A True Friend

As I was creating my projects during my 2nd week of Jeanne Oliver's class, I couldn't help but think of one of my good friends.  When I was raising my little girls a lovely couple moved next door.  Little did I realize how this woman would enrich my life.  She has taught me by example who a Christian woman is.  I learned how to paint, decorate and grow in God's word.  She and her husband invited us to their church and hubby and I grew so much.

I was reflecting how Kathy touches so many people with her kindness and sweet nature.  We have talked and shared so much over the years.  I have admired her creativity since the moment I met her.  We have watched our children grow up to be adults.  Her daughter recently married and I know her joy at planning and seeing things unfold.
"HOLD a true friend with both of your hands." Unknown

 She was the shoulder I leaned on when I had an extremely hard day at the hospital one afternoon.  I cried telling her the story about a patient I took care of.  She prayed with me and gave me courage to return the next day.  She has always been a cheerleader, celebrating accomplishments, grief and joy.

 I take the courage of  friendship to grow in my creativity and discover my talents. 

"The real secret of happiness is not what you give or receive, it's what you share." Nigerian Proverb

Mr. and Mrs. riding to the reception (Kathy's beautiful daughter and new son in law)

Many people will walk in and out of your life

But only a true friend will leave footprints in your heart.

Eleanor Roosevelt

I am so blessed to have loving, supportive people who have come into my life.  I will be lifting them up in the next few weeks as Valentine's Posts.

Sharing with encouraging people, Have a Wonderful Day, Di 

Andrea from The Cottage Market
Karah from The Space Between.
Kari from Thistlewood Farm.
Kelly from Eclectically Vintage.
Linda from It All Started With Paint.
Tracey from A Sort of Fairytale

Homemakers on a Dime Party Hop

 Table Top Tuesday A Stroll Thru Life         
                                                              Primp Your Stuff
                                                       Blue Cricket Show and Tell

First Anne Sloan Paint Project

I have been anxious to try Anne Sloan's Chalk Paint since I saw Miss Mustard Seed's Blog.
Oh, those colors...which one to choose.  So imagine my surprise when I went to one of the local antique stores, The Pink House, and learned they were going to a class and were going to carry the paint.  I was very patient and waited, and waited for them to have a class...yea it was this Monday. 
One of my to do projects on my list to get done was going to get completed.

So this is the 60's French Provencil Drum table.  It was actually a yellow gold color.

This is the matching secretary I found at a separate store

It will be next on the list after the drum table

Look at all this glorious paint

Brush, wax and paint brushes, oh yes, color charts

I painted the table with old white all over

The apron Louis Blue

The top Louis Blue and lightly sanded so the raised flowers would show the white.  We distressed it a bit.

I waxed it with the clear wax and am buffing it daily.

The more I look at it I want to distress with dark wax...I'm even thinking of putting some of the gold back on in certain areas on the legs.

This is how it looks in the sunroom.

Courage continues as I move on to the secretary...I can do this, I know I can.

“I really don't think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don't mind the failure but I can't imagine that I'd forgive myself if I didn't try.”Nikki Giovanni

Andrea from The Cottage Market
Karah from The Space Between.
Kari from Thistlewood Farm.
Kelly from Eclectically Vintage.
Linda from It All Started With Paint.
Tracey from A Sort of Fairytale

PS

I am linking because Debbie told me to.  Debbie from DebbieDoo's  and Shades of Amber are having a giveaway!  So I am going to link up to Amber's beautiful site because not only is she hosting a giveaway but she has a great blog on Anne Sloan Paints with a bunch a beautiful links

Fun for under $10

I was restless today, my job search isn't getting anywhere and I just didn't want to work on projects today.  It is chilly here but sunny and the day was calling me to go out.  So I headed towards Biltmore Village area and visited the Thrift shop and an Antique Area with 5 different shops.  I really wasn't buying but did find some great things if I was!!  Maybe later but here are some lovely pictures.

                                                         To me this column and draped fur looked like angel wings

                                                      More beautiful columns these were 180 a piece

                                                  This glorious piece is rare and expensive

                                                         Loved the chair, table and Honey Bee sign

                                                            Elegant bedroom set in creamy white

                                                       Metal Starfish

                                                                Metal piece

                                                               Lovely picture with fur

                                                                I even did try some furs on

                                  Great library drawers, they were deep to hold all our treasures

                                         The outside of the store was cute Nostalique Antiques

                                                        Metal flowers, Daisys my favs

        A sweet princess picture I found at the thrift store for $7, I had to have it, it reminds me of the dreamer in all of us

This pitcher was $1

These curtain holders $1.  In all a fun trip.  Now tomorrow we shall see what trouble I'll be in!  My hubby is off (Thursday, Friday is his weekend) so we may just travel about.

until then Safe Travel, Di

    Catherines Corner
  French Cupboard French inspiration 

Ironstone and Blue & White

                     SWITCHING IT UP

I packed up the holiday decorations, put out my new treasures and started working on my Etsy shop.
That is when I found the broken dishes.  My heart sunk because I was saving the ironstone for me.  Also, my yelloware was a 3 bowl set and now the largest one was broken.  Sigh...

                                                                       Ouch

                                                     So, I go my supplies, E-6000 and a q-tip

                       I spread the Adhessive on the piece and placed it into the crack

                                                   It is sturdy for display but I won't be able to serve in it

 So now it's ready to be filled.  I decided to switch my bookcase up to the calming blue and white.  I love my decorations but the white in this small area is so relaxing and cheerful.
Hearts from My DaughtersMy girls when they were littleMy Valentine IronstoneIsn't this picture cute!!  A Little Princess waiting to grow up!
I found this at the Thrift Shop and thought is was a sweet reminder of my youth and the dreams we have as children.  What did you want to be when you were young?  Me, I always wanted to be a nurse!  and I am.

linking up with

Ruby Jean

                                                  Vintage Friday with Common Grounds
                                                                Freckled Laundry
                                                    French CountryCottage                                                                           

Stuff and Nonsense

At the Picket Fence

2805

The Charm of Home

LaurieAnnas

                                                                      A to Z Home Stories

r