Wrought Iron Accents.......

~Beautifully Painted Wrought Iron Doors~

~Wrought Iron stair rail off a courtyard in Paris, France~

 ~Wrought Iron Balcony in Avignon, France~

 ~Wrought Iron Accents in Chateauneuf`du Paups~

~Wrought Iron stair railing 
as seen in Veranda Magazine~

~Beautiful Entry Doors in Paris~

~Wrought Iron Accent~

I love wrought iron, period!  The glistening qualities of a spectacular piece that has been forged by a craftsman adds beauty and definition to a home.  It can be found above windows, on windows, accents for windows, above doors, exterior stairways and we also find it everywhere on the interior of homes thanks to the beautiful influence of French style homes and interiors.  

When we found our home, already built and new three years ago, the French exterior style of the house is what we liked most! The touch of wrought iron was a plus!  What exactly is wrought iron?  Webster's defines it as a kind of iron that contains very little carbon.  It is tough and hard to break but easy to work or shape.  I had to laugh....... that could describe me lately!  I liked that definition and now I understand why it so beautiful!  It is tough and hard but easy to work or shape.  Shouldn't we be like that?  The easy to shape part.  Have you ever seen wrought iron on an old house that is rusted, chipped, and needing a little extra love and care.  A tender touch perhaps.  Patience of a skilled craftsman brings it back to its original state.

We too get tough and rusted and chipped by the "things" we go through in life.  Life is meant to be fun, happy, healthy and enjoyed!  When we go through dark times which often God has allowed into our lives, hopefully we reach out to Him and find His light in them.  Sort of like a new fresh coat of paint.  New again.  Submitting to being shaped and hammered, like the wrought iron, is a process.  The  beauty found in a finished piece of wrought iron goes through fire, hammering or beating but the finished product is glorious and beautiful!  "As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."  Proverbs 27:17 Do you know someone who is "bent out of shape"?   Encouragement is a tool we can all use.  Encourage someone today and you just might find that he or she will reflect a countenance of beauty.  If it is you who needs encouragement dear one.....may I be one who can encourage you?  Take heart knowing that you are created in the image of God and He makes no mistakes.  He loves you with an everlasting love and sent His Son, Jesus to show you the way to live and love.......blessings be upon you today and forever! Amen!

ttouttbeau a ses moments

(everything beautiful has its moments)

Blessings of Water and Life......

"Fear not, for I HAVE redeemed you; I have called you by name; You are Mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you."  Isaiah 43:1~2

This beautiful rock formation is an awesome reminder of the forces of nature and how strong and how magnificent the world God created truly is.  This is Durdle Door near Weymouth, England.  In order to see it, you have to park your car almost one half mile away and walk down a steep hill downward toward the sea.  It is an inspiration of beauty once reached....... and worth the walk down and back up the hill!  It is  extremely steep.  This week I have thought about WATER a lot for some reason.  Perhaps because earlier in the week I had read a Scripture from the book of John that settled deep within my spirit.  I read it as if for the first time and have thought about the words all week.

River Wensum

Norwich, England

April 7, 2011

  "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."  John 7:38

As I read those words that Jesus spoke to his disciples near the last days of his earthly life, I sought to understand and glean why He desired to leave these men with words they would need as His disciples who would carry on HIS MESSAGE of hope and life.   Rivers flow.  Rivers flow constantly.  Rivers are filled with life.  He hoped they would see that by simply believing in HIM that their hearts would be different.  Life would flow out of their hearts.  I asked myself....what flows out of my heart?   Sometimes we are so busy trying to correct the heart of another than we fail to see that our own hearts need life.  Water, vast waters, and seas speak of life, sustenance, fertility, blessing, and refreshing.  Words that flow out of us should be words of blessing, words of encouragement, words of hope, and words of kindness, words that build up, words that offer sincere understanding.  "He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul."  Psalm 23: 2~3   What flows out of you?  I hope that you know that I am praying for a revival of flowing and living hearts.  Hearts that are alive and bent toward a loving and caring God.  May we begin to refresh others in His love.  I hope you can find a place to restore your soul.  He patiently waits for you.  He truly is interested in the condition of our hearts.  Take His hand and let him guide you to a greener pasture and a flowing river! Just see what flows out!!! Blessings of love to you dear friend!!!

A Garden at the Doorstep.....

 My husband laid the stone with pea gravel and we planted pink azaleas and a coral rose bush....just needed the cute little Bistro table I found on sale for 50% off!!!! Perfect!!!

White roses from Kacie and Josh add a bit of cheese, wine, olives and Crisp bread!

A Party!

 I could not wait to paint my door green and find a lion head door knocker!

"I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.  I made myself water pools from which to water the growing trees of the grove."  Ecclesiatstes 2:5~6


Inspired by Solomon from the Bible and the beautiful gardens recently that have inspired me also, I decided to ask my husband to help design and make a little "French Inspired Garden" in a corner near our back door that was barren for three years.....just waiting to be planted with flowers, shrubs, and lots of love!  I could not resist the French Bistro table!  In our homes, flowers and gardens make all the difference.  A pretty yard becomes even more beautiful with well balanced gardens.  We are "getting" there.  It takes time and patience to see them grow and blossom.  I am hoping within four or five years ours will be fully planted and growing like I want it to!  If you are inspired by beautiful gardens clip favorite photos from magazines and "dream" and plan like I do!  I am inspired by other people's gardens also and the love and care that go into the creation and the maintaining of them.  Our daughter and son in law purchased a beautiful home with an English Garden fully intact!  They are the lucky ones!  Most of us have to work and work to acquire the look we want.  


I hope you enjoy the photos and find a little piece of Heaven in your own backyard!  I enjoy white flowers and mixing them with lavender colors in plantings.  Think about the colors that are your favorites and then have a plan when you are at the nursery or a local garden center.  


A few of my favorites are: 
White:  Garden Phlox and Roses
Blues:  Hydrangea and Delphinium
Pinks:  Camellia and Peony and Roses
Purples:  Lavender and Iris
Yellows:  Rose and Lantana and of course the Daffodil
Oranges:  Poppy and Dahlia

Like any good gardener, there is an inspiration somewhere!  Mine was in House Beautiful magazine.  It was here that I thought.....Yes....I can do this.....I am in France again, this time in my own backyard!  I am waiting for the girls and guys....any of you to arrive!  That includes friends!!!  Let's go to France!

Reflections of a Mirror......

This beautiful stairway and antique French mirror is in the lobby of the beautiful Hotel d' Europe' in Avignon, France.  It's just off an inner courtyard and has welcomed travelers for two centuries, in the ancient mansion of the marquis de Graveson built in 1580.  In the United States, we think of old as a few years.  Most often though, time can be a blessing and even old mirrors can become a treasured piece in our homes as in the photo above!  Experiences we encounter can be the same treasured jewels of reflection if we wait on God to teach and show us their use in our lives.


God doesn't ever waste an experience.  He is Almighty God who sees and knows all.  That does not mean He is waiting to see what we do wrong but it means HE is ever present with us.....To love us and know us as our most treasured friend.  In Acts 7:9 the Bible speaks of Joseph being "envied by the patriarchs and then sold into slavery."  Forgotten so it seems, "but God was with him and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, King of Egypt; and he made him governor of Egypt and all his house."  God did this for Joseph because Joseph had developed a personal relationship with Him, Almighty God!  While Joseph was alone, and in prison (a situation he did not choose), he could have given up, turned negative with his conversation and thoughts, and angry.  Instead, Joseph allowed God to intervene in his time there in that dark lonely place.  His spirit began to soften, his body changed physically while a prisoner, all the while God was changing him on the inside into a man HE could use. One who reflected qualities of a Godly man. Unseen forces working at best!  This incident in Scripture makes it clear that delays are not denials, and that God's permissive will is involved in all of life.  Joseph became a wise man.  God encourages us often in Scripture to ASK for wisdom.  He assures you and me in James 1:5 if we ask, we will receive a liberal reception of wisdom.


Wisdom is a valuable gift God can and does give, it's a TRUE promise. God's desire is for us to grow.  It is not a pretty sight to see a man or woman who has refused to grow up.  God's desire is to grow us up in a timely gracious way.  "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but WHEN I became a man, I put away childish things."  I Corn. 13:11  I think God is saying, "now is a good time to let me take control."  He doesn't use force, but by wisdom and in love as we rest in Him, He takes control in a good way.  He was with Joseph and He will be with you and me too.   His plans for you are so much higher and greater than you or I could ever imagine or see.


Look in the mirror and then look up toward the Heavenly realm.  Ask HIM to change you so you look like JESUS.  That, my friend, is what I hope daily we are able to do, surrender to the person that He would want you and me to become.  "Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it ALL to the GLORY OF GOD!"I Corinthians 10:31.  It really is a beautiful reflection when we see the light of His love in the light of another's eyes!  Enjoy the blessings of this last day of MAY!

Weekend Plans....

I hope you have a SPECIAL weekend planned!  It is a time to celebrate with family and friends and enjoy and entertain outdoors!  You can create a charming retreat for your guests with little effort if you plan in advance!  But who does these days?  I say.....just enjoy the moments and the time with the ones you love!


The grass is trimmed, the flowers clipped, the fridge is full, the drinks are on hand, the children are happy and ALL the freedoms we share are part of the BLISS!  I love our country and am so thankful to be an American!  May we celebrate and remember those who helped to give us our freedoms!


Today I am preparing for the rest of my family to arrive, those that are within driving distance.  The two who cannot be with us will be missed most dreadfully but they are ALWAYS in my heart and my spirit!  I am busy making plans because I love it shower my family with love.  To me that is the joy of mothering.....being able to dote on them, prepare their favorite meals, and love on them and their children. I know my husband shares these sentiments!  Every season of life just is better and better!  


From Victoria:  "These are the moments when sizzling days give way to sultry nights~when the breeze is a blessing and the shade is a sanctuary."  I am hoping that your home becomes a sanctuary not only for you but for all those who dwell within.  Blessings for a Happy Memorial Day long weekend!  

Home and House of Style.....

Home is a reflection of who we are and all we love~a place for family, friends, laughter, and tears.  A mix of cultures past and cultures present.  A place we are loved and accepted.  In my own home, I try to capture a mood of love, joy, kindness, and fun for everyone who enters.  My home continues to evolve and I  like that. It changes as I change.  The things that I enjoy bringing into my decor' are the pieces of places I have traveled or books about interesting places and people.  Edith Wharton is one of my favorite interior designers of the past because her style is still relevant today and for todays families.  She was also a novelist, but her first published book, The Decoration of Houses, had an enormous impact on the emerging field of interior design in 1897 when she was a mere 35 years old!  The text described how rooms should be elegantly furnished in a style appropriate to the architecture of the house but arranged to accommodate the needs of modern life.  That was 1897!  She aimed the book at the wealthy elite of East Coast society and referenced the European palaces and manor houses she had visited on trips abroad with her family.  She sounds like a progressive woman even for the times!


In my own, I try to keep one room straight. The pictures above are of  that room~our Library room.  We use it for reading and just a place to be! Recently we've added a sisal rug and it makes it even more our relaxed style. The rest of the house can me lived in, filled with toys for my little grand children and their art work on the tables instead of prepared for fine dining but that is okay because I want a home that is full of love!  The home of my dreams is truly when all my loved ones are with me!


In the Bible, God speaks of entertaining Angels.  He reminds us do not forget to entertain even strangers because some have entertained angels unaware.  I think He sends us these Angels (people) at unexpected times.  Times when we need to be reminded what is truly important and what is truly of value.  A heart full of the love of Christ cannot help but overflow onto to guest within our homes.  Fill your heart today with the love of God....we are encouraged to look first into our own hearts.....a heart full of the fruits of the spirit cannot help but see something good in another.  Here's to a love~filled day!!!

Sleek, Chic, and Really, Really Cute!

I snapped this cute outfit in the window of a store in southern France!

I loved everything about it!  The skirt, the length of the skirt, the color of the top, and the pop of color in the scarf, my favorite, PINK, and the adorable belt!  Oh to wear this, one would be perfectly adorned!

Trust me, with four daughters, I am always on the hunt for a cute outfit!  They always look so together whenever I am with any of them.  Even in their workouts they look good!  It seems that I will always be working on looking good in my workouts too!!!  I jog for exercise and I enjoy eating healthy meals!  I ask though, is this enough?  Should I do more?  I believe that our lives, our faces, our bodies all reflect the life we live.  From the moment of birth, we begin to age and so we really should be giving careful attention to our overall health and quality of life.  That means desiring spiritual health of the soul also.

I don't know about you....but I want His thoughts to fill my soul.  There are times that this journey of life is difficult but I believe that God is involved in everyday of our lives, always, always, always at work..... and if we truly give Him each day of our lives, balance will come in every area and our reflection will look more like He intended.  This reflection is sort of like a mirror that we look at as we are dressing each day.  Our desire is to look a certain way.  We want "the look" to all  come together.  God has this desire for us also because He loves us and cares......  We can begin to reflect Him by coming to Him with awe and reference.  We have to desire to stop and look toward Him, into His heart.  Earlier in the week, I spoke of the importance of Praise.   Josh McDowell says, "There is something about expressing your appreciation to God in words, song, and meditation that solidifies your faith.  The Book of Psalms is the Bible's hymnal of praise.  The more you praise God for being who He is-a loving God who judges righteously~the more you can act upon your belief of what He is~eternal love."  Love radiates out of a person who has been with Jesus.  Love gives.  Love shares.  Love envelopes another.  It is never about self.  It is always about others.  Give yourself away to others and you won't have to worry about your cute outfit or your exercise routine to make you look good.  Oh, it helps to stay fit but a person who looks to the Lord radiates the Lord.  True intimacy with God is being confident that what we reveal about ourselves will be understood and that the person with whom we disclose ourselves will accept us, seek our good, and communicate, support and love. Very much like a loving parent.  When one gives their life to Jesus Christ, a covenant is formed that can never or ever be broken.  His banner over you and me is LOVE........ so in todays language, take that banner and wrap it around your neck like a scarf!!!  Beautifully adorned!  Have a wonderful weekend!!!!

Avignon

On The Bridge Of Avignon

On the bridge of Avignon,

See them dance, see them dance!

On the bridge of Avignon,

They trip around, retire, advance;

Gallant swains bend low, like this,

And once again do so, like this.

On the bridge of Avignon,

See them dance, see them dance!

On the bridge of Avignon,

They trip around, retire, advance;

Fair ladies curtsey low, like this,

And once again do so, like this.

See them dance, see them dance,

On the bridge of Avignon.

In Avignon, in southern France there is a beautiful bridge that was built between 1175 and 1185.  The majority of it collapsed during a monumental flooding in 1668.  The bridge is not so much for dancing today as it is to be appreciated for its beauty of four arches that remain of the original twenty-two that once crossed the Rhone River and connected Avignon with the village of Villeneuve-les-Avignon.  The story goes that a local shepherd boy, Saint Benezet, claimed that angels appeared to him in a dream and told him to build a bridge across the Rhone.  His dream was dismissed as nonsense until, by some miracle, he single-handedly lifted a massive block of stone~an impossible feat for any one person.  Saint Benezet became a hero overnight and funds were found to build his "dream" bridge.  He is buried in the small chapel above one of the remaining arches.  Some believe that angels watch over anyone who enters the walled city of Avignon.  I  do believe that too.  I think Kara and I were watched over on our visit there.

The beautiful bridge!

There are days that I want to be enclosed inside a walled city....... or so it seems.  You know, when you have a desire to slow down and be enclosed by only people and places who are uplifting.  Those who love you for who you are and accept you for who you are.  It seems that Avignon offers this security within its walls.  Avignon is a city to be celebrated...........let us dance, let us dance and be free to be who we were meant to be!  Dreams really do come true!  Please don't be afraid to dream!  Sweet dreams, my friend!

~The beautiful little chapel up close~

A Pink House....in England!

 Oh to live in a Pink House!  I wonder what is inside!

I am thinking......tea cups with roses on them, white sheets with pink pillows,

white bath towels with a pale pink monogram, and..........

 A magnificent array of colorful flowers selected from LIBERTY in London!

 Perhaps a throw pillow or two with a gorgeous flower for a pop of color!

 And of course.....WHITE LINENS!!!

Whatever your day holds, wherever you live, or on a lighter note where your house is located.....there is someone who loves you and cares about you in every way!  In prayer, we are more than able to give God our plans for this day and KNOW that He will show us the way, provide for us in every way, enclose us in HIS Love.  During the day, if you will go often into His Presence, you can relax your mind.  Being with Him equals peace.  You can let go of "figuring it all out" or "getting it all right."  He is trustworthy and able.  He is Your REFUGE!  Psalm 91:1~ 2  His desire is to shelter you ......after all, He is the Most High God!

"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord.  Plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11

French Influences......

 Fountains and Courtyards are around every corner in France!

~This one is in St. Remy de Provence~

 ~Entrances make a statement~

The doors are ornate, beautiful and grand!

~Each home has a unique character~

~House Beautiful~

I am able to imagine this beautiful dining room in any one of these fine homes!

~House Beautiful~

~ A French sofa  makes a single statement in this entry in New Orleans~

A blend of influences helps me to decorate my own home.  Through the years of collecting and homemaking, having a  large family has greatly influenced my style.  When the girls were young, I found two beautiful antique twins beds at an antique market in Charlotte, North Carolina.  I sent my husband back to look at them and he came home not only with the beautiful beds but with a dresser and a highboy that matched.  How sweet!  How surprised!  They still grace our home today.  Your home should be a place where memories made are the treasures that grace each life living there.  It hopefully is not about just things but words, moments, and pieces that make our lives and those we love feel more comfortable and warm.  Home is about creating a place for people to sense and receive acceptance and love.  

It is yet to be seen, how a recent trip to France will influence future decorating ideas!  I truly enjoyed taking photos of "doors"! Doors leading inside can say just about anything!  What does your front door say?  Given the influence that pictures hold, I hope these images remind you that it doesn't matter where we live, it is how we live that is important.  Create a home that is warm and welcoming each time a friend or a family member arrives. 

In honor of Mother's Day........I am reminded a mother is the center of the home and always the heart of the home.  Such a beautiful thought to start Mother's Day Weekend!  Happy Mother's Day to all my beautiful friends who are Mothers or  those who have a mother's heart! To be a mother is to be overwhelmingly blessed.  God has graciously given me a loving husband and five children, their spouses, and five beautiful grandchildren who are healthy and cheerful!  Thankful, thankful, thankful!!!  Being a mother has taught me to never doubt the faithfulness of God!  To Him, I offer, ALL Praise, Honor, and Glory!!!!

A Beautiful Pathway.......

Stourhead Landscape Gardens ~ England

Children love to walk down unknown paths!  Give them a little space and they are off......fast and furious!  We are like that too, we walk down unknown paths each day looking for the right way.  Many times we are off, like children, fast and furious without stopping to think of where the path might lead us.  It could be that we actually walk down a road without asking for clear direction or it could be words we use that lead others down the wrong path.  Either way, it is wise to remember that we have a Heavenly Father who delights to show us the right way to go.  The basic way to begin is putting the spotlight on our Father in Heaven.  I call it a Praise Pathway.  Here is the most basic reason for our praise to God.  HE IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED!  The Hebrew word haiai means "praise with a loud voice", causing Him to shine.  It has been proven that sunshine is of great value to our mood and outlook on life.  How much more will praise introduce the light of God and bring us into the pathway of JOY in the Lord!  I am praying today that God's Heavenly Sunshine will light your day and guide your path in a way that brings Glory and Honor to Him and gives you exactly what you are needing today.  "Seek ye first the kingdom of God........"  Matthew 6:33

"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."  Psalm 16:11

The Path led to this.........one never knows what is just around the bend!

"I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised!"  

Psalm 18:3

Simplicity and Elegance....

This beautiful and simple dinner invitation is at The La Mirande in Avignon, France!

Simplicity is a way of life!  Less is always best!  In every walk of life when we allow the clutter to escape, the real beauty is unveiled.  What goes into the room when one is decorating says much about the ambience, beauty, and style one is looking to create.

Take time today to clean away the clutter ~ start with your own heart and soul and then move to your surroundings......you will find a peace and joy flooding your soul!  

Blessings to you always dear one on this magnificent and beautiful day.....called LIFE!  Enjoy!

Paris and St. Remy de Provence

Prayerfully and hopeful let your life become an open door for others......always!

"Come in......I have been waiting for you!"

 Le Marais ~ Paris
An old, old Jewish neighborhood full of cute shops!
Street after street looked like postcards!

 Flower Markets are everywhere in Paris!

Strolling streets........a favorite pastime!

 Magnificent Paris

Chocolate shops.....EVERYWHERE!!

Reminders of the sights!

Palais des Papes

Avignon

Every church or cathedral gave us a  wonder and a sense of awe of our Mighty God!

Norwich Cathedral
This beautiful Cathedral has stood for over 900 years as a presence of Christian worship in the heart of Norfolk in Norwich!  It is a mere 15 minute walk from Kara and Phil's home.  They can see it from their window each morning!  

 A lovely interior in Avignon!

 Beautiful courtyard in Provence

 Enjoying a glass of Rose'

Saint Remy de Provence
Even the simplest exterior becomes beautiful!

A few days in Paris and one becomes transported to a different time and place!  Parisians do not rush about anything....they have their coffee with leisure, they enjoy their meals with much conversation, they listen, they laugh, they enjoy LIFE!  Then, they have dessert and a latte or perhaps a class of rose'  They enjoy their wine slowly and with conversation.  The beauty of their city is everywhere!  


The history of the world is everywhere in France!  Strolling through the narrow stone streets of Paris or Saint Remy de Provence the evening is cool and the surroundings are quiet.  I am aware, even as I write this, of the softness of the lighting and the particular mood that is everywhere.  Sidewalk cafes become "rooms" where friends gather to enjoy conversation and each other.  Differences seem to fade. I understand now why people have a ongoing love affair with France, and particularly Provence!  There is a balance and a harmony only found there.


The art, the flowers, the gardens, the vineyards, the antique markets, the holiday.....forever etched in my heart!  I miss my daughter, Kara.  I love her so much.  She is so kind.  So sweet.
I hope to go again............if I am blessed!

Chateux neuf du Pape