Hello sweet friends, how is your weekend shaping up? I must say things have been a bit challenging lately at here Storybook Cottage. I try to only share uplifting posts in an effort to bring more joy to your world. However, I also must be honest in that our family is continuing to experience a hard season. Mr. Décor recently received some not so great news that his left hand may never fully recover from his accident last fall. We are hoping to get better news this Tuesday regarding his broken back. One of our kiddos is also going through a very challenging time. As a mama, you never stop worrying, am I right? So, an end of week cap off resulting from a storm with 80 mph winds destroying our back yard has left me a little…fragile. But with Sunday Smiles A Little Rain there is always hope that the sun will soon shine again.
This is one section of our brick garden wall. We are so thankful no one was injured and our home was spared.
Sunday Smiles A Little Rain
I have to chuckle a bit. I was THISCLOSE to finally kicking off our living room renovation. We were in the process of selecting new flooring and the paint colors were happily picked out. However repairing the garden wall and other unsafe areas in the yard is now the top priority.
For now I will keep the section of flooring that was ruined, when we had a hot water pipe burst a few years ago, hidden under a rug. I will also continue finding inspiration in images of painted room treatments similar to what I am planning in the sunroom. The entire portfolio of this home is gorgeous.
The Perfect Cheerleader
My cousin Sweet T knows what will keep me going. I love inspirational stories of others doing amazing things. She sent me a story about a cheerleader who competed at state championships alone after her teammates quit. You have to read the article to see how Katrina Kohel placed.
Flowering Bulbs
While I often force bulbs during the holidays I don’t think to do it for a bit of early spring cheer. Debra’s post is full of beauty.
Overwhelm & Order
I absolutely LOVED Miss Mustard Seed’s post earlier this week in dealing with chaos. I have to say that her method is also one I routinely use. So if there is an area where you are stuck, give it a read.
One Pot Shrimp and Orzo
This recipe looks SO good! I love that it can go together so quickly. A perfect meal for Friday night dinners.
40 Days of Kindness
I want to close this post with a bit of encouragement. It’s as much for me as it is for anyone else. There are 40 days between Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and Easter Sunday. Some people use this time to give up things. For example giving up meat on Fridays ~ which is why I included the recipe above.
A few years ago I shifted my focus into really giving back for 40 days.
This year I started out strong.
If you follow me on Instagram I shared this story:
In Case You Missed It
A Fast and Fun Spring Arrangement
Fabulous 50s Blouse With Balloon Sleeves
I loved the story about Katrina! And what a sweet pay-back for Miss Phyllis you did! So sorry to hear about your hard season, Laura. Life is a cycle and here’s hoping those challenging times will be replaced soon with better days! Your post today lifted my spirits. Thank you. ~ carol
Forgot to tell you, your family are all in my prayers! ~ carol
I long ago gave up giving up for Lent and began giving out. It’s a much better fit.
Laura, I’m so sorry you and your family are still experiencing such challenge. The fall of the wall is insult to injury (no pun intended on the injury). You must be terribly worried about Eric and I’ll be thinking many healing thoughts and good wishes for your upcoming appointment. I would think “fragile” is a bit of an understatement. I appreciate your upbeat focus but I also appreciate even more your reality check. I tend to be the same as you online…. happy for the most part and the less than happy things written more obliquely and less often. But they happen and they mess up your mojo and stick their nasty little faces into places where you really would rather they wouldn’t. I so hope things will level out soon. Sending much love and many hugs.
I’m so sorry for the rough times your family is going through lately. I hope your husband gets good news about his back. I know what you mean about how moms never completely stop worrying about their kids. Wow, that was some wind! Always feel free to share “real life” with your friends here, knowing we care.
I like your take on Lent.
We can always strive to love others as God loves us!!
Without Him it all avails nothing!
Hi Laura,
I am so sorry that your husband received that bad news. I hope the news about his back will be positive. I don’t understand why at times we have so many “things” going on at the same time, but God does. We just have to lean on Him to give us the courage to carry on. You and your family are in my daily prayers. One step in front of the other.
Laura,
I am sorry to hear of your “dark” days…..but some good will come out of it all. Keep the faith , pray and watch Our Heavenly Father move mountains. My brother in law (at 52 yrs.) had a massive stroke and was told he would be wheelchair bound for life. With hard work he has bounced back, doesn’t even use a cane!!! Of course, it didn’t happen overnight….AND plenty of prayer!!!
Those fabrics in the apron are great and how nice you were able to do that for her. I like the idea of extra kindness for Lent. Thank goodness your home was spared from the storm.