Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A beauty prescription...

I hear the rain outside as I type.
Inside, I am recuperating from the weekend's bout of the flu.
Meanwhile, the Hubs is down for the count with the same thing.
A little cheering up is what's in order, and so I changed the dining room center piece.
 The soft lavender colored mums are this week's gift of flowers from the Hubs.
I love corraling my centerpiece in this old wooden berry tote.
When the grandkids do their homework on the dining room table,
 it's easy to move it all out of their way.
(My daughter and her family are staying with us while transitioning to move back to the area.)
Where Women Cook, it's a magazine, it's a cookbook, it's fabulous!
One of my Johnson Bros. transferware cup and saucers sits waiting for me to make a cup of tea.

One of my favorite teas! 
 The little tin is empty now so I guess I'll have to make a trip to 
Camas Antiques to buy some more from Amanda's space.
Oh my,  how I'll hate that....NOT!
I think little touches of beauty are so important when we are facing gloomy days or circumstances...
a hot cup of tea brought to your sick loved one in their favorite cup,
a soft cloth napkin tucked under the silverware on a tray brought to them in bed,
a green plant cheerily growing on the kitchen windowsill, 
the glow of a softly scented candle on a wintery gray day, 
a brightly colored old quilt to cuddle under...
I believe that those touches of beauty are as essential to our health and well-being as vitamins and chicken soup.
Obviously, our life is not found in things.
However, the God who created us, created the beauty around us for us to enjoy.
In fact, I believe He created in the spirit of man a need for beauty.
I remember, in the poorest villages in Ghana, seeing their touches of beauty here and there.
It seemed to me a testimony of sorts, as if they were saying, 
our spirit will not be broken by our circumstances.
How sad if, in some false sense of austerity and holiness, we don't enjoy God's good gifts.
So, if you're feeling ill or a bit blue today, my prescription is, treat yourself to a little bit of beauty.

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty,
 nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, 
who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
1 Timothy 6:17

Still following,

              

Adorned From Above

11 comments:

  1. Love your table centerpiece...so homey!!

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  2. I'm glad you're up and around but sorry your hubby is under the weather. I love your centerpiece. And Harney & Sons Paris Tea is my favorite! You could come my way and we could stop at my local pharmacy that has a tea shop. You could replenish your supply of tea - and then we could go to the newly expanded antique mall in Aurora. Or, you could go to Camas - and then come to Aurora!
    ~Adrienne~

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  3. The berry tote is a great idea, and the versatility is endless! The Johnson Brothers cup and saucer are so lovely.
    What a joy to do little beautiful things for loved ones. My daughter has been a bit under the weather, so it's nice for her to come home to her bed turned down, a fresh cup of spiced tea with honey, or send her off to class with a piping hot chai or pumpkin latte-both fun to make at home!
    Or bringing just baked cookies to my hubby as a surprise.
    Serving. My word this year.

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  4. I hope you are well, soon. I love a cup of tea in a beautiful cup. It's so civilized. I see it's raining there. Stay warm and hydrated, friend. :)

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  5. I totally agree, Elizabeth. Creating beauty is important and it definitely lifts the spirit. Your berry tote looks so pretty with the flowers.
    Mary Alice

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  6. Oh, I love that berry tote! A little bit of prettiness makes the day a little brighter...especially if it involves flowers. Hope you're having a good week :)

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    Replies
    1. A compliment indeed from you, because I think you have wonderful taste!

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  7. I can't begin to tell you how much I love this post. It's such a gentle reminder to celebrate the beauty created by the ultimate creator. Your centerpiece is lovely, especially in its simplicity.

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  8. Hope your feeling better. So many posting have or had this flu! I agree about beauty, and I have your lovely china pattern:) New follow. Follow back at
    http://www.sewsweetvintage.com/2013/01/his-and-her-pillows.html
    http://www.sewsweetvintage.com/2013/01/valentine-tie-dye.html

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  9. This touched my heart in deep places. So needed this right now.

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