Finding Inspiration - Magazines

numbered chairs - chandelier - "art" - center piece

I could go on and on ........

YEARS ago the picture above was ripped from a magazine. The image was placed in an idea book, to be coveted for many more to come. I often flip through these books for inspiration during the brainstorming stage of design projects. This picture was the "ah-ha" when searching for an amazing light to go over a farm table. The homeowner agreed and the light was custom made for the space.

The finished product took the hands of many artisans:

Darren Hardman - iron structure

Jennifer & Dave Rankin of Wildflower Wax - hand-poured nearly 80 candles

The homeowner added the antique finish

It is a stunning appointment in the kitchen and the source of much conversation.

(forgive me for not remembering the magazine from which the inspiration picture was ripped)

Bella - Our Cat has Skills

Bella greets us at the door each afternoon poised and ready to receive her command.

WELL...... the command not so much, its the reward upon responding to the command she anxiously awaits!!!

Command: "Roll over" - yes, she rolls over on command! She is EXTREMELY treat motivated!!

Rolling over was not her first "trick".

She learned to fetch the mouse as you see in the picture soon after she was adopted. She would slide down the hall chasing it, then bring it back for a pat on the head and a "Good Girl".

The trick she has perfected, however, is sleeping, especially if it involves sleeping on my blanket, clean clothes or a new piece of furniture (after all it was purchased for her pleasure)!

the beginning...... {wedding day}

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." Ephesians 3:20


On Sunday, November 18, 2007 - Two became One - when Brad and I were married. I gave Pastor Steve a hard time and asked him not to "perform another miracle" as he was in the habit of doing at each wedding he presided over. However, he said during the ceremony, after speaking with my dad that it truly was a miracle that I was getting married! HA! A laugh at my expense!

Truly, the laugh is on me! BECAUSE marriage is a miracle created by our Father in Heaven. He knows all we need in our mate and the characteristics required to make the relationship work. We continue to be amazed at the blessings that God provides above "all we ask or imagine".

A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Ec. 4:12

(photo: Carla Rouss Photography)