More Inspiration For My Shop

I've been home all day today and it's been nice,



I've gotten the house cleaned. 13 year old got all of the laundry caught up. And I've had time to search the net for more inspiration for my shop. Did I tell you that I even know what I will play for music? I told you I've been thinking of this for years.



I'm really leaning toward "Shabby Chic" and think I'm on to something.



I know I will carry more than just that, but I think it will be predominantly that.



I am so joyful each day with all of the changes God is doing in my life. I don't know if I've ever felt more in His will then I do right now. It is such a good, peaceful, right feeling.



Thank you Lord for Your plan and purpose for our lives. May we take the time to grow in our relationship with You, read Your word regularly, and seek Your face in all we do. Amen.

(these pictures are not my own.)

Hugs from Maine

Rainy Monday!!!

Well it's another rainy day here in Maine, but a good day to get things done. I'm doing my usual cleaning house stuff, but also getting some opening my shop stuff done.
(I think I like the word "stuff" )



Benjamin called home last night, and was able to talk with his dad, (Blue Eyed Husband), and his siblings, ( 18, 16, & 13yr. old. ) 18 year old said Benjamin sounded real good.




I was already at my Sunday coffee at Tim Hortons with the ladies from church, and didn't get to talk with him. It's alright though. He told his dad to "Please remember to tell mom I love her very much."




That is always nice to hear from any peep willing to say it, especially one who has joined the Army.




Things are going forward with the shop. When I think about it, I get so excited, I am overwhelmed!!! In a good way. I called for insurance, and to get on the docket for the next city council meeting to see if my business will be approved. It is scheduled for the 7th of April. I will have to go and share my vision for the shop, and answer any questions. I CAN'T WAIT!!! THEY'LL HAVE TO PULL ME OFF THE MICROPHONE WITH A HOOK. I WON'T BE ABLE TO STOP TALKING ABOUT IT. YIKES!!! They'll say "yes" just to shut me up!!! No really, it's happened to me before. I have such good friends, and sisters. They are so tolerant of me and my excitement.

(fabric at a local store I went to Saturday. Can we say YUMMM)

Anywho... Jessica (a sweet stay at home mom from my church), said to me yesterday that she is hooked on my blog lately. Thank you Jess. I sure do appreciate your willingness to read my ramblings. Blessings to you all!

(These pictures are kind of random, but I like them all, and only the last one is mine)

Hugs from Maine

A Friday Up Date

Happy Friday everyone!!! I am home this morning with Sweet Baby Girl and we don't have to get out the door early, so I have decided to take time to get caught up with all of you and post a little update of the progress thus far with my shop.



I have connected with the gentleman that owns the building where this vacant store front is. I talked with him for a bit and gave him my proposal. He seems so willing to work with me that I couldn't be more thrilled. He resides in another state, and comes to Maine once or twice a month. When he travels up this way, (within the next 2 weeks), he will call me, we'll meet at the shop, and finalize everything. My hand will be shaking when He hands me the key!!! Just a little.

If I tell you I'm so excited I can hardly breathe, will you all understand? Seriously, that is how very excited, happy, and so at peace I am with all that God is doing. The direction that everything is going in is like a puzzle getting it's vital center pieces placed directly where they belong. After some doors closing, (the loft space, and another spot I was looking at), some helpful insite from family and good friends, I have realized this original spot that I have been dreaming about IS THE SPOT where God wants me. Can we say YIPPEEE!!!

This store front, Urban Farmhouse, continues to be inspirational to me. I just love her store.



I have been looking for other inspiration, and confirmation for the direction I am heading in with this shop. God is so awesome to fill me with joy, excitement, and Godly wisdom along the way.



I'm sure I'll have stumbling blocks to over come, but when you know it's God leading the way, clearing a path, giving you clear direction... "With Man This Is Impossible, But With God All Things Are Possible. Matthew 19:26"...

I couldn't be in a better place.



Hugs from Maine

I Teared Up. What's Up With That!!!

For 2&1/2 years, we got to see these lovely ladies each month. (Notice their beautiful teeth. You'd think they worked for an orthodontist or something.) They always greet us with warm smiles and friendly chit-chat. They really work as a team so well. Respect, and love for each other. Hard work and commitment to excellence in their job. We have been so blessed to have them in our comminity. Today, Sweet Baby Girl got her braces off, and so our monthly trip to their office will come to an end. We will miss them. Ladies, your dedication to your work goes way beyond your job, and into the hearts of each patient and parent. Please know that through all these years, you have made a wonderful difference in many lives and our community. This grateful mom, Thanks You. (side note, yes, that is my friend Mary from highschool that you've seen in other posts. Neat huh? I just love small town living!)


Yup, I did it. I teared up this morning when Sweet Baby Girl was having her braces off. I teared up. All over the waiting room and all. Silly...



I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because she's my baby. Maybe it's been a long 2 1/2 years and I'm glad for her... Or maybe it's the $4,500 we spent on her mouth, and what comes out of it isn't too nice since she became a teenager?! Well it looks good anyway.



I think it is because she is my Babygirl, and she is one more step closer to growing up and I don't like it all that much.



But she is and always will be our Sweet Baby Girl no matter how much she grows up.That I do like.



Hugs from Maine

It's Early, And I'm Busy

Wreath, and directions at A Soft Place To Land.

Morning all, It's 5:30am, and I'm up. I have been trying to go to bed earlier lately, as I have been up late, blogging. Today is another busy day. Sweet Babygirl gets her braces off today after 2 1/2 years. She is so excited, and so are we. I am upstairs in our bedroom, thinking I'll get out a post before I get so busy I can't. I will post pictures of her before and after.

They are also showing this house today, this morning, and I need to make sure it is in order.

Also, I am praying for all of you. I don't know all of your needs, concerns, etc... I don't have too. Jesus does, and will be faithful through the Holy Spirit to pray on your behalf to our Heavenly Father the One who knows all in our lives. I am so very grateful for that.

Hugs from Maine

Look At The Inspiration Over At "Whatever"

WOW!!! Meg at Whatever came back from visiting a wonderful shop and was gracious enough to share pictures. All I can say is OH MY GOOOOODNESS!!! Get the paper bag, I think I'm hyperventilating.
This is so very inspiring for me. Take a look see...



Look at all of the unique pieces here. Is this a vision of my shop in the future? I think maybe...



It seems as though I've seen this beautiful place in my dreams...



I can't begin to express to you how it feels to be going on this journey, adventure. I seriously see rooms like this when I dream. No. Really...


Whomever the proprietor is of this magnificent shop, I admire your skill, vision, gift. You are now part of my inspiration board.



I had a friend call today to ask where and what kind of shop I am going to open. Well look at these beautiful pictures and know that I am dreaming of just this.

Big hugs from Maine

You Say Tomato, I Say, Are You Tricking Me?

Hey friends, I have been so very busy today, I have had no chance to post my few favorite things Monday. God is blessing me with every breath I take, and I am on full speed ahead. My Florida sister has been telling me about her tomatoes she has been growing. I was skeptical and thought she was joking with me. I don't know why I thought she couldn't possibly grow tomatoes in Florida. But low and behold, look at this beauty


Isn't it just lovely. I think that would make a beautiful BLT, don't you

So today I checked out a loft area in town that is for rent. The traffic for this space is much better than the previous one I showed you, and I really liked this one. Take a look


I wanted to share with all of you, Urban Farmhouse Blog. This store almost put me into shock, and it is my inspiration like no other. It is soooo me.


This is one example of what the proprietor has done inside this fabulous store.




And the best thing I could tell you is that last night, Ben called. Boy, it does a mothers heart good to hear her oldest sons voice. I thanked God and told Ben it was the best end to a wonderful weekend full of Gods Blessings. He sounded great. Very positive, full of life, and strong. I am so grateful. Friends, Thank You for all of your prayers. They are so very appreciated.

Hugs from Maine

I'm Opening Up My Own Shop!!!

Yes, I'm doing it. I'm opening up my own shop!!!



This has been a dream of mine for so long, I can't even remember when it wasn't. My sisters have encouraged me to go for it, and they are right! Thanks sisters!!!

This is the door to the shop. I love how heavy, and old it is. And it has glass!!!



This is the inside from the window. It is perfect!!!



This is the view from the closed door, (I don't have a key yet), looking out the front window. I am so excited, I can hardly breathe !!!



More details later. Have a womans coffee to go to at Tims.

Hugs from Maine

My Cup Overflows

Heavenly Father, I wake up this morning feeling as though my cup is overflowing with blessings from You. The excitement of new beginnings, the peace of your presence in our lives, the love of friends and family...



I lift up to you today Father all of the people you have put in my life through this tool, this blog. Each is so kind, loving, encouraging. Some I have known for my lifetime, and I call sister, some I'm getting to know better and I call friend. Oh Lord, please bless them all today. I pray that they feel your presence in their lives in such a real way today. Thank you Lord that you are aware of all of their needs even before they go to you in prayer. Thank you that You are more than enough for each of us Lord. I am so very grateful for each one that takes time out of their day Lord to encourage me, love on me, be friends and sisters to me...



Each so different. All beautiful and unique in Your eyes. Created with the craftsmanship of Your hands Father. I pray that today Lord, they know that they are loved by me, but most importantly Lord, by You.

In Jesus' name Amen.


Big Hugs From Maine To You!!!

This Is The House !!!

Some of you have asked about where we are planning on moving after this house sells. Well, Blue Eyed Husband has suggested we start looking for a house to rent now, instead of having to rush when the current one we live in, sells. This is the one we think God has placed in our path to rent/buy next.



I took 18 year old up to it today, and it was so very peaceful...
We had to walk up the driveway because it hadn't been plowed for awhile.



The view from the front porch is lovely. The air is fresh. The quiet is calming, and two out of the three peeps love it there. Plus my sisters are literally right at the end of the road. I ask you, what could be better? Seriously, can't you see Gods hand in it? I surely can.

It's a new home that hasn't been lived in as of yet, and the owners are ready to rent. Isn't God good. His timing is always perfect.



Please pray that all goes according to Gods plan and that Blue Eyes and I are walking in line with it. We want to make sure it is Him guiding us not our hopes being up too high in that beautiful sky that we see from that front porch. Thank you friends.

On another note, no letter from Ben today. I'm just sooo very grateful for all he was able to send.

Hugs from Maine

This House Is Officially On The Market

The second day of Spring here in Maine is COLD!!! However, I couldn't wait to put out this,


They have officially put this house we are renting on the market, so I also wanted it to look as appealing as possible,



It is so cold outside, but after all, it is spring,



And I've been thinking about "what" to put out on the door for about a week, and came up with this... It reminds me of Girlfriend.


Left over flowers, basket from Goodwill that I sprayed last night, material I had from a lawn sale, last year.

I think it came out just fine.

Oh yeah, we received another letter from Ben yesterday. I don't think we've heard from him this much in the last few years!!! It does make it easier for us to hear from him. Thank you for your prayers. He does ask each time he writes.

Hugs from Maine

First Day Of Spring!!!

Today of course is the first day of spring!!!


Some of us are feeling more Springy then others,


Some of our attempts are still up in the air, like this mantle, and my new blog layout.(I don't think I like either)



But, what I'm learning as of late, is that there are few things that are actually written in stone so to speak. Things that are unchangeable. Things that will stay constant, no matter what we do in ourselves...

Gods love for us, His gift of salvation to all.
Our marriage vows.
Our love for our peeps.
Our loyalty to family, friends...

But that mantle and this "new" blog layout, Yeah, I can change it, and probably will soon.


Enjoy your first day of Spring. Find the time today to get outside and smell it. Feel it. Soak it in. Go for a walk around the neighborhood. Say Hi to a stranger along the way and give them a big first day of spring smile!!!

Hugs from Maine

Two Letters In One Week!?

We received letter # 2 from Ben today!!! It was written on Saturday. All you moms know how thankful I am to read his hand written words. He sounds tired, busy, and well. I am so grateful that God has made him capable to accomplish what ever is being asked of him. Ben is a very strong, intellligent, gentle, kind, brave, man. I know God is with him. My prayer for our children always is that they would love and serve the Lord with all of their heart, mind, soul, and strength. All of our children have asked Jesus into their hearts as young children, they just need to live for him now. I know that if they are serving Him, they will get through anything the world will bring their way throughout their lives. As Ben's mom, I think this will be a time when He reconnects with the God of his childhood. The Jesus he knew. The One he knows died for him. I am a grateful mom.

This is 16 year old reading his oldest brothers letter. He really loves Ben.

His last line says, "I love you guys and miss you all a lot. Please pray for me as I need all the help I can get!!!"

I'm praying for you sweetie.

Hugs from Maine

Hey, I Have A Question For Ya!

Yeah, do you girls get so happy when you see comments from blog friends at the end of your posts? I am just so thrilled when all of you take time out of your busy day to talk to me through my blog. Thank you. It makes my day. Like when I hear from my sisters, and I make them laugh so hard just because I'm me, and that is funny to them. And when Goodfriend calls me each morning on her way to work. And when Girlfriend calls up and says I'll be right over we're going to Christmas Tree... Or when I go to coffee with Shannon on Saturday nights. We talk and laugh, and laugh, and laugh... Or when I get to spend time with Noella and Larry. I am so blessed to have them in my life...
Getting comments from you girls gives me the same loved on feeling. Thanks, from the bottom of my heart. If that weren't enough, look at how God loved on me tonight...
This is what came today in the mail. I'm posting them on the wall near my computer so I can see it daily.


A hand written letter from 24 year old. Otherwise known as Benjamin.


The last line says...

I love all of you and miss you all very much. (even Mom!)

You could have offered me a million bucks instead of this letter, and I would have said "No Thank You."



Hugs from Maine