Interior Designs Extraordinaire

This first picture is my idea of what a kitchen window should look like. Simple, tastefully done. Enough decor to draw your eye to the window, but not too much so you can look out of the window to see the beauty beyond it. Not too much to allow the sunlight to come through. Not too much that you have to clean or worry about. Just really, not too much.


On the other hand, there are other "eyes" for decor in my home. Like, for instance, Evie's eyes. You know the world through the eyes of a five year old is very different than the world through a momma's eyes who is not five. So, to Evie, this is a great example of how a kitchen window should look.

All done up in fuzzy scarves, littlest pet shop animals and chalk stencils. Not to mention the colored pictures and plenty of all of it.

Evie loves to decorate. In fact, this fine example took her the better part of an afternoon to complete. It just had to be so. Don't move anything. It's just right.

If you think this is fun, you should see my living room. But that's another post.

Take care,

Elizabeth

Just Wanted You to Know

Isn't this little guy a cutie? I mean, have you ever seen a cuter wooden pull ducky?

This little guy is currently available at our Etsy shop. Now, I am not trying to be a cheesy over-the-top sales gal, but who wouldn't want one of these little fella's for that special little one in their life? Did you know that Christmas is just around the corner and there are only a limited number of these duckies? Once they are gone, they are gone. So, just to let you know, you can link directly to our Etsy shop on the right side of this blog, or better yet, here is the link for you:

www.sewelizabethplumley.etsy.com

Now, I know his picture is already on the side bar, but today is "Little Yellow Ducky Day". Sure it is. It is. I just know it is.

So, in that ongoing effort to not be the cheesy-over-the-top-sales-gal, I'll not beg you to go check it out. Oh, and that price you see over there? It includes shipping. Yes, I am serious. It really does. You couldn't do that well at Wally-World. No, you couldn't.

So, whatchyagonnadonow? *subliminalmessage....gototheetsyshop....gototheetsyshop....gototheestsyshop*

Have a great day,

Elizabeth

In Case You Didn't Know...

Have I mentioned how beautiful WV is? I mean, this morning, my husband stopped at a local gas station to pump gas. I, of course, had to jump out and start snapping a few pictures. How many people get a view like this while pumping gas? Am I the most blessed girl you know, or what?

Yep. That's three crosses out there on that little island. In our family, when we drive along and see three crosses put up together we yell "pilgrims"! Of course, I am not sure why we yell about the pilgrims, because these crosses aren't that old, but we yell it anyhow. We try to see who can spot them first. This particular set of crosses has been called out of bounds, however, because we pass by here many times a week. (It gets a little mundane yelling "pilgrims" over the same three crosses again and again.)

I expect the girls and I will have a great time on our trip to North Carolina this weekend, though. I know there are multiple sets out there between where we are and where we are going.

I am thankful that we live in a nation that still believes in the cross and still recognizes our Saviour. Maybe we can't publish the Ten Commandments in our schools anymore, but there are still enough believers out there, donating a chunk of land to stand up and say "we believe".

If you are some of those people who have crosses on your land, thank you from our family.

Happy Pilgrim hunting,

Elizabeth

Baskets Full Part Two

After my last post on baskets and the blessings they are/bestow, I just had to show you all what came out of ONE ROW of green beans from our garden. Now, in all fairness, there were about 5 little wax peppers in the bottom of this basket. But there were enough beans from ONE ROW to feed the whole family twice. We put them in the sink to clean....

and then my big-helper-five-year-old, Evie, helped me to snap them and get them ready to cook.

I really couldn't have done it without her. She is mean green bean snapping machine!

I must, at this time, pay tribute to my dear father-in-law. He spent four decades working the soil here, turning it over by hand, composting and caring for it. I don't think we would have had so many beans and other good things, if it hadn't been for his years of hard work and good stewardship. My father-in-law is one of the most prudent and intelligent people I know. I mean it when I say, I am truly honored to be a part of this family.

And to all of you who are reading this and praying for us and encouraging us, I want to honor you as well. Be assured that God is hearing on our prayers and they are being answered even as I type this. Thank you.

God bless you,

Elizabeth

O Those Hills!

Have you heard this?

Oh, those hills! Those beautiful hills!

How I love those West Virginia hills.

If by sea or land I roam, still I'll love that happy home

And my loved ones in those West Virginia hills.

That's the chorus of West Virginia's state song. And it says completely how I feel.

Yesterday, after a good soaking rain, I was heading up the mountain when I came upon this beautiful sight. Of course, I had to stop the truck, climb out and snap a few pictures. Here's another one:

Is it any wonder why I love it here? I was born in another state, whose name I will not mention for fear of offending, but I moved here to WV when I was 15. After only a little while, I claimed West Virginia as my home and I have never changed my mind. I have lived all over, travelled all over, seen so much of the world. Yet, here is where my heart lies.

Thankfully, I married a true mountain man. His heart is here as well, so I have no fear of ever leaving again.

God is so good to me. I can't even begin to comprehend all of the blessings that He daily pours over me, but every once in a while I get a glimpse in moments like these.

God is so creative and beautiful and that is what you find here in West Virginia.

Come on by for a visit sometime. Stay awhile. You'll fall in love.

Elizabeth

For The Love of COLOR!!!

I have two more shawls ready and as you can see they are full of color and texture. This one in reds, yellows and oranges measures approximately 76" long by 15" wide. It is sooooo soft. I can provide you with a close up of the different yarns, if you would like to see it. This one will sell for $26.

This slip on closed shawl is full of vibrant colors, amazing textures and is also so soft. With the fringe running down the front, this one is suited for the young woman in your life. This one is available for $22. This one measures approximately 17" from top to bottom. At the neck it is approximately 8". At the base, it is 24".

I will leave these here on my website for a couple of days, then if no one buys them, I will be adding them to my Etsy store.

By the way, did I mention how cozy and fun these are? They are great for cuddling up at home or looking great as an accessory. Have you ever gone to church on Sunday morning in your pretty summer dress only to find the air conditioning is on so high you freeze? Well, these will solve that dilemma.

I hope you have a great day in the Lord,

Elizabeth

Basketfuls of Blessing

Aren't baskets great? I love baskets. I love to have every shape, color and design. Not only are they beautiful pieces of art, they are functional. Like this coiled basket here. I made this basket. Can you believe it? I love the shiny fabric and the bead work on the front. I love that it is decorative in my downstairs bathroom, but functional while it holds our washcloths.

I use baskets in my kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, dining room and living room. I use them to hold cloth napkins, pens and pencils, school supplies, books, sewing supplies, salt and pepper shakers, odds and ends, jewelry, you name it, I use them for that. I even have some big ones that hold everybody's Bibles in. With a family of 8 who each have at least two Bibles apiece, you can imagine how many Bibles there are and how big my basket is.

I keep some baskets empty to head out into the garden with. They are great for gathering fruit, veggies or even cut flowers. They almost have a romantic quality to them at times.

I love finding very unique baskets to fill my home with. I love serving my family fresh bread in a cozy basket with my freshly ironed bread cloths. It is a very satisfying experience to know that something so simple as a basket can bring delight to a home.

What do you use to add to the function and beauty of your home?

Take care,
Elizabeth

WE WON!!!

You might be wondering "who won?" or "what did they win?" Well, I am about to tell you. You see, this amazing victory was not brought about by cheating, or by compromise. It wasn't "handed over" to me. Nobody just "let" me win. I didn't even have to take steroids to gain this victory. No, this was a battle that was hard fought. I went into it all armored up and ready to do whatever was needed to gain ground. I intended to win beyond a shadow of doubt. No need for instant replays around here. No need for the judges to sit back and watch the video to make a determination. No, just blood, sweat and tears for me.

So, what did I win? A spiritual victory. You see, about a month ago, I asked my Father to really teach me about faith. You know, the Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith kind of faith. I wanted my faith to grow. I wanted to be able to trust no matter what the circumstances appeared to be. Over this past week, the struggle was apparent as I was asked by God to give up those things that I was holding so close to my heart. Those sorts of things that years ago I had promised to let Him have control over. He called me on it. He cashed in, so to speak. So, I let go. I knew that He loved me and that He would do the very best for me. I happened upon James 2 and found out that my deeds combined with my faith, made my faith complete. Complete. That was the victory. My faith, tried by fire and purgings, was made complete. You can't argue with that.

Does that mean that all of my earthly struggles are over? Definitely not. Does that mean I will have to face no more personal heart ache? Again, not. But did I gain something eternal? Something that has more value than anything else this world can offer.

OH, YEAH!

Elizabeth

Things You Find In West Virginia!

These, my friends, are paw-paws. I mean, you've heard the children's song, "pickin' up paw-paws, put 'em in a basket, pickin' up paw-paws, put 'em in a basket" right? Well, here they are growing fine and dandy right in my front yard. Neat, huh?

This, on the other hand is an approximately 42" rattlesnake which my brave neighbor, Jack, got up very early in the morning to come and kill for us scaredy-cat girls. It was attempting to eat my rabbits, until it met Amanda, then it decided she would make a fine lunch, and dinner. And dessert. And probably breakfast. But it didn't bite her or the rabbits. It just got shot. Twice. My daughter, Laura, who is deathly afraid of toads, wanted to keep the rattle for a souvenir. How weird is that?

So, almost heaven, West Virginia. Except for the snakes.

Take care,

Elizabeth

PS Don't forget to sign up for the photograph giveaway. See below for details and be sure to visit my Etsy shop as I have a variety of other photos for sale there.

Thanks!

It's The Mid Summer Give Away!!

This art-photograph could be yours if the price is right! Oops! Not this time. We are giving away this photo in an 8x10 print complete with a complementary mat to someone, though. Wouldn't you like to win? All you need to do is leave a comment on this blog site, complete with your name and how I may contact you. (your personal information will not be published.) On July 15, we will hold a random drawing to decide who will win this colorful photo. I hope it will be you. Or you. Or even you. Just remember to leave a comment at the end of this post. And pass the word along to your friends. If you really love it, maybe they will win it for you! You never know!

Take care and have fun,
Elizabeth

PS

See my daughter, Mary? See how much make up this ten year old looks like she has on? See our kitty, Sawyer? See how much make up this little guy looks like he has on?

It's sidewalk chalk, Mary. Not make up.

GIRLS!

Beautiful Promises

Remember the Old Testament story of Noah and the flood? Remember how when the flood waters had subsided and Noah and his family finally stepped off that old ark, remember that rainbow that was in the sky? The first one. Ever. And not only was it beautiful, it was God's signature to a promise that He would never again flood the entire earth at one time.

Here I am, in the midst of personal struggles and difficulties, with a lovely view of God's personal signature right in front of me. And in the moments that ensued, a realization that it is a reminder that God will never pour more over me than what I can handle. His burden is light. Doesn't always seem so, but then trials are never any fun anyhow, are they? But, when His personal signature is right there, right in my own back yard, I remember. And I can trust. I trust that He has brought me through the trials in the past, that He is faithful to complete what He has started in me until the very end. And that one day, I will come forth as gold for the refining of these trials.

Oh, how great is the mercy and love of the Creator of rainbows and beauty! He will never leave me, nor forsake me. He will never give us anything more than we can bear without providing a means of escape. For Noah, it was the ark. For me, it is the protection and love which hems me in on every side.

Thank you, Abba.

Elizabeth