impact Family Church) hosted a HUGE FREE family event on Saturday. Here are some shots for you.

behind this amazingly fabulous Airstream Photobooth is all the action...inflatables, laser tag and

ride in style

Hey guys,

I was privileged enough to spot this creative gal and her adoring husband riding through a South Austin neighborhood.  I drove up next to her totally stalker like and rolled down my window as I rolled up to her.  "You look precious" I then shout out my passenger side window.

I mean really!  Are you reading what I'm writing? What kind of weirdo pulls up and says something ridiculous like that then drive off feeling confident I just made her day......I'm about rolling on the floor laughing looking back at it all.  In the moment it was the most normal, perfect thing to say.  HA!

Anyway, they were riding faster than I was driving (miracle in itself) until we turned the same direction....then I had to pass them again....ahhahhh.  If I were a better story teller (and single with all the time in the world) I'd drum up all the details of this wacky moment with flowery words and phrases that captivate you, my reader....my friend so deeply that you can't help but subscribe....come back tomorrow to find if there's a new post.  But alas, I am not such person.  I am ME!  

And here it is....the kind lady with the fancy bike.

Thanks for joining me and I really wish I would've picked up this gals name....be nice to share this with her:)

I'm learning along the way folks: curb the enthusiasm long enough to exchange names. 

Bye Bye Friends...until tomorrow:)  Oh, be sure to come back for a wee little tour of an rockin' shop in Wimberley ...to be coming.                           

     

make it yourself

At this point this blog isn't a "how to" kind of blog.  I'm not that kind of person, really.  I get my ideas from random places and don't possess the patience or attention to detail that are required to teach anyone "how to" do anything, really.

Recently my sweet Honey found a recipe to make your own laundry soap.  You guessed it....I did it!  Miracles happen every day!!!

Normally I'm NOT the kind of gal who would take time to look into such a domestic project let alone ever blog about it.  You see, unfortunately for my husband, I missed out on the Suzie Homemaker genes of the family, evidenced by the fact that I'd rather spend the afternoon in the garage than the kitchen ....any day.

So this isn't a TO DO (you can find that in abundance on Pinterest) for laundry soap but a get out of your box challenge to do something helpful and useful for your family or someone around you.  Whatever could you do?  I've already handed out one milk jug of the stuff to my sister....the giving may continue as I run across adequate containers...who knows, you could find one on your doorstep:)

I'll give you a hint as to where I found this on Pinterest ... a sweet little blog I've found Holy Spirit-led Homeschooling
One side note: I couldn't find the special long-name soap she mentioned so I used Ivory...hmmm, wonder if that'll make too much of a difference:)  I also added some Lavender essential oil to make me smile; smell good clothes make a difference!


So comment below and let me know how YOU Live Decorated and make a difference in the lives of people around you.....I must know!


Hugs,
Diella Wyatt
(getting used to the new name yet?)
(didn't realize I had a new name.....click the link above and find out all about it)

Turn ordinary into an adventure!

Take grocery shopping for example.  Most times in my every day life I try to approach each new moment as if it were an adventure.  This is one way I personally Live Decorated.

One of the most common adventures I have is

about TIME I try it!!!

Biggest Loser night!  a couple nights late but hey.....I didn't eat a bag of oreo's in the process:) just one oatmeal cream pie.  I mean, who could resist???

There are so very many trails my mind is traveling down tonight; adventuring over new terrain.  I’ve never been this way before or seen that hill before.   Everything looks new and unfamiliar; yet somehow, welcoming.  I’m turning a corner.  More like an “about face” (ahhh, Commander would be so proud of me).   I’m even naming my mental trails.... after those I've ridden on hundreds of times!  The Stables is where I spent all my summers growing up and plan to revisit next month...random side bar!

Ridge Trail:  It MUST be my choice.          I WILL make the move!

I’ve got my “EyeOn It” and I’m “Holding Nothing Back”

My 4 year old you see here runs full steam ahead just about every second of the day.  

2 cups of coffee later I'm right there with him:)

talk about "Eye On It", when these boys get anywhere near water they're looking for the biggest rock they can toss in

River Trail:  What if the whole world

Road Trip pictures & Happy Valentine's Day

as you probably can tell I haven't been too hot on updating our blog....but if you do want more current updates please follow me on Instagram @LiveDecorated or Twitter @LiveDecorated or even one of my new favorites YouTube  where we shoot random, spontaneous snapshots into our ever evolving world of joy & adventure.

I hope you'll join us......for now here's a little update for you from my sweet Insta-friend.

First you have a road trip adventure we took through some Texas small towns....i LOVE a good road trip!!!!

Here's a snippet from our small town Texas findings and the next place I want to pick when the picking budget increases:)

Capital of Texas Zoo is a hidden little gem outside of Austin
it's a must see....just be warned...they don't have any place to throw your trash:(

Here's a video from the zoo

Happy Valentine's Day....sad that the LAST cookie (and not even the prettiest) was when I remembered to take a memory shot of them....missed the polka dot one

My Honey planned a sweet picnic surprise under the huge oak trees for me & the boys

a client celebrated their grand opening for a community center they built.  I was blessed to help select all the surfaces
including exterior selections.  

my sweet Nissi kitty was literally folded into our blankets for a wee nap:) silly goose kitty

More fun to come this week as I overcome this sickness funk that seems to have taken my voice.  Whispering across the house to a 4 and 2 year old has its challenges.  Hopefully my voice returns before worship rehearsal tomorrow night:) thanks for your prayers and love.

Diella Wyatt

Finally, my fresh beginning arrives

  Today's the day...the official day.

MLK blessing ... Organized ...almost

  Martin Luther King Jr. was an amazing human being...I think we can all agree?  As I think about all the good things he did for this country and the world I reflect on how important each and every one of us are.  We each have a special calling and gift(s) that are unique to us.  What if Mr. King didn't step out and speak up?  He never would've accomplished the will of God for his life.  Even deeper: where would this country be had he not walked out his calling by faith?

Maybe your calling doesn't include the