Vacation gratitude…

This is our eighth summer we’ve vacationed here.

There is something comforting about returning to the same place year after year.

There is no compulsion to sight see when you’ve been there, done that.

Instead, over these years we have developed our own peaceful, restful vacation routine.

Coffee, breakfast, and devotions on the veranda that looks out at the San Jacinto mountains.

A walk before it gets too hot.

Swimming, sunning, reading by the pool.

The desert heat has soothed away sore muscles, aching joints.

Dinner made by us at the condo or at one of our favorite restaurants is the big decision of the day.

We truly are resting.

We have left the responsibilities at home in Capable Hands.

I am so grateful for this time of rest and refreshing for body, soul and spirit.

I continue to count my thanks

piling up gratitude

day by day

in my little green journal.

#1261-#1276

-baby granddaughter’s backyard pool at our house.

-turning another year older

-lots of birthday messages and love

-safe flight to L.A. and an uneventful, safe drive to my brother’s house in the middle of the night

-morning devotions in his gorgeous back yard

-the smell of the sea

-the blue, green water

-sea breezes

-sea birds

-the drive over the mountains from L.A. to Palm Springs

-the blessing of using our friend’s timeshare condo

-the dry, desert heat

-the unique beauty of the Coachella Valley

-cloudless blue skies

-daughter and grandbabies in South Carolina are coming to see us and are able to come sooner than we thought

-Psalm 6:9 Thank you God that you have heard my supplication and that you receive my prayer

 

Gratefully yours,

Elizabeth

“Sky”…

 

I once heard someone say that we must get “back to Genesis”,

back to the belief that the God of  Bible is the Creator of heaven and earth, of the plants, the animals,

of human beings.

The speaker said that our moral, spiritual decline is directly connected to our straying from this truth.

I think he was right. 

Why respect or place value on anything or anyone if they are just an accident, a result of happenstance?

It’s when we believe that people are God created, created in His image,

that we place value on them and treat life as precious.

I think he was right, it’s time to get back to Genesis.

Still following,

Elizabeth

Rocking chair makeover…

I have had this antique craftsman style rocker for quite a few years.

I’ve wanted to paint it and reupholster the seat for a long time,

(any antique dealers out there shuttering?),

and finally just did it!

First I “roughed up” the old finish with sandpaper, then wiped it down really well. Then, while I did the painting a dear friend from church came and tore the old cushion apart and systematically figured out how to repair and reupholster it.  Neither of us have ever recovered something before, but she was definitely the right person for the job. She was patient, methodical and precise.  I would have been pulling my hair out!

I found the brand new upholstery fabric at Goodwill for only 2.99,

and I liked it better than anything I’d seen at the fabric store!

It looks a bit like ticking.

After three coats of flat white paint, I lightly distressed the chair, then gave it a coat of furniture wax.

When that was dry I buffed it, and put the newly covered cushion in place.

It sits in the corner of the guest bedroom, or the grandkid’s room as it's more commonly called,

(and more commonly used for).

I’m lovin’  it!

 

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE AND HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND!

Elizabeth

 

 


 

Vacation…

Where I had my morning coffee…

Where I had my morning devotions…

The view from the restaurant where I had lunch…

The beach where I spent the afternoon…

where I watched dive bombing pelicans…

and even some dolphins!

Vacation is definitely a simple pleasure!

(The Hubs and I are enjoying spending a few days at my brother’s on the southern California coast

before heading inland to Palm Springs.)

Still following,

Elizabeth

Universal China Ballerina Rosette Pattern Teapot…

Just a little photo fun with a Goodwill bargain.

A pristine condition very collectible Universal China Ballerina Rosette Teapot found for $7.99,

but valued at close to $60!

I’m going to save it for oldest granddaughter and hope to locate some matching cups and saucers for tea parties.

She leaves for missions work in Ghana with her mama and daddy and little brother next month.

It’s a comfort to me to have something special waiting for her when she comes back.

(Photos textured with Kim’s Not Too Shabby texture, linear burn mode, 100% opacity.)

 

Still following,

Elizabeth