finally.....our first destination :: Las Vegas

Since this journey began I find myself sad ....a little sad that a few of my closest friends never experience my world ... because they're social recluses.  No offense, you friend out there with No FB, Instagram, Twitter, or even Pinterest account....for the love.....get with ONE of them for the sake of all my sanity.  Heck, make up a fake name....use a picture of bananas as your profile...just make it happen.

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

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 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

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

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)

Now, how do you say it? {D-ella} ? or Blu or what?!?

Maybe I did think I’d end up with this quiet little lady who didn’t talk back and baked.   I have to think that if little boys, “played house”...which I’m pretty sure I didn’t do...I would have conjured a partner like June Cleaver or something.  (click on through to read more)

Weekend bliss joyfully welcomes my Monday reality

You ask "what does BCBG have to do with anything?" you'll find out

Can this new reality paint a completely different picture than last weeks’? 
The answer is yes!!!!

The showcase of my weekend’s adventures, tears, laughter, videos and the making of new friendships is finally in.  

Like a urgent news flash except NOT....because this flash of fun through photos brings JOY!!!!

Let’s highlight a glimpse then we’ll travel in order of events:

Style Feature: Texas Family History

A passion for decorating personal space doesn't require education or knowledge in the field.  It starts with a knowing of how you like to live and what you want to surround yourself with everyday.

My family was visiting the local pumpkin patch for some fall pictures this past weekend and as soon as we were out of the truck T made a bee line for this ancient wagon that looked like it jumped out of Bonanza.  Marc, being the rule-follower that he is (thank God for those), warned us we were treading on private property.  We then moved to the street to take pictures of this beautiful relic.  We weren't there but 15 seconds when

rest - it's not that hard

Sleeping babies do something special to my heart space.  The light little giggle or sigh that rises up in me when I see the rise and fall of their chest, the little fingers, little toes and peaceful look on their face. 

Do you find that you take pictures

transparency :: POWER

Now that I’m back in full swing I’ll be updating you on my latest art creations a fun quickie makeover using only the items the homeowner had on hand.  But for today I want to check in on YOU.  I’m always talking about how to “Live Decorated” so have you been finding anything helpful? 

• How are YOU living decorated?  
• What little quirks make you special?
• What things put a smile on your face?  
• Have you started thinking of ways you can beautify your world?

This weekend "Live Decorated" took on a whole new meaning for me.  Keep in mind this is the life I’ve created for myself...

decorating each step of the way.  I’ve been striving for
beauty in every area.  Oh, but some funky junk I’ve been sweeping under the proverbial rug of avoidance has come to light. 

Three big things actually....:

breaking up with cookies....finally

Look at this old post from May 2011 I found that I never published...never too late to share a laugh with friends:)

I'm not sure just how long ago it was...a month...maybe longer when I had my first (as far as I can remember) noteworthy interaction with cookies....yes, that's right....cookies.

I was walking by the pantry one afternoon knowing I only had a few hours before I was breaking into that bag of cookies (after boys' bedtime). 

----------no limits. 

----------no one telling me how bad they were for my body or echoing my weight loss goals (as if I really established any of those since Koen was born). 

Here it is...wait for it!

I winked! 

Not only did I wink AT the cookies, I gave them a little "I'll see you later" kind of grin across my face.  Just as I made my way from the kitchen to the living room it dawned on me what I had just done & I burst out laughing...."I just winked at the cookies" I rattled off to Marc. 

Laughing-tummy-pains followed.

My latest incident was last night (5/21) after spending cuddly time with my honey on the porch in the rain storm.  I went to the kitchen (11pm) to have ANOTHER cookie, which could've been my 8th but who was counting, and I exercised self-control for perhaps the first time in 10 years.  I wrapped up the 2 remaining cookies & 2 brownies (what!?! only 2 left?  I couldn't have eaten that many, surely Marc’s the guilty party there) and told them I was done with them.  I broke up with my cookies!  Then, now here’s the wacky part (as if the rest is balanced & centered:), as I placed them in the pantry I told them I'd see them tomorrow!....

Really….what is my deal???

So there you have it....my cookie break-up.  Now if only sugar probation existed -- where I had to answer to someone for my sugar weakness.  Marc is no help because if we're out of sweets in the house he'll beg me to go to the store regardless of the hour or the activity I'm wrapped up with.  No help from my Honey! 

Honey.....(ponder...pause)........

yummmm.....

Mind...shut UP!!!

xox

t

The Letters..total miracle here... funny, heart warming video to boot

Ok....the story I keep telling you I'll share....yes, it has taken a while.

God answered our prayers for THE LETTERS in an amazing & totally unexpected way.  I thank God for the Robertson family! Just watch!

since 1971...you can even see my parents wedding picture--the original
newspaper clipping...tremendous!

such a profound statement!

Love isn't in the air....its in your WORDS and your ACTIONS

Much to tell but first let me address "the letters".  I simply don't have time to address them right now....you see I get to pick whatever I want to tell you about & for now, since I haven't read them all yet, I prefer not to share the details...more to come...PROMISE!!!

Now, down to business....I mean fun stuff....this weekend is straight out of a fairy tale...only its my life!    Good friends, conversation, makeup miracles, hair extensions, high heals, and good preachin'.  Only thing missing was dancing....I just couldn't coax Marc into it....THIS TIME!  There will be other opportunities and don't let him fool you, he rocks that dance floor my friend!

Before I tell you all about my Sunday evening & share some yummy, happy pictures with you let me take a side journey:

I'm surrounding with amazing people everyday...that is one huge way that I live decorated.  You know what you can do today....tell someone in your life why YOU find THEM amazing.  Be real!  Don't make it up to make someone feel warm n fuzzies...tell the truth and say what you normally wouldn't say.  LOVE on people today.....or even just start with one.  Guess where I'd start this week....

Yep...you got it!  Your spouse!  I mean, if you're married anyway.  Your Honey needs some sugar no matter what day it is but this week does happen to be the once a year, in your face reminder, to show someone you care.  It doesn't have to mean spending $100 on some roses...its more than that.....and longer lasting.  It's a real, genuine expression of your love, adoration and respect for that special someone in your life.   You think you can do it?  Men, you need help? I'll tell you how to make that lady in your life feel set-up-on-a -pedestal adored. 

Make a card, plan a picnic (too cold for that one but keep that idea in your back pocket), do something you don't like to do that she LOVES to do, sacrifice, write a silly poem, write a romantic poem, sing a song, write a song (Marc, I'm holding out for this one:), leave a trail of stickie notes with a long, loving message and this list goes on and on and on...maybe just email me & I'll work it out with you but DO SOMETHING WONDERFUL for her!  And ladies, you're not off the hook on this one either.  Your man deserves....a lot!  He works, provides, supports and laughs at your jokes (even when you're not funny, trust me, I KNOW:)  So I don't know what I'm going to do to make my Honey feel the love & respect I have for him.....hopefully something will come to me quickly. 

Now...may I share my evening of love, romance and chicken with you?  Picture it.....Green Pastures.

Now I have your attention.  

Our church, World Harvest Outreach Church, had our annual Valentine's Banquet and it was every bit romantic...lighting, service, food, company and even a fitting message from Pastor...all a perfect fit for my decorated life.  I thought I'd share some pics of my food, friends and even awards....FUN, I know!

 "pause" (inside joke to several of you)

Short version of the "behind the scenes" story...This beautiful lady & her husband shot this rockin' short film to advertise this Valentine's Banquet for our church and tonight we experienced a star studded night at the Oscars. Here is a shot of her awards and hugging me in poor lighting....or is it the camera setting???

One part I forgot to mention about this video..... Marc & I PRANCED!!!  Imagine my husband for a moment.  Now imagine him prancing.  Got the picture?  People were rolling in the aisles. 
http://vimeo.com/36042961 

Hysterical...best part is her husband making her breakfast with egg on his face...no really....egg face.  Best medicine is laughter & boy are you in for an extra dose when I get my hands on that link!   Did I forget to mention...Marc & I won the Oscar for  "Best Lovebirds"....you gotta see this clip....SOON to come...just gonna update this post so if you wanna see Marc "prance" you'll have to revisit!

Pastor John & Alison & his Mama....what a
blessing I have the best pastors!!!









 So get the idea ladies...men....LOVE!   and LOTS of it!



I even have cool Scottish friends who wear skirts!!!







gorgeous friends o' mine...lovely!!!





High Fashion, for me, always includes a
vintage element.  Tonight, however, I was
vintage overload...clutch, necklaces and coat
oh and great shoes V!



laughing again

can't sleep...too many things on my mind...so much happening....the last 24 hours have been a roller coaster ride of emotions

Went to Dad's today with Marc, Amanda (my sis) and her family just to mow, clean up & see about tying up some loose ends. Oh, and remember the letters I told you about? Apparently my Dad wrote letters to all of us before making the decision to end his life. even typing that out seems so terrible...all over again...anyway, "Where are the letters?" we prayed many times over. We asked God for "the letters" and our prayers were answered....:) more on the letters in tomorrows blog. Yes, it includes a video so stay tuned.



Now fast forward to this evening....with my mind & heart on reading these "letters" it took primping mindlessly in the mirror for an hour for me to finally shift to this evening's event...10th Annual Kyle Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. As often & as hard as I've cried in the past 2 weeks I laughed tonight. I mean laughed!!! The Bible says "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine" in Proverbs....well tonight my heart doeth good...mine for sure and I'm certain many of those amazing people that surrounded me tonight. I wish I had my camera crew there to capture the funny. Maybe next time:)



my new best friend--Jessica
brilliant pre-law athlete @ UT

 

So I sat at this table...the FUN table...otherwise known as table 20...right next to this fantastic gal, Jessica. She was me only 15 years ago and most likely much nicer than I ever was. Oh, and super brilliant. So you'll have a chance to meet her soon as she'll be appearing on my show....most likely about doing what you do with excellence. She's a top athelete with "mad skill" (cause that sounds cool n hip). Not only is she cute, she can get us into the sports places on campus...not sure what that means but it sounds fun, huh!?



Marilyn---Volunteer of the Year



Wendy...amazing chiropractor



I saw loads of friends & made several new ones. God is so good to me...He knew I needed a good laugh & sent the right people to inspire my creativity....hugs to you all. And to "The Director" who said I won the "Award for Best Dress"....thank you and you can just send it to my agent! xoxo




Pictures & more about the letters tomorrow...or maybe even Monday cause tomorrow is church & our long awaited church Valentine's Banquet at Green Pastures.....yet another perfect evening with friends.



Cyndy--friend with HIT newspaper!

Beverly...pilates master &
soon to be mama of 3

xo

Trish....aka Blu Wyatt ;)

The poodle found his home:)

Just received a knock on the door...a man 2 doors down looking for his dog.  What a sweet reunion! 
He said some weeks back one of his three poodles was outside & someone drove up & stole his dog right in front of his eyes....shame!  So to see his face when he found his dog was a true blessing. 

Decorate the life of someone around you by helping them even if it is a stranger.  You will be blessed more than you imagine!

Eat More Pie...and pray for someone...maybe not at the same time:)

After a really long day I nearly went to bed just now…then remembered I had some things to share with you.  You see, you’re part of the family & I must share with you the little nuggets of the day.  How are you living decorated today?  Have you written down your vision yet?  Takes some time, eh?  Well, as long as you’re being honest with yourself & moving forward no one can give you a hard time, least of all me:)

A few things I want to share about today... but let me rewind to yesterday briefly to tell you about a great lady who lives decorated by doing what God has truly gifted her to do & surrounding herself with things & people she loves.  Julie owns Texas Pie Company in Kyle, TX and if you haven’t been you MUST go.  We went yesterday & I was immediately inspired by the Eat More Pie sign…I mean HELLO….totally my motto.  Maybe you can add ALL desserts to that tag line then it would be more “me”.  Anyway, she had just made this funky chandelier out of utensils (how fitting) and the unique guitars I guess she made as well. There are loads of write-ups about this place featured one one wall & the other is filled with pictures of her family...inspiring! So check her out & you’ll certainly be back for more.  Say hi to Shana when you go!

Now I jump forward to my “today”.  I received a voicemail that my dearest best friend just lost her Mimi & is in San Antonio.  I loaded the kids in the car as soon as I unloaded the groceries (and played with the lost dog who wouldn’t leave our yard) then headed her way.  My friend is one of the kindest women you will EVER meet with such a heart for God, Jesus & her family.  To see her hurting is nearly unbearable.  After catching up on each other’s lives she asked that I pray for her. We put the kids in front of the TV (no worries, it was wholesome programming) and we headed to the car with Koko. I thank God for answered prayer! 

I was inspired to share for this reason; someone may have asked you (or will ask you) “pray for me” and what better gift than to stop everything you’re doing and pray right then and there?  Time doesn’t always allow but when it does…when you MAKE time I promise when you see prayers answered.  there is no greater gift or way to beautify your life by sacrificing for someone you love…someone God loves!   She has VICTORY TODAY….by faith she received it!!!

Thanks for letting me share that very close-to-my-heart story from my day’s adventure.  And a road trip is always a great way to shut everything out & touch base with your Creator.  Watch the clouds roll in (or around) as you chug along.

Jumping a bit more ahead: remember that cute dog?  Well while driving to SA I prayed & asked God to have His perfect will with that curly bundle of love.  SO….sure enough when Marc got home he was still here…just as adorable as can be.  I gave him a bath (with Tiernan’s help, of course) and now he’s waiting for me in my bed.  Even as I write this I have tears peaking in my eyes. Do you know how much I miss Paisey Poo…still?!  This may be an answer to prayer (even though I promise I did NOT pray for another animal)

Did I steal someone else’s dog, you ask?  NO!  I went door to door in the cold trying to find his home (even though I admit I hoped against it).  I left my card on houses, left flyers near both mail centers….now I pray he will be in the perfect home for him.  Sorry for the length of this one but you’re probably already signed off & I’m all alone here…oh, well.  I LOVE HIM! 

Disclaimer:  I would NEVER want to take someone else’s dog (or make a little kid cry) so I have to do all in my power to find his home but he acts as if he’s been here forever.  Hopefully he’s potty trained:)