Thursday, July 25, 2013

The Gift


Yesterday started off like any other ordinary day.  I went to see my parents and had a pleasant visit.  As I was leaving.....  a little girl came running up the drive shouting "Sweet corn!  Sweet corn!  Free! Sweet corn!".  I had just purchased several ears of corn the day before and didn't need any more.  She was so cute and so insistent that I obliged her.  As she was bagging up the corn.....  I told her that I didn't need the bag....  I would just take the corn.  She told me that I must take the bag, too!  She went skipping on about her way and I headed off.  When I arrived home and opened the bag.....  I found "this" inside.  
I would have missed out if I hadn't taken the bag, too.

THE PAINTING   
     A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art.  They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael.  They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.  When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war.  He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier.  The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
     About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door.  A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.  He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life.  He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart.  He died instantly.  He often talked about you, and his love for art.  The young man held out his package.  "I know this isn't much.  I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this".  The father opened the package.  It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man.  He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting.  The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears.  He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the painting.  "Oh, no sir.  I could never repay what your son did for me.  It's a gift".
     The father hung the portrait over the mantle.  Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.  The man died a few months later.  There was to be a great auction of his paintings.  Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one of them for their collection.  On the platform sat the painting of the son.  The auctioneer pounded his gavel.  "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son.  Who will bid for this picture"?  There was silence.  Then a voice from the back shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings.  Skip this one".  But the auctioneer persisted.  "Who will start the bidding?  $100?  $200?  Will someone bid for this painting"?  Another voice shouted angrily, "We didn't come to see this painting.  We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandt's.  Get on with the real bids"!  But still the auctioneer continued.  "The son!  The son!  Who will take the son"?
     Finally, a voice from the very back of the room.  It was the long-time gardener of the man and his son.  "I will give $10 for the painting".  Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.  "We have $10, who will bid $20"?  "Give it to him for $10.  Let's see the masters"!  "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20"?  The crowd was becoming angry.  They didn't want the picture of the son.  They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.  The auctioneer pounded his gavel.  "Going once, going twice, SOLD for $10"!  A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the auction"!  The auctioneer laid down his gavel.  "I'm sorry, the auction is over".  "What about the paintings"?  "I am sorry.  When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will.  I was not allowed to reveal the stipulation until now.  Only the painting of the son would be auctioned.  Whoever bought the painting of the son would also inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.  The man who took the son gets everything"!
     2000 years ago God sent His only son Jesus to take upon himself the cruel punishment which should have been ours.  All of us have, at one time or another offended God through our thoughts, deeds or spoken words.  Through Jesus death and resurrection our sins can be forgiven when we receive Him into our lives!  Much like the auctioneer, His message to you today is, "The son, the son, who will take the son"?  Because you see, whoever takes the Son....  gets everything!

Later that afternoon......  I received a phone call.  The call was actually for my husband who wasn't home yet.  It was a young man that my husband has been trying to help (mentor) for some time now.  He sounded so disappointed and very low.  I told him to call back later when my husband was home and that I would pray for him.  The man said he didn't know if he believed in God and if he did....  God hadn't done anything for him.  Not knowing him myself.....  I struggled to find the right words.  Then I thought......  the poem!  the poem!.  By the time I had finished reading the poem he was weeping.  It had opened up his heart.  

Thank you!  little one....  whoever you are..... 
for the sweet corn and for the "gift".

Linking with
Fishtail Cottage for Cottage Garden Party
A Delightsome Life for Home and Garden Thursday
No Minimalist Here for Open House Party
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
Rooted In Thyme for Simple & Sweet Fridays
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Nifty Thrifty Things for Nifty Thrifty Sunday

Friday, July 19, 2013

Cowgirl Chic ~ Yee Ha!











  
 
 Cowgirl "Welcome" Wreath

This wreath was so fun to make!  
I've seen a lot of Prairie Farmhouse Chic style as of late and I'm lovin' it.
I wanted a new wreath for my front door and decided to try my hand at this new look.
I love how lace, ruffles and roses look so wonderful with rope, horse shoes and burlap.  Natural meets chic.
I went to the thrift store and my local flea market to gather the materials I needed.
I dry brushed the brown rope with a bit of white paint to soften the look.  Then painted and decorated the horse shoes.  I made the flowers and roses from strips of  fabric and lace.  I made the little "Welcome" banner with my graphics program, card stock and pink twine.  And of course.....  a lot of hot glue (the horse shoes had to be wired on).

Have a great weekend!

Linking with
The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday
The Farmhouse Porch for "The Scoop" Tuesday Link Party
Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Knick of Time for Knick of Time Tuesday
Lavender Garden Cottage for Cottage Style Party
Timewashed for Blissful Whites Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday's
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
Rose Chintz Cottage for HOME Wednesday!
Adorned From Above for Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop
A Delightsome Life for Home and Garden Thursday
No Minimalist Here for Open House Party
My Fashion Forward Blog for All Things Pretty Thursday
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
Rooted In Thyme for Simple & Sweet Fridays
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
REDOUX for What Have You Re-done? Link Party
Crafts a la mode for What to do Weekends!
The Dedicated House for Anything Blue Friday
Shabby Art Boutique for Shabbilicious Friday
How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday!
Nifty Thrifty Things for Nifty Thrifty Sunday


FEATURED HERE!

ADORNED FROM ABOVE BLOG HOP

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Sweet Vintage ~ Little Ballerina







Vintage Ballet

I LOVE this little 1950's ballet tutu!
I don't usually go for "black" but it was sooooooo cute I couldn't resist!
The tulle skirt is so full and fluffy.  The under skirt is the prettiest shade of vintage pink with a sheer black sequin overlay.  And the pink millinery flowers are to die for!  Huge pink velvet-y roses!
Just so.....  sweet!

 Wishing everyone has a wonderful week!

Linking with
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday's
Adorned From Above for Wednesday's Adorned From Above Blog Hop
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday's
Timewashed for Blissful Whites Wednesday
Rose Chintz Cottage for HOME Wednesday
A Delightsome Life for Home and Garden Thursday
Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Shabby Art Boutique for Shabbilicious Friday Link Party
Rooted In Thyme for Simple & Sweet Friday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Linky Party
How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday!


I was FEATURED here!
http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.ca/2013/07/welcome-to-my-home.html



Monday, July 8, 2013

Vintage Ruffles & Lace













Vintage Lace Petticoats

Sometimes you just get lucky.
I went to a sale a few weeks ago and struck GOLD!
I was lucky enough to purchase several vintage petticoats......  along with a few 1950's dresses.  I also found some old rhinestone brooches, a tulle apron and a 1950's Saks Fifth Ave beaded evening bag.
Today I am sharing the dreamy petticoats.
They are just gorgeous!
Tons of ruffles and lace. 

Wishing everyone a wonderful week!
Elizabeth

Linking with
The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday
Etsy Cottage Style for Vintage Party
The Farmhouse Porch for Welcome to The Scoop Link Party
Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Common Ground for Knick of Time Tuesday
Lavender Garden Cottage for Cottage Style Party
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday's
Timewashed for Blissful Whites Wednesday
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
A Delightsome Life for Home and Garden Thursday
Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
Shabby Art Boutique for Shabbilicious Friday Link Party
Rooted In Thyme for Simple & Sweet Friday's
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday!
Nifty Thrifty Things for Nifty Thrifty Sunday